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Gynecomastia is a common condition that causes boys’ and men’s breasts to swell and look larger than normal. This is why the condition is also referred to as “man boobs” by people who don’t have medical knowledge of the term.

The condition is most common in teenage boys and older men, and it’s often caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone, which are the hormones that affect a person’s sexual function and characteristics. 

Gynecomastia often presents itself in people who go through a period of physical change, such as teenage boys and older men, and can affect both breasts or just one. Also, the appearance of enlarged breasts can be caused by fat deposits and not glandular tissue, and this is called Pseudogynecomastia.

In most cases, it’s not a serious problem from a medical point of view. However, it can affect people on an emotional and psychological level. Therefore, today we’ll look at the most common causes and discuss the most common methods of treatment. 

Common Causes of Gynecomastia

The most common causes of this condition are hormonal imbalances, changes that happen naturally in the body (such as puberty), medications, or obesity. 

However, it can also be a side effect of the HGH treatment, the result of illegal drug consumption, alcohol misuse, or the symptom of a health condition such as kidney failure, infection in the testicles, and more. These causes are rare and require thorough investigations before a diagnosis can be made. 

What Options Are There?

The most common symptoms of gynecomastia are swelling, pain or tenderness, and (in some cases) nipple discharge. People who experience these symptoms should visit their doctor for accurate screening and tests. 

Once these are done, you’ll often get a recommendation for surgical and/or medication treatment.

Surgical Treatment

Surgical treatment is often recommended after medication treatment, but if the enlarged breasts are bothersome or cause emotional damage to the person, it may be the first option as well. The procedure needs to be performed by specialized surgeons at a well-equipped facility that can guarantee the safety of their patients.

The good news is that, depending on your location, you may have access to some of the best surgical centers in the country. For instance, a high-performing center for gynecomastia in New Jersey can help men in the city and surrounding areas.

Men who opt for surgical treatment have two options: liposuction or mastectomy. The first option removes breast fat, while the second removes the breast gland tissue. Due to the latest advancements in medical technology, both procedures are not too invasive and don’t require much recovery time.

Medication Treatment

Depending on your condition and its causes, your doctor may recommend specific medications, such as the ones used to treat breast cancer. However, this is not always the case, and each individual’s line of treatment needs to be decided in collaboration with their medical doctor. 

Why Is Gynecomastia Such a Big Deal?

Even if this condition doesn’t have symptoms that negatively impact the good functioning of the organism, and even if it’s a temporary phase of natural change, it affects a man’s emotional well-being and psychological health. 

Enlarged breasts in males can be the target of bullies in schools and even the workplace. This condition can turn once pleasant activities, like swimming or going to the gym, into a traumatic experience. Plus, it can affect a person’s sex drive.

This is why, until you get the surgery or the medication starts working, it’s important to have a support network and surround yourself with people who understand your condition and feelings. Therapy is also a path you can take, especially if you start feeling anxious or depressed. 

Also, it helps to get in touch with other men who had to walk the thorny path of having enlarged breasts. Millions of men in America suffer or have suffered from gynecomastia, so try to find someone to connect with. You are not alone in this fight!