What Causes Enlarged Breasts in Men?
It should go without saying that men, just like women, can also be conscious about the way they look. We can be just as vain, if not more, about our physical appearance. While many guys are content with maintaining their good looks, others desire physical improvements.
Consider the case of Detroit, Michigan native Wayne Manns. At 15-years-old, Wayne was diagnosed with the medical condition called gynecomastia a.k.a. “man boobs”. Often due to hormonal imbalance, gynecomastia causes a man’s breast tissue to enlarge.
After being bullied in his teenage years and called a hermaphrodite, Wayne would strap his male breasts each day with duct tape. He ended up quitting his football team and dropped out of school because of his gynecomastia.
In recent years, as men have become more open to plastic surgery, cases of enlarged breasts in men can now be corrected by plastic surgeons. Given his history, Wayne Manns was more than willing to undergo the procedure to finally live a life that he has long wanted.
The stigma of having enlarged breasts has caused men like Wayne to never be able to go to the beach or a public pool. Prior to his surgery, Wayne had never even taken off his shirt in public because of the ridicule he might face. Gynecomastia surgery can change the lives of men with this condition for the better.
How to Prevent Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is often caused by changes in levels of the female hormone (estrogen) and the male hormone (testosterone). It is normal to develop gynecomastia during puberty that later resolves on its own. There are ways for you to treat and prevent gynecomastia naturally with dietary and lifestyle changes.
Food changes
- Since it is necessary for the thyroid gland to produce hormone, you should increase your iodine intake if your doctor recommends it. Have your doctor check your iodine levels first, then consume iodized salt and food like fish, grains, dairy, and seaweed.
- Eat enough to maintain a healthy weight and prevent a testosterone drop. Make sure that you’re also getting enough calories for your age. Although most men need 2,500 calories a day to maintain their weight, that may change depending on your age and activity level.
- Limit your alcohol intake to keep your hormones balanced. Although it is advisable to skip alcohol altogether, you can instead choose to drink in moderation.
Lifestyle changes
- Some medication can cause gynecomastia as a side effect so ask your doctor if that’s what is happening with you.
- If you’re obese, try to lose weight. Since obesity is often associated with the condition, if you have a BMI of over 25 kg/m, there is a very high risk that you develop gynecomastia. Follow a healthy diet and carry out approximately 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly.
- Avoid products with plant oils because they can boost estrogen. Lavender oil or tea tree oil can make this condition worse. Check for these in products such as lotions, shampoos, and soaps.
How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia can be a side effect of certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antibiotics, chemotherapy, prostate cancer medicines, ulcer or cardiovascular medicines. Illegal drugs, such as anabolic steroids, or marijuana can also cause gynecomastia.
Some diseases and medical conditions may also cause gynecomastia. These include:
- Liver diseases
- Kidney disease
- Lung cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Tumors of the adrenal glands or pituitary gland
- Some conditions that a baby is born with (congenital disorders)
- Thyroid disorders
- Injury or trauma
- Obesity
When to See a Doctor?
Although you can generally live with gynecomastia, there are symptoms that should push you toward seeing a doctor. When there is pain, tenderness, or swelling in the breasts or if there is any kind of discharge from one or both nipples, it’s time to consult a proper physician.
Men like Wayne Manns often find it difficult or embarrassing to see a doctor and have their gynecomastia treated. By no means is it as serious as breast cancer. However, the instances just mentioned should merit a doctor’s appointment so that they can advise you on what technique to treat you with during consultation.
Let Us Talk About Your Gynecomastia
Living with a physical condition like gynecomastia can prove to be a psychological and mental struggle for men. Wayne Manns is but one of many who endured so much due to something they have no control over. The good news is that cases of gynecomastia can now be remedied with surgery.
A 2018 report from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons revealed that more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on men the previous year. That marked a 29% increase from 2000.
Although plastic surgery and enhancing one’s physical appearance is more associated with women, that kind of thinking is no longer the case. Men can choose to go under the knife to have a procedure that makes them feel good about themselves too.
If you are suffering from gynecomastia or other similar physical issues, our compassionate and skilled plastic surgeons at Memorial Plastic Surgery can help you. Schedule a consultation with us today and say hello a brighter future.
*This blog is created and maintained for informational purposes only. The images present may not accurately reflect actual cases per individual. Individual cases are unique, and the descriptions and solutions will vary per patient.
