The prognosis for adult gland-based gynecomastia is generally not very hopeful. You will probably have to take matters into your own hands, or, more properly the hands of an experienced surgeon if you desire a physical resolution. However, the outlook for teen and adolescent sufferers of gynecomastia is somewhat more positive. Don’t necessarily count on the problem resolving itself, but there is reason to hope and keep your fingers crossed.

Family doctors and surgeons will likely be hesitant to treat a newly discovered case of gynecomastia in teens for several reasons, especially if the solution sought involves surgery. While adults developing gynecomastia due to steroid use or other reasons are likely to be stuck with their gland tissue, teen and adolescent gynecomastia has a strong tendency to resolve itself without intervention.

Puberty is a time at which a boy’s body is in a state of hormonal flux, and temporary and transient physical changes may result. Such changes can include swelling of the nipples, areola and breast area. In teens, however, it will resolve itself and shrink back down in a majority of cases, especially if the swelling is minor.

While the condition may resolve itself in up to 90% of teen cases within three years of onset, there will be some cases where the condition persists and will have the same prognosis and options as typical adult gynecomastia. In these cases, there will be fibrous glandular tissue that will require the same types of treatment, with the ultimate options likely being (a) surgery, or (b) acceptance.

In short, if you or your child are suffering from adolescent onset of gynecomastia, there is reason to hope for the best, but it is also wise to prepare for the worst-case scenario. Fortunately, the worst case scenario is no worse than what any adult gynecomastia sufferer faces. Visit your family doctor and monitor the issue. Make sure there are no underlying causes beyond typical pubescent hormone fluctuations. Then see where it goes and make informed decisions.

Who knows, by the time you are 20 you may have already forgotten you ever had gyno…