Gynecomastia – often referred to as ‘man boob’s’ – is more common than you may think. Research from the New England Journal of Medicine has shown that it affects almost 70 percent of adolescent boys, and 65 percent of middle-aged and older men.
What is it?
Gynecomastia refers to the medical condition where male breast tissues increase in size. Those suffering from gynecomastia have excess glandular tissue present, often as a result of hormonal imbalance.
Common causes
Hormonal imbalance is one big factor. In short, testosterone controls male traits such as muscle mass and body hair, while oestrogen is responsible for female traits, including the growth of breasts. A common misconception is that oestrogen is an exclusively female hormone, but in fact, men also produce it in small quantities. When male oestrogen levels are too high, gynecomastia can occur.
While gynecomastia is naturally prominent during puberty due to changes in hormone levels, it can also be an indication of serious medical conditions such as testicular cancer. For most cases, the swollen breast tissue tends to go away without treatment within six months to two years. As for older men, the condition can peak again between the ages of 50 and 69; at least one out of four men in this age group is affected! Hormonal fluctuations as a result of health issues like kidney failure, liver problems and malnutrition, can also lead to gynecomastia.
How to check
You can use the gynecomastia pinch test method to determine whether you may suffer from gynecomastia. Use your fingertips to feel for soft, rubbery lumps in your breasts, or directly beneath the nipple area. It can develop in one or both breasts. The size of the lump varies and it may not be the same in both breasts. The swelling of the glandular breast tissue may result in soreness – especially when you press on the skin. If the pain or discomfort is significant, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible!
All men produce some amount of estrogen, but when you produce more than the “normal” amount, that may lead to the development of excess breast tissues.
This affects 1 out of 2 teen boys, and 2 out of 3 men above 50 years old, when hormone levels are affected by sexual development, thyroid problems, or as a side effect of some medications.
There are 4 grades in gynecomastia classification, with the mildest being just a local swelling around the nipple area, and the most severe showing a pronounced rounded appearance similar to a female breast.
Both conditions display similar physical traits an enlarged, chubby chest. The difference lies in what’s underneath.
Gynecomastia is caused by the overdevelopment of glandular tissues that comprise fat tissues and glands, mostly as a result of hormonal imbalance and pseudo-gynecomastia is caused by excess fat accumulation.
Only your doctor can confirm what you really have through a clinical assessment.
Pseudogynecomastia: Types of Man Boobs
Genetically, men tend to accumulate fat in the chest and abdomen area – your arms and legs may look slim, but you bulk up in your torso.
When fat builds up behind and around the breast area, the chest appears puffy and swollen, hence the name man-boobs.
This is clinically known as lipomastia, adipomastia, or pseudogynecomastia.
The more estrogen you have, the more your body tends to store fat.
Interestingly, fat also causes your body to produce the aromatase enzyme, which can convert testosterone into estrogen and slow down your metabolism.
Unfortunately, a lower metabolism will also mean you burn less fat, and this triggers a vicious cycle where you store more and more fat in your chest area and worsens your hormonal imbalance.
However, one clear sign that you have real true gynecomastia is you can feel a firm mound of glandular tissue around your areola area and painful to touch.
For some, the nipple may even feel sensitive. But if it’s pseudogynecomastia, the entire breast is evenly enlarged.
Gynecomastia is a condition that can affect boys and men and causes male breast enlargement in one or both breasts. This excess breast tissue can lead to self-esteem issues, lack of self-confidence, and males feeling uncomfortable in their bodies. I receive many different questions regarding the cause of gynecomastia and what the options are to correct it. Read on for my answers to some of these common questions to educate yourself regarding this condition.
Question 1: Can Certain Foods Cause Gynecomastia (male boobs)?
I am often asked if certain foods can cause gynecomastia or the growth of male breast tissue. Some of the most common questions I get are regarding beer, chicken, eggs, and soybeans.
When it comes to beers that contain a significant amount of hops like IPA (Indian Pale Ale) they contain phytoestrogen, a plant-based estrogen hormone. Because of this, there is a common myth that drinking too much beer will cause estrogen levels to escalate. However, the truth is the phytoestrogen levels in beer are far too low to create any hormone imbalance in the body. It is important to remember that excessive consumption of beer or any alcohol can be detrimental to your overall health, so this should be avoided.
When it comes to soy, it contains isoflavones, a class of phytoestrogens that may mildly mimic the hormone estrogen. The effects of soy isoflavones on estrogen levels are complex, but in general, soy is safe to be consumed in moderation. As such, eggs, milk, and other food products that contain hormones are safe for consumption when consumed in moderation.
Question 2: Can Steroids Eliminate Gynecomastia?
Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that are very similar to the male sex hormone, testosterone. Because they contain high levels of testosterone, some people may believe that they are a solution to gynecomastia, since the key cause of this condition is a hormonal imbalance when estrogen levels are higher (estrogen excess). Sounds like a solution right? Wrong.
Aside from other possible health issues, anabolic steroids are the primary trigger for gynecomastia. When a man takes steroids and then goes off them, testosterone levels will fluctuate, causing an increase in estrogen levels. This often leads to the development of excess fat in the chest area.
With this knowledge, it is important that you never self-medicate your gynecomastia, as it can cause your hormones to become imbalanced. If you do notice signs of drug-induced gynecomastia or believe your steroids cause gynecomastia, always seek advice from the appropriate and qualified doctor.
Question 3: Does Andropause/Male Menopause Cause Gynecomastia?
Andropause refers to the symptoms that males experience as testosterone production drops. After the age of 40, testosterone levels will begin to decline and symptoms such as fatigue, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depression, reduced muscle mass, and mood swings may begin to manifest.
Testosterone is the hormone that kickstarts changes during puberty, affects a male’s physical and mental energy, and also regulates other important evolutionary features. As testosterone levels drop, it causes a hormonal imbalance which may eventually lead to the development of gynecomastia in one or both breasts.
Question 4: Is Gynecomastia An Early Sign Of Breast Cancer?
While breast cancer is more common in women, it can also be a concern for men. In fact, more than 2,700 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. However, some may believe that gynecomastia may be a sign of breast cancer, which is not the case. Furthermore, excessive breast development and breast cancer are not found to be correlated. This means that having gynecomastia does not mean you have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Question 5: How Do You Get Rid Of Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a dual-component problem as these excessive breast glands and fat tissues, unfortunately, cannot be eradicated through diet and exercise alone.
When a male loses weight, he will tend to see an overall reduction in breast size. However, if you are suffering from true gynecomastia, your chest fullness will only become more noticeable after other parts of your body have shrunk. The only way to treat this breast tissue and gland growth in your body is through surgical intervention.
At my office I treat gynecomastia with 4-Dimensional (4D) gynecomastia surgery to comprehensively remove the excess tissue and to reshape, sculpt and tighten the chest. The 4-D surgery includes (1) breast tissue removal; (2) fat tissue reduction; (3) skin tightening and sculpting and (4) nipple reduction, if required.
Question 6: What are the Different Grades of Gynecomastia?
Excess male breast tissue is divided into four different “grades”, based on the severity of the problem. These gynecomastia grades include the following.
Gynecomastia Grade 1
The initial stage of gynecomastia is characterized by minor breast enlargement without the development of excess skin. Some tissue growth may also occur around the areola. The color of the tissue growth is different from the natural breast tissue. When surgery is performed at this stage, gynecomastia can be effectively treated.
Gynecomastia Grade 2
As the gynecomastia condition enters the next stage, moderate breast enlargement will occur without the development of excess skin. However, the condition will still remain unnoticeable when wearing loose clothing. Males may also experience a firmness under the nipple area while the outer area is still soft and fatty.
Gynecomastia Grade 3
If left untreated, gynecomastia worsens and enters the 3rd stage. At this stage, there will be moderate breast enlargement with the development of excess skin. As the enlarged male breast tissue extends further into the breast zone, the male chest starts to look slightly like the feminine breasts, and at this stage, the gynecomastia becomes clearly noticeable to others even while wearing loose clothing.
Gynecomastia Grade 4
As the gynecomastia enters the final stage, the condition is further aggravated with breast enlargement and excess skin. At this stage of the gynecomastia condition, patients will find that their chest appears similar to that of a woman’s breasts. By now, the enlarged male breast tissue has become very noticeable and would be impossible to hide.
Question 7: Will My Skin Sag After Gynecomastia (male boobs)?
Many of the patients that I see have degrees of gynecomastia that are not excessively saggy. In these instances, the natural elasticity of the skin will ensure that the skin snaps back appropriately into a more aesthetically pleasing position. It is also important to wear the compression garment given to you following surgery, as it will help in guiding the skin back to the desired position.
Question 8: Is Recurrent Gynecomastia Common After Gynecomastia Surgery?
When a gland is removed through the gynecomastia procedure, it is permanently removed and does not recur. To ensure that results are long-term, patients should adopt a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Question 9: Who is at High Risk for Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is more common during early puberty to mid-puberty because this is when hormonal changes occur. However, gynecomastia can also occur in middle-aged to older men. Up to 70% of boys in early to mid puberty are affected, while up to 65% of grown men are affected.
Question 10: What can Worsen Gynecomastia?
Excess weight gain or large amounts of body fat can cause gynecomastia to become more noticeable. You should also avoid any medications that you been proven to cause gynecomastia. If you are concerned regarding your gynecomastia or breast tissue growth, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for a professional assessment.
Schedule a Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
If you have any questions regarding gynecomastia, believe that you may have gynecomastia and are seeking options for treatment, or are experiencing breast pain associated with breast growth, please do not hesitate to reach out to me today. I will be happy to discuss your gynecomastia symptoms as well as determine if you are a good candidate for male breast reduction surgery.
Heads up, gents: you may want to check your chest area after reading this. If you’re suffering from the dreaded “male boobs”, it could reflect a medical condition more serious than you think.
While the topic of gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts) has its fair share of stigma, it affects almost 70 percent of adolescent boys, and 65 percent of middle-aged and older men.
So, what exactly is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common medical condition where the male breast tissues increase in size. While it may be every woman’s dream to inherit a set of well-sculpted breasts, it is, however, a man’s nightmare to find a pair of “man boobs” hanging from his chest. For most men, gynecomastia robs their self-esteem and becomes a stumbling block in achieving a masculine physique. But it’s more than just the embarrassment of having a flabby chest that makes it a cause for concern. While it’s relatively common in adolescent boys going through puberty, it may also reflect serious medical conditions like testicular cancer.
What are the symptoms involved?
The main symptoms of gynecomastia include the enlargement of the glandular tissue in both breasts and a tenderness experienced around the breast and the nipple. There are a variety of reasons that contribute to gynecomastia. Ageing, side effects of medication, hormonal imbalance and a dip in testosterone level are common culprits for the condition.
Can it be treated?
While the symptoms are common during puberty due to hormonal changes, if they do not go away when one reaches adulthood, surgical intervention would be the answer to counter the condition. Not only does it permanently remove the excess glandular tissues, the surgery also sculpts the chest area, resulting in a more defined physique. The surgery has a short recovery time, too, thereby causing little disruption to your daily routine.
Gynecomastia surgery also requires a keen technical knowledge and artistic skill, so you’ll want to carefully research your options and your doctor’s experience, and plan when you’re having the surgery. During your consultation with your doctor, it’s essential to discuss your goals and raise any concerns you might have in regard to the procedure.
Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes enlarged male breast tissue along with breast pain or tenderness. While teenagers often develop gynecomastia due to puberty, it can also affect men later in life. While up to 80% of boys in puberty experience gynecomastia, up to 65% of men later in life are also affected. Read on to learn more about gynecomastia, how it can affect men later in life, and treatment options.
Gynecomastia Causes
Gynecomastia is often caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and androgen hormones and can affect one or both breasts. However, there are also certain conditions that can cause male breast enlargement such as kidney disease or kidney failure, adrenal tumors, alcoholism, liver disease, thyroid disease, and Klinefelter syndrome. There are also some medications that may cause gynecomastia including medication to treat anxiety, depression, enlarged prostate or prostate cancer, heartburn or stomach ulcers, heart failure, high blood pressure, and male infertility. Substance abuse, anabolic steroids, and tea tree and lavender oils may also be triggers.
Middle-aged and older men often experience medication-induced gynecomastia as most people begin to increase their medication consumption as they age. They may also experience gynecomastia as their testosterone levels begin to decrease, along with an increased amount of subcutaneous fat.
Gynecomastia Treatment Options
Men with psuedogynecomastia, or “man boobs” caused by excess body fat or fatty tissue can often see an improvement in the look of their chest when they lose weight. However, the only solution for true gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery or gynecomastia surgery. This procedure involves removing enlarged male breast glands, as well as excess breast tissue with liposuction to help sculpt and shape the breasts for a more masculine appearance.
Choosing a Gynecomastia Surgeon
When considering gynecomastia surgery, it is important to do your research and seek out a properly-trained surgeon. Dr. Delgado is a board-certified plastic surgeon and is highly skilled in performing gynecomastia surgery on males of all ages to help improve their self-confidence. He employs a number of effective surgical techniques to properly treat gynecomastia, excess male breast tissue, and excess skin for optimal results. With more than 30 years of successfully treating patients with gynecomastia symptoms, you can be confident you are in good hands.
Schedule Your Gynecomastia Surgery Consultation
If you are bothered by your enlarged male breast tissue and are seeking an effective way to treat gynecomastia, contact Dr. Delgado today. Your first step toward treatment will be a consultation in his office or virtually. For personalized information about gynecomastia plastic surgery procedures, please complete Dr. Delgado’s inquiry form.
Gynecomastia FAQs
What are some symptoms associated with gynecomastia?
Common symptoms associated with gynecomastia include swelling, pain or tenderness, and nipple discharge in one or both breasts.
What prostate cancer drug causes gynecomastia?
The most used nonsteroidal antiandrogen, Bicalutamide is known to cause gynecomastia in some.
Does an estrogen excess cause gynecomastia?
If the male body produces too much estrogen or there is low testosterone, male breast tissue may become swollen or enlarged.
Can Gynecomastia cause male breast cancer?
The risk of men developing breast cancer is very small, even with gynecomastia.
Can smoking cause male breast enlargement?
Smoking marijuana can increase estrogen production in men, as well as decrease testosterone production, possibly resulting in gynecomastia.
Is surgical treatment available for gynecomastia?
Yes, gynecomastia surgery is available to remove excess glandular tissue and create a more masculine chest appearance. Be sure to seek out a skilled plastic surgeon to perform your procedure.
What types of cancer are associated with gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia has been found to be common among those with testicular germ cell cancer patients with elevated β-hCG. There is also a significant risk of testicular cancer and squamous cell carcinoma among those with gynecomastia.
I’ve been experiencing pain and swelling in my chest area. What could be the problem?
You could be suffering from gynecomastia, more commonly known as man boobs. While the condition isn’t necessarily serious in every case, it can be embarrassing.
What causes gynecomastia?
It’s brought on by enlarged breast tissue and swollen glands on the chest area. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, sometimes unevenly. The causes may include hormonal imbalance, side effects of certain medications, and even aging.
Gynecomastia during puberty is not uncommon but if the problem persists into adulthood, surgical intervention is the recommended option. Older men between the ages of 50 and 90 may develop man-boobs gynecomastia due to changes in hormone levels, although other causes or health conditions may also contribute.
What are some of the symptoms to look out for?
In addition to a tender or swollen chest area, you should also check for nipple discharge in one or both breasts. If you notice these symptoms, then schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Can I use ice to ease the swelling and pain? Will exercise help minimise the size of my chest?
No, the discomfort you’re experiencing likely will not go away with these measures. In fact, it may cause more pain with each passing day. If the swelling and pain do not subside, I recommend that you seek professional help as soon as possible.
What can be done to help my oversized chest area?
Gynecomastia surgery may be the solution you need. There are two kinds: the first is a mastectomy, where the breast gland tissue is removed endoscopically. This means only small incisions are made on your chest area. The second is through liposuction, which removes breast fat but not the gland tissue itself.
However, it’s important to raise any concerns you may have about the procedure when consulting your doctor. The recovery time tends to be minimal, but this may depend on how fast your body is able to recuperate after minor surgery. Additionally, man-boobs surgery is said to sculpt the chest area and leave a more defined and “masculine” appearance.
