Our Charlotte gynecomastia is the technical term for an excess of breast tissue on men. This embarrassing condition, involving enlarged male breasts, affects many men at different stages of life.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
In many cases, the exact cause of gynecomastia remains unknown. Possible causes include:
- Natural hormonal changes: This can occur in infants (due to effects of the mother’s estrogen), during puberty, and between the ages of 50 and 69, when testosterone levels drop.
- Medications and drugs: Many prescription medications can cause gynecomastia as a side effect. These prescription meds include drugs to treat the prostate, anti-anxiety meds, steroids, androgens, antibiotics, anti-depressants, ulcer medications, heart medications, drugs to treat gastric conditions, chemotherapy, and AIDS medications. Alcohol and street drugs, such as marijuana, heroin, methadone, and amphetamines can also cause enlarged male breasts.
- Health conditions: Malnutrition, aging, tumors, hyperthyroidism, cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure, and kidney failure can cause hormonal changes that lead to gynecomastia.
- Significant weight loss: Losing massive amounts of weight can leave excess skin in the chest because of the significant decrease in body mass.