Our Services
Medical Information
Helpful Resources
Published on: 8/20/2026
What causes enlarged male breasts, and how might hormonal imbalances like low testosterone be involved?
Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast tissue, most often caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. When testosterone levels drop or estrogen levels rise—due to puberty, aging, medications, or underlying health conditions—the excess estrogen can stimulate breast tissue growth in men.
Common causes include natural hormonal shifts, certain prescription drugs, anabolic steroids, liver or kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and obesity. Symptoms may include tender, swollen breast tissue on one or both sides, and sometimes nipple sensitivity.
Because gynecomastia can stem from many different underlying issues—some harmless and some requiring medical attention—understanding your specific symptoms is an important first step. Rather than guessing what's causing your breast changes, take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights into possible causes and clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could help you decide whether to monitor at home or consult a doctor.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
Quick answers
Frequently Asked Questions
4 answersThe most common questions men ask Ubie
- Most askedWhat can cause enlarged male nipples, and is this related to hormonal changes such as low testosterone?
- How can you determine if symptoms are due to fatigue, depression, or another underlying issue like low testosterone?
- Male Hypogonadism: Symptoms, Testing, and What Endocrinologists Look for Before Starting Testosterone
- Which medications are known to cause enlarged breasts in men, and how does testosterone play a role?
Concerned about your symptoms?
Explanation
Gynecomastia is the term used when a man's breast tissue grows larger than usual. This happens because of an imbalance of hormones in the body. In healthy males, testosterone is higher and helps keep estrogen (a hormone also found in men) in check. When testosterone levels drop or estrogen levels rise, the balance shifts. Low testosterone means there isn't enough of the hormone that usually helps prevent the growth of breast tissue. With less testosterone to control it, estrogen's effects become stronger, which can lead to the development of extra breast tissue. Other factors, like puberty, aging, use of certain medications, or other health issues, can also upset this balance. In some cases, the body may produce more estrogen or become more sensitive to it. If you're experiencing unusual breast tissue growth or other concerning symptoms, you can check your symptoms with a free AI-powered tool to better understand what might be causing them. Treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, adjusting medications, or using therapies that target the hormonal imbalance.
(References)
Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430812/
Shi Z, Xin M. Endocrine Hormones and Their Impact on Pubertal Gynecomastia. J Clin Med. 2024 Dec 30;14(1):158. doi: 10.3390/jcm14010158. PMID: 39797240; PMCID: PMC11721017.
Sansone A, Romanelli F, Sansone M, Lenzi A, Di Luigi L. Gynecomastia and hormones. Endocrine. 2017 Jan;55(1):37-44. doi: 10.1007/s12020-016-0975-9. Epub 2016 May 4. PMID: 27145756.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.