Everything You Need to Know About Enlarged Breasts in Men
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia (Gyno) is a condition caused by an imbalance in estrogen and testosterone levels. This causes an increase in the breast gland tissue, affecting one or both breasts.
Even though gynecomastia is common, it isn’t necessarily harmful to your health. The number one thing people with gynecomastia experience is a problem with their body image. Enlarged male breasts can have an impact on self-esteem—which can affect other aspects of life.
Luckily, gynecomastia is treatable. Continue reading to learn more about gynecomastia, how you can identify it, and your treatment options.
Table of Contents
How Common is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia (gyno) is more common than you might think. It affects over 50% of boys and men, occurring as early as infancy. However, it’s often first seen during puberty since it is linked to changes in natural hormone levels.
How Does Gynecomastia Affect the Body?
Gynecomastia (Gyno) causes the gland tissue in the breasts to increase, causing enlarged male breasts. The increase of gland tissue affects one or both of the breasts which sometimes results in the breasts becoming uneven, feeling tender, or causing sudden pain. The results of the tissue increase become what many call “man boobs.”
Get Your Personal ConsultationDo I Have Gynecomastia or Just Chest Fat?
Chest fat can easily be mistaken for gynecomastia. If you’re not sure whether you have gynecomastia, ask yourself the following questions:
1. What’s My Age?
During adolescence, boys undergo natural hormonal changes that can result in gynecomastia. This is typically a temporary condition as the hormone levels will normalize over the years.
As men continue aging, there is a natural decrease in their testosterone levels. The decreased levels may result in older men experiencing enlarged breast tissue.
2. Do I Have Excess Body Fat?
Larger breast tissue can be linked to higher-than-normal body fat. Testing for blood and cholesterol can indicate if your body has a high body fat amount.
3. Do I Have a Medical Condition?
Gynecomastia could be a symptom of kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, or testicular tumors. These conditions can cause imbalances in estrogen and testosterone, which can result in enlarged breasts.
4. What’s My Diet and Exercise Routine?
Poor diet or inconsistent exercise can cause excess body fat. Performing exercises such as strengthening areas like the pectorals creates more definition and reduces breast tissue.
5. Do I Drink Alcohol or Use Substances?
Excessive use of both alcohol or substances such as marijuana or opioids directly impacts your hormone levels, resulting in conditions like gynecomastia.
How to Know If I Have Gyno or Just Chest Fat
| Question | What to Look At | Quick Insight |
|---|---|---|
| What’s My Age? | Teens: Hormonal changes may cause temporary gyno. Older men: Lower testosterone can lead to breast tissue. | Age-related hormones can trigger gyno. |
| Do I Have Excess Body Fat? | High body fat can cause larger chest area. Blood tests can show fat levels. | Fat buildup can mimic gyno. |
| Do I Have a Medical Condition? | Kidney disease, thyroid issues, or testicular tumors can affect hormones. | Hormonal imbalance from health issues can cause gyno. |
| What’s My Diet and Exercise Routine? | Poor diet or lack of workouts can cause chest fat. Pectoral exercises help with chest definition. | Fat may reduce with fitness; gyno won’t. |
| Do I Drink Alcohol or Use Substances? | Alcohol, marijuana, or opioids impact hormones. | These can lead to gyno over time. |
Symptoms of Gynecomastia
If you are concerned that you have gynecomastia look for these common signs and symptoms:
- Breast tenderness
- Pain within the breasts (very apparent in teenagers)
- Swelling in the breast tissue
- High sensitivity in the nipples (when in contact with surfaces like clothing)
Below are conditions that should alert you to seek medical attention from a professional as these conditions may indicate something more than just increased breast tissue.
Serious Symptoms
Please see your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following issues:
- Fluid coming out of one or both nipples
- The skin has dimpled on the breast
- Formation of hard or firm lumps underneath the nipple
What Causes Gynecomastia?
There’s no single cause of gynecomastia, but these may contribute to enlarged male breasts:
- Natural Hormonal Changes: Different life stages cause changes in hormonal levels, resulting in gynecomastia. Changes to testosterone and estrogen balances are apparent in stages like infancy, puberty, and even older adulthood.
- Medications: Many medications can cause gynecomastia. Antibiotics, chemotherapy, anti-anxiety, and ADHD medicines all directly influence hormone balances, which may result in gynecomastia.
- Substances: Recreational and illegal drugs such as alcohol and heroin disrupt your hormonal balance, directly resulting in conditions like gynecomastia.
- Health Conditions: Various conditions such as tumors or kidney disease can directly affect hormone levels. Even simply aging or having a poor diet and exercise regimen can throw off your hormonal balance.
How to Check for Gynecomastia at Home: The Pinch Test
This is an at-home test you can do yourself. Gently pinch around and underneath your areolas for any hard or firm lumps. These button-sized lumps are typically located beneath the nipple and may move around as you pinch your skin. Lumps may be a sign of gynecomastia, so if you’ve found one, contact your doctor.
How Is Gynecomastia Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose gynecomastia by reviewing your medical history and administering tests like urine, blood, and breast imaging. By performing a physical exam, your doctor can rule out any other underlying conditions.
Complications of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia doesn’t have serious health consequences but may lead to complications such as:
- Pain or tenderness in the breasts.
- Embarrassment during social situations.
- Low self-esteem or increased anxiety.
While this condition doesn’t cause kidney disease, it may be a symptom of it.
How Is Gynecomastia Treated?
The choice of treatment options depends on your age, health, and the severity of the condition.
- Medications: If caused by certain drugs, stopping or adjusting them may resolve the issue. Undergoing hormone therapy may also help fix the condition.
- Lifestyle Changes: Maintaining a healthy weight, managing medications, and avoiding substances such as alcohol keep your hormones balanced and reduce symptoms.
- Surgery: If the gynecomastia is severe, surgery may be required to remove the excess tissue.
Should You Consider Male Breast Reduction Surgery?
Surgery should only be considered if your gynecomastia is severe enough. Consider the factors below and remember to always talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
- You are in a healthy and safe state to have surgery performed.
- Previous gynecomastia treatments did not produce results.
- You are experiencing consistent physical or mental discomfort.
- The size of your breasts has balanced out.
Gynecomastia Prevention and Management Tips
You can lower your risk of gynecomastia by:
- Limiting or avoiding substance use like alcohol and other recreational drugs
- Controlling intake of medicines and medications (speak to your doctor about possible side effects)
- Keeping your weight at a healthy level through consistent exercise and managing the food you eat
- Positively influencing your hormonal balance through actions like managing stress and getting enough sleep
Schedule a Consultation With Dr. Mazaheri
Ready to take the next step? Dr. Mazaheri is one of Scottsdale’s leaders in male breast reduction surgery. He can lead you through each option for your gynecomastia surgery, giving you lasting, satisfying results. Regain your confidence and schedule a consultation with Dr. Mazaheri today.
Read our Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery Guide <- Here!
FAQs About Gyno/Gynecomastia
Can Man Boobs Go Away on Their Own?
Gynecomastia is a common condition that typically goes away after puberty. If the condition persists, surgery may be needed.
How Can I Lose My Man Boobs Fast?
Getting rid of gynecomastia is not a quick process. Many times it requires lifestyle changes. Other processes, like surgery, have long recovery periods.
Can Gynecomastia Be Life-Threatening?
Gynecomastia is not life-threatening, but it can be linked to life-threatening complications like kidney disease.
Does Having a Gyno Mean I Have Low Testosterone?
Gynecomastia is a condition that is directly linked to low testosterone or high estrogen levels.
What Are the Complications of Gynecomastia?
If left untreated, the breast issue will continue to enlarge and expand, causing more potential discomfort and pain.
How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost?
The price for the surgery will typically range between $6,500 to $8,000. The price will vary based on the severity of your gynecomastia.
Does Gyno Affect Bodybuilding?
Bodybuilders that utilize substances such as anabolic steroids can disrupt their hormonal balance, resulting in conditions like gynecomastia.
Does Weight Lifting Make Gyno Worse?
Weight lifting causes you to build muscle in areas like the pectorals, which forces the excess breast tissue to be pushed. This action makes the condition much more apparent.
Dr. Mazaheri is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. After more than sixteen years of education and advanced training, Dr. Mazaheri opened his Scottsdale practice in 2003. He is a thorough and experienced surgeon with a strong focus on achieving patient needs. Dr. Mazaheri’s areas of specialty include breast and body contouring procedures such as breast augmentation, mastopexy, tummy tucks, liposuction and other body sculpting procedures. He and his friendly staff will only recommend procedures that will help you achieve your desired results. Focusing on your needs both before and after a procedure is Dr. Mazaheri’s top priority.
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