A Quick Guide To Gynecomastia

Many women desire larger breasts, there is no denying that. However, men who are dealing with man boobs, or gynecomastia, may struggle with their self-esteem because their breasts are larger than normal.

Regardless of how gynecomastia manifests itself, whether as a small lump under one or both nipples, or as larger-than-normal breasts, it can be inhibiting and embarrassing. Losing weight sometimes helps, but not always. There is a surgical procedure called reduction mammoplasty that is designed to treat gynecomastia.

What causes gynecomastia? Gynecomastia may arise from a number of factors, such as:

• Steroids: Male bodybuilders who take anabolic steroids sometimes develop breasts. Steroids are chemically changed into estrogen inside the body, resulting in the growth of breasts as well as muscle tissue.
• Aging: Many men develop large breasts as they age, typically the result of hormone imbalances.
• Puberty: Hormone levels surge at puberty, causing breast tissue to swell in boys as well as girls. Doctors often recommend “watchful waiting” for gynecomastia that arises during puberty as it may resolve on its own. But if the condition persists for more that a couple of years, it’s unlikely to go away without treatment.
• Drug side effects: Some prescription medications such as amphetamines, antidepressants, blood pressure drugs and ulcer medications can cause enlarged breasts in men.
• Alcohol abuse: Drinking which is severe enough to cause liver disease can alter the way the body metabolizes hormones, resulting in breast enlargement.
• Obesity: Being overweight is a problem for men who are concerned about the size of their breasts. When extra fat gets deposited on the chest, the breasts become larger. Excessive fat also stimulates the body’s production of estrogen, further spurring the growth of breast tissue.
• Heredity: Some cases of gynecomastia are inherited. One disorder that can cause it is Klinefelter’s Syndrome, in which there is an additional X chromosome in addition to the usual X and Y chromosomes.

If you would like to talk to us about your gynecomastia concerns or reduction mammoplasty, we invite you to call our office to schedule a consultation appointment, today: (508) 334-5990.