Gynecomastia is the abnormal swelling of breast tissue in boys and men. Those affected often experience low self-esteem and discomfort, particularly during intimate moments. It’s a fairly common issue, with studies indicating that between 32% to 65% of males may experience it.
If you’re dealing with this condition, this article will outline Gynecomastia surgery options and non-surgical options to address gynecomastia. But first, let’s understand what gynecomastia means.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition where breast tissue enlarges in boys and men. This change can occur when there’s an imbalance between two hormones. If the breast enlargement is due to excess fat, it’s called “pseudo gynecomastia.”It’s worth noting that all boys start life with a small amount of breast tissue, even though men don’t develop breasts like women do.
During puberty, boys mainly produce a hormone called testosterone, which drives their sexual development. However, males also produce a small amount of estrogen, the hormone responsible for female sexual growth. As boys go through puberty or as older men produce less testosterone, the balance between these two hormones can shift, leading to conditions like gynecomastia.
Symptoms can range from a slight extra tissue around the nipples to noticeably larger breasts. It might happen in one or both breasts. While some people might experience tenderness or pain in the breast area, others might not feel any discomfort at all.
What Leads to Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is often harmless and not related to cancer. It’s commonly connected to shifts in hormone levels, though the exact reasons are sometimes unclear. This condition typically stems from changes in testosterone and estrogen. However, other factors can also contribute.
Certain medications, like antibiotics, drugs for conditions like prostate cancer or heart issues, and antidepressants can trigger gynecomastia. Additionally, using illegal drugs such as steroids, heroin, or marijuana can also be a cause.
Some health problems can lead to gynecomastia too. These encompass:
- Kidney problems
- Liver issues
- Testicular cancer
- Lung cancer
- Certain birth-related disorders
- Growths in the adrenal or pituitary glands
How is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
To diagnose gynecomastia, your healthcare provider will review your medical history and perform a physical examination.
Additional tests might be conducted to rule out other health issues. These can include:
- Urine sample tests
- Blood tests, such as liver function and hormone checks
- A mammogram, which is a low-dose X-ray of the breast
- In some cases, a small tissue sample from the breast, called a biopsy, may be taken to check for cancer cells.
Sometimes, specialized care from an endocrinologist, a doctor who focuses on hormones and their impact on the body, may be recommended.
How is Gynecomastia Treated?
Gynecomastia often goes away on its own within 6 months to a few years. But if there’s an underlying issue, gynecomastia treatment might be necessary. If the cause is a medication, changing to a different drug could help. In cases where the medication is temporary, the condition usually clears up when the medication is stopped.
Treatment options are uncommon but can include surgery to reduce breast size or hormone therapy to lessen estrogen effects.
Medications to Address Gynecomastia:
- Tamoxifen: This drug blocks the female hormone estrogen. While mainly used for breast cancer, it can also ease breast pain and swelling in males.
- Aromatase Inhibitors: These are commonly used for breast and ovarian cancer in women past menopause. They may also help prevent or treat gynecomastia.
- Testosterone Replacement: This can be a solution for older men with low testosterone levels and gynecomastia.
In certain situations, surgery could be the best option. Your doctor might discuss this option:
- Liposuction:
The procedure is carried out with the patient under anaesthesia. Tiny cuts are made to reach the fat. A tool, like a suction device, is then used to remove the fat layer between the muscles and skin. The exact suction method can vary. In the basic liposuction approach, a slim tube, known as a cannula, is inserted through the cuts. This cannula connects to a suction machine that takes out the extra fat. In more modern methods, either a liquid is injected or techniques like ultrasonic waves or laser are employed to dissolve and eliminate the fat.
This procedure removes excess fat from the breasts and is considered the top choice, sometimes better than medication-induced treatment. Plus gynecomastia surgery cost is usually lower at reputed places.
Diet Tips for Managing Gynecomastia
- Balanced Diet: Eat a balanced diet to ensure your body gets all the necessary nutrients.
- Boost Testosterone: Foods rich in protein, vitamin D, and zinc can help increase testosterone levels. Examples include egg yolks, oysters, and tuna.
- Watch for Phytoestrogens: Some foods contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic estrogen in your body. These chemicals can affect your hormone balance. Common sources of phytoestrogens are soy, legumes, and licorice root.
- Limit Food Consumption: While more research is needed, reducing your intake of foods high in phytoestrogens might help balance your testosterone to estrogen ratio.
Exercise Tips for Managing Gynecomastia
- Spot Reduction Myth: Exercising specific body parts, like the chest, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll lose more fat in that area compared to others.
- Aerobic Exercise: Incorporate aerobic exercises to help reduce overall body fat. The specific type of exercise matters less than factors like intensity and duration.
- Body Movement Exercise: Consider activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, skating, dancing, rowing, and skipping.
- Pushups for Chest: Pushups are effective for building chest muscles. You can make them more challenging by increasing reps, sets, or adding weight.
Is There a Connection Between Gynecomastia and Male Breast Cancer?
Men who have gynecomastia are about five times more likely to get male breast cancer than those who don’t.
While gynecomastia itself isn’t seen as a sign of cancer, the hormonal changes that cause it—like higher estrogen and lower testosterone levels—can raise the risk of developing breast cancer in men.
Conclusion
Gynecomastia is a common affliction in which men develop abnormally large breasts as the result of hormonal imbalances or some medications. It can cause discomfort and a feeling of low self-esteem – If you are looking for the best gynecomastia surgeon near you, Kalosa might be the option to look for. Kalosa is one stop place for treating every stage of gynecomastia. So, don’t wait and visit now!