Whom to consult ?

[shaizad]

I am confused if a person is suffering from gynecomastia then whom to consult? whether a plastic surgeon or endocrinologist or andrologist ??
Every one just talks about surgery but surgery is the only one option?? Even if u dont have any gland they will still do the surgery so rather then getting into wrong hands is there any option than surgery? if its getting cured by anyother medicines rather than surgery we will be very happy just need to know whom to consult ?

[Litlriki]

In most cases with established gynecomastia, extensive evaluation will demonstrate completely normal hormonal levels, so that medical treatment has no real benefit.  There have been studies that look at medical treatment of gynecomastia, and the results are mediocre at best. Medical treatment to prevent gynecomastia in the face of other medical treatment (or anabolic steroid use, as an example) can be more effective.  Treatment to prevent the development of gynecomastia during puberty is problematic in that this process is a complex symphony of hormonal fluctuation, and intervention could screw it all up in some way. Unless there are specific issues associated with the gynecomastia which are caused by abnormal hormonal levels, puberty should be allowed to run its course.

If, on the other hand, gynecomastia is of new onset as an adult, then an endocrinologist would be appropriately consulted to determine the cause, and in such cases, if medical treatment is an option, it should be instituted at that point.  This might mean stoping a medication (Propecia, for example, which is associated with a small risk for gynecomastia development) or administering medicine (estrogen or aromatase blockers, for example).

If everything else is normal, if the gynecomastia is stable, then surgery is probably the only option.

Rick Silverman