Gynaecomastia can be caused by an imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. Oestrogen causes breast tissue to grow. While all men produce some oestrogen, they usually have much higher levels of testosterone, which stops the oestrogen from causing breast tissue to grow.
Targeted chest exercises like push-ups, bench presses, and flys will help tone your chest muscles and reduce fat in that area. Additionally, engaging in cardio activities such as running or swimming can burn calories and reduce man boob size over time.
More than one half of boys develop some breast enlargement during puberty. Breast growth often goes away in about 6 months to 2 years. In men, hormone changes due to aging can cause breast growth. This may occur more often in overweight or obese men and in men age 50 and older.
However, the vast majority of breast lumps are caused by a condition called gynaecomastia. This is a common non-cancerous condition where male breast tissue becomes enlarged. Breast cancer in men can also cause nipple problems, such as the nipple turning in on itself (retraction) or nipple discharge.
Gynecomastia usually goes away without medical treatment. The breasts flatten out within a few months to a couple of years. If gynecomastia is very severe, there is medicine that can help. And if gynecomastia lasts past puberty, surgery can reduce the size of the breasts.
Decreased Testosterone and Androgen Resistance
Besides increased estrogen production, decreased testosterone levels can cause an elevation in the estrogen to androgen ratio, thereby producing gynecomastia.
You may have gynecomastia in one or both breasts. It may start as a lump or fatty tissue beneath the nipple, which may be sore. The breasts often get larger unevenly. The symptoms of gynecomastia may look like other medical conditions or problems.
Puberty — Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty usually resolves without treatment within six months to two years. The condition sometimes develops between ages 10 and 12 years and most commonly occurs between ages 13 and 14 years. The condition persists beyond age 17 years in up to 20 percent of individuals.
Gynaecomastia can affect one or both breasts. The area can be tender to touch or painful. True gynaecomastia (caused by an enlargement of breast tissue) is different from an increase in fatty tissue (known as pseudo-gynaecomastia). However, gynaecomastia can also be a mixture of both.
You may be able to differentiate gynecomastia and chest fat by examining the texture of your chest. Chest fat feels soft, as it's no different than body fat in your arms, abdomen, or elsewhere in your body. Whereas gynecomastia may feel firmer to the touch, and in some cases, you may feel a hard lump beneath your skin.
Gynecomastia tends to be rounder and more proportioned, similar to a woman's breasts. Chest fat looks saggy or droopy and does not have a very defined shape. The nipple may project more than the rest of the chest. No nipple discharge.
Uncomfortably large breasts can be caused by a number of biological and lifestyle-related factors, such as: Hormonal changes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can play a role in developing overly large breasts. Genetics.
Most people can reduce chest fat through a healthful diet and regular exercise. The type of exercise can take many different forms, ranging from HIIT to strength training. Usually, a combination of different types of exercise is best. Excess body fat might also be the result of a health condition.
As most men with gynecomastia know, man boobs contain both breast gland and fat. Even if you could lose every ounce of extra fat, the actual breast tissue will be left behind. With substantial weight loss you may be thinner with smaller breasts that look more prominent than ever before.
Grade 1 – Very Mild
The breast typically has a localized area of tissue behind the areola. Frequently referred to as “puffy nipple.” Skin quality is generally very good. In most cases, only excess glandular tissue is present.
Fat cells that are removed during gynecomastia will not regenerate. However, significant fluctuations in weight can change the results that you achieved through your gynecomastia surgery. This is because the remaining fat cells in the area can grow bigger to store any excess weight that you might gain.
Generally, gynecomastia isn't a serious problem, but it can be tough to cope with the condition. Men and boys with gynecomastia sometimes have pain in their breasts and may feel embarrassed. Gynecomastia may go away on its own. If it persists, medication or surgery may help.
Classification and grades of severity of gynecomastia
Grade I: Minimal hypertrophy (<250 g) without ptosis. Grade II: Moderate hypertrophy (250-500 g) without ptosis. Grade III: Severe hypertrophy (>500 g) with grade I ptosis. Grade IV: Severe hypertrophy with grade II or grade III ptosis.
You will be asked to lie on your back while the doctor uses his forefinger and thumb to examine the breast tissue. Doctors do this to check for a concentric, rubbery or firm mass of disk-shaped tissue, which is often movable (not fixed) and located directly beneath the areola.
Tamoxifen, an estrogen antagonist, is effective for recent-onset and tender gynecomastia when used in doses of 10-20 mg twice daily. Up to 80% of patients report partial to complete resolution. Tamoxifen is typically used for 3 months before referral to a surgeon.
Weight loss, dieting, and exercising can reduce body fat, which may also decrease the size of male breasts. Some men with gynecomastia who rely on these non-surgical treatments may see the changes they desire.
You can check for swelling by looking at your chest in a mirror. Feel for lumps: Gynecomastia can cause the breast tissue to feel lumpy or nodular. You can check for lumps by gently feeling your chest with your fingertips. Check for nipple discharge: Gynecomastia can sometimes cause nipple discharge.
Adult males who have gynecomastia are rarely able to get rid of it on their own with medications, working out, and dieting. The main causes of gynecomastia are hormone imbalances, steroids, marijuana use, and some types of medications.