- Need a Doctor for Check-up?
- 0304-4887775
- 0312-4887775
Numerous aspects like culture, social values and physiological gender specifications compel people to think that males must look tough and hard physically. In this concept, chest appearance matters a lot.
Folks with more than usual large breasts are categorized in a condition called gynecomastia. On its own, it is not a “disease”. But rather perhaps a symptom of an underlying physical issue (hormonal imbalance or a disease). Thus, it becomes essential to understand, or be aware of, the causes of gynecomastia for proper treatment planning and execution.
In this regard, it becomes essential to acknowledge the importance of a trained and committed surgeon such as Professor Dr. Mustehsan Bashir. He is publicized for his perfection in the surgical procedures as well as the way he communicates and guides his patients. This article will provide a complete and scholarly review of the causes of gynecomastia and the way an individual can deal with it.
Gynecomastia is a health problem that occurs due to increased growth of the glands in the breast area of men. It is very common and can happen at any stage of development in males (as an infant, teenager, adult, or older male).
The main cause for the growth of gynecomastia tissue is an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels in men. Though it does not present serious health problems, it can cause substantial discomfort to the person.
Moreover, it significantly causes emotional and psychological distress to the patient. Most men with gynecomastia have feelings of embarrassment and lack of confidence, as well as have social anxieties. These issues contribute to a decrease in the overall quality of their life. Below is a discussion on contributing factors
An imbalance occurs in the endocrine system of males when there are fluctuations between the levels of testosterone and estrogen. While testosterone works to inhibit breast development, estrogen promotes it. Male bodies typically have lower amounts of estrogen than female bodies; however, they still serve many important functions, such as bone metabolism and cardiovascular health, along with many other functions in men’s health.
When increased amounts of estrogen & decreased amounts of testosterone are found, changes are observed in the way that breast tissue reacts to these hormones. As a consequence, gynecomastia will develop.
There are multiple causes of hormone imbalances, such as genetics or lifestyle factors. Some men are more sensitive to estrogens than others, which increases the risk of developing gynecomastia in Lahore, even with minor increases in estrogen levels in the body.
There are three main physiological causes of gynecomastia listed above.
An infant boy may experience transient enlargement of the breasts after receiving estrogen from the mother while she was pregnant or while she fed him. It is a typical, benign, usually temporary condition. The best part is that it often goes away on its own, usually over the next several weeks to months, without the need for any medical treatment.
Men over the age of 50 who experience low testosterone, along with higher levels of body fat, convert this hormone into estrogen. Gynecomastia surgery and its result of these factors may develop at this stage. This condition is more common among older males because of age-related hormonal/metabolic changes.
Estrogen production sometimes exceeds testosterone production in early adolescence and results in the increased growth of breast tissue. Gynecomastia is seen in many adolescent males and usually occurs as bilateral as well as unilateral breasts. Most of these cases resolve spontaneously when there is a restoration of hormonal balance, usually within one to two years.
Different medical disorders that affect hormonal equilibrium can be among the leading causes
Cirrhosis also causes changes to the metabolism of hormones. The liver is responsible for the processing and breaking down of estrogen. If the liver is not functioning as it should, there may be an increase in the levels of the hormone, causing the breasts to enlarge.
In primary form, it is the inability to produce adequate amounts of testosterone due to an issue with the testicles, for example, testicular failure, or due to genetic disorders. In its secondary form, it is related to medical conditions that affect either the hypothalamus or pituitary gland and thus cause a deficiency of androgens (which can potentially cause breast enlargement).
Chronic kidney disease can lead to an imbalance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and gonads in men with long-term renal failure due to decreased testosterone production and increased prolactin levels. These abnormalities can result in gynecomastia.
An increase in SHBG due to hyperthyroidism results in lower levels of free testosterone. An excess of estrogens due to the increase in SHBG can cause breast tissue to develop.
Several kinds of tumors release hormones. They can cause, either indirectly or directly, the prostate gland to enlarge in size. Cancers of the testicular glands, particularly those containing estrogens and HCG, will also contribute to the increased secretion of the hormone estrogen.
Additionally, tumors of the adrenal glands may secrete estrogens and/or any of the precursors of the female sex hormone estrogen. Furthermore, tumors of the pituitary gland will result in the excessive secretion of the hormone prolactin, thereby contributing to a reduction in the secretion of the male hormone, testosterone.
These are not very frequent types of tumors. Even so, if the man shows signs of fast-growing, enlarged breasts, this can be an indication. Hence, it is important to have a comprehensive investigation.
Get advanced and safe gynecomastia surgery at Cosmeticoplasty to restore health and an attractive body image
Several medication classes are associated with the development of gynecomastia. The mechanism is generally through alterations in hormone synthesis, hormone metabolism, or testosterone receptor activity. Some examples of these medication classes include:
When the offending medication is discontinued, many times, the gynecomastia often resolves. However, it is advised to discontinue the medication only under the supervision of a physician.
Some of the more common types of substances that make an individual susceptible to gynecomastia are as follows:
There is substantial evidence that using recreational drugs leads to hormone disruption and an increased risk of developing large breasts.
Excessive consumption of alcohol regularly reduces testosterone secretion from the body. Moreover, it damages the liver and increases the production of estrogen. Therefore, individuals consuming high levels of alcohol over an extended period generally develop enlarged breast tissue or liver disease.
The non-medical use of anabolic steroids is among the potential causes of gynecomastia. Exogenous testosterone decreases endogenous (inside) testosterone production. The excess testosterone that does not get converted back into testosterone gets converted into estrogens, promoting the development of breast tissue.
It refers to cases where no clear cause is discovered after conducting thorough investigations. This is due to hormonal changes that are too minor to register or genetic information passed on through the male lineage.
Alternatively, idiopathic gynecomastia can occur in those males who display extreme levels (because of their higher levels of estrogen) of breast tissue sensitivity that go well beyond normal physiological parameters for males. However, the treatments for idiopathic conditions will differ from patient to patient according to how severely they are affected by symptoms.
Although gynecomastia is without clinical risk in the vast majority of instances, the psychological effect that it has on these patients should not be minimized or disregarded. Patients may become embarrassed, socially withdrawn, and anxious and have lower self-esteem because of the condition.
The earlier that doctors recognize the underlying cause of gynecomastia and begin to counsel patients on those causes, the greater the patients’ satisfaction will be. Moreover, they will experience positive health outcomes.
A person’s weight can have a tremendous effect on whether or not they have gynecomastia. More fat in a person’s body means more aromatase activity because of the large amount of fat. It simply means that in a person’s system, more estrogen will be produced.
Moreover, individuals with excess weight suffer from systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which lower the secretion of testosterone. In typical cases of genuine gynecomastia, the breast tissue contains glandular components. However, in the case of pseudogynaecomastia, fatty tissue contributes to breast size. A person may have both forms of gynecomastia, which requires an accurate diagnosis for treatment purposes.
Finally, there are many different reasons why someone may develop gynecomastia. The primary cause of this condition is an imbalance between two hormones, estrogen and testosterone in men. Other contributing factors include normal physiological changes in the body, systemic disease states, and hormone-secreting tumors. Understanding these causes can also help individuals better evaluate gynecomastia surgery cost in Lahore and treatment options.
Moreover, medications, lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, and drug use significantly contribute to the condition. Identifying and treating these underlying reasons is key to managing and optimizing your outcomes. In this context, approaching the right surgeon, such as Professor Dr. Mustehsan Bashir at Cosmeticoplasty, can make all the difference. As one of the leading Best Gynecomastia Surgeons In Lahore, he is exceptionally skilled in providing the necessary surgical intervention for chronic or severe cases of gynecomastia and can also guide patients about alternative treatment options.
Moreover, he delivers a good understanding of the reasons to his patients in identifying, diagnosing, and getting the right treatment that will help to improve both the physical outcomes and quality of life for a patient.