Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes developed or enlarged breast tissue in men. Gynecomastia can affect men of any age and cause physical discomfort as well as low self-esteem. There are many misconceptions about this disorder, especially when it comes to the cause and how it can be treated.
Here are a few important facts all men should know about gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia Is More Common After 50
While gynecomastia can happen at any age, the prevalence peaks between 50 and 69. At least 25% of men in this age group have gynecomastia, but some place the prevalence at up to 70% in this group. Older men are at an increased risk due to a combination of hormone deficiency and prescription drugs like anti-androgens to treat prostate enlargement and heart medications. Adolescent boys are also likely to develop gynecomastia, although most of these cases resolve on their own. Anywhere from 50% to 60% of adolescent and teenage boys develop breast tissue during puberty.
Hormones Play a Role
It’s a common belief that gynecomastia only affects overweight men. The truth is excess fat is certainly not the only cause. This is because gynecomastia isn’t merely extra fat around the chest; it’s actual breast tissue. Hormones certainly play a role in gynecomastia as men who have lower testosterone levels and higher estrogen levels are more likely to develop breasts.
Certain prescription drugs, endocrine problems, and excessive alcohol consumption are all tied to gynecomastia. When it comes to alcohol, it’s not actually the phytoestrogen in hops but the liver damage that alcohol can cause.
Surgery Can Correct Gynecomastia
When the enlarged breasts are only caused by excess fat, exercise may help improve the problem. Correcting a hormonal imbalance can also help gynecomastia resolve on its own. For many men, surgery is the only reliable treatment option for gynecomastia that doesn’t correct itself.
There are a few surgical options to address gynecomastia, depending on the severity of the condition. Men who have limited breast tissue and excess fat can benefit from liposuction, a minimally invasive procedure. More severe cases will require surgery that may combine liposuction with excision of breast tissue and a breast lift to remove excess skin. In the most severe cases, the procedure is very similar to a breast reduction in women.
