National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

Which of the following medications is more likely to cause gynecomastia as a side effect?

1. Anabolic steroids

2. Antidepressants

3. Antihistamines

4. Opioids

The correct answer is: Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids are more likely to cause gynecomastia due to their influence on hormone levels, particularly testosterone and estrogen. When anabolic steroids are administered, especially in excess, they can lead to an imbalance in the body's natural hormone production. This often results in an increase in estrogen levels or the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, which can stimulate breast tissue growth in males, leading to gynecomastia. In contrast, the other categories of medications typically do not have this effect as prominently. While some antidepressants can have side effects related to sexual function or weight gain, they are not significantly associated with gynecomastia. Antihistamines generally have a different mechanism of action and do not involve hormone modulation that would promote breast tissue development. Opioids also are not known for causing hormonal imbalances that lead to gynecomastia. Thus, anabolic steroids stand out as the medication class that is most directly linked to this particular side effect.