Gynaecomastia
Key facts
- Gynaecomastia is an increase in breast tissue in males.
- It can be caused by a hormone imbalance, medicines, or an underlying illness.
- If you have pain, tenderness or a lump, speak to your doctor — they can diagnose the cause.
What is gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia (or gynecomastia) is when the breast tissue grows larger than usual in males.
It's sometimes referred to as 'man-boobs'.
It usually affects both breasts, but it can be one-sided.
Gynaecomastia is common in newborn babies. It also happens to more than half of all young males during puberty. It normally disappears as you grow older. However, gynaecomastia affects as many as 2 out of 3 males aged over 50 years.
What are the symptoms of gynaecomastia?
If you have gynaecomastia, you will notice growth in your breast tissue.
You may also notice:
- breast pain
- breast tenderness
- irritation or chafing on your chest
Depending on your age and what is causing your gynaecomastia, you may also have:
Some people have no symptoms other than breast tissue growth.
Gynaecomastia is different from enlarged breasts caused by extra fat tissue from being overweight. This is known as pseudo-gynaecomastia.
Gynaecomastia is different from male breast cancer.
Male breast cancer is usually:
- just on one side
- not always around the nipple
- feels hard or firm
- has a fixed position under the skin
- lumpy and irregular, rather than smooth
What causes gynaecomastia?
Gynaecomastia is caused by an imbalance between the hormones oestrogen and testosterone.
Gynaecomastia can also be caused by:
- medicines that affect your hormones
- some genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome
- some dietary supplements and complementary medicines
- obesity or poor nutrition
- overuse of alcohol
- liver disease
- hyperthyroidism
- tumours, such as those in your testicles, prostate or adrenal glands
In about 1 in 4 people the cause of gynaecomastia is not known.
When should I see my doctor?
Usually gynaecomastia is not serious, but it's important to see your doctor to find out the cause.
If you are worried about enlarged male breasts, the first step is to talk to your doctor.
See your doctor if you have:
- breast swelling
- breast pain
- discharge from one or both nipples
- a breast lump
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How is gynaecomastia diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine you. They will ask about your symptoms and any medicines that you take.
They may arrange:
- blood tests
- scans such as an ultrasound or mammography
- a biopsy
A biopsy is when a small sample of tissue is taken from the breast. These tests will help rule out male breast cancer.
How is gynaecomastia treated?
Treatment for gynaecomastia will depend on your personal situation.
Babies and adolescents will usually grow out of gynaecomastia.
Most cases of gynaecomastia in adults do not require treatment. But, if you are experiencing pain, discomfort or embarrassment, speak to your doctor.
You may choose to wear a tight top underneath your shirt to make your gynaecomastia less obvious. However, talk to your doctor about treatments that address the cause of your enlarged breasts.
If your doctor knows the cause of your gynaecomastia, they can suggest changes you can make to help reduce your gynaecomastia or make it go away.
These changes can include:
- lifestyle changes
- changing medicines
- treating an underlying disease
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce your pain and change the look of your chest. This might include hormone therapy with testosterone or anti-oestrogen medicines.
If you don't respond to the medicines and other methods, your doctor may recommend surgery. You can read more about gynaecomastia surgery.
Can gynaecomastia be prevented?
You can help prevent gynaecomastia by not:
- drinking alcohol
- using drugs of abuse
- using anabolic steroids
Avoiding medicines that increase your oestrogen levels can help prevent gynaecomastia. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
For some people, eating a healthy diet can reduce the development of gynaecomastia.
What are the complications of gynaecomastia?
If you have gynaecomastia, you may feel embarrassed, upset or anxious about how your chest looks and feels. It can help to talk to your family, friends, or partner.
As well as potential treatments for your gynaecomastia, mental health support can also help you to:
- feel body confident
- gain motivation to make lifestyle changes
- support you during treatment
Your doctor can refer you to a mental health professional for support if needed.
You can ask to see a psychologist or counsellor.
Having gynaecomastia doesn't mean you have an increased chance of male breast cancer.
Resources and support
The Healthy Male website has more information on gynaecomastia.
To find a plastic surgeon, visit the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons website.
If you are struggling with your gynaecomastia there are men's mental health resources available. You can visit the MensLine website for free counselling or call them on 1300 78 99 78.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: May 2025
