Male Boobs: Embarrassing but harmless Part 3

Causes of Gynecomastia

There are many causes of bilateral breast enlargement. In most cases it is due to an abnormal or altered ratio between the male and female sex hormones. In simple, any one of the following changes in sex hormones can cause Gynecomastia:

- Decrease in production of male sex hormone androgen
- Increase in estrogen formation
- Decrease in sensitivity of breast tissue to androgens

Gynecomastia in infants

More than 60% of infant males have Gynecomastia at birth. This physiological condition is due to the female sex hormone which has crossed from the placenta. The condition is short lived and almost all cases resolve within a few weeks.

Gynecomastia during puberty

Gynecomastia that occurs around the time of puberty is very common. The exact numbers are unknown as many young males are too shy to tell anyone about their condition. However, hospital data reveal that at least 40-60% of males may develop some form of Gynecomastia at around puberty. The cause of this gynecomastia is due an excess of sex hormones. The condition is also more common in tall or overweight males. The condition is completely benign and resolves in 2-3 years.