Men Can Develop “Female” Breasts

30.01.2012 | By: T. B.

Gynaecomastia is a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men.

What do perfect male breasts look like? (PhotoXpress)

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Surgical reduction of over-developed or “female” breasts in men is on the increase across the world. The condition is characterized by excess development of breast tissue in males because of an abundance of the female hormone, estrogen. Over-developed breasts can be caused by a disease, or this is a natural state. The normal, natural state is considered in the event that babies still have a lot of mother’s hormone, estrogen, in their body at birth. This usually disappears after a few weeks. Breast enlargement may reappear during adolescence due to an excess of estrogen. In most cases, this condition is temporary as well. The breasts develop in men after the age of 50, when their testosterone levels start decreasing. The male breasts are usually asymmetrically developed and more sensitive to touch.

Which diseases cause gynaecomastia?

Gynaecomastia is caused by diseases that affect hormonal (im)balance.
Low levels are the result of undeveloped testicles, Klinefelter’s syndrome (which isn’t actually a disease, but a genetic variation where males have an additional X chromosome; men are infertile and have marked gynaecomastia during adolescence) and testicular feminisation (testosterone is present in the body, but the body is unable to use it).
The increase in the release of estrogen can be caused by testicular tumor, adrenal gland tumor, liver diseases and overactive thyroid. Gynaecomastia is therefore an indicator of very serious problems.

Other causes of excess development of male breasts

Gynaecomastia is also caused by certain medications (for instance, medications used to treat erectile dysfunction or prostate cancer) and meat products that contain excess estrogen, which affects high risk groups of men in particular. In general, there are more and more indications that point to the environment when determining causes, otherwise it’s difficult to explain an increasing rate of gynaecomastia. Thus, there are also theories according to which estrogen has supposedly “swum” into the male body through water that contains estrogen released by women who take contraceptive pills. Breast growth in men is supposedly also stimulated by marijuana and heroin.

Consequences of over-developed breasts in men

Enlarged “male” breasts aren’t a sign of masculinity and many men aren’t proud of them, which undermines their self-confidence. A lot of them are ashamed of their breasts and don’t want to take clothes off in public. Thus, they can’t go to public and swimming pools. However, not only are situations in which men have to undress are difficult, but also everyday situations. They wear oversized clothes that hide the unwanted breasts and often cross their arms in front of their chest. The social life of men and their way of dressing is dependent on their enlarged breasts.

Treatment for gynaecomastia

The male breasts are reduced by slimming, but despite that breast reduction surgery is often needed as enlarged breasts aren’t primarily the result of obesity, which only additionally contributes to the problem. In the operation, fat tissue is removed together with glandular tissue. It’s best that fat tissue is first removed with liposuction and then, if necessary, glandular tissue is removed by making an small incision. In extreme cases, some skin needs to be removed as well. The condition may reappear within a few years after the surgery. The cases that involve fat tissue aren’t considered gynaecomastia, but lipomastia. In addition,hormone replacement therapy may also be effective, for instance, testosterone replacement for men whose testicles don’t function properly.