Gynecomastia is the scientific term for male breast growth. Colloquially, it’s also referred to as “man boobs.” It is a condition where men begin to develop breast tissue on their chest, which may lead to the need for gyno surgery.

While gynecomastia has a number of physical causes, such as hormonal imbalance, tumors, hypothyroidism, hypogonadism (low testosterone) and kidney or liver failure, lifestyle factors can also spark the development of gynecomastia, with alcoholism being the number one culprit and street drug use.

However, a commonly used antipsychotic drug to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and irritability associated with autism has also been reportedly linked to the development of gynecomastia.

Risperdal (risperidone) can bring about profound changes in an individual’s functioning, allowing patients to navigate psychosis and become stable, and has shown to have an impact on the behavior of bipolar and autism behavioral symptoms in affected children and young adults, most of whom are male.

Risperdal alters the neurotransmitters in the brain and can also disrupt hormones in the body, leading to imbalances which spur the growth of breast tissue in males or gynecomastia.

Male Gyno Symptoms

The main symptoms of gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breasts due to an increase in the glandular tissue. Often, the breast growth is symmetrical on both sides of the body, but can be unilateral in some instances.

The tissue itself often has a rubbery feeling, in contrast to a man’s typically more firm chest. The breast tissue may be sensitive and tender, but most often does not cause pain itself.

However, with Risperdal, male gyno symptoms go beyond the large breasts and also include other breast-related conditions as a result of the induced hormonal imbalance. Other related conditions in Risperdal gynecomastia include pain in the breast or nipple, milk production and nipple discharge

Undoubtedly, male breast growth can have a huge effect on a young man’s psychological well-being. Older adult males may struggle with the condition but may feel comfortable in their masculinity and are more able to distance themselves from the physical condition.

Younger males going through puberty or reaching young adulthood may have the hardest time adapting to their body’s changes with the struggle of adolescence being greatly intensified, potentially causing severe depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Gynecomastia Removal

Gynecomastia surgery (“gyno surgery”) is the main treatment to address male breast growth, especially for young males and adult men dealing with the condition as a result of Risperdal use. Other medications that cause male gyno symptoms may halt or reverse when the drug is stopped, but with Risperdal use, the increased breast tissue appears to be more permanent.

Gyno surgery is a way to quickly get results in treating gynecomastia, and the results can be positively life-changing for males who have been suffering.

Two types of gyno surgery options are available: liposuction and mastectomy. Liposuction removes the fat in the breast and spares the breast gland tissue. In contrast, a mastectomy removes the breast gland tissue through small incisions made in the breast, and is considered a less invasive gynecomastia removal procedure with less recovery time as a gyno surgery option.

Risperdal Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one has developed gynecomastia as a result of Risperdal use, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer. Plaintiffs have successfully sued Johnson & Johnson for their alleged failure to warn about gynecomastia symptoms resulting from Risperdal use.

Plaintiffs may recover costs for gynecomastia removal surgery and other medical bills, as well as receive compensation for pain and suffering. A Risperdal attorney can review your case for free and help you decide if filing a lawsuit is right for you.