Earlyfinder Health Tips: 12 Tips to get rid of Gynecomastia Naturally
Gynecomastia is swelling of the mammary gland in men. Indeed, the man has two mammary glands located under the nipples … just like the woman. This swelling of the mammary glands can occur on both sides or only one side and it occurs due to the effects of certain hormones.
Swelling from tumors is not gynecomastia.
When a man’s mammary gland has been stimulated by hormones and is swollen, if one does not act quickly enough in treating it, the breast volume can remain troublesome afterwards. In this case, alongside a treatment that is a little too late, surgery to remove the gland can make it possible to find an aesthetically more masculine thorax.
When the mammary gland remains swollen and gynecomastia is left untreated, cysts, fibroadenomas, such as in women’s breasts can occur. However, it is rare for breast cancer to occur in a man with gynecomastia.
Why do we have gynecomastia?
A man has gynecomastia because there is an imbalance between estrogen-like hormones (which stimulate the proliferation of the mammary gland, for example at puberty in women) and androgens which slow down this proliferation.
Thus, gynecomastia can be linked to an increase in the level of estrogen hormones or to a lowering of androgen-type hormones (testosterone in particular). Gynecomastia can be confused with what’s called lipomastia, which is an increase in the volume of fat around the nipples, without an increase in the volume of the mammary gland itself.
Gynecomastia is linked to a change in the hormonal balance between estrogens and androgens.
Estrogens stimulate the proliferation of the mammary gland, so if they increase, the gland swells.
Androgens (including testosterone) on the contrary block the proliferation of the mammary gland, so if they are lowered the gland can swell.
Normal gynecomastia
Many gynecomastias are unrelated to a health problem. These are physiological (or normal) gynecomastias.
In newborns, swelling of the mammary glands is normal, and almost 90% of them have gynecomastia. It is linked to the passage of placental hormones (estrogen) through the circulation. It is a transient phenomenon which ceases on its own sometime after birth.
In adolescents, more than half of boys have gynecomastia around the time of puberty. This is a normal phenomenon, generally occurring around 13-14 years old and linked to the hormonal phenomena of puberty. It lasts between 6 months and 2 years and it can be scary for a teenager, even if it is trivial.
In older men, gynecomastia can appear with age after 50 years. The older we get, the more frequent this swelling of the mammary gland is. It is linked to the decrease in androgens over the years.
Gynecomastia related to an abnormality or disease
Some gynecomastias persist after adolescence and are therefore present in adult men. This represents ¼ of cases of gynecomastia in adult men. Medically, it does not have a serious nature, but it can be aesthetically embarrassing.
Gynecomastia due to the side effect of drugs
They also represent ¼ of gynecomastia in adult men.
The treatments in question are drugs that block androgens (cyproterone acetate, ketoconazole, spironolactone, finasteride, certain anti-HIV treatments, etc.), certain antibiotics (ethionamide, Isoniazid, etc.), anti-ulcer drugs cimetidine, ranitidine, omeprazole, etc. ), certain chemotherapies, amphetamines, hormonal treatments, central nervous system drugs (psychotropic drugs such as diazepam, haloperidol, tricyclic antidepressants, etc.), antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors or ACE inhibitors, anti-calciums), theophylline, amiodarone, etc. Alcohol, which is not a drug, is also often involved because it is a toxic substance with this side effect of causing gynecomastia, just like heroin or cannabis.
Gynecomastia with no known cause found
They also represent ¼ of gynecomastia. They are often present in overweight older men possibly with other unknown factors as well.
-Diseases causing poor functioning of the testicles (they produce androgens), trauma, surgery, radiotherapy to the testicles can be the cause of gynecomastia.
-Cirrhosis and malnutrition are also causes of gynecomastia,
-Tumors of the testes or adrenal glands (glands that are sources of androgens),
-Chronic renal failure,
And other diseases that are much rarer.
The symptom of gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is an increase in the size of the mammary gland. It is felt by feeling, under the nipple, a swollen gland. This can be discovered on examination by a doctor or by the man himself who then consults because he is embarrassed
Since gynecomastia is linked to hormones circulating in the blood, both mammary glands are often affected. However, sometimes only one of the two glands can swell, because the tissues of the two mammary glands may have different sensitivity to hormones.
It is also important to observe whether there is any discharge from the nipples by pinching around the areola.
Swelling in the nipples in men can also be lipomastia, an increase in the volume of fat without an increase in the volume of the mammary gland. The consistency is then softer, is not centered on the nipple and is often associated with excess weight.
People at risk for gynecomastia
Newborns (normal gynecomastia)
Adolescents (normal gynecomastia)
Men over the age of 50 (most often normal gynecomastia unrelated to disease) are affected in approximately 50% of cases.
Overweight men have a higher risk of gynecomastia. This is because fatty tissue has a hormonal effect. It works by converting androgens (anti-gynecomastia) into estrogens (pro-gynecomastia).
Men taking certain drugs that can affect hormones.
Men with diseases in which hormones are involved
Tips to get rid of Gynecomastia
1. See a doctor
Make an appointment with your doctor.He will be able to determine the cause of the gynecomastia and thus help you manage the symptoms. Do not be ashamed: this health problem is quite normal. Since some illnesses can cause mammary gland swelling, be sure to see a doctor for help.
It can detect underlying health problems such as cystic fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, ulcerative colitis, or liver disorder.
2. Choose supplements
Use a special topical cream. Some products, such as creams specially formulated to fight gynecomastia, are not as regulated as drugs. Nevertheless, some people notice the positive effects of using these products when applied to the chest.
These special creams are available at most health food stores and on the Internet. However, you should contact your doctor first if you want to take any supplements. You don’t know how these products will affect you, and they may not even work.
Changing your eating Habits
3. Increase your iodine intake.
Iodine is essential for stimulating the thyroid to produce hormones. Since gynecomastia is usually caused by hormonal imbalances, it may help to increase your iodine intake. However, see your doctor first for an assessment of the level of iodine in the body.
To increase your iodine requirement, make sure the salt you use contains iodine and add it to your meals.
4. Eat an adequate diet.
If you follow a restrictive diet, your testosterone levels may drop relative to your estrogen levels, which can lead to gynecomastia. Make sure you’re getting enough calories for your age. The daily calorie intake for most men is around 2,500 calories to maintain a healthy weight, although this number depends on age and level of activity
5. Cut down on your alcohol intake
Alcohol can lead to hormonal imbalance in the body, which is why it is best to avoid it whenever possible. Otherwise, just drink in moderation, usually less than one or two drinks a day
Make changes to your lifestyle
6. Your Medication
Talk to your doctor about the medications you are taking. Certain medications can cause gynecomastia. It is not good to stop treatment completely, but your doctor may suggest other medicines that do not contribute to the hormonal imbalance.
Some examples of drugs that can cause problems are: antibiotics, drugs for HIV / AIDS and heart disease, anabolic and androgenic steroids, chemotherapy, antiandrogens, and tricyclic antidepressants.
7. Stay away from illegal drugs.
Various illegal drugs can increase your chances of developing gynecomastia. Some are even more dangerous, such as heroin, steroids, marijuana and amphetamines.
8. Avoid products containing vegetable oils.
Some oils, such as lavender or melaleuca oil, increase the level of estrogen in the body and make gynecomastia worse. Avoid creams, shampoos, soaps that may contain these ingredients.
9. Consider wearing a sports bra.
Gynecomastia is usually not a medical problem. In other words, it does not harm health. If your primary concern is cosmetic, you may want to consider wearing a sports bra under your shirt to deal with the situation.
Most sports bras are available in different standard sizes (small, medium or large). You can easily find the model that suits you.
10. Be patient
Gynecomastia usually goes away on its own, especially at the end of puberty. You can even see your doctor to find out more, but they will likely recommend that you wait up to three years.
11. Treatments
Medical treatment for abnormal gynecomastia should be prompt, within the first 6 to 12 months, when the gland is swollen and tender. Indeed, thereafter, even if the treatment restores a satisfactory hormonal balance, the gland risks retaining certain volume, the treatment no longer being able to make it deflate.
The first treatment is of course that of the cause. Stop the drug that is the source of gynecomastia to prefer a drug that does not have this adverse effect, treat the disease in question, lose weight …
Treatment of gynecomastia, aimed at reducing the size and swelling of the mammary gland may consist of a drug such as tamoxifen or raloxifene as they allow a reduction in the volume of the gland in more than 80% of cases. Danazol or anastrozol can also be used but are rather less effective.
12. Consider plastic surgery as a last resort.
If the gynecomastia is not caused by more serious problems, you can do plastic surgery to remove the excess tissue. In recent years, more and more men have resorted to this normal technique.
Consult your doctor for advice on plastic surgery and to determine if this option is right for you.