Drug-induced gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia is caused by drugs in 10 - 25% of all cases. The pathophysiologic mechanism for some drugs includes exogenous estrogens exposure, medications that cause hypogonadism, anti-androgenic effects and hyperprolactinemia. This manuscript reviews common examples of drug-induced gynecomastia, discussing the mechanisms and possible treatments. Discontinuing the medication is always the best choice; however, if this is not possible, then testosterone replacement therapy may be needed for hypogonadism. When a man is euogonadal, a trial of the anti-estrogen, tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor may be an option.
Eckman
Ari
A
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 E. Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. adobs@jhu.edu
Dobs
Adrian
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000139:chemically induced; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004967:Estrogens; D013629:Tamoxifen