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Commonly known as “gyno” or even “bitch-tits”,
gynecomastia is a condition that affects children, teens and
adults alike. As the name implies, it is the the abnormal
enlargement of the male breast or breasts. The condition is
often extremely uncomfortable and can cause tenderness and
pain of the breast and nipple. While there are several known
causes of gynecomastia, it's effects are usually temporary.
More often than not, gynecomastia is the side effect of a
more serious problem. It is actually estimated that at least
19%-60% of the male population will actually experience some
form of gynecomastia at one point or another in their life.
Gynecomastia in teens is a common side effect of puberty and
no cause for alarm. In adult males, gynecomastia may be caused
by disease or drug use. It is important that anyone experiencing
what they think may be gynecomastia is seen by a physician
as soon as possible.
For bodybuilders, the most common cause of gynecomastia is
the use of anabolic steroids. The use of anabolic steroids
increases testosterone which thereby creates a increase in
estrogen. The more testosterone, the more estrogen. It is
this irregular increase in estrogen that causes gynecomastia
in weight lifters and bodybuilders. In most cases, if you're
not currently taking an anti-estrogen, gynecomastia will eventually
be the result. Suddenly stopping the use of anabolic steroids
will almost certainly result in gynecomastia. Gynecomastia
can usually be avoided by taking an anti-estrogen such as
Nolvadex or by using steroids that cannot peripherally be
converted to estrogen. For additional information on these
types of steroids, you may want to check out the The Steroid
Bible.
Gynecomastia may be caused by several other factors:
• Liver or Lung Cancer
• Cirrhosis of the Liver
• Overactive Thyroid
• Pituitary Cancer
• Adrenal Gland Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Alcohol, Marijuana, Methamphetamine and/or Heroin
use
• Klinefelter's syndrome
• Use of certain medications such as Steroids (Prednisone,
Hexadrol), Ulcer medications (Cimetidine), Epilepsy medications
(Phenytoin (Dilantin), Digitalis and other heart medications,
Chemotherapy drugs, Antiandrogen drugs and anti anxiety or
antidepressant medication ( Diazepam, Valium, Tricyclic antidepressants).
Treatment options for Gynecomastia
Before any treatment is started for gynecomastia, a full pathology
workup should be completed. If there is no underlying disease
that is causing the effects of gynecomastia and simply stopping
any medication that may be causing it doesn't reduce the breast,
there are several options you may want to consider. In order
of severity, they are listed below:
• Herb Treatment: Many people have
used turmeric root as a cure for gynecomastia. Varying degrees
of success have been reported. Some users have seen the effects
diminish completely while others have simply reported a reduction
in pain and soreness. There are no scientific studies available
to document the effects of turmeric root on gynecomastia,
however, it is probably the least evasive and least expensive
treatment option. The recommended dosage is at least 20 grams
of grated turmeric root per day for at least 30 days.
• Chemical Treatment: Some physicians
are currently prescribing
chemical treatment with clomiphen (estrogen antagonist), danazol
(antigonadoprophic), tamoxifen (antestrogen) and dihydrotestosterone
to cure gynecomastia, however, again – there are no
studies that actually prove this is an effective treatment.
• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): This
is considered a short-term treatment and involves using a
topical gel (Andractim) that is rubbed into the skin. According
AllSaintsClinic.com, the response of gynecomastia to this
treatment will usually take place within 10 days. Daily recommended
dosage is 5 grams rubbed directly into the chest for approximately
3 months or less. Recommended usage is limited to three tubes
and additional purchases have to be okayed by a physician.
The cost of an initial treatment includes 2 tubes of gel and
a testing kit for approximately $150.00. For more information
on HRT, click here.
• Liposuction has just recently been
introduced as a treatment for gynecomastia. In this procedure,
very small incisions are made through which the excess fat
is drawn from the chest with liposuction. This method is less
expensive that breast reduction, requires no actual surgery
and therefore leaves a very natural appearance to the chest.
• Low Dose Radiation is also a suggested
treatment, however, is known to only be effective in the early
stages of the disease.
• Cosmetic Surgery or Breast Reduction
is also being used as a last ditch treatment for severe gynecomastia.
Although this is a fairly painless, out-patient procedure
with few, if any risks, the cost at almost $2000.00 per breast
is often prohibitive. For more information on breast reductions
and photographs of actual surgical procedures, click here.
Pseudogynecomastica
Being excessively overweight can also cause symptoms that
may be similar to gynecomastia. However pseudogynecomastica,
as it is called, will not respond to any of the treatments
listed above. The only way to reduce the effects of pseudogynecomastica
are through dieting, weight loss and physical fitness. It
is extremely important that before attempting any of the treatment
options listed above, you should contact a physician and have
a complete physical. As we mentioned early in this article,
gynecomastia is usually a side effect of something far more
serious. In many cases of gynecomastia, no treatment is necessary,
as it will eventually disappear on its own. Physicians will
often defer treatment unless the patient is in extreme pain
or the embarrassment of the size of the breast is making life
uncomfortable.
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