Gynecomastia is a word coined from Greek words that mean “women like breasts”. This is not a rare condition as people believe as it affects nearly half the population of men. It can also affect both or one breast. There are many reasons, why a man could have enlarged breasts. Unfortunately, it is hard to pinpoint a given cause for that condition.
Developmental
It is possible for this condition to be developmental. In this case, it started at birth, or puberty and developed as you age. You should note that it can result as after taking some medications, which list Gynecomastia as a side effect. Other reasons include secondary and primary Hypogonadism. Primary Hypoganadism includes infection, trauma, radiation, chemotherapy, twisted testicles, or mumps. On the other hand, Secondary Hypogonadism is quite complex and may include testicular functions such as pituitary failure. This is the loss of blood supply, tumor, or infection. Also, it can be a result of renal failure, tumors, and systemic.
Congenital Disorder
This is another cause of Gynecomastia. This is also caused by other reasons such as chest wall trauma, HIV, cystic fibrosis, spinal cord injury, and alcoholism. However, the main cause is usually idiopathic. Doctors will try their best to discover the true causes of Gynecomastia. This is necessary as it will determine Gynecomastia treatment.
Puberty
Actual causes are usually related to puberty. This is because, it is during this stage that most hormonal changes will take place. Fluctuations of hormones can result in excess breast tissue developing. This happens in about half of male population that is undergoing puberty. Out of that percentage, 90% are likely to develop Gynecomastia during puberty. However, it will disappear after three years once hormones settle down.
Illegal Drugs and Prescription Drugs
It is also possible to suffer this condition if you have health problems such as leukemia, leprosy, hemophilia, and Gilbert’s syndrome. When you use such prescription drugs as mentioned and
add illegal drugs such as anabolic steroids, heroin, and marijuana, you can develop this condition. Doctors never rule out any possibility and even sometimes it can be a simple problem such as lack of exercise and poor diet. This is the case if the patient is obese.
Hormonal Imbalance
Research shows that most patients with Gynecomastia is due to hormonal imbalance. For instance, an altered estrogen/androgen ratio can change the development of breast tissue. Fortunately, this condition is treated. One of the popular methods is to get best Gynecomastia surgery.