Though rarely talked about, “man boobs” or gynecomastia can be emotionally scarring. Gynecomastia is the growth of female-like breasts in a man. Gynecomastia can be deeply embarrassing to the point of trauma for males, as it can interfere with their sense of identity as a male.

There are many potential gynecomastia causes. Many cases are “idiopathic,” or “for no apparent reason.” The mechanism, however, is well understood. All of the causes of gynecomastia can be traced to excess of prolactin.

In a healthy woman, prolactin is the hormone that promotes breast growth. But if prolactin levels in males are excessively high, it can tell their bodies to grow breasts. Most cases of idiopathic gynecomastia occur during infancy, puberty, or middle age. These are all points in a man’s life when their hormone levels are changing, which can be a prelude to gynecomastia.

One of the main gynecomastia causes is various drugs. A wide variety of drugs are designed to interfere with hormone levels, or do so as a side effect of their intended purposes. For example, many drugs that treat prostate cancer decrease the levels of testosterone and related androgens, since many types of prostate cancer grow more aggressively in the presence of testosterone.

However, there are currently major concerns around a psychiatric drug called Risperdal, which research indicates can cause gynecomastia. Patients who developed gynecomastia after taking Risperdal have begun to file Risperdal lawsuits on the grounds that the makers of Risperdal downplayed gynecomastia risks, leading many young men to develop gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia treatments are varied with the gynecomastia cause and severity. Many minor cases require no gynecomastia treatments, and they may go away on their own. However, this may take years.

Additionally, some cases of gynecomastia are very painful. Some drugs may work as gynecomastia treatments. These drugs help balance hormone levels. However, while some studies suggest they are effective, the drugs in question are not FDA approved as gynecomastia treatments. In cases that do not respond to other gynecomastia treatments, surgical reconstruction of the chest may be the only treatment.

Currently, the makers of Risperdal are facing massive Risperdal lawsuits. Risperdal lawsuits are filed by patients who took Risperdal, or their caretakers, alleging that the makers of Risperdal downplayed the risk of gynecomastia order to better make a profit. Risperdal lawsuits typically seek to recoup the costs of gynecomastia treatments, or the cost of psychological, as well as court costs and legal fees.