How to Dress When You Have Man Boobs (Gynecomastia)

by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Sep 30, 2021 | Gynecomastia

Weight Gain and Man Boobs

Man boobs are characterized by an overactive male breast gland. Man boobs occur when there is a hormonal imbalance, where levels of estrogen are too high, causing breast tissue to develop. In addition, there is another type of man boobs referred to as pseudogynecomastia or “false gynecomastia”. Men suffering from this condition do not have a problem with the breast gland. It’s caused by excess fat in the chest. Weight gain or changes in fat distribution can lead to the development of male breasts in men. Male breasts that are large can be problematic from a cosmetic and body image standpoint, regardless of the cause.  For this reason, how to dress when you have man boobs is an important question.

Wear Compression Vests or Shirts

Man boob concealing compression vests and shirts can boost your confidence.

Regardless of the outfit you wear, confident bodywear will help you look your best. No one will notice that your undergarments are showing, and you will not be embarrassed by your boobs showing.

Usually, this undergarment consists of neoprene materials. This allows it to stick to your body and to give your torso more stability. As a result, they can not only be worn to conceal man boobs but can also be worn during workout sessions to reduce the risk of injury.

As with tape (see below), compression garments can conceal male breasts. It compresses the breast tissue so it looks flatter. Unlike vests, they can be worn under clothing. However, wearing a compression garment all the time is very uncomfortable.

Sweating can be exacerbated by compression garments. Although some garments are breathable, this is not sufficient when the weather is very hot. The buildup of sweat and chafing caused by itchy compression garments may result in skin irritation, back acne, chest acne, or skin rashes.

There is a wide range of confident bodywear available. Some products target only the chest area, while others are meant to be used for the entire upper body.

Taping Your Chest Down

Gynecomastia patients may tape their chests down to make the breasts appear smaller. You can use Ace bandages, duct tape, or even surgical tape.

Tape is used to push down the breast tissue to give the appearance of a flatter chest. The breast tissue is pushed by compressing it. It is, however, a temporary solution. Wearing tight tape or bandages can be uncomfortable. Moreover, many men find it irritating to have to tape their chests constantly. There is nothing more painful than having sticky tape stuck to one’s chest hair. Furthermore, it is unthinkable that anyone could notice that you have taped your chest down. That is embarrassing. Lastly, tape won’t prevent the growth of male breasts.

Wearing Layers and Undershirts

There are some men who wear multiple undershirts or layers of clothing in order to conceal manboobs. Wearing layers makes it harder to discern a man’s breast size. The coverage provided by thicker fabrics and knits is greater than that provided by thin fabrics. In addition, gynecomastia patients are subjected to uncomfortable heat during most of the year due to the high temperatures in this area of the world. It is not always feasible to wear layers to camouflage breast size.

How To Hide Manboobs With Clothes

A good option for hiding gynecomastia with a t-shirt is an athletic fit t-shirt if you’re in reasonable shape. You appear to have nothing but pec muscles underneath.

Wearing waistcoats, or vests is a good idea. TStiffer fabrics provide flattering results. For everyday wear, casual vests commonly have a matte finish as opposed to formal ones.

You should wear jackets, whether they are buttoned or unbuttoned, only if they do not strain over your chest.

In warmer or less formal situations, a casual shirt left unbuttoned over a dark t-shirt is more concealing than one with buttons.

When possible, wear a necktie. It consists of one continuous vertical stripe. If you tuck your tie into the front of your vest, you have a good reason to have a little bulk there.

To draw attention away from your chest, wear bold statement pieces such as a two-toned suede shoe or a steel watch.

Improve Your Posture

You may have rounded shoulders from unconsciously (or consciously) hunching forward in order to cover up your gynecomastia if you have lived with the condition for a considerable period of time.

Despite the fact that it is understandable, it is not in your best interests. Research indicates that good posture increases testosterone levels and that hunching adds a flaw to your appearance, rather than eliminating it.

Once you have begun dressing in flattering ways, you should begin standing up straighter. If you practice in the mirror, you may be surprised to see how good you look when you stick your chest out. Stand up straight with your shoulders back. This will open up your shoulders and make them appear more like pecs, thus helping to counterbalance bumps on your chest.

 Make Dark Colors Your Friend

Furthermore, selecting the right color can also help conceal those embarrassing man boobs. Avoid lighter colors since they tend to highlight your body’s contours.

Consider dark colors as your friend instead. In the same way as complex patterns, dark colors, such as black, have a slimming effect. Additionally, they reduce the contrast between your garments and the light coming from the environment by hiding shadows.

Hide Big Issues with Small Patterns

Patterns can definitely be used to camouflage the problem area. However, you must select these patterns carefully.

Make use of small patterns that do not feature a lot of color contrast. A gray-and-black plaid or small blue checks on a darker blue background are suitable examples.

Thicker Fabrics are Best

If you live in a colder climate, wearing thicker fabrics or several layers of clothing may help to conceal your man boobs. Opt for a denser fabric over clingy or sheer fabrics, which will only draw attention to your moobs.

For those living in more temperate climates, tightly woven textiles offer a certain amount of concealment.

Shirts that feel rigid and starchy, rather than thin and feathery, should be preferred, but bulky, heavily detailed pockets will only draw attention to the chest.

White Colors Are Not Your Friend

Wearing white or light colors will make your chest seem even larger. Opt for dark or neutral colors instead.

Choosing shirts that complement the color of your eyes or hair will not make your chest appear smaller, but it will still look sharp

FAQ’S

Man-Boobs: What Are They?

Weight gain in the chest may lead to enlarged breasts, or “man boobs.” The appearance of man boobs can be caused by an excess of fat storage in the chest area or by a hormonal imbalance known as gynecomastia.

How can men reduce their chest fat?

Despite the fact that the breast enlargement may appear to be unsettling to some, there are ways in which men can eliminate unwanted excess fat in the chest. Weight loss is a good start by reducing fat cells from fat-burning exercises. Building muscle mass in the chest muscles will reduce some extra fat in the surrounding upper body.

What is spot reduction to reduce body fat?

Spot reduction of body fat or the idea that you can lose weight in one particular area doesn’t really apply when trying to lose weight.

What is the best way to get started?

Take the necessary steps to begin making small changes that can be maintained for the rest of your life.

By concealing man boobs, compression vests and shirts can improve your self-confidence.

Confident body wear can be worn under any outfit and still achieve the best results. Your man boobs will never be exposed, nor will anyone ever know you are wearing underwear.

Undergarments of this type are made of materials such as neoprene that adhere to the body and provide torso stability. In addition to concealing man boobs, they may reduce the risk of injuries during workout sessions.

Confident bodywear is available in a variety of designs and sizes. While some products are designed only for use on the chest, others are designed to be used throughout the upper body.

What Men Need to Know Before Getting Gynecomastia Surgery.

by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Sep 20, 2021 | Gynecomastia

How Common is Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the breast tissue in males. It causes men a great deal of embarrassment. Gynecomastia surgery has continued to increase in popularity among men. The number of men seeking surgical improvement to their chests continues to increase.

As a result of hormonal surges during puberty, male breast tissue may develop. Breast tissue may shrink after puberty in some cases, but in many cases, the breasts remain enlarged. This is called persistent pubertal gynecomastia. According to statistics, asymptomatic gynecomastia affects 60% to 90% of young boys, 50% to 60% of teenagers, and up to 70% of older men aged 50 to 69 years.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) 2018 Plastic Surgery Report, approximately 25,000 male breast reduction procedures were performed in the U.S. last year, marking a 22 percent increase since 2000.  Additionally, according to Mayo Clinic research, men aged between 50 and 69 are affected by gynecomastia, and gynecomastia surgery (also known as male breast reduction ) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States.

Gynecomastia is commonly caused by hormonal imbalances during puberty, weight gain, use of anabolic steroids by bodybuilders, and marijuana use. Male breast enlargement can also be caused by other medications.

How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia usually occurs in one or both breasts.  The breast enlargement (gynecomastia) may be asymmetrical or larger or smaller from side to side. Breast self-examinations, also known as the “pinch test”, typically reveal a palpable, tender, firm, mobile, disc-like mound of tissue. Unlike breast cancer, this tissue is soft and has a central location under the nipple-areolar complex.

Palpable masses that are unilateral, firm, fixed, circumscribed, and involve only one breast but are associated with abnormal discharge from the breast, changes in the skin, or enlarged lymph nodes, suggest breast cancer and invite thorough evaluation, including mammographic and MRI imaging studies.

In the United States, 1% of all breast cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 60.

Causes of Gynecomastia

Many factors can lead to hormonal imbalances that cause male breast growth, and often times the cause is unknown.

Besides body changes such as puberty and aging, there are a number of other factors that lead to gynecomastia:

• Testicular injuries and diseases
• Thyroid disease, kidney failure, or pituitary gland tumor.
• Obesity, which can result in more estrogen
• Illegal drugs, including steroids, pot, and  heroin
• Some young boys may experience the condition briefly while their mothers’ hormones still affect their bodies.

Medication That May Cause Gynecomastia

• Anti-androgens. These are drugs that treat an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer.
• Anabolic steroids. In an effort to improve their performance, athletes sometimes use anabolic steroids illicitly. Blood tests can detect this in the bloodstream.
• HIV drugs. An HIV treatment that is called “highly active antiretroviral therapy” may cause gynecomastia as a side effect.
• Heart medications. Gynecomastia can sometimes be caused by certain drugs, such as digoxin (Lanoxin) and calcium channel blockers.
• Medications help empty your stomach. Metoclopramide Reglan ) can have gynecomastia as a side effect.
• Ulcer drugs. There are some over-the-counter medications that can cause gynecomastia, such as cimetidine and Tagamet antibiotics. The same can be said of tricyclic antidepressants and certain cancer treatments.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Whenever patients complain of male breast enlargement (gynecomastia), they describe the appearance of an enlarged chest which looks like “women’s breasts on a man.”. Every aspect of their lives is affected by this and they experience an intense feeling of shame and embarrassment.

Male breast reduction surgery is considered to be the gold standard of treatment. During surgery, the breast tissue will be removed along with the excess fat and glandular tissue.  The procedure is usually performed through an incision in the lower half of the nipple-areolar complex and/or by excision of the skin (in the case of very large male breasts). In order to confirm the presence of gynecomastia and rule out the possibility of male breast cancer, it is essential to have your surgeon perform a proper physical examination of your breasts.

It is important to stop taking medications that could cause bleeding, quit smoking, and increase your nutrition so that you will heal and recover from surgery. It is a procedure that is most commonly performed under general anesthesia, but it can also be performed under oral sedation and local anesthesia. Drains are commonly used after surgery to prevent fluid accumulations. To reduce swelling, control bruising, and control pain, compression vests, and icing are often used.

Recovery After Gynecomastia Surgery

For patients with pseudogynecomastia (gynecomastia dues to excess fat only), liposuction may be sufficient to correct their enlarged breasts.   These patients are usually able to return to work in one week and exercise within 3 weeks. Surgery for the removal of excess breast tissue can take 1 to 2 weeks for patients to recover enough to take part in normal activities. The average patient can return to white-collar work in 5-7 days. At 4 weeks and 6 weeks, they can return to the gym for cardio and weightlifting, barring complications from the surgery.

Complications With Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is usually very safe and most patients recover quickly. In spite of every precaution taken, complications can occur. Complications include bruising, bleeding, fluid collections, irregularities in the breast contours, the loss of breast skin, scarring between the breasts, numbness between the breasts, and inverted breasts. Preoperative, postoperative, and perioperative management is crucial for achieving good outcomes.

If you are concerned about gynecomastia and wish to discuss treatment options, you should consult a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area. You can also visit the gynecomastia.org surgeon panel for a referral.

The 5 Most Important Tips to Choose Your Gynecomastia Surgeon

Several important factors should be considered when selecting a gynecomastia surgeon

• Training and certification in plastic surgery
• Good standing with the State Medical Board
• Positive reviews of male breast reduction surgery online by satisfied patients
• Excellent consultation with a doctor whose knowledge you are comfortable with, as well as the thoroughness and kindness of the staff.
• Before and after pictures document the artist’s work.

RELATED: At What Age Can a Teenager Get Gynecomastia Surgery?

FAQ’s

Does gynecomastia go away?

Gynecomastia is associated with puberty.  In most cases, the breast gland tissue (gynecomastia) will resolve without treatment within six months to two years. Most commonly enlarged breasts occur between the ages of 13 and 14 years but can occur as early as 10 years of age. Up to 20 percent of individuals with enlarged breasts continue to experience symptoms after they reach their 17th birthday.

The Causes, Myths & How To Get Rid of Man Boobs

by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Jul 29, 2021 | Gynecomastia

Man Boobs: What Are They?

Male breast enlargement is referred to as gynecomastia. Man boobs are caused when a large amount of fat accumulates in the chest, giving the impression that the male has female breasts. Although man boobs are not dangerous to health, they can cause emotional and psychological problems, such as anxiety, self-consciousness, and low self-confidence.

The Causes of Man Boobs?

In many cases, man boobs are assumed to be the result of simply gaining too much body weight, but the reality is much more complex. Even healthy and young men can suffer from mobs.

Male gynaecomastia has no roots in diabetes, but insulin resistance is.

Every time you eat carbohydrates, you break them down into sugars by the digestive process. The glucose enters the bloodstream directly. Once insulin is released, it remains in the bloodstream. A cell’s glucose is transported by insulin as fuel to its muscles, liver, and other tissues. It also converts excess glucose to triglycerides, and finally delivers this energy to the fat cells. Alternatively, insulin is responsible for causing fat to be stored in the body.

When elevated blood sugar levels are detected, the pancreas produces and releases insulin. Upon consuming a bagel or dessert, insulin is released into the bloodstream, which allows the sugars to be used as energy for other cells and to generate triglycerides and fats. This process is essential for maintaining normal blood sugar levels.

Processed foods and unhealthy lifestyle habits interfere with this natural process. Most people have far too much glucose in their bloodstream on a daily basis. Sugar causes insulin levels to spike as a result.

You will develop insulin resistance if your eating and lifestyle habits cause your blood insulin levels to spike and flow. As a result, your body does not respond to insulin effectively, and your blood sugar levels rise, forcing your pancreas to pump more insulin into your bloodstream.

The outcome is certain to be unhealthy with these hormone changes.

Why Does Insulin Resistance Cause Manboobs?

Among its primary functions in your body is to process the sugar in your bloodstream and to regulate fat metabolism. In the case of excess glucose in your muscles, liver, and other tissues, the remaining sugars are converted to triglycerides by insulin.

The body will cling to excess fat stores, especially fat that results in moobs, as long as the insulin level within your body remains high. By blocking lipolysis, insulin prevents fats from breaking down into ketones. Thus, fat will simply accumulate instead of getting broken down into fuel (in the absence of insulin). As well as blocking fat breakdown, insulin also creates fat.

Insulin resistance contributes to gynaecomastia in an indirect manner but is rarely recognized as a common cause.

Genes

Gynecomastia is a condition associated with insulin resistance and genetics as well. You could develop man boobs due to a well-meaning genetic predisposition if you are both overweight and have healthy eating habits. Sometimes, genetic predispositions with man boobs result in significant moobs.

Myths About Man-Boobs That You Should be Aware of

Thousands of men have been taught to believe the wrong science about gynecomastia because of the internet, which makes spreading misinformation so easy. Specifically, we need to dispel two myths.

Estrogen Blockers Can Get Rid of Manboobs

Often, gynecomastia is attributed to estrogen, but this is not always the case. Gynecomastia is associated with high levels of estrogen in men. Gynecomastia and high estrogen levels may occur concurrently in time and space, indicating a relationship between the two conditions. A simple correlation does not prove a causal link; just because manboobs are correlated with high estrogen does not mean they cause each other.  Man boobs are not caused by estrogen, estrogen blockers can’t remove them.

Estrogen and Manboobs: The Connection

Estrogen is produced by men in two different ways. In the first place, excessive testosterone can result in excessive estrogen production. In addition, fat tissue produces estrogen. Gynecomastia is rare because progesterone prevents fat from building up in a man’s breasts since insulin sensitivity is caused by progesterone. This helps him gain more lean mass and reduce the chances of future breast cancer. Based on this, estrogen is only logically produced from fatty tissues already present in the body.

How does all this relate? Most likely, there is a connection between high estrogen levels in men and insulin resistance and excessive fat mass. Therefore, estrogen blockers would contribute very little to the prevention of man boobs, as estrogen blockers wouldn’t resolve the issue of insulin resistance and excessive fat tissue.

It is predicted that 30% of men will suffer from gynecomastia in the course of their lifetime (also known as “Moobs” or “Man Boobs”). However, the condition is misunderstood. This expert advice can help you take control and learn how to remove man boobs for good if you are one of the millions of men feeling insecure and disappointed by this condition.

Myth: Losing Manboobs Can be Achieved with a Low Estrogen Diet

Given the information presented above, it is reasonable to expect that a diet low in estrogen would be ineffective in eliminating manboobs. Deficiencies in estrogen may benefit other conditions, but eating cruciferous vegetables and avoiding soy will not eliminate gynecomastia. Man boobs can only be reduced by a strategic dietary intervention targeting insulin resistance.

Manboobs: How To Get Rid Of Them

It is possible to overcome your self-consciousness and embarrassment with regard to your manboobs. Diet and exercise modifications can address the root cause of gynecomastia and assist in shaping a chest you can show off on the beach. Here are some tips on how to get rid of manboobs:

Change Your Diet to Reverse Insulin Resistance

Once you have reversed your insulin resistance, you should take steps to reduce your manboobs. No matter how many push-ups you do daily for the rest of your life, you’ll never be able to lose chest fat unless you reverse insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance cannot be reversed overnight. The solution to an ongoing problem must be long-term. Having a balanced blood sugar level and healthy eating habits improve insulin sensitivity.

How effective are creams and pills?

Medications may be prescribed by your physician to correct your hormonal imbalance in the case of gynecomastia. In most cases, gynecomastia will diminish over time without any treatment, but it is important to realize that this is not always the case. Your first step should be to speak to your doctor if you are concerned you have gynecomastia. Your doctor will be able to identify what’s causing it and work out the best treatment option for you.

• such as avocados
• Nuts and almonds
• Leafy greens and broccoli
• Beans and legumes
• Tomatoes and avocados
• The yeast used in brewing
• Chicken, pork, lamb, beef, and chicken
• Caffeine
• Various types of eggs
• Vinegar of apple cider

The combination of reducing sugar and carb intake while maximizing your body’s response to insulin is a powerful method for reducing insulin resistance.

The testosterone therapy may also be able to help you achieve insulin sensitivity faster. Testosterone optimization increases lean mass and insulin sensitivity by consuming free blood sugar (which consumes free sugar). However, you must work with a medical professional that has experience with testosterone enhancement products.

Plan Your Exercise Regimen

Changing your diet should be accompanied by a targeted fitness plan. Runners not only need to focus on running every week, but they will also need to develop a structured exercise program that will tone your chest and minimize the appearance of gynecomastia.

When All Else Fails, Consider Plastic Surgery

Unless you have inherited the condition, your gynecomastia probably will not respond to natural treatment methods. Plastic surgery could be a real possibility in this situation. Various gynecomastia surgery options are available, but an experienced gynecomastia surgeon is recommended. Gynecomastia is a surgical procedure that removes excess breast fat+, breasts gland tissue, and sculpts your upper body to create the desired appearance. Breast reduction surgery has very high patient satisfaction with the gynecomastia condition.

Conclusion

The last thing you want is to have a man boob problem. Taking the time to understand the causes of gynecomastia and consulting with a compassionate and experienced healthcare provider who understands your goals will help you to achieve a more sculpted and healthy physique. There are non-surgical options of gynecomastia diet, exercise, and chest muscle development.  In order to reduce or eliminate man boobs, certain medications can be prescribed by a physician. In the unlikely event that all else fails, male breast reduction surgery can provide a cure for this condition.  Selecting a gynecomastia specialist with experience is important.

FAQ

Is it a Serious Health Risk?

In general, gynecomastia will not cause serious problems, but it can be distressing, isolating, and difficult to deal with. It is possible, however, that it may be associated with a more serious medical condition. You should see your physician as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Nipples that are swollen, tender, or breast tenderness
• Nipple discharge
• Your nipples have changed appearance, for example, if they have become inverted
• Loss of body hair and lumps in the testicles, among other symptoms in other parts of the body

Should you notice any lumps over your breasts tissue, you should immediately consult your physician because these should be examined as soon as possible. If you are experiencing distress as a result of this condition, you should consult your physician – they can determine the root cause, as well as provide you with the necessary treatment and support.

How Effective are Creams and Pills?

Medications may be prescribed by your physician to correct your hormonal imbalance in the case of gynecomastia. In most cases, gynecomastia will diminish over time without any treatment, but it is important to realize that this is not always the case. Your first step should be to speak to your doctor if you are concerned you have gynecomastia. Your doctor will be able to identify what’s causing it and work out the best treatment option for you.

How Can I Reduce My Chest Fat?

By following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, the majority of people can reduce chest fat and body fat. There are many types of exercise that can be performed, from HIIT to strength training. It is generally best to combine different types of exercise.

It is also possible to have excess body fat due to health conditions. Increases in chest fat can be caused, for instance, by hormonal changes or gynecomastia. These individuals should consult a physician about treatment options to get rid of man boobs.

Signs and Symptoms of High Estrogen (Gynecomastia): Diagnosis, Treatment, and More

by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Jul 23, 2021 | Gynecomastia

Estrogen in Men: Signs and Symptoms

Both men and women possess the same hormones, testosterone, and estrogen. The estrogen levels in women are higher, and the serum testosterone levels in men are higher. As is the case in women, estrogen also plays a significant role in the sexual function of men. There are some medications that may cause an excessive amount of estrogen to be produced in the body.

Your hormone levels can be identified by the results of the test if your estrogen or progesterone levels are too high or too low. In addition, you may also develop low testosterone or low progesterone levels in your body, which may disturb your hormonal imbalance. It is possible for men or women to experience symptoms of menopause associated with high estrogen levels, or even low testosterone levels. Blood tests are often used to determine whether your levels of a particular substance are too high or too low.

Both high and low estrogen levels can cause some long-term complications or indicate that there’s an underlying condition that should be treated. Here’s what you need to know.

How Much Estrogen Does a Man Normally Produce?

Estrone and estradiol are the two major types of estrogen in men. Picograms are measured per milliliter (pg/ml). The following summarizes the averages:

There are two types of estrogen: estrone and estradiol

• Prepubescent male, between 16 and 13 picograms
• Pubescent male weighing between 60 and 40 picograms
• Male adult, 10-60 picograms to 10-40 picograms

Here Are Some of The Main Symptoms of High Estrogen Levels

• Problems related to fertility. A key factor in the production of sperm is the hormone estrogen. High estrogen levels have been shown to adversely affect sperm production and, as a consequence, can make it more difficult for women to conceive.

• Gynecomastia in men. Manboobs are an enlargement of the male breast tissue caused by increased estrogen levels in the body. Gynecomastia can be caused by high levels. Breast tissue in this area is abnormally high.

• The condition is known as erectile dysfunction (ED). Having an increase in estrogen can affect the balance of hormones that are essential for obtaining and maintaining an erection. Low testosterone is especially relevant if you are also experiencing slowed growth. Short stature or delayed puberty may also be a consequence of excess estrogen.

• Closure of the epiphysis. It is possible for male adolescents to have short stature when estrogen levels are high.

The following is a list of possible symptoms of high estrogen that may occur in conjunction with other hormone imbalances:

• Reduced sexual activity
• Semen concentration of sperm is reduced
• Feeling fatigued
• Loss of hair on your entire body
• Muscle mass is decreasing
• Reduction in the size of the penis and testicles
• (hot flashes) a sudden feeling of being hot
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Gynecomastia – male breast enlargement

Causes of High Estrogen in Men

Your body is capable of producing a great deal of estrogen, either independently or in conjunction with less testosterone. Some medications and substances can increase estrogen levels, including:

• Anxiety
• A type of antibiotic
• There are many different herbs and natural substances, such as ginkgo or ginseng
• Phenothiazines (used to treat mental disorders) are pharmacologically active

You can also inherit high estrogen levels from your parents. A number of health conditions can also lead to an increase in estrogen levels, including:

• Gaining weight under stress or becoming obese
• Liver diseases
• Hypergonadism, for instance, affects hormone balances

Men With Low Estrogen Levels Can Cause Gynecomastia or Enlarged Breasts in Men

Low estrogen levels are not usually a problem for men.

However, you may experience some of the same symptoms if you are deficient in estrogen. It is because estrogen imbalances can occur as a consequence of hypogonadism, a condition in which your body produces fewer hormones than normal.

Hypogonadism decreases levels of estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones, which causes many of the symptoms that have been associated with high estrogen levels.

Causes of Low Estrogen 

Low estrogen due to hypogonadism can have a number of possible causes, including:

• Hyperparathyroidism, also known as Addison’s disease
• Testicles that do not descend because of kidney or liver problems
• Radiation exposure
• Surgery on the penis or testicles
• Pituitary gland conditions
• sarcoidosis
• The tuberculous infection
• histiocytosis
• The condition of being obese
• Loss of weight quickly
• Nutritional deficiencies and lack of vitamins
• Neurosurgery
• The pituitary gland has a tumor on it or close to it

If your doctor suspects that you may have low or high levels of estrogen, they will conduct a laboratory blood test.

Your results should be available within a week. The level of estrogen in your blood is measured in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Your doctor will inform you of the next steps after receiving your results.

There is no need to take any action if they appear to be normal. Your doctor will make a recommendation if your levels are too high or too low so that you can achieve a balanced estrogen level.

Managing Estrogen Levels in Men

Here are some of the possible treatments a doctor may recommend to help control your estrogen levels.

Medication

Aromatase inhibitors prevent an enzyme known as aromatase from turning androgens or testosterone into estrogen. In spite of this, research indicates that they do not have such a powerful effect.

The medication is not usually prescribed as a treatment, but if clinically indicated, it can help patients reduce their estrogen levels. Anastrozole (Arimidex) or exemestane (Aromasin) can be taken as medications.

Aromatase inhibitors are not as effective for the treatment of gynecomastia as SERMS, but they may have other clinical applications, including those involving breast cancer or boys with short stature. It is also possible to obtain aromatase inhibitors in natural forms, such as wild nettle root, maca, and grapeseed extract. It is important to discuss these natural options with your healthcare provider first.

Low Estrogen Diet

Maintaining a low estrogen level can also be achieved by making dietary changes.  Fiber-rich, low-fat diets are best for controlling estrogen levels. The following foods may be included in this type of diet:

• As a result of cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and kale) containing phytochemicals, estrogen is decreased
• Aromatase activity is naturally reduced by mushrooms such as shiitake and portobello
• As well as whole grains, sesame seeds and flaxseeds provide a micronutrient called polyphenols, which is found in many grains, including oats, corn, and rice
• Green tea also contains polyphenols
• Phytochemicals in pomegranates block estrogen production

The consumption of meat treated with synthetic hormones may contain estrogen, so they should be avoided. In addition to the following products, you should also avoid:

• Wraps or containers made of plastic that absorb food
• Paraben-containing shampoos that contain estrogen

Exercise and Fitness to Reduce Gynecomastia

• Maintaining a healthy weight can also reduce your estrogen levels:
• Make a plan to get a physical to check your overall health
• You should exercise for 15 to 30 minutes every day, and gradually increase the amount of time as you become comfortable
• Alternate between cardio and strength training on different days
• Take up regular exercise by joining a gym

Risks of Having High Estrogen as a Grown Adult

High levels of estrogen in a male increase your risk of certain conditions, including:

• Gynecomastia or large male breast tissue
• A diabetic state
• Strokes caused by blood clots
• Breast and prostate cancers are among these cancers.

Conclusion:

Having high estrogen levels or having low estrogen levels can both cause various long-term health problems or be a signal that a deeper problem must be addressed.

In case you think you may have abnormal levels of estrogen in your body, you should consult with a gynecomastia doctor as soon as possible.

FAQ’s

Can Gynecomastia Go Away?

Gynecomastia often goes away without treatment in less than two years. Treatment may be necessary if gynecomastia doesn’t improve on its own or if it causes significant pain, tenderness, or embarrassment. Enlarged breasts in men can also be psudogynecomastia and exercise and diet can reduce the fatty tissue of the breast to enhance a body changes.

How Do You Make Gynecomastia Go Away?

Gynecomastia is very common among men aged between 50 and 85. Various conditions can result in this condition, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as side effects of medications. It is possible to reduce the amount of breast tissue by treating or managing these underlying health conditions, or by ceasing use of any medications that may be causing gynecomastia. Enlarged breasts in men and boys is a treatable condition and your doctor can guide you in the right direction.

It is possible to undergo male breast reduction surgery if gynecomastia does not resolve on its own. In addition to or instead of surgery, hormone therapy, or other medication, men who are willing to wear compression shirts can reduce the appearance of gynecomastia.

Losing weight may help to improve the condition of breast tissue resulting from the growth of fat (pseudogynecomastia). Pseudo-gynecomastia can sometimes be treated with liposuction in order to remove excess fat.

Does Testosterone Reduce Gynecomastia?

You should also consider treating low T in addition to gynecomastia. Age is associated with a decline in testosterone levels in men. It is for this reason that many older men seek testosterone replacement therapy. There are a number of treatment options available:

• Gels for the skin
• A patch
• The injection of drugs

The results of testosterone replacement therapy are usually noticeable in men. The following often improves for them:

• Energized
• Intense sexual desire
• An erection
• The act of sleeping
• Mass of muscle

Additionally, their outlook and mood may improve as a result of the treatment. Gynecomastia can be resolved with testosterone replacement therapy in men who have low testosterone levels.

Can Gynecomastia Go Away with Exercise?

Is it possible to remove gynecomastia by exercising? The answer is unfortunately no. Patients who make lifestyle changes such as exercising more or eating a healthier diet will find plenty of health benefits, but changes in gynecomastia symptoms are unlikely to occur. The root cause of gynecomastia is not related to weight at all – rather, it is commonly caused by hormones that cause male breast tissue to grow. This is an important distinction between gynecomastia breast gland tissue and pseudogynecomastia, which is a similar condition. Unlike gynecomastia, which is caused by a number of factors, including hormones and specific medical conditions, pseudogynecomastia is only caused by obesity.

Most patients lack good information regarding whether they suffer from gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia, and without this knowledge, it is harder to determine how to treat their gynecomastia condition. There are several ways to distinguish between, despite the fact gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia that their primary symptom is the appearance of the breasts. Consulting a gynecomastia doctor can help in the diagnosis.