What cuases gynecomastia?
FAQ
I wish I knew more about this when I was younger. Spent the entirety of my teenage years and most of my adult life with gynecomastia. It wasn’t until my late twenties or early thirties that I learned of this medical condition. Wow. All that struggling without knowing an option was available to have it addressed and corrected.
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Various factors can contribute to the development of gynecomastia, including:
Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels can lead to breast tissue growth. This is often seen during puberty when hormone levels fluctuate.
Medications: Certain medications can cause gynecomastia as a side effect. Common examples include anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, and some medications for heart conditions, ulcers, and mental health disorders. Pro-hormone supplements may also contribute to hormonal changes in the body, resulting in development of true-gynecomastia, among other undesirable changes in the body.
Health Conditions: Various medical conditions can influence hormone levels, leading to gynecomastia. These include liver disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and tumors that affect hormone-producing glands.
Aging: As men age, testosterone levels may naturally decline, which can result in the relative increase of estrogen and the potential for breast tissue enlargement.
Obesity: Increased body fat can elevate estrogen levels and lower testosterone levels, contributing to the development of gynecomastia.
Substance Use: The use of substances such as marijuana, alcohol, or certain drugs can lead to hormonal changes that may result in gynecomastia.
Identifying the underlying cause is essential for determining appropriate treatment options, which may range from lifestyle changes to surgical intervention in persistent cases.
True Gynecomastia involves a hormonal imbalance triggering enlargement of the glands under the nipples. Pseudo-Gynecomastia is an accumulation of fat in the chest area mimicking true gynecomastia and causing the appearance of female like breasts in males.