It has been a severe mystery for many medical communities that actually what causes gynecomastia in men. Being a typical situation, no one tried to put effort into finding the fundamental causes of male breast enlargement. But before diving deep into causes of male breast growth, let’s get the clear situation on what actually gynecomastia is and what it’s not.
Enlargement of breast size in men due to the growth of breast tissue is gynecomastia. Whereas, breast enlargement due to deposition of fat around and under the areola is called pseudogynecomastia.
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Estrogen – One Of The Main Causes of Gynecomastia
There might be several reasons for gynecomastia but all of them are co-related, or you may say backed by one main cause and that is the presence of the excess maternal hormones or female hormone. The scientifically female hormone is present in every man at a specific level, and that’s perfectly normal.
The problem begins when the level of the female hormone increases abnormally in men; this causes gynecomastia. There might be various reasons for the abnormal increase in female hormone level and that what we are going to discuss further in this article.
2) Development of gynecomastia through use of steroids neglecting PCT (Post Cycle Therapy)
3) Use of several prescribed medication and steroid can cause gyno
4) Development of male breast through the consumption of drugs and alcohol
All these factors seem different; they are root for producing excess estrogen that causes male breast.
What Causes Gynecomastia In Puberty Period
Every human body has two types of hormone, a female hormone (estrogen) and male hormone (androgen). When estrogen level in males exceeds androgen level, it results in gynecomastia. Natural growth of breast in teens that disappears within a specified period is called Physiologic Gynecomastia.
Increase in the level of estrogen in the male during puberty is quite natural that results in enlargement of the male breast, but most of the time it is temporary. According to a study, among 40% of teens suffering from gynecomastia, 75% of them get to the usual flat chest within two years of onset.
What Causes of Gyno In Adult Males
Talking about symptoms of pubertal gynecomastia and adult gynecomastia, they are mostly similar. But both gynecomastia is different, and one should never relate one to another. Men who didn’t have any state of gynecomastia in their young age and got developed in their adulthood could be due to various reasons.
Development of gynecomastia in adults could be the reason for hormonal imbalance, consumption of prescription medication, use of drugs and alcohol or due to an unhealthy diet.
What Medication Cause Gynecomastia?
Some prescribed medications could cause man breast to grow in both teenagers and adults. Around 10-25% of gynecomastia cases are due consumption of prescribed drugs,
- Steroids like Prednisone and Dexamethasone
- Medication for treatment of ulcer
- Medicines for the treatment of Epilepsy
- Digitalis medication used for heart problem can cause swelling in the breast
- Medication used during chemotherapy also causes gynecomastia
- Antiandrogen drugs such as cyproterone, spironolactone, and flutamide
- Anti-anxiety and Anti-depressant drugs like Tricyclic and Valium
- Medications like ketoconazole, 5α-Reductase inhibitors, cimetidine, bicalutamide, spironolactone, and flutamide
Medicines that may probably be the causes of gynecomastia are verapamil, risperidone, nifedipine, amlodipine, olanzapine, opioids, anabolic steroids, efavirenz, omeprazole, and alkylating agents.
Which Medical Conditions Causes Males To Have Breasts
There are some men in whom gynecomastia occurs due to various health conditions such as,
- Hypogonadism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tumors
- Aging
- Liver failure
- Kidney failure
- Malnutrition and starvation
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Peutz–Jeghers syndrome
- hCG-secreting choriocarcinoma
- Graves’ disease
- Aromatase excess syndrome
What Foods Causes Moobs or Gyno
Unknown to us till now, several food items are included in our daily food list, actually leads to exceeding estrogen level in our body. Foods like genetically altered meat and milk are such kind of foods. Along with these some foods like tofu and soy also helps in increasing the estrogen level. Fatty food items are also a significant reason for male breast enhancement.
What Drugs and Steroid Causes Moobs
Please note that every steroid doesn’t lead to man boobs, but you can’t ignore that all of them have some side effects. Aromatize steroids such as Anadrol, Dianabol, and Sustanon are some common steroids and drugs that cause gynecomastia. But wait! There are also some other steroids causing man boobs. Severity and time of occurrence depend on the dose and strength of steroids.
What causes gynecomastia in bodybuilders & how to treat it?
This creates a chain reaction that causes enlargement of breast tissues, resulting in gynecomastia. This is where PCT or Post Cycle Therapy becomes essential. Your body becomes a habitat for the steroids, and when you stop giving it required a supplement, it starts reacting adversely. Post cycle therapy helps you to treat this adverse effect of quitting steroid and prevent the growth of male breast.
Searching For Options To Counter The Causes Of Gynecomastia?
We appreciate your patience for devoting your time to our article. I think by now you might be aware of the various causes of gynecomastia. Now if you are searching for treatment options to counter these causes, you can visit our homepage.