How Age Can Affect the Development of Man Boobs

Posted by Dr. Dadvand December 15, 2020

Gynecomastia is defined as a condition in which glandular breast tissue becomes enlarged in boys or men. In some cases, this condition can go unnoticed. However, for some patients, gynecomastia can cause pain and discomfort. Social repercussions may involve a decrease in self-confidence because of the enlarged male breast’s unsightly appearance.

Dr. Babak Dadvand understands how “man boobs” can negatively affect a person’s well-being. As a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in gynecomastia surgery, he has helped hundreds of men reclaim their confidence in his Los Angeles facility. He understands that men are typically reluctant to talk about their man boobs at first, which is why he makes it a point to make them feel at ease by taking them through each aspect of this condition.

Hormonal imbalance is the most common cause of gynecomastia. Other risk factors include the use of certain drugs (anabolic steroids, anti-depressants, H2 receptor blockers, etc.) or preexisting disease conditions that affect hormonal balance such as hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, or low testosterone levels.

Age and Gynecomastia

With hormones being the primary cause of gynecomastia, it is not surprising to learn that this condition can occur in puberty or mid to late in life.

Up to 70% of adolescent boys experience a form of gynecomastia with 25% of cases lasting until adulthood. Puberty is when both men and women experience a surge in hormones. Contrary to popular belief, both men and women have estrogen and testosterone in their bodies.

The only difference is the predominance of one hormone over the other with testosterone being the primary hormone present in men. Gynecomastia occurs when there is a shift in the hormonal balance, with an increase in estrogen or a decrease in the level of testosterone in the body.

Gynecomastia also occurs in up to 70% of older men. With this age group, gynecomastia can be drug-induced. In some cases, simply stopping or switching to another drug can reduce the symptoms. However, some drugs cannot be stopped due to their importance in maintaining one’s quality of life.

For example, patients who are taking anti-androgen drugs for prostate cancer cannot stop this drug just on the basis of developing man boobs.

Gynecomastia in the older male population may also be classified as idiopathic or without a direct cause. Experts speculate that the decline in testosterone levels at this stage may be the main culprit for the development of gynecomastia.

Gynecomastia Treatment in California

Whatever the cause, there is something to be done about this condition. Before considering surgical intervention, it is important to distinguish gynecomastia from, for example, breast enlargement due to fatty deposits.

Dr. Dadvand will conduct a thorough assessment of your condition and may order some tests to check your hormone levels. Once Dr. Dadvand determines if you in fact have gynecomastia, he will then discuss your treatment options.

Book an appointment with Dr. Dadvand at his facility located in the heart of LA and regain your confidence today.