What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the medical term that is more commonly known as 'man boobs' or, perhaps less derogatorily as 'moobs'.

Regardless of their nomenclature, this condition is remarkably widespread although this does not detract from the embarrassment and misery that can be experienced by those men suffering from this condition.

In fact, at some time or other throughout a man's life there is up to a 50% chance that this condition could develop, to a greater or lesser extent.

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During Puberty

One thing that few men even consider is that they do have the remnants of breast tissue below the area of the areola and nipple. Prior to puberty, this breast tissue is dormant in male and female alike and it is only during puberty that an increasing influx of hormones will affect this undetected breast tissue.

Female hormones will encourage this breast tissue to grow, whilst male hormones will prevent the growth of this vestigial tissue. In fact, it is fairly common in early pubescence for a small hard 'button' of tissue to be felt beneath the areola in the location of each undeveloped breast.

Hormone Imbalance

Gynecomastia can occur in adult males as a result of hormones in their bodies being produced inappropriately. This can be triggered by a number of situations, some more sinister than others. As an example, hormone treatment given to a man suffering from prostate cancer could, if not prevented, trigger the growth of breast tissue.

Fortunately, oncologists are aware of this situation these days and will often provide a single dose of radiotherapy to kill of the breast buds prior to the hormone treatment being started. Radiotherapy, in this situation, is extremely effective and certainly a single dose will do the trick.

Mistaking Fat for Breast Tissue

Of course, there are many other situations which could trigger the growth of breast tissue in men. In many instances it is the development of a pad of fat covering the surface of the breast tissue below the skin, giving the appearance of breasts developing when, in fact, it is nothing more sinister than a stored layer of fat which can be dispersed with a concentrated regime of exercise.

Other Triggers

The growth of moobs can be triggered regular consumption of alcohol or regularly smoking marijuana. There is also some common medication that can cause gynecomastia, although this tends to be a side effect of the medication rather than something that occurs in all cases.

This medication is often that which can be bought across the counter to treat simple cases of heartburn and ulcers. However, some prescribed medication such as that routinely prescribed for high blood pressure or for heart diseases has been known to cause this distressing problem.

Socio-Psychological Effects

The fact that gynecomastia is distressing to sufferers is undisputed. It is embarrassing, not just when sufferers go out in public, but within their own homes. How their families react to the sufferer's moobs will make a considerable difference to his self-image and personal confidence.

Aside from the shame and embarrassment of gynecomastia, the development of moobs in a man can be physically uncomfortable, making this problem very difficult to live with.