4. Swollen Nipples
One of the first signs of gynecomastia – is swollen and puffy nipples. As estrogen begins to take control of your hormone profile, it increases the amount of aromatizing molecules around the mammary glands. As a result, the nipples start to swell and take on a puffy appearance, as if filled with fluid.
Initially, glandular tissue growth confines itself to the area behind the nipple.
However, as the condition progresses, it’s common for the abnormal growth to extend to the area outside of the aureole as well. This tissue growth gives the nipple a “dome-shape.” In rare cases, such as steroid-induced gynecomastia, the nipples may enlarge as well.
Puffy nipples begin to subside after restoring hormone balance in the body. In teenagers, the condition will fade after a few months and return the nipple and aureole to their normal shape and size. Middle-aged men lack the protein synthesis capability of teenagers. Therefore, it may take longer for the symptoms to subside.