Gynecomastia is a condition in which the breast tissue in men enlarges, giving the appearance of breasts similar to those of women. It is often referred to as “man boobs” or “moobs” colloquially. This condition can cause embarrassment and discomfort for many individuals.

can have various causes, and below we’ll explore them in detail along with discussing how it can be treated.

Gynecomastia Causes

can occur at different ages due to various reasons, such as:

1. Newborn babies may develop due to exposure to estrogen from their mother’s womb. Adolescent boys and young adults may also develop gynecomastia during puberty.
2. Around the age of 50, men may develop gynecomastia due to obesity.
3. Gynecomastia can occur in people of any age.

Any imbalance in the body’s estrogen/testosterone levels can lead to. Sometimes, even when the levels are normal, can occur due to certain factors such as:

1. Heredity
2. Alcohol
3. Medication
4. Diseases such as liver disease, kidney disease, lung cancer, testicular cancer, adrenal gland or pituitary gland tumors, certain conditions present at birth (congenital disorders), thyroid disorders, injuries, or trauma, obesity, certain infections, and hormonal imbalances caused by testosterone deficiency.

Gynecomastia is not related to breast cancer; very few men actually develop breast cancer. Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects approximately 35% of men, ranging from ages above 47 to 70.

Around 70% of cases occur during adolescence, and in most cases, it resolves on its own within two years. If it does not resolve within two years, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Use of certain medicines may also cause gynecomastia, including:

• Steroids: Prednisone or dexamethasone.
• Medicines used to treat ulcers: Such as cimetidine.
• Medicines used to treat epilepsy: Such as phenytoin (Dilantin).
• Digitalis and other heart medicines.
• Chemotherapy drugs: Especially alkylating agents, a family of anticancer drugs that interfere with cell DNA and inhibit cancer cell growth.
• Antiandrogen drugs: Such as flutamide, cyproterone, and spironolactone.
• Antianxiety and antidepressant medicines: Such as diazepam (Valium) and tricyclic antidepressants.

Here are some food items that can contribute to the development of gynecomastia:

1. Processed Foods: Processed foods typically contain high calories, sodium, and sugar. They often come packaged in plastic containers, which may contain testosterone-stunting chemicals like polycarbonate or bisphenol A (BPA). Instead, opt for green vegetables and fruits with your meals. Consuming at least half a plate of fruits and vegetables can help maintain balance.
2. Soy Products: Edamame, tofu, tempeh, and soy-based dairy substitutes are high-protein alternatives to animal products. However, they can increase estrogen levels in the human body, leading to an increase in gynecomastia.
3. Eggs and Dairy Products: Dairy products like paneer and cheese contain high levels of estrogen. While they are good sources of protein and can aid in weight loss, the process of making them involves providing estrogen to cows for milk production and chickens for egg production. This means that consuming them may provide your body with estrogenic compounds. This suggests that along with your food, you are providing your body with estrogenic compounds.
4. Beer: Beer can contribute to the appearance of breasts in men. The grains used to make beer are naturally estrogenic. If you’re trying to reduce gynecomastia.

There no Ayurvedic medicine specifically approved for gynecomastia to date. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medication for this condition yet.

However, lifestyle changes can help prevent the accumulation of fat, which may reduce the appearance of gynecomastia. People with excess weight tend to have more fat around their chest area.

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make:

1. Avoid stress.
2. Get at least 8 hours of sleep per night.
3. Engage in aerobic exercise for at least 150 minutes per week.
4. Perform strength training exercises targeting major muscle groups at least twice a week.

What imaging is required?

There is no need for imaging tests to diagnose Gynecomastia.

Check the Body Mass Index (BMI) and manually examine the amount of stubborn fat around the nipple, whether it’s on one side or both. Sometimes it can occur on one side only.

SIX TYPES OF GYNECOMASTIA

Type 4 gynecomastia includes having a spherical shape of the breast. If gynecomastia left untreated initially and no action is taken, it progresses to Stage 4. As one ages, the skin becomes loose, and gynecomastia becomes more prominent, protruding outward. This can also be surgically treated by removing the excess tissue, usually performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Gaurav Shalya  known for performing excellent surgeries and can help achieve a masculine chest appearance.

SIGNIFICANT BREAST ROLL

TYPE FIVE GYNECOMASTIA

Type 5 is more common in older men. People who have previously had excess weight and then lost it but still have mass near the breast area are classified as having Type 5 gynecomastia. Due to loose skin, gynecomastia becomes more noticeable. Surgery for this type of gynecomastia may require more time and the decision between local or general anesthesia typically made by the surgeon.