What Age Does Gynecomastia Go Away? Dr. Dadvand Explains

Posted by Dr. Dadvand July 29, 2025

Gynecomastia can be a confusing and frustrating condition, especially when you’re not sure if it’s temporary or here to stay. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, specializing in gynecomastia, I often meet patients who are waiting for it to go away on its own. Unsure if their age plays a role. Whether you’re a teen navigating puberty or an adult who’s just starting to notice changes in your chest, it’s important to understand how age affects the development and persistence of gynecomastia. Let’s take a closer look at the question: What age does gynecomastia go away, and when it may be time to take action?

Age and Gynecomastia: What Is the Link?

One of the most important things I want my patients to understand is that you’re not alone, and what you’re going through is more common than you might think. Gynecomastia affects males at many different life stages, especially during hormonal transitions. It’s not just about appearance, it’s about how you feel in your body, and that’s something I take very seriously. Here’s how age plays a role in gynecomastia:

Puberty

• Affects up to 60% of adolescent boys.
• Caused by temporary imbalances in estrogen and testosterone.
• Often resolves within 1–2 years, but about 25% of cases persist into adulthood.

Adulthood and Aging

• Natural decline in testosterone and increased estrogen sensitivity can lead to breast tissue growth.
• Common in men over 50, especially those on medications like antidepressants, steroids, or anti-androgens.
• Underlying conditions such as low testosterone, thyroid disorders, or kidney issues can also contribute.

Whether you’re 17 or 70, gynecomastia can raise the same difficult question: Will this go away on its own, or is it here to stay?

When Does It Typically Go Away?

In my experience, puberty-related gynecomastia usually resolves between the ages of 16 and 18, once hormone levels settle into a more stable pattern. But when the breast tissue has remained unchanged into your early 20s, it’s unlikely to resolve on its own. This is often when I meet young men who’ve waited, hoped, and tried to hide the issue for years.

Can Gyno Go Away After 20?

It’s a fair question and one I get often. Unfortunately, once the glandular tissue becomes established, spontaneous resolution becomes rare. At that point, we’re no longer just talking about hormones; we’re talking about actual tissue that often needs to be removed surgically.

In adult and older men, gynecomastia may sometimes respond to changes in medication or addressing a hormonal imbalance, but this is the exception, not the rule. If the tissue is dense and persistent, surgery remains the most definitive and effective solution.

What matters most is getting the right diagnosis and a personalized plan, because there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. And you shouldn’t have to live in discomfort or uncertainty.

Signs It Might Be Persistent

Not sure whether your gynecomastia will resolve on its own? Here are signs it may be permanent:

• You’ve had it for over 2 years with no change
• The tissue feels firm or rubbery (not just fatty)
• There’s no fluctuation with weight loss or lifestyle changes
• You’re over 20 and developed gynecomastia during adolescence
• You’re older and not taking any new medications

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are temporary or require treatment, it’s worth consulting a specialist. I frequently evaluate teens, young adults, and older men with this exact concern. A clinical exam and, in some cases, hormonal testing can provide clarity.

Gynecomastia is not always “just part of getting older” or “a normal part of puberty.” If it affects your confidence, comfort, or clothing choices, don’t wait it out; get the answers you deserve.

Treatment Options If It Doesn’t Go Away

If gynecomastia doesn’t go away on its own, treatment options depend on the severity and cause. These include:

• Lifestyle changes: May help in mild, weight-related cases
• Medication adjustment: If a drug is contributing, switching might help
• Hormonal therapy: In rare cases with documented imbalances
• Surgical correction: Male breast reduction surgery is the gold standard for removing true glandular tissue

As a surgeon who has performed hundreds of male breast reduction procedures, I focus on creating natural, masculine results with minimal scarring and downtime.

Experience With Teen & Adult Patients

Whether you’re a teenager navigating the frustration of puberty-related changes or an adult finally seeking answers after years of discomfort, I’ve helped patients at every stage of life feel more confident in their bodies.

My approach is grounded in medical expertise, surgical precision, and individualized care. No two cases are alike, and I take the time to understand your story and guide you to the most appropriate solution.

No More Waiting. No More Wondering.

If you’ve been asking yourself, “Does gynecomastia go away after puberty?” or “Can gyno go away after 20?”, it’s time to stop waiting for answers to appear. I can help you understand the cause, assess whether your gynecomastia is likely to resolve on its own, and walk you through treatment options if needed. Schedule your consultation with me, Dr. Babak Dadvand, at my Beverly Hills office and take the first step toward clarity, comfort, and confidence.