Have you heard of gynecomastia, or suffering from it?

In case you do not know about it, gynecomastia is a condition in which male breast tissue swells due to reduced male hormones (testosterone). It results in the appearance of man boobs and can affect one or both breasts.

Now, this could be quite disturbing for you and can cause physical discomfort or psychological issues, like low self esteem. In case you’re experiencing the same, this blog would be of immense help.

As here, Mykare Health will evaluate and discuss the problem and find solutions to eliminate it. So sit tight, and read on.

Common Causes of Gynecomastia

Let’s begin by understanding what causes gynecomastia.

An imbalance between estrogen and testosterone levels can lead to breast tissue enlargement. Certain medications can trigger the condition.

The condition is more common during infancy, puberty, and in older age.

Lifestyle Modifications That Can Help Tackle Gynecomastia

It is very essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and healthy weight. Here’s how you can manage gynecomastia through certain simple lifestyle modifications.

• Ensure that you have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• Have lots of water to support overall health and help with weight management.

• Engage in regular exercises such as brisk walking, or jogging to burn calories and maintain healthy weight. Include strength training exercises to build muscle and improve overall body composition.

• You can include a few chest exercises as well such as push- ups.

• Involve in stress-management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, yin yoga, and yoga nidra. Chronic stress can impact hormonal balance.

When to Seek Medical Help?

As soon as you come to know that you are facing gynecomastia, schedule an appointment with a primary care physician for evaluation and discussion of the problem.

If it is mild and not causing significant distress, the healthcare provider may recommend observation and lifestyle modifications.

In case it is severe, and impacting you physically and psychologically, your doctor may recommend gynecomastia surgery. Here’s where Mykare Health can help you

What About Gynecomastia Treatment Cost?

• The cost for lifestyle modification approach to tackle gynecomastia is usually lower as it involves monitoring and making lifestyle changes, such as exercise and weight management.

• The cost of gynecomastia surgery varies according to the treatment required. Factors influencing cost include the surgeon's fees, facility fees, anesthesia fees, and post-operative care.

• You can opt for hormonal level testing to find out hormonal imbalances. Mammograms or ultrasounds may be recommended. Check with your insurance provider to understand coverage for prescribed medications.

Natural Remedies And Substitutes

Nature is loaded with many nutrient-rich foods, which can help you in this treatment. You can choose and include them in your daily diet. Curious to know what they are? Here you go.

• Zinc may help in regulation and balance testosterone levels. Include foods such as nuts, and seeds.

• Ensure that you have adequate levels of vitamin D. Sunlight and fortified dairy products are sources of vitamin D.

• Foods with omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation.

• Flaxseed has estrogen-blocking properties.

• Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods and avoid or limit processed sugars.

• Certain supplements such as Mucuna Pruriens, Choline, Indole-3-carbinol help in reducing the symptom.

Know More About Gynecomastia Treatment

Role of Fitness And Exercise

Exercise is the key to feeling and looking good. And it can play magic in tackling gynecomastia. Follow these simple hacks and see it yourself.

Include exercise in any form, which you enjoy. It releases feel good hormones and helps you destress.

• Engage in regular cardiovascular exercises to burn calories and promote overall fat loss. Include brisk walking, jogging, running, swimming, or cycling, whatever suits you.

• Aim for at least 150 minutes workout everyday. Strengthen your core muscles, as it can contribute to better posture and overall body strength. - - Engage in exercises like planks, crunches, and leg raises in your routine.

• Include strength training and lower body exercises, which contribute to fat loss.

• Include yoga in your daily routine, which focus on flexibility, core strength, and overall body awareness.

• Focus on good posture to enhance the appearance of the chest and reduce the appearance of gynecomastia.

• Maintain a healthy exercise routine and follow it regularly.

Gynecomastia And Psychological Support

Such problems may affect you not only physically but also psychologically. Here’s how you can get psychological support.

• Share your feelings and concerns with friends, family, or a trusted confidant. Take support from a mental health professional who can provide guidance and advice with the related issue.

• You can include family members in therapy.

• Join support groups where individuals share similar experiences. Learning from them can offer valuable insights and coping mechanisms.

• Explore health-related forums where people discuss a wide range of health issues. Websites like HealthBoards or Patient.info may help in this issue.

Should I Consult a Healthcare Professional?

• It is always better to discuss the problem with your healthcare provider at the earliest. If needed, take advice from an endocrinologist.

• You can take advice from a plastic surgeon, if required. Surgical options such as liposuction or glandular tissue may be considered to reduce breast size.

• Go for Hormone level testing to check hormonal balance. Mammograms or ultrasounds may be required to rule out other breast conditions.

• A thorough physical examination may be needed to find out the causes of breast enlargement.

• Openly discuss any discomfort, physical or psychological related to gynecomastia.

• Schedule follow-up appointments.

What Should Be Done To Prevent This Condition?

• You can prevent this problem by focusing on a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

• Consume a balanced diet.

• Engage in regular physical activity, including cardiovascular exercises and strength training, to promote overall health and maintain a healthy weight.

• Limit or avoid alcohol consumption. Certain steroids have been associated with gynecomastia.

• Some drugs, including marijuana and anabolic steroids, can contribute to gynecomastia. Avoid their use.