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MAN-HAND LE YOUR MAN BOOBS Beauty Uncovered explores the causes, symptoms and treatments for ‘man boobs’
Gynaecomastia or ‘man boobs’ is a common condition affecting almost 35% of the male population. Many men suffer with the condition unnecessarily as it is treatable, yet can have a serious effect on mental health, confidence and relationships. Here, Beauty Uncovered explores the causes, physical and psychological effects, and approaches to tackling the condition with consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon Mr Mo Akhavani.
What exactly is gynaecomastia? There are two types of gynaecomastia – true and pseudo. “True gynaecomastia is a common condition characterised by the appearance of what are socially known as ‘man boobs’ caused by a hormonal imbalance and prevalence of oestrogen, which can occur for a number of reasons,” Mr Mo Akhavani, says Mr Akhavani, “It’s common but not consultant plastic and cosmetic surgeon, widely known that it can affect men at any Mo Akhavani Plastic age and there are various treatment options.” Surgery, London IG: @moakhavani Pseudo gynaecomastia is the presence of a larger breast area in a man, but it is predominantly fatty build-up, not breast tissue and can be combated through diet and exercise, according to Mr Akhavani.
Who can get gynaecomastia? Roughly 80% of male babies are born with true gynaecomastia, continues Mr Akhavani, due to the mother’s hormones acting on the baby’s breast tissue, and it usually disappears within a few weeks after birth. “The next stage we see gynaecomastia present is adolescence,” says Mr Akhavani, “Up to 70% of secondary school aged boys can develop the condition due to the common hormonal imbalances that occur throughout puberty when the body sees surges of both oestrogen and testosterone.” At this age, the male body is changing a lot and hormonal imbalances are common, causing other known issues like acne and vocal changes. “This type of true gynaecomastia usually goes away on its own as teenagers move out of puberty, but if it continues after the age of 18, then they might be a candidate for treatment,” explains Mr Akhavani. He adds, “It can also affect men in their 60s and 70s as they age and their testosterone levels decrease. Equally, although being 36
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overweight can cause pseudo gynaecomastia, the presence of excess fat cells can interfere with testosterone production and increase oestrogen, causing a hormonal imbalance.”
What are the causes? “There are many external factors within our lifestyle choices that can cause hormonal imbalances and lead to true gynaecomastia,” says Mr Akhavani. The stress of sustained alcohol abuse on the liver can also have an impact on hormones, he adds, explaining, “The liver regulates the balance of testosterone and oestrogen, transforming or removing any excess from the body, and if the liver has been compromised then there is a risk of hormonal imbalances.” Sometimes genetics can play a part. One in 660 males are born with two X and one Y chromosomes, instead of the standard one X and one Y according to the NHS, basically with an extra female chromosome, resulting in a condition called Klinefelter syndrome. “This can lead to increased hormonal imbalances during puberty, causing true gynaecomastia due to a lower testosterone to oestrogen ratio,” says Mr Akhavani. Any medications that can affect hormones can be a contributing factor to gynaecomastia, including heart medication and anabolic steroids as they also disrupt hormone levels, he explains. “I see big guys coming into my clinic who are clearly muscular and work out, but due to anabolic steroid use, which is converted into oestrogen in the body, they have developed gynecomastia.” Mr Akhavani adds, “Obesity is often the main cause of pseudo gynaecomastia, an excess of fat tissue, but excess fat cells in the body can also cause true gynaecomastia,” says Mr Akhavani, “Fat cells make oestrogen which can cause an imbalance leading to more oestrogen than testosterone.” According to Mr Akhavani, there needs to be more research into the relationship between smoking marijuana and true gynaecomastia. He explains, “Medical professionals have begun to suspect there is a link as it can affect the hormonal receptors and testosterone production allowing for higher levels of oestrogen.”
Recognising gynaecomastia It can be difficult to recognise whether you have developed gynaecomastia, pseudo or true, especially if you are still going through teenage hormones or are a little overweight. “I will happily see and offer a consultation to those under 18,” says Mr Akhavani, “But I won’t
