Gynecomastia

Depreciated testosterone levels compared to estrogen is the primary condition of gynecomastia. Many conditions can trigger this imbalance in hormonal levels. Some of these include: 

• Natural changes in hormones  - These two hormones “Estrogen” and “Testosterone” basically control the sex characteristic in both men and women. Testosterone influences male traits including muscle mass and bodily hair whereas estrogen controls female traits. 

Contradictory to the commonly believed theory that men do not produce estrogen, men produce estrogen but in a very small amount. Strong levels that are too high or out of proportion as compared to testosterone cause gynecomastia. 

•  Gynecomastia in infants - more than half of baby boys are born with enlarged breast tissue due to estrogen levels passed from their mothers through the placenta. Although in the majority of cases, the swelling in the breast tissue goes away within the first two to three weeks after birth. 

• Gynecomastia during puberty - an imbalance in hormones during puberty is pretty common. Gynecomastia during this period does not require any treatment and goes away within six months to two years. 

• Gynecomastia in adults - after the teenage age of boys, this condition is also common among older males aged between 50-69 years of age. 1 in 4 men in this age group is affected. 

• Obesity - Being obese and extremely overweight can also cause an imbalance in hormonal levels which causes breast tissue to become swollen. Some people can cure this condition by reducing weight and doing more exercise.