Men's Health

What causes a man's breasts to grow?

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By , Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
photo of an older man using a tape measure to measure his chestI know that many men, including me, develop larger breasts as they age. But my right breast appears larger than the left one. Should I be worried?

Men gain weight because of fat deposition in several locations: under the skin (subcutaneous fat), inside the abdominal cavity (visceral fat), and in the breasts. Breast enlargement from fat buildup is usually symmetrical, with an equal amount in both breasts. Fat is spread throughout the whole breast area. Gynecomastia refers to an enlargement of the breast's glandular tissue, not by excess fat. The glandular tissue is concentrated under the nipple.

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About the Author

photo of Howard E. LeWine, MD

Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Howard LeWine is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Chief Medical Editor at Harvard Health Publishing, and editor in chief of Harvard Men’s Health Watch. See Full Bio
View all posts by Howard E. LeWine, MD

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