MAN BOOBS: NO JOKE

30% of all men will develop breast tissue at some point during their lives and this is no laughing matter because it can be linked to very serious illness.

Developing glandular breast tissue among men is more common than you think.  Officially known as gynecomastia, breast tissue is becoming more of an issue for men around the world, and there are some things that you really need to know about it.

1. Breast tissue is mostly caused by a hormonal imbalance. Testosterone decreases breast tissue growth, and estrogen increases breast tissue growth.  However, the most common reason for men to appear to have developed breast tissue is weight-gain and obesity.  Men get fat on their breasts just as women do.

2. Men who develop breast tissue can feel shame or develop low self-esteem as a result and should chat to their doctors about it, especially if the growth has happened suddenly and the breast tissue is very tender to the touch.

3. Ironically, glandular breast tissue in men can be caused by testosterone replacement therapy or steroid use because the body converts the excess testosterone into estrogen, which then promotes the growth of breast tissue.

4. Men can develop breast cancer, just as women can and should see their doctor immediately if they notice any unusual lumps around their nipples or under their arms. Other symptoms include fluid coming out of their nipples, their nipples inverting (appearing to turn in on themselves) or a rash developing.  See your doctor immediately if you have any of these.

5. Developing glandular breast tissue can be a sign that your body is experiencing a hormonal imbalance. Some young men develop breast tissue during puberty, and some men develop breast tissue from ageing as their bodies begin to produce less testosterone than before.

6. Using estrogen suppressants to get rid of breast tissue is dangerous because estrogen is needed to maintain fat mass in the body, as well as sexual function.

7. Most cases of gynecomastia are temporary and can disappear once your hormones have had a chance to rebalance.

8. Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in men) can be caused by some drugs like Propecia (finasteride) used to prevent hair loss and some heartburn medications like cimetidine.

9. Some natural remedies can also have estrogen-like properties like lavender oil. If you have been using lavender oil (anywhere on your body as it enters the bloodstream) and started to develop breast tissue, you should stop using it immediately.

10. Developing breast tissue suddenly can be a symptom of liver and kidney disease or even undetected lung and testicular tumours. See your doctor if you’ve started noticing rapid growth or tenderness in your chest.

11. The best ways to eradicate unwanted breast tissue is to cut down on alcohol and caffeine, which suppress natural testosterone levels in the body and diet and exercise, which will minimise the fat around the breast areas.

Bruce J. Little is the Content Creator for Anova Health Institute.