Gynaecomastia: Why Breasts Enlarge In Males

Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlargement of the glandular tissues located in the male breast. It often develops during infancy and could even develop in boys at their puberty stage. It is mainly caused by the imbalance in the hormonal environment of the body where there is excess of estrogens secreted as compared to the androgens or male hormones. There can be other causes due to which such a condition might occur. The causes and symptoms should be known in detail so that the right treatment options can be taken up.

Causes of Gynaecomastia

The causes of the condition of gynecomastia can be several:

• It usually results from an imbalance of the hormone levels. The estrogen or the female hormone is secreted in excess as compared to androgen or male hormones.
• At the stage of puberty the hormones are often secreted in differing proportions. When the estrogen levels are higher compared to the androgen hormones, it can result in this condition which usually resolves on its own
• It could come by due to medication. There are anti-androgens that are used to treat prostate enlargement disorders or cancer for which gynecomastia can occur as a side effect. Other medications like anabolic steroids, certain antibiotics and antidepressants can bring about such a condition as well.
• Abuse of substances like alcohol, heroin, marijuana can lead to such a condition
• Health conditions like hypogonadism, aging, hyperthyroidism, tumor and others can lead to gynecomastia

Symptoms of Gynaecomastia

The symptoms of gynecomastia are similar in people suffering such a condition:

• The primary symptom that appears is the enlargement of the male breasts
• There might be a rubbery or firm feel around the nipple area
• One may even feel tenderness or sensitivity in the areas but there is no pain felt

One needs to distinguish the symptoms of breast enlargement from that of tumors or breast cancer. Usually, there is a lump formed which will feel hard or firm when there is reason to suspect breast cancer.

Natural Remedies For Gynaecomastia

One can resort to certain changes in their diet and lifestyle as well as incorporate certain ingredients in their daily meal which can help to control or abate such a condition.

Increase Phytoestrogens In The Diet

There are certain ingredients that act as phytoestrogens that will help to reduce the estrogen levels in men while not raising the testosterone levels at the same time
•    Linseed
•    Soy
These food items will not only help to reduce the estrogen levels, there are other healthy benefits that they hold for the system. If one adds on flax seed oil in their diet or replaces dairy milk by soy milk they will be able to reduce cholesterol level as well.

Red Clover

This is known as a herb that helps to reduce estrogen levels in the system.
•    The agent that it contains is genistein which has powerful estrogen reducing properties
•    Hormone supplements can be made with this ingredient but one can discuss it with the doctor first

Use Of Turmeric

Turmeric is known to have several properties. It is part of the ginger family.
•    It is known to increase the testosterone levels in males
•    As testosterone levels are increased flabby breasts will reduce in size

Use Of Cordyceps

This is a herb that hails from the mushroom family.
•    It increases the testosterone hormone in the system.
•    The herb is known to reduce hypertension
•    It can help to manage asthma symptoms
•    Breast enlargement disorders are controlled without side effects

Passionflower And Its Benefits

Passionflower is known as one of the boosters of testosterone:
•    There are many herbal supplements that contain extracts of passion flower
•    It helps to increase testosterone and foster the male libido
•    It also helps to reduce the chances of male breast enhancement

The Right Diet And Exercises

It is necessary to make certain changes to prevent such a condition from coming on:
•    Reduce the intake of fat which can lead to fat deposition in the breast area
•    Increase of resistance and muscle training exercises will help to cut fat and build better torso muscles

Treatment

As per the cause of the disorder, the right kind of treatment needs to be taken up.

• If the condition has come about by drugs, then the discontinuation of the same will help to control this condition
• If the condition occurs in puberty, one simply needs to wait for the growth phase to  over for some years after which the condition usually abates by itself.
• If the condition has come about due to hypogonadism or hyperthyroidism, therapy has to be resorted to in order to address such disorders in the first place.
• The kind of therapy that should be resorted to will depend on the duration of the condition. If the condition has been persisting for more than 12 months, then the medical therapy might not be able to affect any significant regression.
• If one suffers from gynecomastia or has sagging breast tissue due to weight loss, one may opt for plastic surgery that would involve re-shaping of the breasts an removal of the excess adipose tissues
• For those who have pseudogynecomastia, liposuction will help to reduce such a condition

Though treatments and medical therapies are several, surgeries usually involve blood supply being compromised to this area and other side effects. It is best to try out the natural methods for reducing such a condition naturally. Usually people develop such a condition due to hormonal changes or fat accumulation. Taking up an active lifestyle and diet changes along with the incorporation of the herbal supplements mentioned, will surely help to remedy the condition. You might be suffering such a condition and facing embarrassing situations. If you are embarrassed about your condition and wish to find a solution, there are several remedies given above. If you have other treatment ideas, feel free to share your thoughts.