Teenage males are increasingly susceptible to a disease called ‘Pubertal Gynecomastia’. A patient suffering from this disease complains about abnormal enlargement of his one or both breasts. If detection and treatment are delayed, an operation is the only way out.
According to health experts, teenagers between the age group of 12 to 18 years are more vulnerable than elders. In the case of a ‘Pubertal Gynecomastia’ patient, his breasts get enlarged and he complains of pain as well. In some cases, the disease gets cured on its own whereas in some other cases, it persists. The medication during the period between six months to one year of the detection works in curing the disease. If it persists for a longer period, it requires operation.
“In the first six months to one year, a patient complains of pain in the breasts. He also complains of feeling they become hard. Subsequently, the pain subdues. During the period when a patient feels pains in the breasts, we prescribe some medicines. Similarly, we suggest a two to three-year-old patient consult a plastic surgeon. To detect the disease, some tests like hormone test, kidney test and liver test are required. Once detected, the treatment becomes easier,” said Dr Sambit Das, an endocrinologist.
Regarding the cause of the disease, experts say that if a teenager suffers from obesity, the level of Estrogen hormone becomes higher instead of testosterone hormone. The estrogen hormone is responsible for developing female characteristics. So excess consumption of fast food, processed food and processed chicken and less physical activity increase the risk of ‘Pubertal Gynecomastia’.
In some cases, uncontrolled hormones or problems associated with the liver can be blamed for the disease.
“Parents should take care of the types of food they are eating. Fast food, bakery products and red meat are to be avoided. Then, the parents should also make sure that their children should do physical exercises and play outdoor games,” said Dr Niraj Mishra, senior health expert.
Echoing the same, Dr Das said, “Besides the consumption of fast food and processed food, consumption of alcohol also increases the risk of suffering from this disease.”