7 Things That Cause Your Man Boobs

If you’ve ever seen the third version of The Hangover then you can appreciate how funny man boobs can really be. But it’s no laughing matter if you are one of the 30% of men affected by man boobs.

Of course it is possible that these have developed as you have gained weight. But these can also be lost by losing weight. Unfortunately this is not the only reason for developing man boobs.

This is one issue that many men struggle to deal with or own up to. But, if you are suffering then take a look at these 7 common causes:

1. Fat

Fat cells release a hormone called leptin. This is the hormone that controls hunger; it is released when you have eaten enough.

However, if too much of it is produced in your body because you have an excess of fat cells you’ll develop a resistance to this hormone.

The result is your brain will always think you’re starving and crave food.

Your body will focus on food and reduce production of other hormones; including testosterone.

Unfortunately low levels of testosterone generally equate to higher levels of estrogen. Estrogen encourages the development of breast tissue; creating your man boobs.

2. Testosterone Replacement Therapy

We’ve established that low testosterone equates to more estrogen which creates man boobs. This makes testosterone replacement therapy a good thing, right?

Unfortunately not! The boost in your T levels triggers a small increase in estrogen as it is made from testosterone.

This small increase can be a large percentage of your overall estrogen and actually give you man boobs!

The good news is they should disappear again within a few weeks as your hormones regain balance.

3. Steroids

They will make your muscles grow but they use synthetic testosterone. Some of this is converted to estrogen; again causing the growth of man boobs.

It is also worth noting that these are illegal which makes it very difficult to know exactly what you’re getting. There could be a whole range of other side effects with them.

Trying to get round this by using an estrogen blocker is not a good idea; you do need some estrogen in your body.

4. Grooming Products & Medications

If you’ve done your research you’re probably using a natural grooming product; this will seem safer.

Unfortunately lavender oil and potentially tea tree oil are known to increase the amount of breast tissue in your body.

It doesn’t matter if you’re rubbing it onto your chest or another part of your body; it will still get into your bloodstream and head for your boobs.

More research needs to be conducted but it is possible that other natural oils will have the same effect.

Prescription medications and even hair loss treatments can also affect your man boobs. You should check the label to ensure the products you are using do not include testosterone blockers.

Although gynecomastia is listed as a rare side effect it is still a side effect; avoid if you don’t want man boobs.

5. Liver or Kidney Disease

When you become ill your brain focuses on getting you better. This means it shuts down less important processes such as reproductive function.

Unfortunately this decreases testosterone, again allowing estrogen to work on your breast tissue.

Liver disease also interrupts the protein synthesis in your body; this results in too much Sex Hormone Binding Globulin being produced.

As this binds to testosterone in your body it reduces your levels even further.

The same effect happens with kidney disease but usually when it has progressed further.

6. Tumors

Any tumor which affects your testosterone production is going to trigger the estrogen increase which causes man boobs.

Some tumors will even cause the body to create a hormone known as HCG. Unfortunately while this hormone does stimulate testosterone production it also stimulates estrogen production.

7. Age

As you age your testosterone levels start to reduce. This allows estrogen to have more effect on your body.

The result is less muscle mass and more fat tissue; including a buildup of breast tissue.

You need to work on keeping your T levels up!

Conclusion

If you are suddenly developing man boobs and don’t know why it is important to get checked by a doctor. At least then you’ll know the cause and the right action to take.