Yes, when you first hear about gynecomastia you might say, “What?! Men don’t have boobs!” and for the most part you may be right, but that’s not the case for everyone. Caused primarily by a change in hormones, gynecomastia causes men to form breast fat and tissue. To help you gain a better understanding of this condition we have created a brief guide listing some common frequently asked questions.
FAQ: Does Gynecomastia Cause a Men’s Chest to Look Like Female Breasts?
To a pathologist looking at a male’s breast tissue under a microscope, it is going to look a lot different than females. However, to the human eye, it will look very similar because the breast tissue is made up of ducts and fat that are also found in female breasts.
FAQ: Who Is More Prone to Get Gynecomastia?
Studies point to the fact that gynecomastia is a condition that primarily impacts newborns, adolescents, and older men. These age groups are more affected because the ratio of estrogen to testosterone is typically higher at these stages in a man’s life.
FAQ: Could It Be Cancer?
Breast cancer in men is very rare— in fact, it only affects about 1% of men. If you do find a lump on your chest, make sure to have it looked at. With gynecomastia, just remember that it typically affects both sides of the chest whereas something like a cyst or a tumor would most likely only show on one side of the chest.
FAQ: Do Steroids Cause Gynecomastia?
In bodybuilding and sports, some patients take anabolic steroids to enhance their performance and physical appearance. However, when patients take these types of drugs, their body’s natural production of testosterone starts to slow down which can lead to the extra stimulation and production of breast tissue.
If you have gynecomastia, Dr. Rick Silverman can help. Schedule your consultation at one of our locations today!