Male breast enlargement, also referred to as gynecomastia, is a disorder in which men develop extra chest tissue that resembles breast tissue. Surgery to lessen the bulk of tissue in the breasts is frequently used to treat this ailment. Although there are some non-surgical gynecomastia treatments, they do not always work.
On the other hand, Gynecomastia surgery provides immediate treatment by removing the breast tissue and improving the masculine appearance of the chest. When performed by a plastic surgeon, gynecomastia surgery is safe and successful. But, let’s face it, no one wants to have surgery unless it’s necessary. Many guys wonder whether the operation is essential. How is it caused? Is gynecomastia a condition that can be treated without surgery? Let’s take a look at what’s going on here.
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Causes of Gynecomastia
Many reasons can contribute to the development of gynecomastia, including lifestyle variables such as excessive alcohol consumption or insufficient exercise, underlying disease, aging, and prescription adverse effects.
In the presence of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factors, the sex hormone testosterone inhibits breast tissue development. In contrast, estrogen and progesterone have a stimulating effect.
The following circumstances may cause a hormonal imbalance in men who may not normally develop gynecomastia.
- Puberty
- Age factor
- Body fat
- Health conditions
#1 Puberty
Due to hormonal changes throughout puberty, over 60% of young men display indications of gynecomastia by the age of 14. Gynecomastia caused by puberty-related changes usually goes away without treatment after three years.
#2 Age factor
Starting around the age of 30, testosterone levels begin to decline naturally. Gynecomastia is most commonly caused by decreased testosterone levels, according to studies of males over 65 years. According to another research, gynecomastia affects 24 to 65% of men aged 50 to 80. Older men are also more likely to be taking drugs that can lead to gynecomastia.
#3 Body fat
At any weight, having a high overall body fat percentage might contribute to increased fat storage in the chest. As estrogen levels are interconnected with body fat percentage,
the enzyme aromatase converts testosterone into estrogen in fat tissue. The action of this enzyme accounts for about 85% of the estrogen in the body of men.
#4 Health conditions
Excess breast tissue can develop due to health disorders that induce testosterone and estrogen levels. These are some of the conditions:
- Trauma,
- Testicular illness
- Hyperthyroidism
- Malnutrition
Consulting a doctor
If you see anything unusual about your chest, the first thing you should do is seek medical help. Your doctor will do blood tests and imaging studies to diagnose your problem accurately and determine the likely cause. Your doctor’s assessment of the reason will determine the optimum treatment for gynecomastia. If the situation arises spontaneously, it generally resolves on its own. The majority of guys with moderate gynecomastia do not require therapy. In circumstances where gynecomastia is caused by an underlying health problem, treating the underlying problem will be beneficial.
If a medicine is causing your breast enlargement, experts advise stopping or altering the prescription will improve your condition in a few months. Men who find gynecomastia embarrassing and whose quality of life is harmed should consider surgical treatment to eliminate it.
Non-surgical gynecomastia treatments
#1 Medicine
The FDA (Food & Drug Association) has not authorized any drugs indicated for gynecomastia treatment. Furthermore, there is a shortage of proof that these drugs work. Treatments for gynecomastia include the following medicines and medication-based medicines:
- Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
- Clomiphene – A class of medication called ovulatory stimulants
- Tamoxifen – An estrogen receptor modulator that works selectively.
- Danazol – A prescription drug used to treat Fibrocystic Breast Disease symptoms.
#2 Laser therapy
Laser therapy is a non-surgical treatment for gynecomastia-related cellulite. However, the procedure necessitates a lengthy course of treatment to eliminate huge boobs permanently.
#3 Eating habits
Instead, eat low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, as well as anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes. Although no research on the effects of diet on gynecomastia has been undertaken, some feel that specific meals may cause a change in hormone levels. The following foods are some among them:
- Junk food
- Beer
- Multigrain bread
- Soy
Finally, exercising, lowering alcohol use, avoiding narcotic medicines, and avoiding marijuana can all help you get rid of gynecomastia without surgery.
Conclusion
There’s no disputing that gynecomastia can cause men to experience tension, anxiety, and lack of self-confidence. As a result, it’s crucial to seek emotional support from family or friends. You can also seek advice from a counsellor regarding gynecomastia treatment who can direct you in the proper route.
Remember that asking for aid isn’t a sign of weakness. You’ll be on your way to recovery in no time if you speak with an expert right now.
