In men, the growth of glandular breast tissue is called Gynecomastia. Breast enlargement could be excess fat deposits in and around the breast area usually associated with being generally overweight. If your breast enlargement is due to increased body fat, the best way to reduce breast size is weight loss. Fat breast growth is usually seen in both breasts and feels like fat on other parts of your body, but with gynecomastia, the breasts have a firm or rubbery consistency, and while it usually affects both breasts, it can affect one breast much more than the other. On rare occasion, the condition is treated surgically but many men wear compression undershirts to lessen the look.
Man-boobs, or gynecomastia can be embarrassing, but it rarely has a serious cause. But whenever there is a noticeable change in your overall look, it makes sense to consult with your SimpliWellness health coach and medical professional to look for hormone related health issues. Usually, the cause of enlarged breasts is identified as a drug side effect. Examples include the diuretic spironolactone (Aldactone); finasteride (Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart), which help shrink a large prostate gland; stomach acid blockers like cimetidine (Tagamet) and ranitidine (Zantac); and hormonal drugs to treat prostate cancer.
Over consumption of alcohol could be a factor, and the essential oils Lavender and Tea Tree have been associated with gynecomastia, so consult with your SimpliWellness health coach if either you or your partner are using essential oils frequently. Recently, marijuana use and CBD oil have been linked to enlarged breasts in men.
