title: Gynecomastia and hormones.
abstract: Gynecomastia-the enlargement of male breast tissue in men-is a common finding, frequently observed in newborns, adolescents, and old men. Physiological gynecomastia, occurring in almost 25 % of cases, is benign and self-limited; on the other hand, several conditions and drugs may induce proliferation of male breast tissue. True gynecomastia is a common feature often related to estrogen excess and/or androgen deficiency as a consequence of different endocrine disorders. Biochemical evaluation should be performed once physiological or iatrogenic gynecomastia has been ruled out. Non-endocrine illnesses, including liver failure and chronic kidney disease, are another cause of gynecomastia which should be considered. Treating the underlying disease or discontinuing medications might resolve gynecomastia, although the psychosocial burden of this condition might require different and careful consideration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy. andrea.sansone@uniroma1.it.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sansone
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Romanelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimiliano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sansone
authors.affiliation: Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lenzi
authors.affiliation: Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, Unit of Endocrinology, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Largo Lauro de Bosis 15, 00135, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Di Luigi
mesh_terms: D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006177:Gynecomastia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D006966:Hyperprolactinemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances / Q000633:toxicity; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D057285:Precision Medicine
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D058573:Performance-Enhancing Substances
keywords: Estradiol; Gynecomastia; Hyperprolactinemia; Hyperthyroidism; Hypogonadism; Male breast enlargement; Testosterone