Gynecomastia is a condition that doesn’t get a lot of press. It’s pretty common, affecting many men beginning at puberty, but whether it’s because the condition is seen as purely cosmetic, or men are too proud, there isn’t a lot of chatter about it, and therefore not a lot of research.
WHO IS AFFECTED BY GYNECOMASTIA?
It is most common in pubescent men aged 12 – 18. During this period the male body is flooded with hormones, and the estrogen imbalance in their system, along with leftover baby weight cause the appearance of man boobs.
Bodybuilders who use steroids often have gynecomastia as well for a similar reason. The steroids they take increase the amount of testosterone in their bodies, and the unused testosterone is then converted back into estrogen. It looks very different on a body builder than on an adolescent, but it is the same condition.
The third population most likely to develop this condition are men on medications for cancer, AIDS, ulcers, and other chronic treatments. The treatments are so harsh that they cause hormonal imbalances. After treatment is stopped, the gynecomastia recede. However, it is very important to continue taking your medication even if you develop gynecomastia. Medication that you don’t take can’t do any good for you.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT GYNECOMASTIA?
The best thing you can do about gynecomastia is wait it out. Especially when you are a young man, hormonal changes will most likely cause your overly developed mammaries to recede on their own. While you wait, changing your diet and exercise routines will also be helpful. Improving your physique will make you feel better about yourself, and help disguise the problem.
If you have severe gynecomastia, or have been bothered by your man boobs for far too long, you can consider surgical remedies. Male breast reduction is available to those who need it, but it is often not covered by insurance companies who consider it to be a cosmetic procedure.
Other solutions, such as compression garments to disguise the shape of your body, and medications are also available. Both holistic and lab-created medications are available, but the efficacy of both is unknown.
Gynecomastia is a treatable, cosmetic condition that you don’t need to be ashamed of. Up to 70% of men will have gynecomastia during puberty, and for most of those men it only lasts a short while. If you are truly bothered by your gynecomastia there are treatment options available to you.
