While gynecomastia is a common condition, many men still feel embarrassment and shame when it comes to discussing it and finding possible treatment options. They question whether it’s a permanent problem or if their gynecomastia will go away on its own. This blog delves into the causes of gynecomastia, what options men have for treatment, and how to help prevent it.
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Are you one of the millions of men who are self-conscious about taking off your shirt in public? You might avoid the pool and even the gym because you don’t want anyone to see your “man boobs.” If these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone. The medical term for this problem is gynecomastia, a condition marked by enlarged male breast tissue. But what causes gynecomastia, and more importantly, will it go away on its own? Below, we explore the causes of gynecomastia, treatment options, and how you can help prevent it.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is when a man’s glandular breast tissue enlarges and resembles female breasts. It can also be characterized by swelling, tenderness, and even pain in your breasts. While it is entirely normal for males to have some degree of gynecomastia at any age, it is still an embarrassing and often confidence-crushing condition. Gynecomastia is a widespread issue: nearly 70% of males going through puberty experience it, as do almost 65% of men middle-aged and older.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
Several things can cause gynecomastia, but it is most often caused by an imbalance in hormones, which is why the number of men affected is so high in the abovementioned age groups.
Men and women have both testosterone and estrogen hormones in their bodies, but as most people know, men have higher testosterone levels, and women have higher estrogen levels. Hormones fluctuate wildly during puberty, so there are often times when estrogen levels are higher than testosterone levels. The increased estrogen may mean that men temporarily develop excess breast tissue, resulting in gynecomastia.
Then you hit middle age, and your hormones suddenly fluctuate again. After age 50, your testosterone levels start to decrease, so your body is again working to balance your estrogen and testosterone. To add insult to injury, the excess flab you may have put on as you approach your later years is where estrogen hormones are produced. So, between decreasing testosterone and increasing body fat percentages (and estrogen), you may eventually find yourself with gynecomastia.
Other causes of gynecomastia can include:
- Anabolic steroid use
- Some medications used to treat anxiety, depression, and ADHD
- Alcohol, opioids, and some recreational drugs
- Health conditions like hyperthyroidism and liver or kidney failure
- Some herbal supplements
Will My Gynecomastia Go Away on Its Own?
In some instances, gynecomastia resolves itself once hormones level out. If you have a health condition or are taking a medication that may cause gynecomastia, talk to your doctor about what may be causing your gynecomastia. Your health and medication history can help determine the cause, as can undergoing tests to rule out other health issues.
If you adjust your medications and lifestyle habits and your gynecomastia persists, you may want to consider gynecomastia surgery.
What Are My Gynecomastia Treatment Options?
If your gynecomastia does not go away on its own, the next step could be seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon for a consultation for male breast reduction surgery. Dr. Lo offers several options for gynecomastia surgery and will work with you to create a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.
Advanced Liposuction
Advanced liposuction may be your best option if your gynecomastia is primarily due to excess fat. Dr. Lo uses an incision hidden in your armpit to remove fat, sculpting and contouring your chest.
Surgical Removal of the Glands
If your gynecomastia is a result of excess glandular tissue, Dr. Lo will remove the breast tissue via a small incision along the bottom of your areola. Most men who have gynecomastia will need this procedure to eliminate the issue.
Male Breast Reduction
In more severe cases of gynecomastia, excess skin, glandular tissue, and fat may need to be removed. In this instance, Dr. Lo may need to reposition your nipple and areola to give your chest a more natural appearance.
Most cases of gynecomastia require a combination of one or more of the above procedures to achieve a more masculine contour to your chest.
How to Prevent Gynecomastia
For some men, gynecomastia may be unavoidable because of genetics, health conditions, or natural hormone changes. But for others, it can be prevented. Some of the ways to avoid gynecomastia include (but are not limited to):
- Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and eating a nutritious diet.
- Avoid taking anabolic steroids.
- Refraining from taking recreational drugs and overindulging in alcohol.
- If you take medications known to cause gynecomastia, ask your doctor if there are alternatives.
- Seeing an endocrinologist to treat hormone imbalances.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before changing medications or beginning a new diet and exercise regimen.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Surgery in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Delaware
If you’re tired of hiding behind baggy t-shirts and want to revitalize your confidence in your body, gynecomastia surgery may be the right choice. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Lo, call our office today at (215) 829-6900 or complete the online contact form.