Gynecomastia: The Development of Male Breast Tissue

Dealing with the onset of gynecomastia can be difficult and even heartbreaking for a man. Granted, it's not the kind of condition that will lead to serious health problems, but that's hardly a reason to be unconcerned. For better or for worse, we live in a society that judges us very harshly on how we look. In some cases, even more harshly than for what we bring to the table with our intelligence and personality. Having something that sets us apart in a bad way can lead to teasing and low self-esteem. Thankfully, there are treatments available that can address the issues of male breast development. Before exploring them, here are some things you should know about the condition.

Gynecomastia is a term used to describe the development of breast tissue in a man. An influx of female hormones is often the source, although this abundance can be caused in turn by a number of factors. The vast majority of cases arise during puberty. The body is producing its first influx of testosterone during this time and with it will come an influx of estrogen. When these balances get out of whack, breast tissue development can occur. While the majority of cases arise naturally, there are thing you can do to bring the condition about through medications. Steroids are a common source of the condition. Anytime you introduce exogenous testosterone, having the body fight back with estrogen is a possibility.

Don't feel as though you're the only one going through problems. Thousands of men have dealt with the issue, and there are support groups available. Granted, knowing that others are suffering from the same condition doesn't automatically make it okay, but it can lend some degree of moral support to know that others have gone through your situation. People with experience may also be able to lend experience and tips that have helped them cope in a world obsessed with physical appearances.

If you have true gynecomastia, losing weight is probably not going to help. This is where many people get confused. There is a difference between the medical condition and simply tending to store excess weight in the chest. If you are a member of the latter group, losing weight should smooth out your chest and eliminate the problem. As a member of the former group, losing weight may actually accentuate the condition. In fact, it would be difficult to tell whether or not an overweight individual suffers from the condition at all.