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Gynecomastia Causes
People sometimes call them “man boobs,” a humorous name for enlarged male breasts. The truth is, there is nothing funny about this condition. Not only can it be embarrassing, it may require treatment in order to be addressed. Gynecomastia causes vary and determine the proper treatment. Left unaddressed, the condition continues to make a man self-conscious and can result in permanent scarring.
When the breast tissue of a man is enlarged, it may be due to fat deposits resulting from obesity, a condition called pseudogynecomastia. Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes like consuming a high protein, low carb diet and exercising regularly. Another of the gynecomastia causes is the actual enlargement of gland tissue in the male breast. This results from hormone imbalances or fluctuations caused by various situations that should be addressed.
By conducting a physical examination, a physician can usually rule whether gynecomastia causes are attributable to fatty tissue or enlargement of male breast tissue. In some cases, additional testing may be required to make an accurate diagnosis. If an infant boy or one going through puberty is experiencing symptoms as part of the normal growth process, this situation usually resolves itself in several months to several years. If other causes are to blame, treatment such as medication or surgery may be required.
During puberty, hormones can rise and fluctuate at different levels. This may cause levels of estrogen, the female hormone, to be higher than levels of the male hormone androgen. The situation is temporary and studies have widely varying estimates regarding the prevalence, ranging from four to 69 percent. If the condition persists, it may require some type of treatment, as the young adult may become very embarrassed by the situation.
Medical conditions are also included in the list of gynecomastia causes. Malnutrition and recovery from it can create a hormonal environment in the body that leads to the condition. Cirrhosis of the liver also alters hormone metabolism and can result in enlarged male breasts. When testosterone is decreased due to testicular disorders, estrogen levels can be relatively high, causing enlargement of male breast tissue. Some of these disorders are genetic, while others are attributed to infection, trauma, aging, or reduced blood flow.
Some drugs are attributed as gynecomastia causes such as the diuretic Aldactone and the common drug Valium. HAART medication for HIV disease can cause body fat to redistribute, leading to pseudogynecomastia. In some cases, it instead results in the true form of the medical condition. Alcohol and illegal drugs like heroin and marijuana can also cause the hormonal imbalance that enlarges male breast tissue. Perhaps most surprising is that tea tree and lavender oils, which are common ingredients in skin care products, have ties to this medical issue.
Gynecomastia treatment regimens include medication like testosterone replacement, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and aromatase inhibitors. These medications are only effective if the gynecomastia causes occurred within the previous 12 months. After that time, permanent scarring usually makes gynecomastia surgery the only option for male breast reduction.