Links Between Steroid Use and Gynecomastia

If you are living with a condition called Gynecomastia, you may already know how embarrassing and uncomfortable it can be. Even though it is not a life threatening condition, it can negatively impact a person's personal confidence and lower their self-esteem. Since there are several different forms of Gynecomastia and many ways it can be caused, it is important to understand some basic information about the condition. Some versions of this condition are related to hormonal imbalances, age and steroids.

Gynecomastia causes the appearance of what is commonly referred to as man breasts. Normally men have a healthy amount of breast tissue, but due to average amounts of testosterone, the breast tissue doesn't continue to grow. Men who have this ailment often end up with breasts that start to take on the shape and appearance of women breasts. When this condition is caused by a hormonal imbalance, it is usually the result of an excess of estrogen in the body and odd levels of progesterone as well.

When from the pseudo form of this condition, losing weight will help to alleviate the appearance of man breasts. Hormones don't play a factor in its appearance; it is caused by too much fat tissue in the pectoral area of the chest.

Surprisingly, this is a condition that affects young boys as well as older men. It can affect babies as a result of the hormones that are passed from mother to baby, puberty and side effects from certain medications. Some cases involving pubescent boys will ultimately require surgery to get the condition under control, others can benefit from hormone therapy treatment. Of course, no treatments offer a guaranteed cure, just relief and a break from the condition.

A surprising risk group for Gynecomastia is those who take anabolic steroids. Since these steroids convert to estrogen once inside the body, it causes a buildup of estrogen that interferes with testosterone levels; this increases breast tissue growth in the pectoral area and also causes puffy areolas.

Many athletes who take steroids can prolong the onset of this condition by taking some precautions. One such precaution is to take certain hormone inhibitors that work by stopping estrogen from binding to certain receptors. Even this treatment method is not 100%.

The only way to truly get rid of Gynecomastia is to have surgery. Depending on how severe the condition is, in a worst case scenario, the glands in the chest area will need to be removed to prevent the condition from reoccurring. Liposuction may also be performed as well to help alleviate the condition.

If you suffer or suspect that you have this condition, talk with your doctor about your concerns and find a surgeon that specializes in treating this condition. It doesn't matter how old or young you are, this condition is something you can beat and get rid of. Find a plastic surgeon that specializes in treating this condition so you can stop feeling ashamed and embarrassed about your appearance.