Gynecomastia treatment Oxon Hill
Enlarged breast tissue in men, clinically known as gynecomastia, is far more common than many realize, affecting about 35% of males at some point in their lives. While the physical changes can be uncomfortable, the emotional toll, from self-consciousness to social anxiety, often weighs just as heavily. The good news? When addressed early, while the tissue remains soft and pliable, many cases improve significantly with targeted medical and lifestyle interventions.
As a specialist in hormonal health, Dr. Kehinde Folawewo focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying imbalances that drive gynecomastia, helping patients throughout Oxon Hill, National Harbor, and Prince George’s County achieve lasting relief, often without the need for surgery.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the benign overgrowth of glandular breast tissue caused by an elevated estrogen‑to‑androgen ratio. It is distinct from pseudogynecomastia, which is simply excess chest fat. Peaks occur during puberty, mid‑life, and older age when hormones naturally fluctuate.
Typical drivers include:
- Physiological changes (puberty, andropause)
- Medications such as spironolactone, finasteride, certain antipsychotics, and anabolic steroids
- Systemic conditions like thyroid, liver, kidney, or testicular disorders
- Lifestyle factors such as obesity, alcohol, and recreational cannabis
Role of an Endocrinologist in Gynecomastia Care
Since gynecomastia is mainly driven by an imbalance between testosterone and estrogen, a clinician who manages your treatment should be a hormone specialist. An endocrinologist like Dr. Kehinde Folawewo, who orders targeted tests and designs a treatment plan that shrinks breast tissue from the inside out.
Comprehensive Hormone Evaluation
Tests for testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, LH/FSH, TSH, and liver enzymes to identify imbalances or metabolic issues.
Medication & Supplement Review
Assessment of drugs that may contribute to gynecomastia, such as certain antidepressants or over-the-counter “pro-hormones.”
Targeted Imaging (When Needed)
Breast ultrasound is recommended if a firm or suspicious mass (>2 cm) is detected. Testicular ultrasound may be needed in cases of significantly elevated estradiol to rule out tumors.
Root-Cause Treatment Plan
Correction of thyroid disorders, adjustment of causative medications, or management of hypogonadism before considering surgical intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatment Pathways
Medical therapy is matched to the grade of breast tissue, symptom duration, and lab results. Dr. Folawewo then tailors one or more of the following therapies:
Lifestyle & Nutrition Reset
Small, targeted changes can lower peripheral estrogen conversion and raise natural testosterone. Dr. Folawewo’s starter roadmap often includes:
- Body-composition training: Resistance exercise 3–4 times weekly to naturally boost testosterone.
- Dietary focus: Consume whole foods rich in zinc, selenium, and vitamin D, limit ultra-processed carbs.
- Substance moderation: Reduce alcohol; avoid marijuana, opioids, and anabolic steroids linked to breast-gland growth.
Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
When breast tissue is tender or rapidly enlarging, Dr. Folawewo may prescribe a short SERM course to block estrogen at the receptor level:
- Tamoxifen (10–20 mg daily): Often effective within 3–6 months, particularly when tissue is sensitive and has developed within the past two years.
- Raloxifene (60 mg daily): Offers comparable effects with a potentially milder side effect profile, such as fewer hot flashes, making it a preferred option for some patients.
Aromatase Inhibitors
If labs show elevated estradiol, common during puberty, obesity, or post-steroid rebound, Dr. Folawewo may add Anastrozole 1 mg every other day. This medication has been shown to decrease estrogen and gland size, though responses are slower than with SERMs.
Androgen Optimization
For men with confirmed hypogonadism, normalizing testosterone can reverse breast enlargement while improving mood and energy:
- Physiologic testosterone replacement under endocrine supervision
- Topical dihydrotestosterone (DHT) gel has demonstrated size reduction in persistent idiopathic cases.
Because each therapy influences your hormone ecosystem differently, Dr. Folawewo monitors labs at 6-week and 3-month intervals, adjusting medications and lifestyle targets until the chest contour and hormone balance return to healthy ranges.
Treatment Timeline & Monitoring
Once Dr. Folawewo starts your personalized plan, you’ll check in at specific milestones so progress can be measured and your medication or lifestyle targets can be fine-tuned as needed.
- Baseline (Week 0): A full hormone panel plus breast measurement or ultrasound establishes your starting point.
- 6 Weeks: Symptom review and repeat hormone/liver labs, pain is usually gone, and the tissue typically feels softer.
- 3 Months: A second ultrasound or caliper measurement quantifies change; many patients see a 30–70 % size reduction when SERMs are part of the plan, and body-composition gains are becoming visible.
- 6 Months: Based on results, Dr. Folawewo will taper, continue, or adjust medications; if tissue remains firm and unresponsive, a surgical referral can be discussed, though most men reach their contour goal without an operation.
By tracking measurable change every few weeks, you’ll know the therapy is working and Dr. Folawewo can keep hormone levels and chest shape moving steadily toward a healthy balance.