Hormones mean men can suffer sore nipples as well

BREAST problems are not just reserved for women. A relatively common condition, called gynaecomastia, causes male breast tissue to grow larger than usual.

Sometimes there’s just a small amount of excess tissue, perhaps forming a firm, tender lump under the nipple, and other times it is larger, giving the appearance of enlarged male breasts. The condition, which can affect one or both breasts (medically, the term is used for men too) and trigger problems with self-esteem, as well as physical discomfort.

The area can be painless, tender or extremely painful.

Gynaecomastia happens because of an imbalance between the male and female sex hormones.

If levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen are higher than testosterone, excess breast tissue can develop.

Fluctuating hormones in adolescence mean that it is common to see gynaecomastia in teenage boys, but it usually disappears on its own within a few years.

The problem is also common in elderly men, who have falling levels of testosterone.

A number of factors can exacerbate the problem: obesity, some medications, alcohol and thyroid conditions.

Sometimes doctors may prescribe the drug tamoxifen to address hormonal imbalances, which can shrink the excess tissue, but some men will need surgery to remove it.

There is a similar-looking condition, called pseudogy ne co mas ti a, which isn’t due to enlarged glandular tissue but excess fat.

Often seen in people who have obesity, it is considered a cosmetic issue as there isn’t discomfort or pain.

But men who are affected can feel self-conscious, and some cosmetic surgeons offer fat-reducing operations for this reason – at a price.

Some men can be affected by both conditions.