Men with enlarged breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia, may face an increased risk of premature death, according to a recent study published in the journal BMJ. The study, the first of its kind, found that men with gynecomastia are more susceptible to dying before the age of 75.
The research revealed that men with pre-existing risk factors such as cancer or cardiovascular, lung, or gut disorders prior to gynecomastia diagnosis are particularly vulnerable. Gynecomastia, caused by a hormonal imbalance, affects approximately one-third to two-thirds of men, unrelated to overweight or obesity.
The study drew on data from Danish national health and population registries, involving 23,429 men diagnosed with gynecomastia between January 1, 1995, and 30, 2021. The researchers compared this group with 117,145 randomly selected men without the condition, totaling 140,574 individuals.
The study indicated three distinct peaks in the development of gynecomastia, occurring during the neonatal period, puberty, and older ages due to changes in sex hormone levels. The condition is most prevalent at older ages, often coinciding with declining testosterone levels and weight gain.
Prior research has suggested a connection between gynecomastia and a heightened risk of past and future health issues. However, this study aimed to ascertain whether gynecomastia is also associated with an increased risk of mortality.
The findings underscore the importance of understanding the potential health implications of gynecomastia and the need for further research to explore preventive measures and interventions for men with this condition.
