My son has just gone 13 and has recently grown a few inches in height and is maturing. However, I notice he has developed breasts. Why has this happened and does he need to see a doctor about it?
Breast enlargement in men - a condition known as gynaecomastica - sometimes develops during puberty. Puberty is the period in our lives when our bodies develop adult features and full reproductive ability. The process occurs for the majority of people between the ages of nine and 16. Outside of puberty, breast enlargement in men commonly develops after the age of 50 particularly if they are overweight.
Gynaecomastica can also be caused by certain medications such as anabolic steroids or cimetidine (used to treat peptic ulcers), or by heavy use of alcohol, marijuana or heroin. In rare cases it may be caused by hormonal imbalances as a result of a tumour in the testes or adrenal glands. Breast cancer can occur in males, but is rare.
Given your son's age, it is most likely that these swellings or enlargements are a normal part of growing up. For most boys the condition is transient lasting a few months or years before they resolve of their own accord. However, if you have any concerns about this or your son's general health, then a visit to the family doctor should be arranged to put your minds at rest.
Will the doctor be able to give him something to get rid of them?
For most teenagers this is a transient problem which resolves as they mature. If a specific cause is found, then this will of course be treated. Surgical removal or liposuction of the breast tissue is rarely necessary as most breast enlargements in this age group disappear with time.
His sisters drew his attention to them and for the remainder of the holiday he insisted on wearing a T-shirt, refusing to take it off even while swimming.
Teenagers of both sexes can be very sensitive to the changes that take place during puberty. Chances are that your son has noticed these new developments and may be worrying about them.It would be a good idea to speak to him about the problem. Explain that he is perfectly normal and that although these changes are something that happens to a lot of boys as they get older, they tend to go away with time.