What Is Gynecomastia? How Does It Affect Men and Boys?

Gynecomastia is common among men and boys. Despite that, its effects can weigh a lot on a man and the maturing boy. So, what is the extent of these effects?

You have decided to become an avid gym-goer focused on losing a certain amount of pounds to have a well-chiseled body. This is inspired by the desire to get rid of your large-looking breasts. Because when you look at other men with flat chests, you drool with envy.

The gym will do its part, but it will not solve all your problems since you could be suffering from Gynecomastia (man-chests). It is a condition that affects around 50% of men, especially between 50 and 80 years. Also, 70% of boys suffer from man-chests during the puberty stage.

So what is gynecomastia and how does it affect men and boys? As you read on, you’ll also find out:

What is Gynecomastia?

Also known as man-chests, gynecomastia is when the breasts of a man become enlarged because of hormonal imbalance in the body. The hormonal imbalance can be as a result of genetic rearrangement, selected medications, steroids, and drug abuse.

Gynecomastia is prevalent in boys going through puberty, where hormonal changes occur. The breasts of the boy may develop fatty tissue under the nipples. 

What causes gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, has many possible underlying causes:

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

An important symptom of gynecomastia is enlargement or swelling of male breast tissue. Some other signs and symptoms can include:

Does Gynecomastia Cause Pain?

Dr. Tarek Bayazid, a leading plastic surgeon in Dubai, asserts the condition doesn’t cause pain. Though for boys going through puberty, there is a likelihood of discomfort. The swollen nipples will become tender and sore at times. 

When the pain persists, chances are high that it might be more than gynecomastia. In that case, the boy should seek medical attention for further examination.

Can Gynecomastia Cause Cancer?

Research has shown that men with a high body mass index (BMI) are prone to cancer. If you have large breasts with a high BMI, your chances of contracting cancer are 35% compared to men with low BMI.

When men suffer from gynecomastia, it doesn’t mean they will get cancer. But those who suffer from it are 5 times more at risk of getting cancer. The high risk is because hormonal changes that cause man-chests are similar to the changes that increase the risk of developing cancer.

Does Gynecomastia Cause Infertility?

One of the reasons for man-chests is low testosterone. The hormone is responsible for developing the physical features of a man. Testosterone is also the hormone behind a man’s sex mood and drive.

When the hormonal imbalance happens and affects testosterone, gynecomastia is likely to occur. Men who happen to have Klinefelter Syndrome will develop hypogonadism and gynecomastia.

In such a scenario where hypogonadism and gynecomastia coexist, chances are you will suffer infertility. Hypogonadism indicates there is a problem in the brain where there is a decrease in the production of the luteinizing hormone (LH). The reduction of LH causes a reduction of testosterone and estradiol in the man’s testes. 

Does Gynecomastia Cause Swell Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic nodes act as a defense for the body filtering out infections in the lymphatic fluid.

When the lymph nodes swell, it’s a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The swollen lymph nodes in a man with gynecomastia, suggest that there might be an infection around the breast. With that, swollen lymph nodes are not directly caused by gynecomastia.

In such a case where both are apparent, it is advisable to seek medical attention to rule out any potential complication that could pose a danger.

Is Gynecomastia Reversible?

There is a possibility of reversing gynecomastia over time. To reverse it may entail you exercising coupled with a good diet intake. As much as exercising will help, it will only go as far as getting rid of the fat deposits in your breasts. When it comes to glandular tissue, the best solution is undergoing surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery is widely practiced, safe, and has been successful over time. You can get gynecomastia treatment in Dubai by procuring the services of one of the leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Tarek Bayazid.

At Tarek Aesthetics, you will find a professional approach to gynecomastia surgery. Proven results suggest that breast reduction through surgery remains a viable option to get rid of man-chests.

Effects of Gynecomastia in men Between 50 and 80 Years

As men grow older, the level of testosterone will start subsiding. The reduction of testosterone will affect men at this age and one of the effects is gynecomastia. Reduced testosterone comes with an increased amount of subcutaneous fat. 

The increase in fatty tissue leads to a high conversion of androgens like testosterone to estrogen. This conversion is done by a hormone called aromatase. 

Subsiding levels of testosterone, coupled with increased conversion of testosterone to estrogen, are the main reasons for gynecomastia in men between 50 and 80 years. Around 68% of men between these ages are likely to suffer from man-chests. 

Despite getting old, looking good is the desire of every man. Enlarged breasts, though a natural condition, does not inspire confidence in a man. That means most men will look for a solution to keep their chests flat and attractive.

Also, during these later years, suffering from gynecomastia can lead to a decrease in libido for men. Not being able to have a sex drive will be a concern for most men.

Effect of Gynecomastia in Boys

During puberty, a lot of masculine physical features start to develop. In the midst of all that, breasts might swell also. Most boys suffer from low self-esteem when their breasts swell. According to research, gynecomastia in some boys leads to psychological effects. 

Depending on the severity of these effects, some boys develop deficits in:

The breast enlargement will in most cases subside. For 8% of them, it may persist. They may have to go through a weight reduction process if they are overweight.

 Read this article to find out about Gynecomastia Natural Remedies

What Are the Treatment Options for Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia treatment varies based on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Multiple options ranging from medications to surgical interventions, exist.

Treatment Option	Brief Description
Observation and Reassurance	Many cases, especially in adolescents, resolve on their own. Regular monitoring without immediate intervention is sometimes recommended.
Medications	Drugs like tamoxifen or raloxifene can be used, though they’re not approved explicitly for gynecomastia.
Liposuction	This procedure removes breast fat but not the breast gland tissue itself.
Mastectomy	This surgery removes the breast gland tissue. It’s often done endoscopically, meaning only small incisions are used.

Take Away

The effect of gynecomastia in men and boys can’t be ignored. For extreme cases, excision of the glandular muscles is the only solution.

Gynecomastia in boys during puberty shouldn’t be a cause of alarm. The breast enlargement usually subsides with time. For cases where the cause is genetic or old age, seeking medical attention is essential to get the best help.

To get the gynecomastia surgery in Dubai, contact Dr. Tarek, one of the leading surgeons with a splendid track record in plastic surgeries. Find out about the cost of Gynecomastia In Dubai

 Read this article to find out about How to Hide Gynecomastia

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