photo taken from muscle.iuhu.org
The distinctive physical features of a man are muscular frame, slim hips, broad shoulders, strong facial features and flat chests. A man with gynecomastia is inflicted with abnormally large breasts resembling those of a woman.
The term gynecomastia literally means “woman’s breasts.” It is coined from the Latin word “gyne”, meaning woman, and “mastos,” which means breasts. This commonly happens among young boys. It is not permanent and would normally disappear over the years as the inflicted male adolescents enter adulthood and their bodies have completed physical development. Unfortunately, there are an estimated 10% of them who may carry this condition over to adulthood.
Consider the following possible gynecomastia causes:
- Hereditary disorders
- Obesity
- Malnutrition
- Mammary tumors
- Hypertrophy of the breast tissue
- Excess of adipose tissues in the chest area (pseudogynecomastia)
- Hormonal imbalance (low testosterone, high estrogen)
- Anabolic steroids
- Chronic liver disease
- Renal failure
- Kallmann Syndrome
- Gilbert’s Syndrome
- Klinefelter Syndrome (in males, this means that there is an excess of the X-chromosome or a hormonal imbalance in favor of estrogen)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Testicular trauma
- Cancer
As evidenced by the list, the reasons may be simple and can be treated easily such as obesity and abusive use of steroids, or as complicated as the premises created by genetic causes.
Effects of Gynecomastia
At present there is no evidence indicating that gynecomastia in men is fatal or may become a cause for a serious medical condition. It does inflict a psychological issue for men. It significantly reduces self-esteem and sexual confidence. Humiliation, insecurity and depression are not uncommon responses towards the regard of other people. Physically, long-term gynecomastia causes pain and reduces the elasticity of the skin (saggy breasts).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Obese men commonly misdiagnosed to have this condition because they also have that similar enlargement of the male breast. This pseudogynecomastia is easily treated by losing weight.
Surgery is a guaranteed treatment for male gynecomastia. Liposuction, mammoplasty reduction and skin sculpture effectively reduces breast size and removes excess skin where necessary.
Medical treatment may also be given by doctors, although any medicine may have limited effects when the condition is already prolonged by a year or more. This option is best administered during the earliest stages of gynecomastia.
Tags: Gynecomastia, gynecomastia in men, male breast, male gynecomastia
