The Burden of Anabolic Androgenic Steroid-Induced Gynecomastia

Introduction  Gynecomastia is benign proliferation of male breast tissue that can be idiopathic or secondary to hormonal imbalance. Consumption of steroids plays a major role in the development of gynecomastia. The increased consumption of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) in youngsters to boost the physical strength and improve appearance is associated with increased prevalence of gynecomastia. True estimation of AAS-associated gynecomastia is difficult to calculate and prone to underestimation because of low social acceptance. Accurate estimation is required to assess future healthcare, for prevention and to give appropriate treatment. Aims and Objectives  The aim of this study was to calculate the steroid consumption in gynecomastia patients accurately so that appropriate treatment can be given and their response to treatment could be analysed. Methods  This is a prospective study done in a tertiary care hospital from June 2019 to June 2022. All the gynecomastia patients treated during this period in Burns & Plastic Surgery Department of PGIMS Rohtak were included in the study. Patient's detailed history was recorded and also after 3 months of surgery patients were again enquired about their history to record any change. Results  Real prevalence of AAS-associated gynecomastia (39.19%) was much higher than that recorded in preoperative period (4.05%). Also, AAS users were having higher body mass index and a greater proportion of patients were bodybuilders. Conclusion  Patients with high body mass index, athletic body, and history of recent weight gain should raise the suspicion of anabolic steroid intake. Surgery is not always indicated in AAS-associated gynecomastia. If gynecomastia persisted, surgery necessitates and it involves meticulous intraoperative hemostasis and careful glandular excision to minimize recurrence and achieve low complication rates.