Enlarged Male Breasts (Man Boobs) Symptoms & Causes

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The symptoms

For most men suffering with breast enlargement the most common signs include:

Chest pain or soreness
Swollen breast tissue
Tenderness
Nipple discomfort

When to see a doctor?

How does gynecomastia affect me?

You should see a doctor if you experience any unusual changes in your chest, like:

Breast swelling: One or both breasts become larger.
Pain or tenderness: Persistent pain in the chest area.
Nipple discharge: Any fluid that comes out of one or both nipples.
Firm lumps: A hard or thick area underneath the skin raises the concern for male breast cancer.
Skin changes: Dimpling or anything that appears different.

These symptoms are not always serious but it is advisable to be checked in order to address any health problems and opt for gynecomastia surgery options to remove excess breast tissue.

Advised treatments

Gynaecomastia

Body Treatment

The causes

What leads to enlarged male breasts?

Hormonal changes

Newborns: Most baby boys have swollen chests due to maternal hormones that go away in a few weeks.
Puberty: In teenage boys, underlying natural hormone changes can lead to temporary breast discomfort due to breast swelling, which will often improve completely within six months to two years.
Aging: 65% of men aged 50 to 80 experience gynecomastia, most of them are asymptomatic.

Medications

Hormonal therapy: Anti-androgens used to treat prostate cancer or enlarged prostate (e.g. finasteride, spironolactone), steroids, and some HIV drugs.
Mental health drugs: Stimulants for ADHD, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications.
Other drugs: Opioids, chemotherapy, heart drugs and the ulcer medicine omeprazole.

Certain substances

Alcohol and drugs: Excessive alcohol, marijuana, heroin and steroids can cause gynecomastia.

Health conditions affecting hormones

Low testosterone: Diseases such as Klinefelter syndrome or pituitary gland problems lower testosterone.
Thyroid problems: An overactive thyroid can mess with hormone balance producing too much of the hormone thyroxine.
Kidney and liver disease: These diseases can cause change in hormone levels related to gynecomastia.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition increases estrogen, a female hormone, and causes testosterone levels drop.

Herbal products

Plant oils found in shampoo, soap and lotion like tea tree and lavender, can act like estrogen and lead to breast enlargement.

The risk factors

What can increase the risk of enlarged breasts?

Hormone levels can be affected by puberty and by the aging process.
Too much body fat can increase levels of estrogen, which can have the side effect of enlarging breast tissue.
Even taking anabolic steroids for muscle building can disrupt hormone balance.
Conditions such as thyroid problems, liver or kidney disease, Klinefelter syndrome or some tumors can cause enlarged breasts or breast bud.

The complications

Are there dangers if left untreated?

Breast enlargement usually isn’t a physical health problem, but it can impact mental health. Few physical complications feel their looks are not good enough, contributing to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. It sometimes can induce body-image issues or even eating disorders.

The prevention

How does maintaining a healthy weight help prevent enlarged breasts?

A healthy weight also keeps hormone levels in balance, and therefore helps prevent breast enlargement. When there is some extra fat in the body, it increases estrogen, leading to breast development.

Guidance to build a healthy body weight

It is important to do regular exercise, have a balanced and nutritious diet, and drink plenty of water to avoid gaining weight. This reduces the likelihood of hormonal imbalances

Do anabolic steroids increase the risk of enlarged breasts?

Hormonal levels can be thrown off as a side effect of anabolic steroids, which increases the risk. They elevate estrogen and inhibit testosterone’s actions, producing fatty breast tissue.

Safer muscle-building alternatives to steroids

Ditch the steroids, strictly doing natural bodybuilding, strength training, and eating for success is the only way you should think of when it comes to building muscle, without interfering with your hormones.

How can alcohol and drugs increase the risk?

Drugs, alcohol, marijuana, and amphetamines may disrupt hormonal balance, and increase the risk. Avoiding these substances can help you prevent this condition.

Ways to control alcohol and drug use

If you’re struggling with substance use, reach out to health professionals or support groups. Avoiding it altogether can help keep those hormone levels balanced.

How does maintaining a healthy weight help prevent enlarged breasts?
Do anabolic steroids increase the risk of enlarged breasts?
How can alcohol and drugs increase the risk?

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Condition: Enlarged Male Breasts (Man Boobs)