What Causes Manboobs?

Manboobs is a pretty horrible word. It is a fairly derogatory term which is usually used in a joking or ribbing fashion, but men are really sensitive about. Considering that over 60% of men will have suffered from ‘manboobs’ in their lifetime, it is almost surprising that the term is used so easily.

Most of the time we use manboobs to describe someone who is overweight and that has developed excess fat in that area, occasionally causing a drooping, breast like effect. This kind of manboob can be worked off in the gym, or treated with a cosmetic procedure.

However there is another side to the manboob – Gynecomastia. This is the abnormal growth of mammary glands or breast tissue in the chest leading to swelling and what can look like breast development.

It isn’t entirely clear why men develop gynecomastia although it is believed that it is predominantly down to hormonal changes on the body. For example, during puberty, most boys will develop gynecomastia and experience the development of breasts or swelling in the chest area. By the time they leave their teens it has usually completely disappeared – although for some it can last in to adulthood.

Some bodybuilders who take steroids or supplements may also develop manboobs from the hormonal make-up of the drugs they are taking. Men carry a small amount of the predominantly female hormone oestrogen. If the levels are raised then the body will react to it and use it in the same way as in a female body.

Before you can effectively treat manboobs it is important to know which type you suffer from. If it is pseudogynecomastia (from being overweight) then beginning an exercise regime or heading to a cosmetic physician should be enough – it is always helpful to speak to your expert when you’re concerned about your manboobs. You may find there is underlying gynemocastia there anyway which you should consider having removed for your comfort and to try to stop it from getting any worse.

If you have been taking any steroids, medication or other supplements which you think may have increased your oestrogen levels or imbalanced your hormones than it is a good idea to speak to your GP about changing doses, stopping medicating and tracking changes.

If you are still in puberty then it is most likely to ease off as you get older but if you are particularly concerned, uncomfortable or feel upset about your appearance then you should speak to someone for help. The same would go for any older men who have never been able to lose the shape they gained during puberty or who have always found themselves heavier in the chest area. There are things that can be done to help you regain your figure, your confidence and take control of your body.

If you are unsure about why you may have developed manboobs or are looking for more advice then you should speak to an expert. It is very common and it is nothing you should be concerned about or ashamed of.

Need to speak to an expert about manboobs or gynecomastia? Visit www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk or call 01582 762 877 today for a consultation.