Man boobs or, to use the correct medical term, gynecomastia, affects about 40% of males and can be an embarrassing and unsightly condition.

It results in enlarged mammary glands or breast tissue and although its causes are indeterminate, it can be triggered by some or all of the following.

Gynecomastia. Hormonal Causes

The form of the male and female body is essentially determined by the effects of two, powerful hormones – estrogens and testosterone. Estrogens play a prime role in the development and growth of all the usual female physical features. Testosterone on the other hand will create the typical male characteristics.

Because both of these hormones exist in males and females, it follows that if there is an imbalance then some atypical features can occur. Hence the appearance of the so-called ‘man boobs’ in the case of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia. Drug Use and Abuse

The growth of female type, chest tissue can sometimes be ascribed to some form of adverse drug reaction or abuse.

The term ‘gyno’ is often used in the body building fraternity and users of steroids can develop gynecomastia. But also, quite innocently, intake of certain prescribed drugs may react adversely with an individual’s hormones and create enlarged breasts.

For example, an illness requiring hormone therapy can produce imbalances that can affect body shape. The disease may be treated successfully but gynecomastia may become a side effect.

Obviously, altering the hormone levels within a person will usually create a change of some kind and the results may be physically apparent.

Gynecomastia. Weight Gain Effect

It is a medical fact that as a man gains in weight, most of that excess will appear on the stomach and the chest. Because that increase in fat deposits is unevenly distributed then female-like breasts will often appear.

In many respects, this kind of gynecomastia is the easiest to remedy usually with a regime of regular exercise and the adoption of a well balanced and nutritious diet.

Gynecomastia. Other Likely Causes.

It is believed that the development of ‘man boobs’ may also be caused by a number of other medical factors found to be common to many suffers.

These include psychological stress, dependence upon alcohol, HIV, severe chest trauma, fibrosis, some muscular disorders and spinal injuries.

Individuals with gynecomastia are certainly interested in its causes but finding a way of improving their condition is usually of prime interest. Fortunately, there are several gynecomastia treatments that can be successfully adopted.

Often just a simple change of diet or lifestyle may bring about a dramatic improvement or it may be necessary, in the severest of cases, to resort to a surgical procedure.