{"id":2629,"date":"2019-01-20T09:26:24","date_gmt":"2019-01-20T09:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2629"},"modified":"2021-05-24T14:11:59","modified_gmt":"2021-05-24T14:11:59","slug":"8-gynecomastia-causes-men-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/8-gynecomastia-causes-men-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"8 Gynecomastia Causes Men Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Gynecomastia is an embarrassing condition for both men and boys. The growth of fatty breast tissue causes an unsightly enlargement of the lower chest area. The situation develops as a result of a variety of hormonal and lifestyle factors affecting the way the body manages testosterone and estrogen output.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, the condition is not life-threatening. Most cases disappear on their own, without the need for medication or surgery. However, in some severe cases, drug therapy or surgery is the only option to get rid of the excess breast tissue and return the chest to its regular appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While gynecomastia may not adversely affect your health, it may affect your self-confidence and self-image. Individuals suffering from gynecomastia may avoid activities that force them to reveal the condition, such as taking your shirt off at the beach. If you\u2019re concerned about developing breast tissue, here are eight causes of gynecomastia men need to know.
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1.    Natural Shifts in Hormone Production<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Testosterone <\/a>and estrogen are the \u201csex\u201d hormones in men and women. The male hormone, testosterone, kicks in during the beginning of puberty. It\u2019s responsible for muscular development and various other biological changes in boys, such as deepening of the voice and the growth of pubic hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estrogen is known as the \u201cfemale hormone,\u201d but it also exists in men as well – but in smaller quantities. Gynecomastia develops when an imbalance of these hormones occurs. When too much estrogen is present in the body, fatty tissue begins to grow under the nipple area and sidewalls of the chest muscles. This growth continues until the hormone balance returns to homeostasis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gynecomastia affects teenagers undergoing puberty. The changes in hormones may cause the condition to develop, but it typically goes away after 6 to 24-months as hormones rebalance. Gynecomastia affects 1 in 4 men above the age of 50-years and usually takes surgery or medications to eradicate the condition.
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2.    Anabolic Steroid Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The fitness industry is rife with deception. Take a look at the cover of any men\u2019s health magazine, and you\u2019ll see a muscular man with washboard abs. Many young men look at these ambassadors of health as role models and try to emulate their physique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, what the magazines don\u2019t tell you is that a significant part of the fitness community uses steroids <\/a>to achieve their muscular physique. After trying and failing to develop the body of their dreams, many young men resort to using black market steroids to obtain big muscles and low body fat levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using steroids without the guidance of a medical professional is playing with fire. Our endocrine systems are fragile and sensitive, and introducing exogenous hormones can have disastrous effects. During a steroid cycle, individuals experience fluctuations in both testosterone and estrogen. High levels of the female hormone result in the growth of gynecomastia. Typically, breast tissue growth as a result of using steroids won\u2019t go away on its own and requires surgery for removal.
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3.    Pharmaceuticals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are other medications, other than anabolic steroids, that can cause the growth of gynecomastia <\/a>in men. Pharmaceutical medications can affect the endocrine system, reducing the amount of testosterone while increasing the presence of estrogen in the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re taking any of the following drugs, and experiencing signs of gynecomastia, speak to your doctor about adjusting your treatment to a less aggressive class of medications that don\u2019t cause gynecomastia side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam, (Xanax,) diazepam, (Valium,) and other benzodiazepines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Nortriptyline, (Pamelor,) Amitriptyline, and Protriptyline, (Vivactil.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anti-androgens for the treatment of prostate cancer and BPH, (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,) such as finasteride, (Propecia and Proscar,) and spironolactone (Aldactone).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HIV and AIDS medications, such as Efavirenz, (Sustiva,) used in highly active antiretroviral therapy, (HAART.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancer treatment drugs used in chemotherapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cardiovascular medications, such as calcium channel blockers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ulcer and gastric drugs, such as cimetidine, (Tagamet HB,) and metoclopramide, (Reglan.)
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4.    Recreational Drug and Alcohol Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The use of recreational drugs and overindulgence in alcohol are both factors contributing to the growth of gynecomastia in men. Consuming alcohol reduces your testosterone output while increasing estrogen<\/a>. Men who drink on a daily basis may develop gynecomastia due to suppressed testosterone levels and increased presence of estrogen in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The abuse of amphetamines, such as crystal meth and Adderall, also creates hormone imbalances that can lead to the growth of breast tissue in men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opiates and opioids, such as heroin, Methadone, and the abuse or misuse of prescription synthetic opioid painkillers, such as hydrocodone, also increase risk factors associated with the development of gynecomastia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various studies on marijuana show that administration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC,) to rats produces growth in mammary gland tissue. THC, the active psychedelic ingredient in marijuana, affects the endocrine system in many different ways, including decreasing the production of testosterone while increasing the presence of estrogen in the body.
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5.    Hypogonadism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The HPTA, (Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testes-Axis,) governs male testosterone production. Individuals suffering from hypogonadism <\/a>don\u2019t produce enough of the hormone., leading to the development of either primary or secondary hypogonadism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primary Hypogonadism \u2013 Also called \u201cprimary testicular failure.” This condition develops due to an issue with the testicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondary Hypogonadism \u2013 Damage or disruption to the normal functioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus which disrupts the HPTA. The hypothalamus signals the pituitary by producing a gonadotropin-releasing hormone which, in turn, makes the luteinizing hormone, (LH,) and follicle-stimulating hormone, (FSH.) The combination of LH and FSH signals the testes to release more testosterone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypogonadism is either a hereditary condition or brought about by the use of exogenous hormones \u2013 such as steroids, that shut down the HPTA. On rare occasions, both primary and secondary hypogonadism may occur consecutively. Individuals suffering from the condition, experience an increase in the amount of estrogen circulating in the blood, which causes the growth of male breast tissue.
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6.    Health Issues
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Some health conditions can cause the growth of gynecomastia in men. As men age, they experience a natural decline in testosterone production due to waning protein <\/a>synthesis within the body. This condition causes the accumulation of body fat, especially around the waist and chest. The increase in cellular fat accumulates around the wall of the pectoral muscle, below the nipple line and to the outside of the breast, resulting in the development of gynecomastia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both hypogonadisms and accelerated aging require the use of TRT, (Testosterone Replacement Therapy,) to balance the hormone profile and return the body to a healthy hormone profile. The introduction of exogenous hormones may result in an increase of estrogen, which requires other medications to reduce its presence in the blood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Various health conditions affect the growth of gynecomastia including;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyperthyroidism \u2013 Where the thyroid produces too much thyroxine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tumors \u2013 Affecting the pituitary gland, testes, or adrenal glands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kidney and liver damage \u2013 Affecting hormone production.
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7.    Malnutrition and Obesity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obese individuals are at risk of developing pseudo-gynecomastia. This condition occurs due to a growth in adipose tissue around the chest, as opposed to the growth of glandular tissue in cases of true gynecomastia. Studies show that that increased aromatase activity and leptin output in obese men contributes to an increase in estrogen that causes true gynecomastia as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malnutrition <\/a>also plays a significant role in the development of the condition. The body requires calories to produce hormones, and in the absence of energy, the body reduces testosterone production while estrogen levels remain constant. The resultant hormone imbalance causes the growth of gynecomastia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also important to note that refeeding the body after an extensive period of malnutrition can result in the growth of male breast tissue as well. As nutrients enter the body, the liver lags in its ability to degrade estrogen, resulting in the development of gynecomastia. As the body increases its stores of nutrients and the liver returns to normal function, the additional breast tissue will disappear.
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8.    Herbal Treatments and Plant Products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The food we eat and the products we use play a vital role in the health of our hormonal system. Certain plant oils, such as lavender and tea tree oil<\/a> may cause the onset of gynecomastia. Studies show that these oils have estrogenic and anti-androgenic properties. Check your bath soap or shower gel for these two oils.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, on a regular basis may induce the formation of breast tissue in men. Soy contains high levels of isoflavones, plant-based molecules that feature estrogen-like activity. Persistent consumption of these foods leads to an increase in the amount of estrogen circulating in the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, the liver struggles to keep up with estrogen elimination, and more of the female hormone aromatases in the body. Higher levels of estrogen induce the development of gynecomastia. Therefore, its best to remove soy products from your diet and replace them with other foods to avoid the growth of male breast tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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