Gynecomastia is a condition where there is enlargement of glandular tissue in male breast due to hormonal imbalance where the estrogen level is far greater than the testosterone level. Most men who have the condition find it embarrassing and unsightly especially those who would like to see rich boobs on women but definitely not on them. The condition might have occurred due to health issues, fitness, genes, medications, habits, and diet and it is very important for men to know how to detect gynecomastia.
Understand that although the condition alone is not fatal or dangerous, it can also manifest as a symptom of a very delicate or fatal disease. In this regard, it is of utmost importance to know exactly what you are dealing with before it escalates into something more troublesome.
Possible Causes of Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia that occurs in infants and young boys disappears by itself in due time. This is a natural occurrence and it is known as physiologic gynecomastia. During puberty, boys have different or fluctuating hormone levels that might trigger gynecomastia to appear. This type of gynecomastia usually disappears on its own (usually within six months but others have it for two years). There also cases wherein pubertal gynecomastia stays beyond two years and that type is known as persistent pubertal gynecomastia.
Malnutrition and recovery from malnutrition known as re-feeding have been proven to create hormonal imbalance that may trigger gynecomastia to occur. Illnesses like cirrhosis of the liver that alters normal metabolism of hormone may also lead to gynecomastia.
There are also medications that cause gynecomastia such as anti-ulcer drugs, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitor drugs (both for hypertension), methyldopa, anti-androgen or estrogen therapies (for prostate cancer), drugs for HIV, and digitoxin.
Alcohol, marijuana, and heroin abuse can also make manifestations of man boobs possible. Tea tree oil and lavender oil may also trigger gynecomastia to appear.
The Simple Self Examination
Gynecomastia primary symptom is male breast enlargement. The enlargement might not be the same on both breasts and there are also cases wherein only one breast seems swollen. There might be tenderness and sensitivity but typically without any severe pain. If you know how to detect gynecomastia, then you might just save yourself from further complications.
You can actually tell if you have gynecomastia by mere looking at your body. Stand before a mirror without your shirt on. Make sure that you are in a well-lighted room. Take a real hard look at your self particularly your chest area and try looking at it from different angles. Do you notice anything odd with your breasts? Does it seem something’s wrong with the contour of your body? Does your chest hurt? Do you feel ashamed or embarrassed because you saw something funny with your body? Your findings should be enough to give you some answers.
You can also lie flat on your back and gently press your areola using your thumb and forefinger. If you feel firm or rubbery mound of tissue then you might have gynecomastia. The result of your self test should be enough to prompt you and if you suspect gynecomastia then it is best to consult a professional to verify your findings.
How to detect gynecomastia is not that tedious but once you have examined yourself and have suspicions that you might have gynecomastia then it is best to consult your doctor right away. It is foolish to apply treatment on yourself without proper consultation because you might bring further harm on your body.
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