Did you know that men tend to be diagnosed with breast cancer much later than women? There are warning signs to look out for in case you’re concerned that you or someone you know may have man boobs, also known as gynecomastia.
Breasts in general are made up of fatty tissue, the mammary gland, and connective tissue, but “man boobs” tend to be a buildup of fat tissue. Sometimes these fatty lumps are normal.
Many men are unaware of the real causes of man boobs. It can be humiliating to go to the doctor and admit something like that.
These can also be hereditary, something you can’t control, so don’t stress too much about it. There are always factors at play and things you can do to fix it for the long term.
Here are the top five main causes of gynecomastia or male breast enlargement.
Low Testosterone Levels
Man boobs are a common side effect of low testosterone levels. Testosterone helps to maintain muscle mass.
A low level can cause the chest muscles to atrophy. This can lead to the development of man boobs. Read more here about treatment for low testosterone levels that can help to reduce the size of a man’s boobs.
Hormones
Estrogen is one of the main culprits, as it can promote the growth of breast tissue. Other hormones that can play a role include prolactin, growth hormone, and testosterone.
Certain medications or medical conditions can lead to an imbalance of these hormones. It can then result in man boobs.
While it may be embarrassing, man boobs are usually harmless. It can often be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery.
Body Fat
Man boobs are caused by excess body fat. The fat accumulates around the chest area and causes the breasts to enlarge.
Obesity is the most common cause. There are many factors that can contribute to excess body fat. These include a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and hormonal imbalances.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that can cause man boobs. These include breast cancer treatments, hormonal medications, and antidepressants.
These also include certain heartburn medications, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and steroids. If you are taking any medications and develop man boobs, it is important to talk to your doctor to see if the medication is the cause. In some cases, switching to a different medication may solve the problem.
Medical Conditions
There are many medical conditions that can cause man boobs. One of the most common is gynecomastia, a condition that causes enlarged breast tissue in men.
Other conditions that can cause man’s boobs to include obesity, certain hormone disorders, and some forms of cancer. While many of these conditions are treatable, some are not, and man boobs can be a lifelong struggle for those affected.
Understanding Causes of Man Boobs
If you’re concerned about the development of man boobs, talk to your doctor. Though they are often harmless, they can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
There are some potential causes and underlying conditions that can lead to the development of man boobs. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can improve your condition and feel better about your appearance.
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