Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Vasdev Rai is often asked by his patients: Do I need an endocrine workup for my Gynecomastia?

It may not be necessary. Most cases of gynecomastia are not caused by health disorders. When gynecomastia is known or suspected to be caused by certain disorders, specific tests may be ordered, such as thyroid or testosterone tests. When there are no other symptoms, or physical signs of an endocrine disorder, then you may not need an endocrine workup. However, some of the symptoms that doctors look or may seem unrelated to the development of your breasts.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid gland, can cause gynecomastia and can have serious health consequences if left untreated. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Tremor
  • Heat intolerance
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Sweating diarrhea

Hypogonadism

In male hypogonadism your testicles do not produce enough testosterone. There are many possible causes, some of which are serious and must be treated. Hypogonadism is something that you can be born with or that can develop later in life. Depending on when in your life hypogonadism developed, symptoms include:

  • Lack of, underdeveloped, or decreased body and facial hair
  • Loss of muscle mass or decreased development of muscle mass
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased libido
  • Infertility
  • Delayed puberty
  • Testicular atrophy
  • Loss of visual-spatial abilities

If you live in Dallas and have gynecomastia and would like to learn more about your options, please contact the Cosmetic Surgical Center to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Vasdev Rai. Dr. Rai provides cosmetic surgery procedures to men living in Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas of Texas.