Man boobs is the development of abnormally large breasts in men and is related to excess breast tissue, instead of excess fat.
The condition may occur in one or both breasts and begins as a small lump beneath the nipple, which may be sensitive. The breasts often enlarge unevenly. Man boobs during puberty is common and usually disappears in a period of months.
The development of breasts in newborns can be associated with milk flow (galactorrhea). This condition usually lasts a couple of weeks, but in rare cases may last until the child is 2 years old.
Androgens are hormones that create masculine characteristics such as hair growth, muscle size and a deep voice. Estrogens are hormones that create female characteristics. All men have androgens and estrogens.
Changes in levels of these hormones or the way the body uses or responds to them may cause man boobs.
More than half of the boys develop gynecomastia during puberty.
Other causes include:
- AgingCancer
- Chemotherapy
- Chronic liver disease
- Exposure to anabolic steroid hormones
- Exposure to the hormone estrogen
- Renal and Dialysis
- Marijuana
- Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
- Radiation therapy to the testicles
- Side effects of some medications: finasteride, ketoconazole, spironolactone, metronidazole, cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Testosterone (male hormone)
Rare causes are:
- Genetic defects
- Thyrotoxicosis
- Tumors
Breast cancer in men is rare. Signs that may suggest the presence of this cancer include:
- Growth breast on one side
- Skin ulcer on the breast
- Bloody nipple discharge
Find more articles by Cristina Powell about gynecomastia on “Man boobs Central dot com”.
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