Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Adolescents with Pubertal Gynecomastia

Abstract

Background: Since vitamin D has an inhibitory function on ductal morphogenesis of the pubertal mammary gland, it may have a role in the development of gynecomastia. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the development of pubertal gynecomastia. Methods: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25D) levels in 50 adolescents with pubertal gynecomastia and 54 healthy controls between the ages of 11 and 17 years were compared. Results: Mean 25D level was 14.03 ± 6.38 (5.0-32.5) ng/ml in the pubertal gynecomastia group and 15.19 ± 6.49 (5.0-33.2) ng/ml in the control group (p = 0.361). According to the vitamin D status classification of the American Academy of Pediatrics, 66% of the pubertal gynecomastia group was found to be deficient and 14% were insufficient. In the control group these values were 53.7% and 29.6%, respectively (p = 0.158). Conclusion: From our results we hypothesize that, rather than low serum levels of 25D, a dysregulation of the vitamin D signal pathway, vitamin D metabolism or vitamin D storage within the mammary tissue might be the contributing factors to the development of gynecomastia.