Gynecomastia is a common problems amongst adolescents. About 60-70% of the teenage boys tend to suffer from gynecomastia, due to hormonal imbalances.  

High levels of oestrogen As a teenager’s body develops through puberty, at times the body produces higher levels of oestrogen. This is a female hormone, which promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics in the body (i.e breast). This is why high levels of oestrogen in an adolescent’s body leads to the growth of breast tissue. Read more here about oestrogen (estrogen in American spelling).  

Other causes for gynecomastia Gynecomastia affects teenagers between the age of 12 and 14. In most cases, it doesn’t need any treatment as the hormones balance themselves after puberty and the breast tissue disappears.  

Another cause of male breast growth in adolescents is the use of drugs, such as marijuana. Very rarely, gynecomastia can be caused by a tumour or liver or kidney disorder.  

Treatment options Usually, gynecomastia among adolescent boys resolves by itself over time, as the hormones balance after puberty.  

However, parents are advised to still diagnose and monitor the development of gynecomastia in teenagers.

Since gynecomastia can have a traumatic impact on teenagers, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible, starting with a GP appointment.

At our clinic, the minimum age for any consultation and surgical procedure is 18.