Many men develop enlarged breasts, often called “man boobs,” at some point in their lives. The medical name for this condition is gynecomastia. It is usually not harmful, but it can cause embarrassment and affect self-confidence. Understanding the possible causes can help in selecting the most suitable treatment.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia happens when extra gland tissue, fat, or both build up in a man’s chest. This can make the chest look swollen or rounder, similar to a woman’s breasts. Whether you are considering Gynaecomastia Surgery in Mumbaior just exploring the causes, some men have only slight swelling, while others have more noticeable enlargement. The main causes are hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, or certain medical problems.
Gynecomastia vs. Chest Fat
There are two main types of male chest enlargement: true gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia.
True gynecomastia occurs when hormones become unbalanced. This means testosterone levels drop or estrogen levels rise, causing glandular tissue to grow.
Pseudogynecomastia, on the other hand, is caused by extra fat stored in the chest area. It often happens due to being overweight, a poor diet, or a lack of exercise.
Knowing which type you have is important because the treatments are different. Fat-related enlargement can often be improved through lifestyle changes, while hormone-related gynecomastia may need medical or surgical care.
Hormonal Causes
Hormones control how our bodies grow and change. Men naturally produce small amounts of estrogen, but when estrogen becomes higher than testosterone, breast tissue may develop.
Puberty: Teen boys may temporarily develop gynecomastia as their hormone levels fluctuate. It usually disappears after a year or two.
Age: As men get older, testosterone levels decrease while body fat increases, raising estrogen levels. This can cause breast enlargement later in life.
Health Problems: Conditions that affect the liver, thyroid, or hormone production can also lead to gynecomastia.
Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle habits can also influence the development of man boobs.
Diet and Exercise: Eating unhealthy foods and not exercising can cause fat to build up in the chest. A balanced diet and regular workouts, especially strength training, can reduce fat and improve chest shape.
Alcohol and Drugs: Drinking too much alcohol or using recreational drugs such as marijuana or steroids can upset hormone balance. Alcohol increases estrogen levels, and steroids lower natural testosterone.
Medications: Some medicines for depression, blood pressure, and hair loss may have side effects that cause breast tissue growth. Consulting a doctor can help find safer alternatives.
Other Causes and Treatments
Certain diseases, like kidney or liver problems, can affect hormones and lead to gynecomastia. Genetics may also play a role in some men. Treatment depends on the cause. If it’s fat-related, weight loss and exercise can help. If hormones are the reason, doctors might suggest medication. For lasting or severe cases, surgery to remove excess tissue can create a flatter, more defined chest.
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