Contents
- What is Gynecomastia?
- What are Gynecomastia Symptoms?
- What Causes Gynecomastia?
- Gynecomastia Diagnosis
- Gynecomastia Treatment
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What Is Steroid Induced Gynecomastia?
Steroid induced gynecomastia can be caused by drugs such as Anadrol and Dianabol (used for medical conditions) and anabolic steroids taken by bodybuilders. Men taking steroids for medical reasons should consult their prescribing physician if they notice any changes in...
Does Steroid Use Cause Man Boobs?
Often referred to as man boobs, this medical condition is called gynecomastia by the medical community, and is usually caused by a hormonal imbalance. Research has shown that a high level of estrogen found in men is usually the cause of gynecomastia symptoms. Hormonal...
You Don’t Have to Live with Man Boobs
Having enlarged man boobs (male breasts) may be embarrassing and uncomfortable but it is an unfortunate fact of life for many men.
What Is Gynecomastia (Male Breasts)?
Gynecomastia, often referred to as man boobs or moobs, is enlarged breast (glandular) tissue. When enlarged breasts in men result from fat tissue due to excess weight, this condition is called pseudogynecomastia.
Gynecomastia can occur during puberty due to a hormone imbalance. Older men also experience reduced testosterone levels, which can cause an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone. Gynecomastia caused by steroids is also a known issue for bodybuilders and anyone who uses anabolic steroids.
What Are Gynecomastia Symptoms?
Gynecomastia symptoms include:
- Enlarged nipples and surrounding area, with or without nipple discharge.
- Breast pain, soreness, or tenderness.
- Excess glandular tissue beneath the nipple, in one or both breasts (feels like a lump that may be movable).
Occasionally, the appearance of true gynecomastia may cause uneven swollen glandular tissue, which may make one side of the chest larger. Gynecomastia may affect one or both breasts.
Normal Male Breast
Gynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia
What Causes Gynecomastia?
The hormone imbalance responsible for male breast growth can be caused by several factors, many of which are unknown, in addition to regular changes in the body like puberty and aging. Aside from certain medications or medical conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome and kidney disease, research has shown the below substances may cause gynecomastia symptoms:
- Illegal use of anabolic steroids
- Alcohol
- Cannabis/marijuana
- Amphetamines
- Heroin/Methadone.
Approximately 10 to 25% of cases may be caused by certain drugs, with illegal steroid use the number one drug-related cause of gynecomastia symptoms.


Gynecomastia Diagnosis
Gynecomastia can be diagnosed by a gynecomastia specialist who will review your medical history and determine the cause of gynecomastia by reviewing any medications and if you have used steroids without a prescription or any other illegal substances.
For a free of charge, virtual consultation about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please get in touch today.
Learn more about Gynecomastia Diagnosis Virtual Consultation
Gynecomastia Treatment
Gynecomastia treatment may differ depending on your age, health, duration of the disease, and response to certain drugs. A hormone imbalance contributing to breast enlargement may be addressed by medication or tissue hormone treatment. Medications for gynecomastia have shown to be largely ineffective and the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has not approved any drug for treatment of gynecomastia.
In most cases, gynecomastia surgery is required to eliminate gynecomastia symptoms permanently.


Gynecomastia Grades
In breast reduction or gynecomastia surgery, surgical techniques differ according to the degree or severity of gynecomastia symptoms.
The American Society of Plastic Surgery has developed a classification system of four grades of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Surgery Options

Dr. Delgado takes his time to evaluate your gynecomastia symptoms and the most appropriate gynecomastia surgery procedure to meet your individual goals. This will also depend on the degree of glandular tissue, excess skin and skin laxity present.
Gynecomastia surgery incisions for all techniques, apart from a double incision mastectomy, are made around the outer edge of the areola. Usually, once they have healed, they are very difficult to detect.
All gynecomastia surgery options permanently remove the extra glandular tissue, so gynecomastia symptoms rarely recur. Dr. Delgado uses a light general anesthesia to give him the most control and provide you with the safest and easiest surgical experience possible.
For a free of charge, virtual consultation about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr Delgado’s inquiry form:
Gynecomastia FAQs

- Can non-surgical procedures help reduce gynecomastia symptoms?
When the chest is enlarged due to an accumulation of adipose tissue (fat), non-surgical fat removal techniques such as CoolSculpting can help.
- Should I be concerned about breast cancer?
An enlarged chest characterizes the condition known as gynecomastia. Man boobs caused by breast cancer are incredibly rare.
- Do Anabolic steroids cause Gynecomastia?
Our bodies convert steroids into estrogen (within fat cells), which can cause steroid-induced gynecomastia.
- Is Gynecomastia caused by breast tissue?
Yes, Gynecomastia is an overdevelopment or enlargement of breast tissue, also referred to as glandular tissue.
For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Miguel Delgado, M.D., F.A.C.S is a world-renowned Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon granted by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery and Aesthetic Society. Dr. Delgado has a surgical practice solely dedicated to cosmetic plastic surgery. He specializes in gynecomastia surgery and is the medical director of Gynecomastia.org, the oldest and largest gynecomastia forum dedicated to supporting, educating, and providing solutions for men with breast enlargement. Dr. Delgado celebrates 30 years of practice in San Francisco, California. He was voted the “Best Plastic Surgeon of 2017-2021.”
Gynecomastia.org does not provide medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis.