One in three men will develop enlarged breast tissue or man boobs at some point in their lives. The medical term for man boobs is gynecomastia.
It’s mainly about the appearance of the chest and this is what concerns most men. Usually gynecomastia is not a serious medical issue. However, there may be underlying health issues that require medical attention.
To improve your man boobs, simple lifestyle choices may be instituted but medical or surgical intervention may be required. The science behind male breast enlargement isn’t complex, but the impact on men’s lives often runs deeper than the physical changes.
Understanding what can cause man boobs can help you identify the right treatment options for you. Let’s learn about the many different causes of man boobs.
Related: What Are the Different Types of Gynecomastia?
The Main Causes of Gynecomastia: What Can Cause Man Boobs?
Male breast enlargement called gynecomastia is a condition that occurs when excess gland tissue, fat or both accumulates in the chest area. This can present as a small swelling or a more pronounced look that resembles female breasts.
Among the most common answers to the question of “What can cause man boobs?” are hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, and underlying medical conditions.
It is important to distinguish between different types of male breast enlargement as this distinction determines the appropriate course of treatment.
For some, it may be a temporary issue, while for many, it is a permanent condition requiring medical or surgical intervention.
Beyond the physical appearance, this condition can significantly affect self-confidence and create emotional distress. Men dealing with this often feel hesitant to seek help. Societal stigma around the condition does not make dealing with this situation any easier even though there are many men with this condition. Approximately 24-65% of middle aged men have gynecomastia – so you are not alone.
Difference Between True Gynecomastia and Pseudogynecomastia
The first step to understanding male breast enlargement is recognizing the difference between true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
True gynecomastia refers to the enlargement of glandular breast tissue caused by hormonal imbalances.
This often occurs when boys are going through puberty where there is an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen leading to the development of man boobs.
In adult men, hormonal imbalances leading to gynecomastia result from low testosterone or conditions that increase estrogen levels.
True gynecomastia may require a medical evaluation to identify the underlying hormonal cause.
Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, is not related to glandular tissue but to an accumulation of excess fat in the chest area.
Weight gain and man boobs often go hand in hand, as excess fat can accumulate in the chest area, leading to pseudogynecomastia. This condition is often the result of weight gain and is influenced by diet, exercise habits, or genetics.
While pseudogynecomastia does not involve hormonal factors, it leads to man boobs and can cause emotional discomfort and a lack of confidence.
A plastic surgeon can help diagnose the condition through a physical examination and in certain cases, imaging or blood tests. Understanding the difference between pseudogynecomastia and true gynecomastia is important as it relates to treatment of the condition.
Related: The Cure for Man Boobs
Hormonal Causes of Male Breast Development
Hormones are one of the most common culprits behind gynecomastia, and men of all ages can experience hormonal changes that may result in gynecomastia.
Testosterone and Estrogen Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances leading to gynecomastia are often diagnosed through blood tests and treated with hormone-regulating medications.
- Testosterone is the primary male hormone responsible for muscle growth, body hair, and other masculine traits.
- Estrogen, while predominantly associated with women, is also present in men in small amounts. When testosterone levels decrease or estrogen levels increase, it can trigger the development of breast tissue in men.
Conditions such as hypogonadism (low testosterone production) can exacerbate this imbalance.
Puberty-Related Hormonal Changes
Puberty is a time of rapid hormonal changes, and it is not uncommon for boys to develop gynecomastia during this stage.
For many men, the answer to “What can cause man boobs?” lies in hormonal imbalances during puberty.
This condition, often referred to as physiologic gynecomastia, is typically due to fluctuations in testosterone and estrogen levels. For most boys, this resolves naturally within a few months to two years.
However, in many cases the gynecomastia persists and surgical treatment may be necessary.
Age-Related Hormonal Fluctuations
As men age, testosterone production naturally declines. This reduction in testosterone can lead to a relative increase in estrogen levels, creating a hormonal environment leading to development of gynecomastia.
This is particularly common in middle-aged and older men. Treatment options for man boobs caused specifically by age-related hormone changes may include hormone therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or surgery, depending on the severity and impact of the condition.
Lifestyle Factors Contributing to Man Boobs
Lifestyle choices can also play a significant role in the development of male breast enlargement.
Lifestyle impacts on breast tissue in men, including poor diet, lack of exercise, and substance use, can exacerbate the development of male breast enlargement.
While hormonal factors are often at play in true gynecomastia, lifestyle habits can exacerbate the condition or lead to pseudogynecomastia.
Impact of Diet and Exercise Habits
Another important factor in what can cause man boobs is weight gain, which often leads to fat accumulation in the chest area.
Poor dietary habits, such as consuming a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, can lead to weight gain and fat accumulation in the chest area. Coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, these habits contribute to pseudogynecomastia.
On the contrary, men who engage in regular exercise and maintain a healthy diet are less likely to develop fat-related breast enlargement. Incorporating strength training and cardiovascular exercise into a weekly routine can help reduce fat and improve chest definition.
Role of Alcohol and Recreational Drugs
Excessive alcohol consumption and the use of recreational drugs such as marijuana or anabolic steroids can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance.
Alcohol, in particular, has been shown to increase estrogen levels while reducing testosterone. Similarly, drugs, specifically anabolic steroids can suppress natural testosterone production, leading to hormonal imbalances that trigger gynecomastia.
Limiting or avoiding these substances can play a key role in preventing or addressing male breast enlargement.
Related: Myths vs. Facts When It Comes to “Man Boobs” (aka Gynecomastia)
Effects of Certain Medications
Certain prescription medications can also lead to gynecomastia as a side effect. Medications causing gynecomastia, such as anti-androgens, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, hair loss medications and many others, are a common contributor and should be reviewed with your physician.
Men who suspect that their medication may be contributing to their man boobs should consult their prescribing physician. Alternative medications or dosage adjustments may be considered to minimize this side effect.
Medical Conditions Associated with Gynecomastia
In some cases, gynecomastia is linked to underlying conditions that require medical diagnosis and management.
Endocrine System Disorders
The endocrine system regulates hormone production, and disorders affecting this system — such as hyperthyroidism or adrenal dysfunction — can lead to gynecomastia. A thorough endocrine evaluation is critical for identifying and treating these conditions, ensuring a more effective resolution of symptoms.
Liver and Kidney Disease Impact
Liver and kidney diseases can impair the body’s ability to regulate hormones, leading to hormonal imbalances that cause male breast enlargement. In these cases, addressing the underlying liver or kidney condition is essential for managing gynecomastia.
Genetic Predisposition Factors
Genetic factors in gynecomastia, such as conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, can predispose individuals to developing enlarged breast tissue. Genetic testing and counseling may be recommended for individuals with a family history of related conditions.
Treatment Options and Solutions
Addressing what can cause man boobs requires a comprehensive approach, from understanding hormonal issues to considering lifestyle changes and medical treatments.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for male breast enlargement, but there are several effective treatment options available, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Medication-Based Treatments
For hormone-related gynecomastia, medications such as anti-estrogens or hormone replacement therapy may be prescribed to restore hormonal balance. These treatments are typically overseen by an endocrinologist in collaboration with a plastic surgeon. However, the gynecomastia or man boobs once present will not resolve or go away simply with hormone treatments.
Surgical Intervention Methods
For those seeking a permanent solution, gynecomastia surgery is an excellent option. This procedure involves the removal of glandular breast tissue or fat and usually both gland and fat tissue are removed. Advanced liposuction techniques for fat removal and direct removal of the gland called subcutaneous mastectomy are used to completely remove the man boobs and contour the chest.
A skilled plastic surgeon can help patients achieve natural-looking, symmetrical results.
Lifestyle Modification Strategies
Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular exercise, and avoiding substances that disrupt hormones, can complement medical or surgical treatments. These modifications not only improve physical appearance but also contribute to overall well-being.
Learn About Your Surgery Options with Dr. Adrian Lo!
Dr. Adrian Lo is a renowned plastic surgeon with extensive expertise in gynecomastia surgery.
Serving patients across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, Dr. Lo is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Whether you are exploring non-surgical solutions or considering surgery, schedule a consultation today at our New Jersey and Philadelphia plastic surgery offices to learn more about your treatment options and start your journey toward greater confidence and well-being.