What Causes Gynecomastia?
The cause of gynecomastia varies greatly from person to person. Usually, gynecomastia results from an imbalance in the hormones testosterone and estrogen.
Testosterone is the hormone associated with male traits, while estrogen is associated with feminine characteristics, such as the growth of breasts. However, men produce estrogen in small amounts. Gynecomastia may result when their bodies have too much estrogen or it is no longer balanced with testosterone.
Gynecomastia can also be influenced by certain medications, medical conditions, street drugs, and some over-the-counter herbal products. Excess breast tissue in males usually begins during adolescence but can occur at any time and often develops with age.
Treatment for Gynecomastia
Men often seek to reduce gynecomastia with weight loss and exercise, but this will only affect breast fat. When enlarged or feminine breast shape in males is caused by excess breast tissue, it won’t respond to weight loss.
The most effective treatment for gynecomastia is male breast reduction surgery. Dr. Coville can use this procedure to remove excess breast tissue and sculpt the breasts for a more masculine shape.
