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Soft swollen nipples for 1 year
Both my nipples have been soft and swollen for about 1 year. They are completely soft — when I press them, they become flat and normal, but after some time they swell up softly again. There is no pain, no redness, no discharge, and no hard lump. I am quite thin and have started gaining weight slowly. Could this be gynecomastia or some hormonal issue? Please advise what I should do.
Answers (15)
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If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at eight six one nine six six nine nine zero six. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
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Hello,
At 17 years of age, soft swelling around both nipples is commonly associated with pubertal gynecomastia, which occurs due to temporary hormonal changes during adolescence.
However, true gynecomastia involves glandular tissue beneath the nipple, whereas soft swelling may also represent normal fatty tissue or nipple prominence (pseudogynecomastia).
The absence of pain, redness, discharge, or a hard lump is reassuring.
Pubertal gynecomastia is usually harmless and often resolves naturally within 1â3 years, without medication or surgery.
A physical examination is necessary to distinguish these conditions.
Next Steps
Consult a general physician for a breast and pubertal development examination. If the swelling is symmetrical and examination findings are normal, observation and periodic follow-up may be sufficient. Hormonal tests are not routinely necessary for typical pubertal gynecomastia. Testosterone, LH, FSH, TSH, and other investigations may be considered if examination suggests a hormonal abnormality. Maintain a balanced diet, adequate protein intake, and regular physical activity. Avoid anabolic steroids, bodybuilding hormones, or unverified supplements.
Health Tips
Avoid repeatedly pressing or squeezing your nipples, as this may cause irritation. Seek medical evaluation if you notice rapid enlargement, a hard or fixed lump, bloody nipple discharge, skin changes, or significant asymmetry. My recommendation: Given your age, the bilateral soft swelling, and absence of concerning symptoms, a benign pubertal change is a reasonable possibility. However, confirmation through physical examination is advisable. Most adolescents improve without specific treatment, so there is usually no need for immediate medication or surgery. Wishing you good health!
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Bilateral soft nipple swelling in a 17-year-old male may be due to pubertal gynecomastia, which is common during adolescence and usually resolves spontaneously. However, pseudogynecomastia due to fat deposition is another possibility, particularly with recent weight gain.
Kindly consult so further investigations can be advised and this query can be resolved.
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Soft, painless swelling in both nipples during the teenage years is usually pubertal gynecomastia, a common and temporary hormone shift as your body goes through puberty. No pain, redness, discharge or hard lump are all reassuring signs. It often settles on its own within a year or two as hormone levels balance out.
Next Steps
Keep watching it over the next several months while your weight gain continues steadily. If it keeps growing, turns hard, lopsided, painful, or starts discharging, please consult a physician or endocrinologist, who may suggest a hormone panel.
Health Tips
Rapid weight swings can sometimes add to the fullness too, so aim for steady weight gain rather than sudden changes.
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