What is the most common cause of gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, the enlargement of breast tissue in males, is most commonly caused by hormonal changes, particularly during puberty. During this time, boys experience fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone levels. These hormonal changes can lead to an imbalance, where the estrogenic activity can promote breast tissue growth. This phenomenon is well-documented and typically resolves on its own as hormonal levels stabilize with maturity.

While drug use, testicular failure, and malnutrition can also contribute to gynecomastia, they are less frequent causes compared to the physiological changes seen during puberty. Drug use, for example, may include substances such as anabolic steroids or certain medications that affect hormonal balance, but these cases are not as prevalent as the natural occurrence in adolescents. Testicular failure and malnutrition may lead to gynecomastia through hormonal disruptions, but these are primarily implicated in specific medical conditions that occur less commonly than the normal developmental changes experienced in the teenage years.