Many teenage boys go through imbalances in their hormones during puberty. As this is entirely harmless and normal, hormonal imbalances might lead to physical transformations. One such transformation is the breast tissue enlargement, which is a condition known as gynecomastia in men or male breasts. Approximately 60% of Indian men encounter breast enlargement at some point in their lifetime.
While gynecomastia is harmless and it could cure on its own, some individuals might experience persistent or significant symptoms and might need professional help. In this blog, let’s explore what gynecomastia is, its symptoms, and the available treatment options in detail.
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that is the enlargement of the breasts because of the unusual growth of breast tissue as a result of hormone imbalance in men between testosterone and estrogens. Although it’s harmless to your physical health, it is related to social stigma, dysphoria, and psychological distress for males, and also affects their self-confidence.
Gynecomastia affects men of all ages, like older men, teenage boys who undergo puberty, and newborns. They develop this condition due to the natural imbalance in hormones.
What Does Gynecomastia Look Like?
Gynecomastia in men is commonly described as a button-sized lump or growth beneath the nipple. This lump can be felt as rubbery, firm, and tender. These enlargements and breast lumps could occur in one or both breasts. In case you are obese, you may develop breast tissue because of excessive adipose tissue. But this just looks like an enlarged breast, not a lump.
How to Identify the Signs of Gynecomastia?
Like every condition, the symptoms of gynecomastia will differ based on the condition’s severity. Let’s see:
1. Breast Sensitivity: The breast tissue will sometimes be sore or tender in case it is touched. This causes disturbance or pain in the breast, especially while wearing tight costumes or during physical activity.
2. Breast Swelling: Breast tissue growth is the common sign of this condition. The tissue growth will start as a tiny lump below the nipple, which sometimes be rubbery or firm to the touch.
3. Uneven Breast Shape: Gynecomastia will cause irregular tissue distribution, which causes the size of one breast to differ from the other. Otherwise, the tissue will be distributed unevenly.
4. Pain in the Breast: This condition only causes pain or discomfort in a few men. The pain could be mild or severe, intermittent or continuous.
5. Psychological Symptoms: Men might feel insecure about their appearance due to the enlarged breasts, leading them to stay away from activities that require them to take off their clothes.
Gynecomastia will mostly not have noticeable signs except for the enlarged breasts. Even sometimes, the breast growth will also not be seen, and there will be no pain or discomfort. But in case you are worried about the larger breasts or feel any discomfort, consult a gynecomastia specialist in Coimbatore and get it evaluated to avoid further health issues.
Does Hormonal Imbalance Lead to Breast Enlargement in Males?
One of the commonly known reasons for gynecomastia is a Hormone imbalance in men, but it is essential to be aware of other unknown factors. Apart from the natural changes in the hormones, there are also other factors that can influence the testosterone and estrogen balance in men.
1) Certain Medications – Drug intake for heart disease, anxiety, or even some antibiotics might lead to a hormonal imbalance.
2) Medical Conditions – Any medical conditions associated with the liver, thyroid, or kidneys can also cause a hormone imbalance.
3) Obesity – Men who are obese have excess fat tissue that changes male hormones into estrogen, which amplifies the risk of breast enlargement.
4) Substance Use – Recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can also be the reason for breast enlargement in males.
5) Endocrine Disorders or Tumors – Enlargement in hormone-producing glands can disrupt the balance and provoke changes in breast tissue.
If the enlarged breasts cause pain, persist, or appear uneven, a medical evaluation at a facility like the plastic hand surgery hospital in Coimbatore is necessary to rule out underlying conditions.
Can Gynecomastia Be Treated With Surgery?
In case you are suffering from gynecomastia, you may be wondering whether male breast reduction surgery is the right option for you. See how it benefits you:
Physical Discomfort
Sometimes, enlarged breasts might lead to serious discomfort like pain, tenderness, or a lump in the breast region. Breast reduction surgery resolves this issue by reducing unwanted glandular tissue and fat, resulting in a flatter, more masculine chest contour.
Restoring Self-Esteem & Confidence
Men with gynecomastia often struggle with self-consciousness and discomfort about their appearance. It also causes insecurity about their appearance. Breast reduction helps get back the lost confidence by providing men with a masculine, flatter chest.
Improved Physical Appearance
This surgery helps enhance the contour and shape of the chest. After gynecomastia surgery, many men have found that their shirts fit perfectly and their bodies appear balanced.
Permanent Results
Breast reduction surgery provides permanent results, unlike lifestyle changes or medications, which are temporary. This surgery resolves the root cause of the breast enlargement and provides lasting improvement in your chest’s appearance.
Final Thoughts
Male breast enlargement is a common condition. Consult a doctor if you are uncomfortable with the size or appearance of your breasts. They can identify the underlying cause of the breast enlargement and provide advice on when it will probably go away or if treatment is necessary.
Male breast reduction surgery can help you regain a more masculine chest and boost your confidence, regardless of whether your gynecomastia is due to the glandular tissue or excess fat. By undergoing this, you can achieve long-lasting, natural-looking results that will improve your self-esteem and quality of life.