I have gynaecomastia – will it go away?

My life is being ruined by my large breasts

My son and I have strangely shaped nipples

My son appears to be developing breasts?

Question
I'm nearly 15 years old. For the past three years I have suffered from swollen nipples – I think its called gynaecomastia.

My GP said the condition will go in another 18 months, but that will be when I'm 16-and-a-half, meaning I will have had them for four-and-a-half years.

Is there anything I can take to cure this condition?

Answer
I'm afraid that there are no medicines.

Huge numbers of teenage boys get mild gynaecomastia, and it does go away in the end. But if you're not happy, why not have yourself checked out by another doctor?

For instance, you could to a Brook Advisory Service Clinic for young people. Call them on their helpline to find out where there's a branch near you. The number is 08000 185023.

Yours sincerely

Dr David Delvin, GP