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Published on: 5/6/2025

What Can Cause Enlarged Male Nipples, and Is This Related to Hormonal Changes Such As Low Testosterone?

Enlarged male nipples, often called gynecomastia, can happen when there is an imbalance in hormones. This can be related to low testosterone, but there are also other causes like medications and certain health conditions which a doctor should evaluate promptly.

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Explanation

Gynecomastia, or enlarged male nipples, is mainly due to changes in the balance between estrogen and testosterone in the body. When there is more estrogen compared to testosterone, breast tissue can grow. Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, as discussed in one study, are linked to low testosterone levels and can lead to this imbalance. In adolescent boys, hormonal fluctuations during puberty can also cause temporary breast tissue enlargement. Another important factor is the use of certain medications that change how the body handles hormones, which another study has noted as a common cause of gynecomastia. Other causes include liver problems or health conditions that affect hormone production. In all these cases, the body ends up with a higher ratio of estrogen to testosterone. This creates an environment where nipple and breast tissue may enlarge. Understanding these factors helps doctors decide on the best approach to treatment or further tests to check for other possible health issues.

(References)

  • Raheem AA, Zaghloul AS, Sadek AMG, Rayes B, Abdel-Raheem TM. The Impact and Management of Gynaecomastia in Klinefelter Syndrome. Front Reprod Health. 2021 Feb 12;3:629673. doi: 10.3389/frph.2021.629673. PMID: 36303983; PMCID: PMC9580767.

  • Metwalley KA, Farghaly HS. Gynecomastia in adolescent males: current understanding of its etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2024 Apr;29(2):75-81. doi: 10.6065/apem.2346142.071. Epub 2024 Apr 30. PMID: 38712491; PMCID: PMC11076233.

  • Nuttall FQ, Warrier RS, Gannon MC. Gynecomastia and drugs: a critical evaluation of the literature. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2015 May;71(5):569-78. doi: 10.1007/s00228-015-1835-x. Epub 2015 Apr 2. PMID: 25827472; PMCID: PMC4412434.

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