Published on: 5/6/2025
Enlarged male breasts, known as gynecomastia, can hurt because the extra tissue stretches and sometimes becomes inflamed. Hormonal imbalances, especially shifts that increase estrogen or lower testosterone, often play a key role in this process.
Gynecomastia happens when there is extra breast tissue in males. This tissue can become painful when it stretches the skin and tissues underneath, causing discomfort or tenderness. Hormones are natural chemicals in our bodies that help control many processes. When the balance between estrogen (often thought of as a “female hormone”) and testosterone (a “male hormone”) shifts—such as when estrogen is relatively higher—even a small change can encourage extra tissue to grow. This growth can make the breast area sore, especially during times when hormones naturally fluctuate or when the body is adjusting to new levels. In some cases, medications, metabolic problems, or other health issues can also lead to this hormonal imbalance. Doctors use information from studies to understand these changes better and to help people manage symptoms through treatments or lifestyle changes that address the imbalance. Remember, this explanation is for learning and not meant as personal medical advice.
(References)
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.
Robeva R, Elenkova A, Zacharieva S. Causes and Metabolic Consequences of Gynecomastia in Adult Patients. Int J Endocrinol. 2019 Oct 3;2019:6718761. doi: 10.1155/2019/6718761. PMID: 31687020; PMCID: PMC6794958.
De Sanctis V, Soliman AT, Tzoulis P, Daar S, Di Maio S, Kattamis C. Unilateral breast enlargement in males during adolescence (10-19 years): Review of current literature and personal experience. Acta Biomed. 2023 Apr 24;94(2):e2023004. doi: 10.23750/abm.v94i2.14324. PMID: 37092615; PMCID: PMC10210567.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
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.
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.