Research Progress on Drug-Induced Gynecomastia

    October 2015 in “ 药物不良反应杂志 ”
    Ailing Zhang, Guijun Qin, Haiyang Meng, Yanxia Liu
    From the encyclopedia
    Spironolactone →

    powerful topical and oral anti-androgen used mostly by women

    Ketoconazole →

    antifungal with some anti-androgenic benefits, often used as a shampoo

    Finasteride →

    Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

    Studysummary This review describes drug-induced gynecomastia, which results from an imbalance between estrogen and androgen action, listing potential treatments but no new clinical results.
    Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
    The document reviewed the condition of drug-induced gynecomastia, which was a disorder characterized by the abnormal enlargement of male breast tissue due to an imbalance in estrogen and androgen levels. This condition accounted for 10% to 25% of all gynecomastia cases. Common drugs that could induce this condition included ketoconazole, spironolactone, imatinib, bicalutamide, finasteride, and cimetidine. Symptoms included breast tenderness, pain, and lactation, with laboratory tests showing increased levels of estradiol and estriol, and decreased levels of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone. While most cases were reversible upon discontinuation of the drug, persistent cases could be treated with tamoxifen or surgical removal of breast tissue if symptoms lasted over 1 year or if drug treatment was ineffective. The review aimed to provide clinical guidance based on recent research findings.
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