Why Do Male Bodybuilders Develop Breasts?
Building up well-defined pecs while trying to bulk up is something a lot of men want. Unfortunately, enhancing one’s physique can have the side effect of creating oversized male breasts. For those who don’t want to experience this issue, it pays to understand what’s causing it, how to avoid it, and what can be done about it. Fortunately, patients can always turn to gynecomastia reduction surgery to deal with the problem.
Before getting to that, however, some background information is needed. The more that patients learn about the cause of gynecomastia in bodybuilders, the less stress the issue will cause.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs when too much tissue accumulates in the breasts. The result is the appearance of feminine-looking breasts. It’s worth noting that this is not typically a harmful issue, and patients can ignore it without risking their health. However, since a major part of bodybuilding is about achieving a certain type of masculine image, it can be unacceptable to many patients.
It can also be a source of self-consciousness and anxiety to the point where men feel embarrassed about taking their shirts off during various activities. Men may avoid going to the beach, swimming, or showing off the results of their exercise regimen.
What Causes Gynecomastia?
There are a number of possible causes that have been attributed to the development of gynecomastia, such as genetics, recreational drugs, and certain health conditions, including being overweight. In some cases, if patients notice the enlargement of their breasts early enough, the problem can be reversed.
Hormonal imbalance has also been cited as a reason for the condition, where an overabundance of estrogen is occurring. The latter is particularly pertinent in the case of bodybuilders.
Why Do Bodybuilders Get Gynecomastia?
In many cases, bodybuilders who end up getting enlarged breasts instead of sculpted pecs do so due to the use of certain types of medication. Anabolic steroids are one of the most commonly cited causes, where the increased levels of testosterone then lead to more estrogen through a conversion process. Steroid usage can also cause an increase in a hormone called prolactin.
The consumption of too much alcohol has also been known to lead to increased levels of estrogen. Certain health conditions and the medications used to treat them can lead to hormonal imbalance, as well, which then leads to the development of gynecomastia.
What to Do About Gynecomastia Among Bodybuilders
If male breast enlargement is caught early enough, it can be reversed by treating the cause. Not taking steroids anymore or making certain lifestyle changes can have a major impact on making gynecomastia less of an issue.
However, for advanced cases, patients can turn to reputable providers for gynecomastia reduction procedures. These surgical options remove excess skin, fat, and glandular breast tissue. The chest is reduced and contoured to achieve the masculine appearance that the patient wants.
Learn More About Gynecomastia Among Bodybuilders
Patients can learn more about why bodybuilders develop oversized male breasts during a consultation with a skilled medical professional. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.