Teen boy breasts

[Mollers]

Hi there,

This is my first post - tried to search for a similar thread but failed to find anything so apologies if posting in wrong area...

My 14 year old has developed small breast swellings. I know this is quite normal in teenage boys, and the doctor has confirmed this to him, but obviously he is mortified about it and has managed to cover up so far at school; when he has PE he goes with his t-shirt on already under his shirt etc.

He has now been told that there will be 6 weeks swimming coming up and he is so stressed as he knows if his mates see it he will be a laughing stock it would become more than just a little joke. I intend to speak to his teacher this week but has anyone else dealt with a similar situation with their son? Did the swollen breasts last a long time? he has had them for about a year now.

[MedusaIsHavingABadHairDay]

My son had them too..more one one side than the other...however I don't think his lasted quite as long. I think if it's been a while since the docs I would go back just to check that his hormones are not in overdrive (more than normal!!) as there is a condition ..gynecomastia where the boobs don't disappear by themselves and need treatment.

In the meantime tho..and if he is really distressed, I'd be tempted to invent some reason why he can't swim.. chlorine induced eczema for example!! Ok naughty, but puberty is hard enough without fear of being laughed at:(

Then again I got out of every P.E session I could!

[OlympicEater]

YY to make an excuse, teen years are hard enough without being teased about that.

[percysgirl]

Ooh I like the excuse of chlorine induced exzema - wish I'd have thought of that to have got out of my swimming lessons many many years ago! lol!!:o
On a more serious note, contact the doctor again and explain how distressing etc this is to DS (esp it being a year now) and see how you get on there.
But apart from that, YY make up some excuse. Poor kid doesn't need the stress for an hour lesson a week
x

[Mollers]

Thanks for the replies. Doctor has said it can last a couple of years and will be less obvious as he puts on more muscle.....which I really hope it doesn't last too long but I will go back if it persists more than another 6 months or so I think. And like your son Medusa, he has it more on one side than the other too.
Was going to say eczema to the teacher but I know his friend has that and they require a doctors note :-(
If I can't think of any other reason then I actually think I may just ring the teacher and explain the real reason and suggest that he is allowed to say to the others that he has eczema. I don't want him stressing out over something like this, he already goes to extremes to cover up in PE. Thanks for all your thoughts, much appreciated.