AKA:
Gynaecomastia (try guy-nah-koh-mas-tee-uh)
It doesn't make us any less of a man.
About 90% of men will notice their breasts are enlarging at some point in their life. It happens to 50% of boys during puberty. I'm no statistician, but if it's happening to 50% of us: It's Normal.
If you've got man boobs, you're not turning into a girl. You can still be the most macho, hard-nut beef cake. It doesn't make you any less of a man. And nearly everyone gets flat again within two or three years.
So why's it happening?
Some people are more sensitive to rising hormone levels in their bodies during puberty.
Is it because I am fat?
Try this:
Lie down and pinch your "breast" between thumb and forefinger. Can you feel a firm, rubbery mound of flesh that feels attached to the back of your nipple? Does it feel wider than a grape?
This is breast enlargement. Not fat.
Sure, if we're well-covered all over, there'll be more fat around our breasts, too. But this is different. Even skinny fellas get man boobs.
What can I do?
Being fit and active reduces our man boobs. No need to do a million bench presses, just get sweaty regularly.
Man boobs get bigger if we:
Drink too much alcohol
Take drugs like marijuana and amphetamines
Use body-building steroids
Be patient. If you've got man boobs, swimming, tight tops and communal showers won't be your favourite activities just now. But there's no need to hide. Be cool.
When should I see a doctor?
- If one breast is noticeably bigger than the other.
- If stuff starts coming out of your nipples.
- If you don't get erections
- If your breasts are painful
- If you are 18 and the man boobs aren't flattening out
Just to check all's well.
http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=885
Written by Dr Melissa Sayer
Last updated 17th June 2007
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