How does gynecomastia affect my body?
Many men embrace their chest as a symbol of masculinity, but for some, it can be a source of concern. If you’re a man and notice the development of breast tissue, you might be experiencing a condition known as gynecomastia.
It’s essential first to understand that there’s nothing inherently wrong with the formation of breast tissue in men. Various factors contribute to its growth, and it’s quite common for men to experience some degree of breast enlargement. Male breast reduction or Gynecomastia can be managed through different methods, depending on your age.
Gynecomastia in Adolescents
The National Institute of Health reports that almost 50 to 60 percent of adolescent boys suffer from gynecomastia, which can be surprisingly distressing for many. In young men, this problem is primarily due to elevated estrogen levels during puberty. Most young men’s chests flatten out in their twenties as testosterone levels increase.
Excess male breast tissue can have various detrimental effects on an adolescent boy, including higher rates of bullying, body dissatisfaction, depression, embarrassment, and discomfort, which can challenge the pursuit of an exciting and fulfilling life.
Gynecomastia was prevalent in young men, consider that over 65 percent of men between the ages of 27 and 92 may develop some form of gynecomastia. Various factors besides hormonal imbalances contribute to gynecomastia in these cases. These factors include steroid use, thyroid issues, pituitary gland tumors, alcohol abuse, or even marijuana consumption. For adult men, this problem can still have a negative impact on their daily lives. It ranges from avoiding certain clothing to the inability to go shirtless at the beach or pool due to embarrassment. If this change in the body, affects your life, seeking professional advice and potential treatment is a positive step towards regaining your confidence and comfort.
How common is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition in men over 21 years of age. Between the ages of 18 and 50, up to 60% of men may experience it. The underlying causes for male breasts in this age group can be more diverse and not always solely due to hormonal effects. Causes of gynecomastia in adult men include medical conditions such as thyroid disorders and certain medications, including antidepressants. Those who consume excessive alcohol or use anabolic steroids are also more likely to develop their breast tissue grow.
According to statistics collected by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), gynecomastia affects approximately 40% of the male population in the United States. However, let’s delve a bit deeper into the numbers. It is estimated that around 70% of boys experience this problem in their early to mid-adolescence due to the natural hormonal changes that occur during puberty. In many cases, symptoms in adolescent boys resolve over time without any treatment. Gynecomastia is also highly prevalent among middle-aged and elderly men. Of these men, up to 65% are affected by gynecomastia. Furthermore, men with specific medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism or individuals who use recreational drugs may be at risk of developing excessive male breast.
Who might have gynecomastia?
Although people tend to think of androgens (like testosterone) as “male hormones” and estrogens as “female hormones,” individuals of both genders produce both types of hormones. In men, androgens are the dominant hormones, but there are also small amounts of estrogen present. Gynecomastia occurs when the balance shifts, with an increase in estrogen or a decrease in androgens. This can happen due to expected hormonal changes during puberty, the aging process, or as a result of using certain medications or herbal products.
The most common causes of big breasts in adult men seeking medical evaluation for the condition include:
- Pubertal gynecomastia that doesn’t resolve – 25%
- Medications – 10 to 25%
- Unknown causes (idiopathic) – 25%
It can occur at various times, including:
- At birth: More than half of male infants are born with enlarged breasts or breast buds, which is due to the mother’s estrogen levels. This typically resolves within a few weeks.
- During puberty: More than half of adolescent boys have some degree of breast growth. Hormonal fluctuations, including a decrease in testosterone and an increase in estrogen, cause breast tissue to develop. This condition evens out as hormone levels stabilize, a process that takes about six months to two years.
- In adulthood: Breast enlargement in men over 50 is more common. With aging, men’s bodies produce less testosterone and may have more body fat, stimulating estrogen production and breast tissue growth.
For men seeking to address gynecomastia symptoms, male breast reduction surgery can be an effective solution. This procedure can help remove excess breast tissue and create a more contoured and masculine chest.
Gynecomastia is often mistaken for pseudogynecomastia, also known as lipomastia. The key distinction lies in the underlying cause of breast enlargement.
If you’re a man or adolescent with enlarged or sensitive breasts, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether the breast tissue is primarily fatty or glandular. Glandular tissue is specialized for secreting substances like milk or hormones and typically includes a network of ducts that can be palpated.
In cases where it’s challenging to distinguish between gynecomastia and pseudogynecomastia, your healthcare provider might recommend a breast ultrasound or a mammogram, a specialized X-ray specifically for breast tissue assessment.
Additionally, in certain situations, blood tests may be conducted to measure hormone levels. However, if the cause of gynecomastia, such as puberty or medication use, is readily identified, blood tests are often unnecessary.
