Gynecomastia - Epidemiology

Epidemiology

Gynecomastia has a trimodal peak of incidence and commonly presents in newborns, adolescents, and men older than 50 years of age, but most cases of newborn gynecomastia are self-limiting and resolve on their own. Estimates for prevalence of detectable gynecomastia in adolescent boys have been as high as 64% but may include cases of pseudogynecomastia. Most cases of adolescent gynecomastia resolve within six months to two years. The prevalence of gynecomastia in men has increased in recent years. The use of anabolic steroids and exposure to xenoestrogens present in cosmetic products, pesticides, and industrial chemicals have been suggested as possible factors driving this increase. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast reduction surgeries to correct gynecomastia are becoming increasingly common. In 2006, there were 14,000 procedures of this type performed in the United States.