Gynecomastia Treatment Bowie, MD
Gynecomastia is a medical condition that affects men of all ages and body types in Bowie and throughout Prince George’s County. It can impact how you dress, exercise, or feel in social situations. More importantly, it is often misunderstood or dismissed as people consider it a simple weight issue. However, the cause is not always fat. It can be an underlying hormone imbalance that requires proper medical evaluation by a specialist.
At Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Dr. Kehinde Folawewo, a board-certified endocrinologist, provides non-surgical gynecomastia treatment for patients in Bowie, MD. Her approach focuses on identifying hormonal, metabolic, or medication-related causes and treating them at the source. With personalized medical care, many patients are able to reduce breast tissue and regain a firmer, more masculine chest without surgery.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia happens when glandular breast tissue grows in males. This is different from chest fat caused by weight gain. The main reason gynecomastia develops is an imbalance between two hormones: testosterone and estrogen. When estrogen becomes too strong compared to testosterone, breast tissue can begin to grow. Gynecomastia can appear at different stages of life, such as during puberty, in adulthood, and later in life as hormones naturally change.
Common causes of gynecomastia include:
- Normal hormone changes
- Certain medications (such as some heart medicines, antidepressants, or hormone-affecting drugs)
- Medical conditions involving the thyroid, liver, kidneys, or testicles
- Lifestyle factors like obesity, alcohol use, marijuana use, or certain supplements
Because many of these causes involve hormones and metabolism, evaluation by an endocrinologist is often recommended.
Why See an Endocrinologist for Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is not just a cosmetic issue. It is usually caused by something happening inside the body, especially with hormones. Treating only the appearance does not fix the root cause.
At Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Dr. Folawewo focuses on understanding why gynecomastia is happening before deciding on treatment.
Hormone Testing
Blood tests are used to check hormone levels, including testosterone, estrogen, and thyroid hormones. These results help explain what may be causing breast tissue growth.
Medication and Supplement Review
Some medications and supplements can affect hormone balance. Reviewing everything you take helps identify possible triggers.
Imaging When Needed
If breast tissue feels very firm, uneven, or unusual, imaging tests like an ultrasound may be recommended to rule out rare conditions.
Treating the Cause
Treatment is based on what is causing the hormone imbalance. This may include adjusting medications, treating thyroid problems, or addressing low testosterone.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
Many men in Bowie prefer to try medical treatment before considering surgery. Dr. Folawewo often starts with non-surgical options based on how long gynecomastia has been present and what lab tests show.
Lifestyle and Nutrition Adjustments
Small changes can help support healthy hormone levels:
- Strength training several times a week
- Eating balanced meals with enough protein and nutrients
- Managing body weight
- Limiting alcohol and avoiding marijuana or anabolic steroids
These steps can improve overall health and may reduce breast tissue growth.
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
If gynecomastia is painful or has developed recently, certain medications may help:
- Tamoxifen blocks estrogen effects in breast tissue
- Raloxifene works in a similar way
These medications are carefully prescribed and monitored.
Aromatase Inhibitors
If estrogen levels are high, these medications help reduce how much estrogen the body makes. They may be helpful in some cases, especially when obesity or prior steroid use is involved.
Androgen Optimization
If testosterone levels are low, improving them may help reduce breast tissue and also improve energy, mood, and confidence. Treatment is carefully monitored to avoid making gynecomastia worse.
Treatment Timeline and Follow-Up
Gynecomastia treatment usually takes time and involves regular check-ins.
- Initial Visit: Physical exam, hormone and metabolic labs, and baseline measurements or imaging
- 6 Weeks: Symptom check and tissue reassessment (often softer with less tenderness)
- 3 Months: Repeat evaluation; many patients see measurable improvement
- 6 Months: Treatment adjustments or discussion of surgical options if dense tissue remains
Throughout treatment, Dr. Folawewo focuses on both physical changes and how patients feel about their appearance.
Serving Patients from Bowie and Surrounding Areas
We welcome patients from Bowie neighborhoods, including:
- Old Town Bowie
- Silver Spring
- Bethesda
- Fort Washington
- Pointer Ridge
- Fairwood
- Whitehall
- Heather Hills
- Belair at Bowie
- Collington
We also serve nearby communities such as Crofton, Upper Marlboro, Mitchellville, Glenn Dale, Largo, and other parts of Prince George’s County.
Whether you live near Route 50, Route 197, or closer to Bowie State University, endocrine care for gynecomastia is available at Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology.
Gynecomastia Care for Bowie Patients
Living with gynecomastia can feel isolating, but many men see meaningful improvement with proper medical treatment. Early evaluation helps prevent long-term issues and may reduce the need for surgery.
If you are in Bowie, MD, or nearby areas and are concerned about chest fullness, visit Hilltop Internal Medicine and Endocrinology. To learn more or schedule an evaluation, call (301) 567-9570.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the main cause of gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is most often caused by an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone, leading to excess glandular breast tissue growth.
Can gynecomastia go away?
Yes. Gynecomastia can improve with treatment, especially when addressed early and the underlying cause is corrected.
How is gynecomastia treated in men?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include lifestyle changes, medication to correct hormone imbalance, or surgery if the tissue is long-standing and unresponsive.
Does gynecomastia always mean low testosterone?
No. Gynecomastia can occur even when testosterone levels are normal if estrogen levels are relatively higher or hormone balance is disrupted.