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General Forum Topics > General Q and A Forum > Male breast enlarged - high prolactin levels in men / gynecomast
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Q: Male breast enlarged - high prolactin levels in men / gynecomast
asked by: DoctorQuestion on September 1st, 2007
What are the possible causes of high prolactin levels in men? Has there been any indication that exposure to lavender can do this? What are the other possible reasons for an enlarged breast in men? Only my right side seems to be affected.


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Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD
replied on December 3rd, 2007
General Q and A Answer A3361
According to your description it seems that you could be experiencing gynecomastia, or the development of abnormally large mammary glands in males resulting in breast enlargement. Sometimes even milk secretion can be present (galactorrhea). In 80% of all cases, gynecomastia affects only one breast (unilateral) and in 20% of cases both breasts become enlarged (bilateral). The bilateral form of gynecomastia should first be distinguished from false gynecomastia (pseudogynecomastia) in obese men. The unilateral form should first be distinguished from some breast tumor. Causes of gynecomastia is not always clear but the most common reason is a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalance can be due to various conditions:


1. Increased levels of the hormone prolactin – caused by pituitary tumor or particular medicines (cimetidine, omeprazole, spironolactone, imatinib mesylate, finasteride and certain antipsychotics);
2. Increased levels of the estrogenic hormones – present in case of certain testicular tumors, tumors that produce androstenedione or HCG, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis, taking drugs for treating prostate cancer etc.
3. Decreased levels of testosterone - congenital or acquired testicular disorders, abusing anabolic hormones, disorders of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.


Abusing marijuana and local usage of products that contain lavender and tea tree oils are also suspected to cause gynecomastia but that has not been confirmed scientifically.


In your case, it seems that this case of gynecomastia is caused by increased prolactin. You can consult an endocrinologist about your condition.





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