Gynecomastia is a scientific term that comes from the Greek words for 'women-like breasts'. Gynecomastia itself is not physically harmful, but in some cases may be an indicator of other more dangerous underlying conditions. Gynecomastia is the enlargement of the male breast resulting in what is sometimes called 'man boobs'. It affects an estimated 40 to 60 percent of men.

These breast formation in males is most commonly caused by hormonal changes that can occur at puberty or as part of the aging process. Breast development due to being overweight is referred to as pseudogynecomastia or false gynecomastia. Breast tissue growth in guys can appear on one or both sides of the chest, and the breast area can feel tender. Though certain drugs and medical problems have been linked with male breast overdevelopment, there is no known cause in the vast majority of cases.

Hormone changes that occur with normal aging can cause gynecomastia, especially in men who are overweight. One of the several glands that produce hormones can malfunction for reasons other than chromosomes. If the balance between the hormones estrogen and testosterone is changed, breast development can occur.

For men who feel self-conscious about their appearance, breast-reduction surgery can help. Surgery can remove fat and or glandular tissue from the breasts, and in extreme cases removes excess skin, resulting in a chest that is flatter and firmer. Surgery may be discouraged for obese or overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the problem with exercise or weight loss.

When male breast-reduction surgery is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. Once a patient is deemed a good candidate for male breast reduction, their physician should give them an explanation of the procedure as well as an overview of what type of results they should expect from the surgery. However, surgery is usually expensive and should only be taken into account when other attempts have failed. Surgery may be an option for certain patients when other treatment methods fail or there is breast tissue that remains and has hardened, since other treatments may have no effect in this case short of removal of the tissue.

Men over the age of 50 tend to produce fewer androgens such as testosterone or gain fat tissue that converts androgen into estrogen.

Men with gynecomastia have an overall risk for malignant tumours similar to that in the reference population. Also a non-significantly increased risk for esophageal cancer was noted while no cases of male breast cancer was seen. For men with a gynecomastia diagnosis a after 50 years of age the risk of testicular cancer is negligible whilst a gynecomastia diagnosis before and after 50 years of age may both indicate an increased the risk for skin cancer. Risks of surgical correction for Gynecomastia BleedingInfection and poor healingAllergic reaction to anesthesiaSores around the nipple that can be treated by antibiotic creamScars from surgery which fade away as time goes by.

There are several natural treatments known for gynecomastia. If male breasts are tender as a result of gynecomastia, cold compresses may be applied. Many American insurance companies deny coverage for surgery for gynecomastia treatment on the grounds that it is a cosmetic procedure.

Obese or overweight men who have not first attempted to correct the condition with exercise and weight loss are discouraged as the condition may be able to be treated without surgery in these individuals. All you have to do to treat obesity related Gynecomastia is to simply go on a diet and get plenty of exercise.