Gynecomastia is a condition that causes men to develop increased amounts of breast tissue. This condition currently affects at least one-third of men. There are several reasons why gynecomastia can occur, although the cause of nearly 25% of cases is still unknown. Several different factors can increase the risk of developing gynecomastia.
Age
Age accounts for many of the cases of gynecomastia today. More than half of boys around the age of 10 will develop gynecomastia due to the development of the body. Most of these cases go away naturally in one to two years. Alternately, men can develop gynecomastia later in life. The majority of cases appear in men between the ages of 50 and 80 because of changing hormone levels. Men older than 50 might be able to prevent the development of gynecomastia by having regular checkups with doctors who monitor hormone levels in the body.
Genetics
There is strong evidence that genetics can be a cause for gynecomastia. Men who have a family history of the condition have an increased risk for developing enlarged breasts. Unfortunately, the exact cause and trigger for these cases is not fully known or understood.
Anabolic Steroid Use
Drugs like anabolic steroids and androgens affect hormone levels in the body. They can increase the production of the hormone estrogen. They can also prevent the release of the hormone testosterone in the body to counteract estrogen levels. Cases of gynecomastia appear in people who are abusing these drugs outside of the supervision of a medical professional. Avoiding anabolic steroids and androgens can prevent the development of gynecomastia.
Tumors Affecting Hormone Levels
Tumors are abnormal growths of cells within the body or the internal organs. Certain types of tumors actually affect the production of hormones and cause imbalances in the blood. These imbalances can trigger gynecomastia in men. The most common locations for these types of tumors are in the lungs, kidneys, pituitary glands, and stomach. Treating the tumors can often stop the gynecomastia from progressing.
Thyroid Gland Issues
The thyroid gland affects the levels of hormones in the body. An overactive thyroid gland, also called hyperthyroidism, can increase hormone levels that lead to gynecomastia. Hyperthyroidism could also begin a biological chain reaction that converts hormones into estrogens causing gynecomastia. The primary way to prevent gynecomastia in these cases is to undergo treatment for hyperthyroidism and correct the abnormal hormone levels. Diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism is important, because anywhere from 10 to 40% of men with the condition develop gynecomastia.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Excessive drinking over the course of many years can cause damage to the liver known as cirrhosis. Cirrhosis of the liver can prevent the body from properly processing hormones. It can also disrupt the natural processes that would normally release testosterone into the blood. There is some evidence that excessive marijuana use can have the same effect. A way to reduce your risk for gynecomastia is to avoid excessive drinking and marijuana use.
