What is Gynecomastia or male chest reduction and the major cause of it?
Enlarged male chest is known as Gynecomastia. Although it’s not a disease by itself, Gynecomastia can cause psychological stress, especially in teenagers and young adults.
How does Gynecomastia forms?
Gynecomastia can cause social withdrawal, avoidance of athletics, swimming, interaction with peers, etc. in order to avoid the psychological effects of Gynecomastia. Reduction surgeries are advisable even in younger adolescents. Older men suffering from Gynecomastia usually opt for surgery as lifestyle choice.
Incidence: Gynecomastia can develop in three different scenarios.
- Adolescent Gynecomastia
Chest enlargement is seen between ages 12-15 which occurs due to hormonal imbalance. In the majority of cases, the enlarged chest tissue may regress. In a small number of cases, the tissue may persist, necessitating surgery. - Senescent Gynecomastia
Chest enlargement occurs at the age of 50 and above. This condition may occur due to a gradual decrease in test resistance level with advancing age. - Pathological Gynecomastia
This may occur due to tumours that secrete sex-hormone analogues, liver diseases, intake of certain medications, drug abuse etc. - Pseudo Gynecomastia
This is seen in obese males. The appearance mimics that of Gynecomastia but is comprised of only fibro fatty tissue with the absence of glandular elements.
