Men with large breasts are a common phenomenon and can occur due to various reasons. The enlargement can occur in one or both the breasts. There are two reasons that can lead to this state:

• Gynecomastia- This is due to enlargement of the glands and can occur due to increase in the amount of hormones. Though men have a higher number of testosterones than women, they also have a small amount of estrogen in them. Increase in the level of estrogen can lead to this condition. It can also lead to soreness in the breasts. The tissue breasts are firm in this case, with a rubbery feel.
• Lipomastia- This can cause breast enlargement that occurs due to increase in fatty tissues in and around the breast. The glands do not play an active part in this. Since this is made of fat, the breast tissues do not feel as firm as that in the case of gynecomastia. Weight loss is usually able to cure lipomastia.

Gynecomastia is common in older men due to decrease in the level of testosterones. Along with that, they may be suffering from age related diseases such as liver or kidney disease, hormonal disorders etc which can also cause enlargement of breast. In some cases, it can be a side effect of certain drugs such as spironolactone, steroids, cimetidine and finasteride. In some cases, it can also be idiopathic (cause is unknown).

Some of the treatments offered for this state are:

• If the breast enlargement has been for a long time and does not show any suspicious growth, then doctors leave it the way it is.
• Others can opt for surgeries or oral medications that can counter-act with the effects of estrogen.
• Some doctors have observed that if patients stop taking the medications that cause gynecomastia, then the breasts gradually come back to their normal state.

People who read above article also read the following...