Gynecomastia is the abnormal development of female like breasts in men. The genuine type of gynecomastia is associated with hormonal imbalances, mostly of estrogen and testosterone. It can occur to men of all ages, from newborns and teenagers to older men. Depending on the age the hormonal imbalance can have different reasons and causes: puberty, medication, liver disease, low production of testosterone. Experts suggest that many men have problems with certain medication, both prescribed and over the counter, which raise the estrogen levels, causing gynecomastia to men.

Some of these medications cause gynecomastia acting directly on the breast tissue, affecting its concentration of fat and mass, or others increase the production of certain hormones in blood, such as prolactin and estrogen. These drugs belong into different categories and can be quite commonly used in several treatments. Men who take these medications should not be worrying that they will develop female breasts; as with all medication and drugs, human bodies react differently and people can suffer from different side effects.

Gynecomastia can occur as side effect of five basic categories of drugs, which are: antipsychotic drugs, anti-androgen, anti-cancerous drugs, medication against high blood pressure, and anabolic steroids, which are mostly found and bought over the counter.

Of course, people’s bodies are different and can react differently in these medications and drugs, but experts suggest that possibilities of gynecomastia as side effect is increased when using one or more of these drugs.

Anti-androgens are mainly used to treat cancer in prostate and certain other conditions related with hormones in men. Some of them are cyproterone, flutamide and finasteride. Anti-anxiety and antidepressant or antipsychotic medications such as diazepam and valium are highly associated with increase of estrogen levels and gynecomastia in men older than 40. Chemotherapy can also cause gynecomastia.

Men who undergo some treatment with anabolic steroids might notice a serious enlargement of their breasts, even after one cycle of steroids. Body builders, athletes and men who simply want to change their bodies are the most common candidates for gynecomastia caused by steroids. In most cases, it doesn’t take long to develop gynecomastia, as some people start noticing big changes in their body after a short period of time.

These types of drugs and substances can cause some serious problems in levels of estrogen and testosterone in blood, causing complete disarray in hormonal levels in general. Since these two hormones are associated with the development and maintenance of gender characteristics, men with high levels of estrogen might see some sudden development of breasts and other problems in their health.

Doctors should always inform their patients on potential dangers and side effects of drugs; for over the counter substances patients should check with pharmacists and physicians, because gynecomastia is always a problem and not easy to deal with.

Tags: Cosmetic Surgery, disease, gynecomastia, health, male breast reduction surgery, man boobs, men, men health, mens health, Plastic Surgery, pseudogynecomastia