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Schedule A ConsultationMedications are one of the most overlooked causes of male breast enlargement. In fact, gynecomastia and medications are strongly linked, with dozens of common drugs known to interfere with hormone levels or directly stimulate breast tissue growth.
If you’ve noticed puffy nipples or breast swelling after starting a new prescription, the medication could be to blame. In this guide, we’ll break down which drugs are commonly involved, how they affect the body, and what to do if you suspect medication-induced gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia occurs when testosterone and estrogen levels become imbalanced, often tilting toward excess estrogen activity. Some medications trigger this imbalance by:
Even medications that seem unrelated to hormones—like heart or mental health drugs—can have gynecomastia as a side effect.
The list of medications associated with gynecomastia is extensive. Some of the most common include:
These medications block testosterone activity, often leading to breast tissue growth.
While intended to boost testosterone, improper dosing or cycling off steroids can lead to estrogen rebound, causing gynecomastia.
These may affect hormone metabolism or directly stimulate glandular tissue.
Some of these increase prolactin levels, which can mimic estrogen effects on the breast.
It depends. If caught early, stopping or changing the medication may reverse the tissue growth, especially if it’s still soft and recent. However, if the glandular tissue has been present for more than a year, it often becomes fibrotic and permanent—meaning it won’t go away on its own or with medication changes.
We regularly see patients in Los Angeles and Newport Beach who develop gynecomastia as a side effect of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Many of them go months or years before realizing the connection.
When the tissue does not resolve, surgery is the most effective and permanent solution. At our practice, we focus on:
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia with minimal downtime. Patients report dramatic improvements in confidence and body image.
Dr. Joseph Cruise is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. Regarded as one of the top gynecomastia surgeons in the world, Dr. Cruise has gynecomastia-specific content that can be found at lagynecomastia.org. Dr. Cruise has dedicated his career to cosmetic surgery but has also had extensive training in General Surgery, Hand Surgery, and Microvascular Surgery. Dr. Joseph Cruise is also a member of the Rhinoplasty Society as well as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Use our Fast Track program to receive a rapid assessment with a recommended treatment plan and estimated surgical quote.
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