Gynecomastia: Causes And Stages

Have you noticed changes in your chest? Unexpected breast growth can be a cause for concern. It could be gynecomastia, a condition affecting males that leads to enlarged breast tissue.

In this blog, we will explore the gynecomastia causes, the different stages of its development, and the available treatment options to address and manage this condition effectively.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia, also known as “man boobs,” is a medical condition marked by the enlargement of breast tissue in males.

This condition, which can occur in one or both breasts, frequently results in physical discomfort and emotional distress.

What is Gynecomastia Causes?

Some of the most common gynecomastia causes include:

Hormonal Imbalance: Gynaecomastia can result from an imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.

Obesity: Being significantly overweight can cause gynecomastia, as increased body fat can elevate estrogen levels, causing breast tissue growth.

Puberty: Hormonal fluctuations during puberty can cause transient gynecomastia in adolescent boys, which often resolves on its own.

Older Age: Testosterone levels decline with age, and the relative increase in estrogen can lead to gynecomastia in older men.

Medications: Medications like antidepressants, anabolic steroids, heart medications, etc can cause breast enlargement in males.

Certain Conditions: Medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver disease, tumors in testicles, adrenal gland or pituitary gland, and Klinefelter syndrome can cause gynecomastia.

Substance Use: Consumption of alcohol, marijuana, heroin, etc can interfere with hormone balance.

Herbal Products: Prolonged use of some herbal products, like tea tree or lavender oils, may also cause gynecomastia.

What are the Different Gynecomastia Stages?

Gynecomastia can be classified into different stages based on the severity and characteristics of the breast enlargement.

Stages	Characteristics
Stage I: Mild	Small breast enlargement without excess skin, often resolving on its own.
Stage II: Moderate	Moderate breast enlargement but without significant excess skin.
Stage III: Severe	Moderate breast enlargement with excess skin, giving a more feminine breast contour appearance.
Stage IV: More Severe	Marked breast enlargement with significant excess skin, resembling female breasts.

How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia?

Getting rid of gynecomastia involves addressing its underlying cause and, if necessary, pursuing specific treatments. Here are the primary approaches:

Lifestyle Changes

Gynecomastia treatment without surgery primarily focuses on non-invasive methods to reduce breast tissue enlargement:

Diet and Exercise: A healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce overall body fat, improving the appearance of gynecomastia.

Reducing Alcohol Intake: Limiting alcohol consumption can lower the risk of male breast enlargement.

Discontinue Consuming Drugs or Steroids: Reducing the use of steroids and certain drugs can reduce the risk of developing gynecomastia.

Losing Weight: Losing weight may help decrease breast size. This may work well for men who need to lose a lot of weight, but it may not eliminate all excess breast tissue.

Medications

Hormone Therapy: Medications such as tamoxifen block the action of the female hormone estrogen in the body and can reduce breast tissue size.

Aromatase Inhibitors: These medications help reduce estrogen production and might be prescribed in specific cases, particularly for patients with hormonal imbalances.

Surgical Procedure

Gynecomastia surgery aims to restore the normal appearance, shape, size, and proportion of male breasts.

This surgery, conducted under anesthesia, typically employs one of three main techniques:

Liposuction: This surgical method removes excess fat from the breast area but does not affect glandular tissue.

Mastectomy: This surgery removes the fat, glandular breast tissue, and skin from the chest area in patients with true gynecomastia.

Incisions: Longer incisions may be needed in cases of severe skin laxity or looseness on the chest, such as in massive weight loss patients.

What is the Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Bahrain?

Several factors influence the cost of surgical procedures for gynecomastia in Bahrain:

The method employed
Additional procedures, if any
Clinic or hospital chosen

Prioritize the surgeon’s expertise and your comfort level over cost alone, as opting for a cheaper alternative initially might result in higher expenses in the future. For an accurate cost assessment, schedule an initial consultation with our surgeon.

Consult Dr. Salil Bharadwaj for Gynecomastia Treatment in Bahrain

If you are experiencing gynecomastia, seeking professional medical advice is essential. Dr. Salil Bharadwaj, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, offers personalized treatment options in Bahrain.

Don’t let gynecomastia affect your confidence and well-being. Consult with Dr. Salil Bharadwaj for expert guidance and comprehensive care tailored to your needs.