What are the types of man boobs

Gynecomastia, which is also referred to as man boobs, is a condition in which the breast tissue in boys and men tends to swell up as a result of an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone hormones. Both or either breasts, at times unevenly, may be affected by this condition. It may develop in newborns, early teenage boys and older men due to normal changes in hormone levels or other causes. When it comes to gynecomastia that is due to hypertrophy of the male breast, there are different types. Generally, the basic features of the condition are the same, but the shape and size of the man breasts, and the extent to which the surrounding tissues are affected tend to vary.

Normal Gynecomastia

Normal gynecomastia is caused when the levels of estrogen, which is the hormone that controls female traits like the growth of breasts, in males are high or not in balance with testosterone levels. The effects of a mother’s estrogen can cause swollen breast tissue in a newborn infant, which is normal and the swollen tissue regresses within two to three weeks. During puberty, hormone changes in young 12 to 15 year-old boys can cause normal gynecomastia, which ultimately regresses a year or two. It is quite common for man breasts to develop in older men, between the ages of 50 and 80, due to old age.

Fluctuating size of nipples

In this type, the glandular tissue is present under the areolas of the nipples that get extended slightly outwards as a result of which the breasts gain a conical form.

Pure glandular gynecomastia

Typically, bodybuilders may develop this type of man boobs as a result of anabolic steroid use. Bodybuilders may suffer only from a purely glandular form of this condition because of the low fat level in their body. The gland has to be surgically removed to reduce the size of the breasts, while in rare cases liposuction may be recommended.

Adolescent Gynecomastia

This type usually occurs in boys between the ages of 9 to 14, and is congenital and is inherited. This condition may or may not recede, depending on the particular case, and when it does not, surgical intervention may be required after the age of 18.

Adult Gynecomastia

This is perhaps the most common type of this condition, which occurs in older men, due to the accumulation of a varying amount of fat deposits in the glandular tissue.

Pseudo-gynecomastia

In this type, instead of glandular tissue, adipose tissue or body fat lies under the breasts, causing them to become enlarged. Although it may appear like normal man boobs, a different form of treatment is required for it. To some extent, diet and exercise may prove helpful to reduce the adipose tissue. Generally, this is the only type of this condition in which liposuction can help improve it, although in some cases excision may be recommended.

Asymmetric Or Unilateral Gynecomastia

In the unilateral type, only one of the male breasts is affected and becomes enlarged, while the other typically remains normal shape and size. In the asymmetric, both breasts become enlarged due to the condition, but the degree to which they are affected tends to vary.

Severe Gynecomastia

Severely enlarged breasts and excess and/or saggy skin are among the characteristics of this type. This type occurs in older men because their skin is less elastic and more prone to sagging. Obese individuals who lost a lot of weight either through bariatric surgery or by dieting may also suffer from this type.

Although there are several types of gynecomastia or man boobs, and coping with this condition can be tough, but it is usually not a serious problem.