Many folks have wondered just what is gynecomastia. This is the development of the mammary glands which results in breast enlargement in males. This abnormal condition may occur in newborns because of the presence of the mother’s hormones, and it may occur in adolescents, middle-aged men and elderly men. Adolescent boys often find the condition to be embarrassing and emotionally traumatic. Teasing from his peers can have a huge impact on the young teen, and he typically avoids swimming and other activities where the shirt is removed. Unfortunately, many do not ask about or understand the problem. The enlarged breasts usually disappear in a year or two.
Gynecomastia has been referred to as man boobs. As such, the question is often asked how do you get man boobs? Estrogen is regarded as a female hormone, but males also produce small quantities. If the estrogen levels are too high compared with testosterone levels gynecomastia can result. The condition is related to higher than normal levels of sex hormone-binding globulin or SHBG. This means that the bioavailability of testosterone depends on the level of SHBG. It is estimated that four to ten percent of gynecomastia is caused by drugs. For example, Spironolactone or Aldactone is used to treat heart failure, and it may induce the condition in ten percent of the patients receiving it.
There are a number of other drugs that may cause gynecomastia. Both Digoxin and Furosemide or Lasixare used in the treatment of congestive heart failure, and they have been known to cause gynecomastia. The chances of developing the condition go up if the two drugs are administered together. Other drug inducers include calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine or Procardia, ACE inhibitor drugs used for hypertension such as Capoten and Vasotec, anti-ulcer meds like Zantac, Prilosec and Tagamet and some antibiotics. Illegal drugs such as marijuana and heroin may trigger gynecomastia. It has also been associated with tea tree oil and lavender oil in skin care products.
Some health conditions have been known to cause gynecomastia. Hypogonadism refers to decreased function of the gonads resulting in lower testosterone levels. In fact, any condition that interferes with testosterone production can cause gynecomastia. Pituitary insufficiency and Klinefelter syndrome are two such conditions. The aging process involves hormone changes that can lead to man boobs. Hyperthyroidism has been associated with gynecomastia. This is the condition where the thyroid gland makes excessive thyroxine hormone. Kidney failure, liver failure and cirrhosis, adrenal or pituitary gland tumors, malnutrition and starvation have been known to trigger gynecomastia.
One form of gynecomastia is called “puffy nipples.” In this case the glandular tissue accumulates under the nipple and areola area. This is an embarrassing problem for men, but it is easily corrected by surgery. Bodybuilders may exhibit pure glandular gynecomastia that is believed to be due to anabolic steroids. The male has more testosterone from the steroids, but this is converted to estrogen. This is why these athletes are said to have gynecomastia in the purest form. If you are wondering how to get rid man boobs, surgery is often suggested for persistent cases. However, for teens the answer is often time since the condition typically recedes with age.
It is estimated that almost 40 percent of all males experience gynecomastia or man boobs. Both breasts are usually affected although it is not unheard of for only one to become enlarged. Once a young man goes through puberty and testosterone production increases, the breast tissue growth ceases. However for some young men the condition persists into adulthood. The enlarged tissue is at risk for breast cancer. Since men are not trained to check themselves like women are, the breast cancer is usually detected at an advanced stage. Surgical procedures can correct gynecomastia, and this is one option you can discuss with your doctor.
Some men do not wish to have breast reduction surgery. Interestingly there are certain health supplements which can help. Supplements such as Gynexin can balance hormone production and break down breast tissue. Gynexin is all-natural and it has been designed to reverse gynecomastia. Furthermore, all types of steroids should be avoided unless prescribed by your doctor. A weight loss regime may also help reverse the condition so you can avoid surgery. If weight lifting is part of the program, it causes your body to make more testosterone. You should also avoid marijuana and alcohol since they are known to increase estrogen production. By trying these methods the breast enlargement may reverse so that there is no need for surgery.
In some cases gynecomastia may indicate a more serious condition. One of these conditions is testicular cancer which is believed to secrete hormones that trigger the gynecomastia. By definition, gynecomastia indicates the presence of tissue with a diameter of over 0.5 cm in a male. It must be composed of true breast tissue or glandular tissue in the area surrounding the nipple. The deposit of fatty tissue is not regarded as true gynecomastia. When you visit a doctor certain tests may be called for to examine the function of the kidneys, the liver and the thyroid. A blood test can measure hormone levels, and a mammogram may be ordered if breast cancer is suspected.
Gynecomastia usually goes away on its own in young men, and the condition is not associated with any long-term problems. However, men with the condition have a five time greater risk for the development of male breast cancer. The gynecomastia is not considered to be a precancerous condition, but the changes in hormones may also lead to increased risk of breast cancer. Your doctor will be able to discuss the condition with you and offer options for treatment.