What Are the Causes of Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is something many men in New Jersey suffer from. And it’s certainly not something most men enjoy having to deal with. For most, gynecomastia makes men uncomfortable in many different scenarios such as swimming, exercising, wearing certain clothing, and during intimate moments with their partner. Clearly, gynecomastia can do a number on a man’s self-esteem. One of the most frequently asked questions Dr. Herbstman receives during gynecomastia consultations is, “Why do I have this condition?” For many men, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to explain why they have overly large breasts. If this is a condition you are suffering from, don’t let it continue to be something that restricts your life. Dr. Herbstman can help.

What Is Gynecomastia?

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, gynecomastia is a condition of over-developed or enlarged breasts in men. This condition can occur at any age, but most frequently shows up during puberty.

Some signs of gynecomastia are:

• Extra fat in the breast area
• Glandular breast tissue that is over-developed
• Excess breast skin
• One or both breasts can be affected

What Causes Gynecomastia in Males?

Gynecomastia happens to New Jersey men when they have a decreased level of testosterone compared to the amount of estrogen in their bodies. While this may sound alarming to most men, this hormonal imbalance can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, which could result in gynecomastia.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions that cause gynecomastia include:

• Tumors
• Hypogonadism (a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough testosterone)
• Hyperthyroidism (occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine)
• Liver Failure
• Kidney Failure
• Natural Hormonal Changes

Hormone changes are a part of everyone’s lives – male and female. Gynecomastia often occurs during puberty when those hormone changes are in full swing. For many men who experience larger breasts during puberty, the condition often resolves itself once the hormones have balanced out. But if you began experiencing increased breast size during puberty, and it didn’t go away, Dr. Herbstman can help by performing a male breast reduction surgery.

On the other hand, some men don’t experience gynecomastia until their late 50s or 60s. This is another key time that men experience hormonal changes. But regardless of when gynecomastia decides to make an appearance, there’s hope and relief in-sight with the help of Dr. Herbstman.

Recreational Drugs, Alcohol, and Prescription Medications

While most men experience gynecomastia as a result of hormones or medical problems, there are some men in New Jersey who will experience this condition as a result of their lifestyle choices. Alcohol and recreational drugs are other known culprits of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia in men can also occur as a side effect of medications prescribed, such as:

• Some antibiotics
• Heart medications
• Anti-androgens
• AIDS medication
• Anabolic steroids and androgens
• Ulcer medications
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Cancer treatment
• Gastric motility medications

Let Dr. Herbstman in New Jersey Help You Get Your Confidence Back

If you’re a patient who has been suffering from gynecomastia, Dr. Herbstman can help by performing reduction mammaplasty, also known as gynecomastia surgery. During this procedure, Dr. Herbstman will reduce the amount of breast tissue you have in your breasts, flatten your chest, and shape your chest to provide you with a more masculine appearance. Stop putting yourself on hold!

Contact Dr. Herbstman of Contemporary Plastic Surgery in New Jersey at (732) 253-4404.

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