Gynecomastia is a very misunderstood medical condition, largely owing to the fact that it gets very little attention in the mainstream media. While liposuction and other surgical procedures get all the press, those who suffer from this condition find themselves left out of the spotlight. The fact that most men with what is commonly known as "man boobs" don't care to discuss it merely compounds the issue. There are many causes of the condition, but the most common is fluctuating hormone levels during puberty. While it will go away on its own in many instances, this isn't always the case. Before you can treat it, however, you need to know whether or not you have it.
Visual Inspection
The first step to determining if you are suffering from gynecomastia is a visual inspection. It's important to note that the condition is not simply an accumulation of excess fat in the chest area. It is very common for men to carry adipose tissue in the chest region, which is actually more commonly referred to as "man boobs" in a colloquial sense than the actual condition. It is not always easy for obese individuals to make the determination between actual gynecomastia and regular fatty pockets. If you are on the thinner side, however, it should be easier to see any engorgements around the nipple.
Symptoms
Gynecomastia is often accompanied by symptoms other than simply an excessive growth of tissue around the nipples. Watch for tingling or soreness around the chest area. Any swelling, excessive sensitivity, or dimpling in the areola can also be symptoms of the condition. In some cases, the man may experience enlarged lymph nodes, which can be felt under the armpits. In occasional cases, there may be discharge coming from one or both of the nipples. What is certain is that a doctor should evaluate any of these symptoms, even with the absence of visual indicators.
Risk Factors
Before you schedule your doctor's appointment, you may find it instructive to create your own risk factor profile. There are certain men more disposed to developing gynecomastia than others. If you have any of the higher risk factors in your profile, it may point to a greater chance of having developed the condition. Some factors include diseases surrounding the liver or kidneys, certain types of medicine, anabolic steroid use, and simply going through adolescence. Remember all of these risk factors and present them to your doctor when going in for your examination.
Visual Inspection
The first step to determining if you are suffering from gynecomastia is a visual inspection. It's important to note that the condition is not simply an accumulation of excess fat in the chest area. It is very common for men to carry adipose tissue in the chest region, which is actually more commonly referred to as "man boobs" in a colloquial sense than the actual condition. It is not always easy for obese individuals to make the determination between actual gynecomastia and regular fatty pockets. If you are on the thinner side, however, it should be easier to see any engorgements around the nipple.
Symptoms
Gynecomastia is often accompanied by symptoms other than simply an excessive growth of tissue around the nipples. Watch for tingling or soreness around the chest area. Any swelling, excessive sensitivity, or dimpling in the areola can also be symptoms of the condition. In some cases, the man may experience enlarged lymph nodes, which can be felt under the armpits. In occasional cases, there may be discharge coming from one or both of the nipples. What is certain is that a doctor should evaluate any of these symptoms, even with the absence of visual indicators.
Risk Factors
Before you schedule your doctor's appointment, you may find it instructive to create your own risk factor profile. There are certain men more disposed to developing gynecomastia than others. If you have any of the higher risk factors in your profile, it may point to a greater chance of having developed the condition. Some factors include diseases surrounding the liver or kidneys, certain types of medicine, anabolic steroid use, and simply going through adolescence. Remember all of these risk factors and present them to your doctor when going in for your examination.
