What is Gynecomastia (Manboobs)?

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is an endocrine system disorder in which there is non-cancerous increase of the size of a males breast tissue. Endocrine disorders mean there is either a hormone deficiency, excess hormones, tumors of endocrine glands being produced, or a combination of these. 

Gynecomastia is usually developed during puberty because of the disturbance in the endocrine system leading to an increase in the ratio of estrogens to androgens (more estrogen, less androgens). It is natural to develop Gyno during puberty but 75% of pubertal gynecomastia cases resolve within two years after developing after estrogen levels are back to normal.

 

How to determine if you have Gynecomastia?

The best way to tell if you have gynecomastia is to visit your doctor and ask for an MRI or Ultrasound to determine whether it is indeed gynecomastia (hard rubbery glandular tissue) or pseudo-gynecomastia (just stubborn fat).

Your doctor may also do a physical examination to determine whether it is gynecomastia or fat:

Your doctor uses his thumb and forefinger to feel for a rubbery or firm mount of tissue under the nipple-areolar complex. You can try this test yourself but it is always suggested to get a doctor's professional examination.

 

Examples of Gynecomastia:

 

 

How to get rid of Gynecomastia (Manboobs)?

Pubertal Gynecomastia (glands that develop during puberty) typically resolves on its own in 90% of the cases within two years of the hormonal changes.

Gynecomastia not associated with puberty is treated either medicinally or surgically. Medicinal treatment generally work only if the gland is just developing or is newly formed. If  you have had gynecomastia for more than one year than surgery is almost always more effective.

Medicinal Treatment

There are no "magic pills" or over the counter pills that you can purchase to clear your gynecomastia. The two common medications for gynecomastia are Tamoxifen and Clomiphene. These prescription drugs are only effective for recently developed gynecomastia and must be prescribed by a Doctor.

Surgical Treatment

The only way to get rid of gynecomastia gland permanently is surgery. It is an expensive procedure but the only way to permanently remove the gland. Diet and exercise will help remove chest fat but the glandular tissue will always remain.

Treatment through Diet and Exercise

Diet and Exercise is recommended to reduce your overall bodyfat and thus fat around the gynecomastia gland. This will get rid of pseudo-gynecomastia if it is confirmed by your doctor that there is no gyno gland in your chest. This will not remove permanently remove the gynecomastia gland.

Hiding your Gynecomastia

A gynowear compression undershirt or compression vest can help reduce the visibility of gynecomastia in clothes.