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Causes of Gynecomastia
By Brandon | Last edited: August 23, 2008
Gynecomastia, a condition effecting millions of men worldwide, is a commonly misunderstood disorder. The causes, especially, tend to be highly convoluted. While the more common natural factors were discussed in a previous article, this article will explain other disorders that can cause the development of Gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts, in men. Simply put, the condition is not linked to any single cause and the condition is itself actually more of a compilation of a variety of different causes that can lead to the similar results of enlarged male breasts.
Males with an XXY chromosome have been commonly associated with showing enlarged breasts. Although males by nature, the extra X chromosome can lead to excess production of female hormones such as estrogen, which in turn can cause growth in the breasts. Similar growths due to excess estrogen have been known to be caused when estrogen producing tumors, such as certain adrenal and testicular tumors, are present or when a hyperactive thyroid produces excess estrogen in males.
Breast cancer in men, although rare, can lead to similar breast growth as is common with other Gynecomastia causes. Other cysts, growths, and clotted blood can all be cause of Gynecomastia since such occurrences in the breast area would lead to the appearance of woman like breasts. Generally these are more common where the symptoms are apparent in only one breast.
All of these can lead to Gynecomastia and only a doctor can provide a diagnosis of what is the cause of the Gynecomastia symptoms in each individual.