Here is a breakdown of the different grades, how gyno affects your self-esteem, and what can be done to get you ready for your NS journey in full confidence.
January 23, 2026
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In Singapore, gynecomastia affects between 50% and 60% of adolescent males and almost 70% of men in their 50s and 60s.
It is not merely an aesthetic concern but a medical condition that profoundly impacts individuals physically, psychologically and also their quality of life.
Men who suffer from gynecomastia tend to also suffer from:
- diminished self-confidence
- heightened social isolation
- increased self-consciousness
Getting a professional diagnosis means getting the proper treatment to alleviate your symptoms and restore confidence in your self-image.
Gynecomastia Diagnosis Methods in Singapore
Gynecomastia diagnosis in Singapore involves a medical evaluation by a doctor to identify the condition affecting the chest.
There are various scientifically proven diagnostic methods for gynecomastia in Singapore that doctors use to confirm the condition, such as:
- Gynecomastia pinch and visual test
- Liver/Kidney function test
- Blood test
- Medical history evaluation
Based on your gynecomastia condition, the doctor will use one or more of the methods below during consultation..
The gynecomastia pinch and visual test
Gynecomastia diagnosis in Singapore includes the doctor pinching the areola and nipple area to look for a firm mass measuring 2 cm or more in diameter in the subareolar breast tissue in either or both breasts.
During the pinch test, the doctor will also look for other gyno symptoms, such as:
- pain
- discomfort
- breast swelling
- increased nipple sensitivity
- nipple discharge
Liver/Kidney function test
As studies have linked gynecomastia to kidney and liver disease [1], your doctor may order a variety of tests to assess liver and/or kidney function during the diagnosis of gynecomastia.
Blood test
Blood analysis can help determine whether you have gynecomastia by assessing hormone levels.
Hormonal imbalances of testosterone and estrogen can lend clues as to why the male breast gland tissue is enlarged.
Blood tests may also detect abnormalities, suggesting an underlying medical issue that may be causing the enlargement.
Medical history evaluation
Besides the physical assessment and performing the tests during the gynecomastia diagnosis, the doctor will also be interviewing you about:
Your condition
- How long have you suffered from this condition?
- Has it worsened over time?
Your lifestyle choices
- Are you using anabolic steroids?
- Are you taking illicit drugs?
Your eating habits
- Have you been losing weight unintentionally?
- Have you gained weight?
- How and what is your diet?
Your medical history
- Do you have liver, kidney or thyroid disease?
- Has your family been diagnosed with any diseases before?
- Are you on prescribed medications?
- Do you have any underlying medical conditions?
Medications or supplements
Gynecomastia may develop as a result of the side effects of taking certain medicines, such as:
- antibiotics
- diuretics
- anti-depressants
- anti-anxiety
- antacids (contains estrogenic properties)
Diagnosing your enlarged male breasts
After conducting a series of thorough examinations, the doctor will then be able to diagnose if you have:
- True Gynecomastia: Only glandular tissues
- Mixed Gynecomastia: Glandular and fat tissues
- Pseudogynecomastia: Aka fake gynecomastia, where the breast enlargement is due to excess chest fat, medically known as lipomastia or adipomastia
Gynecomastia Grading System
Gynecomastia can vary in appearance among males affected by this condition.
While some experience minor changes and symptoms, others may exhibit severe gynecomastia, resembling female breasts.
The Gynecomastia Grading System allows doctors to classify the severity of the condition and, thereafter, propose an appropriate treatment plan for the affected individuals.
Grade I (Mild)
- Slight, localised breast enlargement
- Looks like a small "button" of tissue around the areola
- No excess skin
Grade II (Moderate)
- Moderate enlargement extending beyond the areola area
- No significant skin excess
- Sometimes split into IIa/IIb with minor skin excess
Grade III (Moderate with Skin Excess)
- Moderate enlargement
- Noticeable excess skin
- Slight breast sagging
Grade IV (Severe)
- Acute enlargement
- Significant excess skin
- Distinct feminine appearance
- Drooping of the breast tissue and nipple
Managing gynecomastia with non-surgical methods and gynecomastia surgery
The choice to address gynecomastia hinges on the patient's preferences and the degree to which it affects their psychological health and quality of life.
Non-surgical gynecomastia treatments include:
- anti-androgen therapies
- anti-estrogens
- pharmacological intervention
If you have tried alternative treatment methods but are not seeing much improvement, or you are suffering from symptomatic gynecomastia – where the condition is causing you discomfort, soreness, and pain – gynecomastia surgery is a much-welcome relief, and has been proven to be the only treatment that effectively and safely addresses gynecomastia.
Would you like a gynecomastia diagnosis in Singapore?
If you suspect that you may be suffering from gyno, we welcome you to make an appointment for a gynecomastia diagnosis with Dr Ivan Puah. We are located at 140 Arab Street, Singapore (199827).
