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.
by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Sep 10, 2021 | Gynecomastia
Young man with man-boobs
A 4 Point Guide To Help You Get in Shape & Get Rid of Man Boobs
The National Institute of Health defines gynecomastia, commonly referred to as man boobs, as a benign abnormal growth of male breast tissue. It is typically caused by an increase in estrogen, a decrease in testosterone, or a combination of these factors. In adults as well as in infants, gynecomastia may affect men of all ages. Gynecomastia may affect one or both breasts.
In this article, we will describe the second type of man boobs called pseudogynecomastia which develops when fat deposits increase. Typically, overweight or obese males are affected by this condition. In both cases, there should be no cause for concern, but, as you can imagine, the symptoms of being overweight and hormonal imbalance may not be pleasant. Making an appointment with your doctor is always recommended in either scenario.
It is true that “man boobs” might sound like a cute name and something to chuckle at, but those who experience them can find themselves feeling incredibly self-conscious. The importance of considering people’s feelings cannot be overstated.
Here are some tips that will help you or someone you know to get rid of man boobs, which are the result of increased fat deposits, including increasing muscle mass (especially in the chest), losing body fat, and thus minimizing their appearance.
1. Make an Appointment with Your Doctor
It is always advisable to consult your physician prior to implementing any new diet or exercise program. There is no way to go wrong with this strategy. It is important that you communicate your concerns and your objectives to your physician so that he or she can approve your plan.
Request from your doctor:
Make sure to have your doctor look at your hormone levels to see if that is the cause for your man boobs.
2. Clean Up Your Diet
Gynecomastia diet – low in estrogen and high in testosterone
There is no question that a healthy diet and caloric deficit have a significant impact on weight loss. Setting a goal and tracking your daily food intake is the first step. The majority of people are unaware of the amount of food they consume, so food tracking can be an eye-opener. In addition, if you are trying to lose weight, you may want to reduce the amount of these 5 food groups you consume.
- Foods Containing Sugar – As a general rule, it is recommended that you avoid sugary foods and drinks when attempting to lose weight. However, it is important not to simply avoid blatant sugar bombs, but also to avoid hidden sugar. In addition to cereals, bread, and other grains, granola bars, juices, energy drinks, meal replacement bars, and powdered milk, sugar hides in many other foods.
Sugar
- Foods That Are Ultra Processed – Our inability to lose weight is caused in large part by excessively processed foods. The ingredients used in processed foods, such as GMO ingredients, artificial sweeteners, soybeans, vegetable oils (like canola and sunflower), and inferior meats, pose serious health risks. Using these chemicals, antibiotics, and endocrine disruptors can lead to hormonal imbalances, which will end up counteracting your weight loss.
Highly processed foods
- Gluten – The Beyond Celiac website reports that approximately 18 million Americans have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Consequently, even if you do not have celiac disease, gluten can still trigger an inflammatory reaction in your body if you are sensitive to gluten. Such sensitivities or intolerances can then prevent weight loss and cause a variety of other health problems.
Gluten
- Dairy Products and Inflammatory Effects – Inflammatory effects of dairy products are similar to those of gluten. It is important to note that inflammation is the underlying cause of most diseases, including obesity and weight gain. Moreover, if you have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, dairy products may result in uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating and digestive discomfort.
Dairy products
- Food with low-fat content – Researchers have proved that high-fat diets can help burn more calories than those on low-fat diets, based on studies involving avocado, coconut products, butter, ghee, and extra virgin olive oil.
Foods low in fat
Note:
Getting the hang of food tracking may take you one or two weeks, but do not give up! In no time, you will be a pro when it comes to calculating portion sizes. When it comes to having a healthy and happy gut, don’t forget about prebiotics and probiotics!
3. Bodyweight Training
Body weight exercises
Bodyweight exercises are excellent because they recruit a number of muscle groups, which leads to higher calorie expenditure. Therefore, do not limit yourself to chest area exercises alone. It is correct that push-ups are excellent examples of bodyweight exercises for the chest! Yet did you know that push-ups also require activation of your arms, shoulders, back, core, and glutes as well as requiring you to engage your legs?
Note:
As you place your hands wider during a push-up, your chest is forced to work harder. You do not have to go very fast. It may be beneficial to change the tempo of the push-up and to do some really slowly as well.
4. Strength Training Through Lifting Weights
Weight training by lifting weights
Instead of doing endless cardio to burn fat, you should concentrate on building chest muscle. Muscle is also a highly energy-consuming tissue, so the more muscle you possess the more calories you will burn at rest. In terms of chest area exercises, chest presses and cable chest flies are excellent examples.
Note:
Make sure you do more than chest exercises that are gear strictly to build chest muscles. Training with an all-body approach is crucial (to losing fat). Men’s testosterone levels can be boosted by exercise, which (among other things) helps to build and maintain muscle mass.
Myth or Fact: Is it Really Possible to Fully Get Rid of Man Boobs
The amount of fat tissue and the degree of elasticity in the skin really determine the degree of man boobs or the grade of gynecomastia. Losing weight may also result in your losing your man boobs. The skin might also hang loosely when a lot of fat needs to be lost. If you have lost weight, there are surgical procedures to remove excess skin, but you need to take a moment to appreciate your accomplishment! It’s not easy to lose weight. You must be dedicated to your health and to yourself. Ultimately, if you still have excess skin, the surgical procedure is up to you.
Conclusion
A man’s worst nightmare is to have man boob. In order to achieve a more sculpted and healthy physique, it is important to understand the causes of gynecomastia and consult an experienced and knowledgeable healthcare professional to guild you through the various options. There are non-surgical options of diet, exercise, and chest muscle development. Certain medications can be prescribed by a physician to reduce or eliminate man boobs. If all other treatments fail, then male breast reduction surgery may provide a cure for this condition. An experienced gynecomastia specialist should be selected.
FAQ’s
Can Moobs Go Away?
Man boobs can be extremely discouraging. There is no discrimination against those affected by gynecomastia, a disorder in which boys and men develop breast tissue similar to that of women. It makes no distinction between your physique, your good or bad qualities, your height, or your weight.
You may develop male boobs if your hormones are not in balance. As many as 30% of male adolescents and boys suffer from this condition. As a result of the hormonal changes in boys, it is not uncommon for boys ages 8 to 18 to develop breasts that resemble those of women.
Man boobs often go away in adolescent males in 80% of cases. If the gynecomastia breast tissue does not resolve within two years it is usually permanent. If the man boobs are caused by fat build-up called “fake gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia” it can be very effectively treated with weight loss and it can go away on its own. Removing medications that may cause it may be reversed if stopped.
There are times when the condition persists even after the teen years. Men can find that situation extremely awkward at that point. It is important to remember that gynecomastia is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, rather than anything men can control. As a consequence, every man’s endocrine system produces both estrogen (the “female hormone”) and testosterone (the “male hormone”). As we enter puberty, our bodies get in tune with each other: testosterone helps teenage boys become men (testicles, muscle development).
For some men (and women), however, these processes get confused and the wrong type of hormone is produced in the body, causing a woman to become a woman (menstrual activity and breast formation). This often leads to the development of excess breast tissue in men who normally only have a thin layer of breast tissue. Using appropriate hormonal medicine, mild cases of gynecomastia can be successfully treated. However, sometimes the pills are not effective. If you are embarrassed by your man boobs, there are several surgical procedures available to reduce the size of your breasts.
How Can I Reduce My Chest Fat?
The majority of males and females can effectively reduce chest fat by following a healthful diet and exercising regularly. It is possible, however, that a medical condition may be causing the chest fat in some instances.
It is important to have strong chest muscles so that you can lift, push, and control your arms effectively. It is still possible to build excess fat in this area of the body, and some individuals may wonder how they can reduce it.
Here are some of the best ways to lose chest fat for men and women
Eating plenty of vegetables can help a person manage their weight.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) and Weight Loss
Using body mass index (BMI), we can estimate body fat percentage. BMI can be calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms (kg) by their height in meters squared. The calculation of BMI can be done online using a number of tools, including some using imperial measurements.
In accordance with the American Heart Association (AHA), people with a BMI:
- Underweight is more than 18.5
- In a moderate weight range, 18.5 to 24.
- 25 to 29.9 percent of the population has obesity
- 30 or more have obesity
- Obesity is defined as “extreme” in people over 40
A combination of diet and exercise can help people with a BMI of 25 or higher lose body fat.
Chest fat cannot be lost just by targeting a specific area of the body. Genetic differences lead to different people gaining and losing fat more easily in different areas of the body.
Muscle building in the chest, however, can help tone the area.
It is possible to lose weight with many diets, but since diets work differently for everyone, there is no single best diet for fat loss.
Trusted Source compared 609 overweight adults with a healthy low-fat diet and a healthful low-carb diet in the DIETFITS study. Over a 12-month period, both diets produced similar weight loss results.
Weight loss diets such as intermittent fasting and caloric restriction are popular. On certain days, one restricts calories or takes periodic breaks from eating.
During their review of Trusted Source’s 2018 review, they confirmed that intermittent fasting reduces weight. Yet, many participants in the reviewed studies stopped participating, suggesting that intermittent fasting may not be possible for everyone.
The following are general dietary guidelines to help you manage your weight:
- consuming a diet rich in whole foods and vegetables
- Limiting the consumption of highly processed foods
- Consuming less sugary foods and beverages
- A balanced diet should consist of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats
- Be careful not to consume excessive amounts of food
- Alcohol intake
- Food journals are used to track dietary intake
- Weight loss goals that are realistic
Exercise
- Fat loss can be achieved with high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
- An analysis of 2017 Trusted Source findings compared high-intensity interval training with moderate-intensity continuous exercise as both methods reduce body fat, but high-intensity interval training takes up 40% less time.
Will Chest Workouts Get Rid of Moobs?
This Upper Chest Workout Will Help You Lose Your Man Boobs for Good
Chest workouts will significantly reshape the chest to a masculine shape and size. However, these exercises do not necessarily remove breast glandular tissue. However, a focused chest routine can make a great difference.
A focused and intense upper chest workout is the best way to lose man boobs and look fit.
You don’t have to be overweight or out of shape to have man boobs. Despite being quite fit, you can still acquire a fine pair of man boobs. It is actually quite simple to figure out how to get rid of man boobs.
There are several facts to consider: Chest and upper chest workouts often target your three chest muscles as one single unit because middle and lower chest muscles are usually stronger than upper and middle chest muscles, so it is easy to overcompensate for these muscles during a chest workout. In other words, in a good upper chest workout, the exercises that are most effective at eliminating man boobs can be found.
Exercising your upper chest muscles (also called the pectoralis major), strengthening them and building their size and strength to give you the pecs of your dreams. Performing your chest exercises at an angle of 25 to 45 degrees is a good way to achieve this. Two times per week, perform these five exercises either in conjunction with your regular weight training day or after a quick cardio session.
Choose slightly heavier weights than what you are used to, weights that you are capable of performing two sets of six to eight repetitions using rather than the more typical three sets of ten to twelve repetitions.
Exercise #1: Incline Dumbbell Press
Get comfortable on an inclined bench of 35-45 degrees. Place hands at your chest while holding a dumbbell at your elbows. As you lift dumbbells over your chest with your arms straight, inhale and then exhale. Lower your head to your chest and inhale.
Exercise #2: Low Cable Crossovers:
You should adjust your cable pulleys to ankle or shin height. With your right hand, hold a pulley. Distance yourself from the machine by three to four feet and place your feet shoulder-width apart. Holding your back and arm straight, raise your right arm in front of you on a diagonal plane until it reaches chest height at the left side of your body. Let your arm hang by your right side while slowly releasing it. Follow the same procedure on the left.
Exercise #3: Reverse Grip Barbell Bench Press
Get comfortable on an inclined bench of 35-45 degrees. Hands shoulder-width apart, elbows bent, with a barbell positioned at chest height. Secure your thumbs around the bar for safety. With your arms straight and palms facing your head (forwards), raise the bar directly above your chest. Lift the barbell toward your chest and inhale.
Exercise #4: Landmine Chest Press
4-6 sets of presses should be done with a bar weight. You can secure the bar by putting the far end of it in your gym’s safety box. Place the far end in a corner of the gym floor or on another secure wedge for stability if you don’t have a box. You should be able to touch the near end of the bar when your elbows are bent completely. Then put one hand on top of the other and wrap them around the bar at the near end. Your weight will be supported subtly by the bar as you lean forward. Straighten your arms until your hands are in the air. Put your back to the ground.
Move #5 in the Upper Chest Workout: Incline Dumbbell Flyes
Sit back on an inclined bench at a 30-degree angle. Raise either hand of a dumbbell straight up to the sky. Let your elbows bend slightly and drop your arms to the sides (don’t let them fall below shoulder height). You should feel a stretch in your chest after holding for five counts. Put your hands directly above your chest and squeeze your chest muscles once again.
Exercise #6: High-Grip Machine Chest Flyes
Sit down for your next set of flyes. The flyes with this machine are performed by holding your grip up above the handles and squeezing your chest muscles for five counts.
What foods cause man breasts?
Don’t Eat These Foods that Cause Gynecomastia
When going to the beach or working out at the gym, taking your shirt off can make you feel acutely embarrassed. In addition to wearing clothes that cover your puffy nipples, you may not dare to wear certain styles out of fear of revealing your enlarged chest. Traditional chest sculpting exercises are not always able to cure man boobs, making the problem doubly frustrating.
Gynecomastia Causes and Factors
To effectively combat man boobs, you must first understand what causes the condition. Genetics, age, weight fluctuations, and hormones can all contribute to excess breast tissue in males.
Gynecomastia can also be caused by a poor diet. A high-fat, high-carb, high-sugar diet is obviously bad for everyone, but excessive weight gain can also result in bulges all over the body, especially in the breast area. In the same way that women who gain weight often have to increase their cup size, men who bulk up may develop man boobs.
There are also certain foods that contain hormones and other chemicals that mimic estrogen’s effects. The foods that fuel gynecomastia should be avoided if you wish to smooth the contours of your chest by yourself.
1. Food that Has Been Processed
While processed meals can be convenient, you could promote further weight gain and more prominent man boobs by cutting corners with your diet. Foods of this type usually contain high amounts of sodium, sugar, and preservatives. Also, any food contained in a can or plastic container could contain polycarbonate or bisphenol A, which can improve your level of testosterone.
Put colorful, fresh produce in your cart instead. Rather than walking around the store aisles, where empty calories and mystery ingredients tend to live, stick mostly to the perimeter of the store. At mealtimes, make sure that you have fruits and vegetables on your plate at least half the time.
2. Produce from Soybeans
The soy alternatives to dairy products such as edamame, tofu, and tempeh are high in protein, but if you’re trying to lose your man boobs, you should stay away from soy products. Phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, are abundant in soybean. It appears that they are molecularly similar enough to mimic the estrogenic effects of consumption even though they are not identical.
3. Dairy Products and Eggs
Traditional wisdom says eggs, milk, and cheese are low in fat and high in protein, which are great for slimming down and building lean muscle tissue. Additionally, these products include hormones found in chickens and cows, which are identical to human hormonal production.
Obviously, chickens must produce more estrogen for their eggs to mature, while cows need more estrogen for their milk to produce calf milk. As a result, you are feeding your body female hormones when you consume these products. If you buy milk and eggs that claim they are hormone-free, that just means that no extra hormones have been added to the ingredients; they are already hormone-free.
4. Beer
Although beer is stereotypically associated with men, you could actually be putting on a feminine look with it. Beer is naturally estrogenic because of the grains used to make it. Additionally, beer is largely empty calories. Get rid of man boobs by reducing your beer consumption.
by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Jul 31, 2021 | Gynecomastia
Puffy nipples are a common occurrence in both men and boys. The prominent puffy nipple result from protruding breast tissue directly underneath the nipple complex. This condition is called gynecomastia, also known as manboobs. It can be due to hormone imbalance during puberty, anabolic steroids, and medication, medical conditions, or even excess fat. The 4 ways to get rid of puffy nipples are diet, exercise, supplements, and lastly, male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery. Here is some great advice to get you started in the right direction.
Dietary Tips to Reduce Puffy Nipples
Excessive Dietary Fat and Changing Your Diet Can Improve The Appearance of Puffy Nipples.
The food that you consume plays a critical role in how you look and feel. If you want to seriously change how you look and feel about your chest, a lifestyle change is the best way to be successful. If you know that your puffy nipple is due to excess body fat you need to look into your diet and first get rid of junk food and fast food because these are the key component that will result in puffy nipples. Cutting back on foods with high saturated fats is critical to a low-calorie or low-fat diet which will reduce body fat.
A food source that is low in estrogen levels will help to balance your hormone levels. These foods are vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower are known as cruciferous vegetables and are low in estrogen. Consume more foods that promote testosterone levels such as low-fat yogurt, egg yolks, kale, barriers, macadamia nuts, tuna, tomatoes, and olives.
A low-calorie diet that is low in sugar should be created and maintained for the desired results. Alcohol is high in calories and should be reduced if not eliminated. Beer has a direct relation to estrogen production and beer not only can cause a beer belly by increasing the body’s visceral fat but moobs as well.
So, let’s focus on a low-estrogen diet, a high testosterone diet, and a low-fat diet. This will reduce the overall body weight which includes extra fat but not excess breast tissue of the breast. By improving the hormone levels in the diet the estrogen and testosterone levels will be more balanced.
Dietary Supplements To Try To Reduce Puffiness of Nipples
Supplements are a good addition to the overall treatment plan to reduce nipples that protrude. Oral herbal supplements can be a more natural approach to reducing puffy nipple by increasing the testosterone level. For men with low testosterone levels taking supplements will be most effective.
Some of the most common dietary herbal supplements are:
Ginger – Is also called Zingiber officinal, it has been used for medicine and spices in food for centuries. Ginger contains phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory properties. The compounds responsible for this effect are gingerol, shogaol, and parado. The role of ginger and its components have been the study on its effect on chronic disease for two decades. The results have shown strong health benefits. Scientists have looked at the major component of ginger which is gingerols. This component of ginger has been shown to target pathways to chronic diseases and has the capacity to reverse or prevent chronic illness. Ginger can be used safely as a medicinal food derivative in preventing chronic diseases.
Fenugreek – Has been shown to increase testosterone levels and boost sperm levels. A Trusted Source study, 2017, evaluated 50 males who took the Fenugreek oral supplements for 12 weeks. Eighty-five percent of the males had an increased sperm count. This resulted in increased libido, mood, and mental alertness.
Turmeric – This is similar to ginger with antioxidant properties which has significant amounts of curcumin.
Ashwagandha supplements – This may have a positive effect on testosterone levels. It has been evaluated more for its effect on male fertility than puffy nipple size. Trusted Source study, in 2010, determined that ashwagandha increased the levels of testosterone in males.
Gynecomastia pills or supplements
Gynecomastia pills are marketed as male breast reduction busters. These are sold over the internet and the most common are Gynexin, Gynectrol, and Ultimate Gynemax to name the most popular. These gynecomastia supplements are fat-burning pills that reduce fat cell volume in the entire body. This includes the chest fat but is not only targeted to this area. These supplements do not reduce the breast tissue which causes gynecomastia. These are classified as herbal supplements or pills but not gynecomastia medication.
5 Top Chest Exercises for Men
Chest muscles exercises build up the chest or pectoral muscles. This really does not get rid of gynecomastia but can make the overall chest wall look better. When this is combined with cardio exercises, which reduces chest fat, the overall outcome can be significant. You can invest in a simple barbell bench and incline bench cable for your home.
You want to work out the entire pectoral muscles especially the lower portion. Therefore, different type of exercise is required. The following are effective chest exercises:
- Barbell bench press
- Pec deck Cable crossover
- Chest press Inclined
- dumbbell flies
- Dips Pushups
It is wise to meet with a trainer initially especially if you are a beginner. They will put together a good program and ensure good form.
Surgery for Reducing Puffy Nipples in Men.
For many men, the recommendations presented above will not achieve their goals. Many men eventually end up have surgery after realizing that non-surgical efforts are fruitless. T0 remove glandular breast tissue, requires male breast reduction surgery.
Gynecomastia surgery is very effective with a high patient satisfaction rate. In almost every case is curative. The best doctor to perform this surgery is a board-certified plastic surgeon.
The type of surgical excision depends on the grade of gynecomastia.
- Gland excision with liposuction – This is the most common type of gynecomastia surgery. It is performed for grade 1 and 2 gynecomastia most commonly. An incision is made at the bottom of the areola, a webster incision, and the surgical excision of the gland is removed and the chest fat is liposuctioned.
- Double incision mastectomy with a free nipple graft – This surgical procedure is performed for grade 4 and sometimes grade 3 gynecomastia. This type of surgery is used for excess skin which needs surgical tissue excision. An incision is made at the bottom crease out toward the armpit and a second surgical incision is made above the nipple complex. The skin and breast gland tissue are removed and the nipple is resized and placed as a skin graft in a masculine position.
- Pull-Though technique – The is often used for pubertal gynecomastia or men who are grade 1 and in fairly good physical shape. This is a minimally invasive surgery. A 5 mm incision is made at the bottom of the areola and the gland is blindly directed free and pull out. This results in a very small incision.
- Two-stage procedure – This type of surgery is used for men with minimal skin laxity with enlarged breasts tissue, Gland excision in liposuction is done in the first stage. The second is performed 4 months later, under local anesthesia, and removes a donut-shaped section of skin around the areola. The skin is tightened with a pure-string suture. This will improve skin laxity modestly.
What Kind of Shirts Hide Man Boobs?
Compression undershirts do not get rid of puffy nipples but they can flatten and smooth out the chest muscle area. Gynecomastia compression undershirts are effective and very affordable to hide excess breast tissue. Many men use the technique and other non-surgical options and sometimes eventually gynecomastia surgery. It is better to solve the problem than cover up it up.
The types of compression garments are vast to hide puffy nipples. There are core compression garments with various compression types, cotton undershirts, and spandex. The internet has many options.
FAQ’s
Why do my nipples go puffy sometimes?
Puffy nipples are caused by gynecomastia breast tissue caused by a hormonal imbalance. The areola, which surrounds the nipple, has a muscle within it surrounding the entire areola. This muscle can be stimulated by cold, touching, or any type of stimulation. This causes the nipple to become firmer. When this happens the areola contracts and becomes smaller and the puffy nipple condition looks flatter. As a matter of fact, many men say that their chest looks fine when the nipple is stimulated which is the reason for doing this often in a social situation like frequent touching or getting into the water.
When the areola muscle is relaxed which is caused by warm temperatures and relaxation, the excess breast tissue protrudes and puffy nipples result. The nipple becomes more flaccid and soft.
Will my puffy nipples go away after puberty?
Yes, in 80% of boys puffy nipples will naturally go away. If the puffy chest appearance does not resolve in two years then it is not likely to. A discussion on this topic can be read in the gynecomastia.org forum here.
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 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.
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.
by Miguel Delgado, M.D. | Jul 23, 2021 | Gynecomastia
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is male breast enlargement when the breast gland tissue swells. Gynecomastia is caused when the male estrogen level is too high in relation to the testosterone level. The hormonal balance is tipped to the development of a female-like breast on a man. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts.
What Causes Gynecomastia Breast Gland Tissue?
Gynecomastia is caused by an imbalance between the male hormone testosterone and estrogen that controls female traits. Testosterone causes the development of male traits like body hair and muscle mass. Estrogen controls female characteristics like breast development. However, both sexes have an amount of the opposite hormone. When the balance of these hormones is “off,” different sex characteristics can develop. In the case of men, when the male estrogen level is too elevated or out of balance with testosterone levels, then Gynecomastia, aka man boobs, can develop.
Gynecomastia develops three times in a male’s life.
These time frames are when gynecomastia develops:
- Immediately after birth. Newborn males are still carrying extra estrogen from their mothers during development. Over fifty percent of males are born with enlarging breasts; however, this usually resolves in a few weeks after birth.
- During puberty or pubertal gynecomastia. Estrogen and testosterone levels change drastically during puberty. This occurs during 12-14 years of age. As much as 70 percent of young men develop Gynecomastia during this time. But, the male breast enlargement usually goes away between 6 months and two years. In about 25% of males, gynecomastia does not resolve completely.
- Midlife. Male breast enlargement usually peaks in men between the age of 50 and 80 years of age. Gynecomastia is due to the drop in testosterone levels, aka “low-T.” At this age. Over 65 percent of men are affected. During this time, breast cancer can develop at a rate of less than 1 percent.
There are other less common causes of Gynecomastia, but to mention, the most common are:
- Pseudogynecomastia or “fake gynecomastia” is due to being overweight, and weight loss can dramatically help this condition. The enlarged male breasts are due to fatty tissue and not glandular tissue.
- Drug-induced gynecomastia caused by anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance. Gynecomastia caused by anabolic steroids is the second most common cause.
- Medications like Finasteride for enlarged prostate/prostate cancer or hair loss, to name a few.
- Medical conditions like tumors in the adrenal glands or testicles, liver disease, or hypogonadism, to name a few.
How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of Gynecomastia is based on physical examination, physical symptoms, medical history, and medication review.
The breast may be painful with tenderness and often a disc shape rubbery tissue that can be easily felt. This tissue is located directly underneath the nipple and mobile within the breast tissue.
Your physician will evaluate your medical history to determine the cause of the Gynecomastia. He will review your supplements, medications, and herbal products. Your doctor will also review your medical history and order the appropriate blood tests to determine if other diseases or medical conditions are the cause of your Gynecomastia.
There are a variety of breast imaging tests that may be used, a mammogram or breast ultrasound to evaluate male breast tissue. These tests are usually ordered to evaluate breast cancer. Your physician may order a blood test like a hormone panel to check for any hormonal changes.
What Is The Treatment for Gynecomastia Breast Tissue?
Treatment for enlarged breasts in men is recommended when there is breast tenderness and discomfort or an aesthetic or cosmetic issue. If a medical illness is causing Gynecomastia, a prescribed medication may need to be given. Gynecomastia usually affects both breasts but can affect one or both breasts.
At times, medicine is the cause, and your physician may advise stopping the drug and changing to another. Your doctor may advise going to an endocrinologist( a physician who specializes in hormone-related issues).
Surgery is recommended for patients with severe pain and tenderness or embarrassment. Male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery is the surgical treatment of choice for breast tissue removal.
Counseling may be needed for men and boys who find it hard to cope with this medical condition. Gynecomastia can be embarrassing, resulting in shame and avoidance of social situations requiring a bare chest( swimming, public shower, locker room, etc.). This can cause a tremendous amount of stress and depression. Discussing this situation with a professional may be helpful.
Other conditions may look like Gynecomastia but are not true Gynecomastia. A few of the most common are listed below.
- Male breast cancer. Cancer of the breast in men is uncommon and occurs in less than 1% of men. It usually affects one breast. The breast is usually no breast pain, and a firm lump may be present which feels attached to the surrounding tissue. The overlying skin may appear indented or dimpled and possible nipple discharge. The lymph nodes may be enlarged.
- Fatty breast tissue or pseudogynecomastia. This is common in overweight men. It is due to fat accumulation in the chest. Gynecomastia is due to breast gland development and not fat.
Male breast reduction surgery is the definitive treatment for gynecomastia. It removes the breast glands permanently.
FAQ’s
Can Gynecomastia Go Away on its Own?
In medical terms, gynecomastia refers to enlarged breasts in men. Teenagers going through the puberty process are likely to experience this condition.
Generally speaking, it will disappear on its own by the age of 21 for most young males, and most often two years after it first develops.
Gynecomastia rarely goes away by itself in adult males, no matter how hard they work, how much they exercise, and how much they diet.
Gynecomastia is primarily caused by hormonal imbalance, steroids, marijuana use, and certain prescription medications. One or both breasts may be affected by gynecomastia, and the condition can be uneven. Gynecomastia is a condition that leaves adult men feeling helpless about their condition.
Gynecomastia is curable. In the majority of cases, enlarged breasts in adolescent boys will disappear once they reach adulthood. Exercise and weight loss may be helpful for men with fatty gynecomastia. Typically, gynecomastia is caused by an excess of fibrous breast tissue that cannot be removed by DIY methods.
With male breast reduction surgery, this form of gynecomastia will be removed permanently and completely. A board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in treating gynecomastia should be sought for gynecomastia surgery. Surgery performed by an unqualified surgeon is often associated with high rates of dissatisfaction. Usually, they rely solely on liposuction. Breast tissue will not be removed with this technique.
How Do You Differentiate Between Gynecomastia and Male Breast Cancer?
Among the most important characteristics that differentiate a male with breast cancer from a male with gynecomastia is symmetry. In men with gynecomastia, for example, both breasts are nearly always swollen. In contrast, men who have breast cancer usually find a lump or swelling only in one breast. Also, breast malignancy may show skin changes like skin dimpling or contraction.
What is The Best Treatment for Gynecomastia?
The following are two options to treat gynecomastia with surgery:
- Surgical liposuction. In this surgical procedure, fatty tissue is removed from the breast but not the glandular tissue. This is best used for psueudogynecomastia which is gynecomastia due to excessive fat deposits.
- The procedure of mastectomy. The enlarged breast tissue is removed in this procedure. In many cases, only small incisions are needed for the surgery. There is a shorter recovery period following this less invasive type of surgery.
How Can I Reduce Gynecomastia?
To treat gynecomastia effectively for an immediate and permanent solution to the problem of excess breast tissue and fat gynecomastia surgery or male breast reduction surgery is the solution.
These are some of the more popular methods to reduce gynecomastia:
- Weight loss.
- Exercise and dieting are essential.
- Avoiding the use of steroids or drugs.
- Taking steps to reduce alcohol consumption.
- Receiving hormone treatments.
