HEALTH TIPS, GUIDES AND RELATIONSHIP ADVICE

The Truth about Man Boobs

For many men this is an embarrassing and very personal subject.  Most men that suffer with this condition really do not like the term “man boobs”.  It is actually a medical condition called gynecomastia.  The term comes from the Greek gyne meaning “woman” and mastos menaing “breasts”.  The truth about gynecomastia is much different than many people realize.  No exercise that will get rid of the condition as some purport.  Gynecomastia is a common condition in males reaching puberty.  Approximately 90% of adolescent males with the condition see the symptoms disappear within a few months.  However, for the remaining 10% whose conditions do not disappear, life can be arduous to say the least.

The condition is due to an overabundance of estrogen in the body.  If exercise could get rid of the condition, then women who exercise would see a dramatic reduction in breast size as well.  This is obviously not the case.  However, the condition is exacerbated by obesity.  In fact, one study shows that the connection to men suffering gynecomastia has a direct link to the obesity in the same subjects.  While general exercise and healthy living can reduce this type of gynecomastia in many men, it will not totally ‘cure’ the condition.

Real World Remedies

There are a few ways that are successful in alleviating the condition.  One of the less invasive methods is through medication.  Unfortunately, many of the medications that are used to treat gynecomastia have side effects that are unwanted by most men with the condition.  Many men are so desperate to be rid of the condition that they are willing to suffer the side effects of the medications rather than live with the condition or seek other more invasive methods of treatment.

The most invasive method of treatment is surgery.  The surgery that has shown the most promise is similar to a liposuction.  The fatty tissue of the breast is liquefied with heat and then suctioned out.  The healing and recovery process can be a bit painful, but the success rate with this type of treatment is very high.  Many men who have dealt with the condition since puberty have been waiting for this type of remedy to become available.  Causes of Gynecomastia

There have been many studies trying to find a link between gynecomastia and hormones in foods.  One such study in 1977, listed chicken treated with growth hormones as a possible culprit in the condition.  However, most chicken production facilities around the world have abandoned growth hormones in favor of natural breed selection to produce larger chickens for public consumption.

The use of rBGH (recombinant bovine growth hormone) has been accused of being a contributing source of gynecomastia in the United States.  The EU has made the use of rBGH illegal for both meat and dairy cattle because of the many health risks associated with the hormone treatment.  Unfortunately, the United States still allows cows to be treated with rBGH, and the USDA actually continues to support the hormone’s use in both dairy and meat cattle.  There have been studies linking rBGH with early breast formation in girls.  Some girls as young as 7 and 8 years of age have started developing breasts and the study links the consumption of milk and beef from cattle treated with rBGH as the culprit.  If this connection is valid, then it is only logical to assume that rBGH is a player to some extent in gynecomastia in men.  This is one, among many reasons, to consume only those dairy products and beef that are raised organically.

Living with Gynecomastia

For many men, living with gynecomastia is the only option they have.  The psychological ramifications are varied among men, but they commonly include things like, shame, low self-esteem, embarrassment, under performance, depression, self-loathing, and anxiety to name a few.  Many men are able to seek professional counseling to help them live with the condition.  Many cannot afford surgery, or avoid it for reasons of a religious nature and need the help of a professional to help them navigate through the rough waters that is living with gynecomastia.

For many, the only option is to find clothing that will disguise the condition, and avoid situations that would have them dress in a fashion that would expose their chests.  For those living in this self destructive fashion, there are gynecomatia support groups that can offer some perspective and support from others that know exactly what you are going through.  It might simply help to talk with others and realize that you are not alone in this struggle.