Gynaecomastia
The increase in breast tissue in a man is referred to as Gynaecomastia. This growth is usually non-cancerous and is the result of imbalance between the hormones oestrogen and testosterone. For those of you who are unfamiliar with these names, they are specific hormones (chemicals in body) having a central role in the development of gender specific characteristics, which serve as differentiating traits but are not directly part of the reproductive system. So a larger muscle mass and more body hair in males are stimulated by testosterone, while breast formation is triggered by oestrogen. Although testosterone is predominant in males, small amounts of oestrogen are also produced normally within their body.
Any situation that elevates oestrogen levels, or blocks the effect of testosterone, or lowers testosterone levels can lead to Gynaecomastia. There are three points in life when such changes may occur naturally:
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In infancy – male babies are commonly affected by their mother’s oestrogen and are born with prominent breasts. It takes approximately two to three weeks for it to resolve by itself.
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During puberty – most cases are seen in young boys but swelling is temporary and recedes within a few months to a few years.
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Older men – between 50 to 80 years of age are frequent afflicted, especially those who are overweight.
You may come across the term “Pseudogynaecomastia”. It means a false depiction of breast tissue enlargement that actually occurs due to enlargement of fat in the chest area, often seen in <obesity>.
On the other hand, it is vital to understand that true Gynaecomastia may present itself as a symptom of another disorder. Causes include liver disease, various cancers (of <breast>, lung, testicles, adrenal, and pituitary), thyroid disease, kidney failure, malnutrition, starvation and certain congenital syndromes (existing since birth). Numerous medications, drugs of abuse (alcohol, heroin, marijuana etc.) and some herbal products (plant oils) have also been identified as causative agents. Steroids taken to improve athletic performance or body building put the user at risk of Gynaecomastia.
