Gynecomastia is a condition that causes the breast tissue to grow larger in men. There are three different ways to handle the condition, with the most popular being to wear a Gynecomastia shirt or compression vest. Other more permanent solutions include Gynecomastia pills and Gynecomastia surgery.

What Causes Gynecomastia in Bodybuilders?

In order to figure out the cause of Gynecomastia, you first have to make sure what you’re dealing with is a case of the real thing. A person with a real case of Gynecomastia will have enlarged breast tissue in their chest; others are simply suffering from fatty tissue which can be the result of obesity or lack of exercise.

If you’re a bodybuilder suffering from Gynecomastia, it’s like the former and you indeed probably have a real case of the condition. Puberty, drugs, and medical conditions are all causes of Gynecomastia. Gynecomastia caused by puberty will typically disappear with time, while the other two causes could mean it sticks around.

Drug-induced Gynecomastia is commonplace in today’s society. Anti-hypertensive and anti-ulcer medications can cause Gynecomastia, and even some heart meds. AIDS related drugs can also lead to Gynecomastia, but the vast majority of Gynecomastia that is caused by drugs doesn’t happen because of prescription medication, it is usually caused by drugs sold on the black market to bodybuilders and fitness fanatics.  Anabolic steroids, growth promoters and hormone enhancers can all cause Gynecomastia as little as one week after someone begins taking them. The effect of this type of Gynecomastia is life-long and will require special clothing, further medication, or surgery to temporarily or permanently fix the problem.

Symptoms of Gynecomastia

Typically, Gynecomastia is diagnosed when sensitivity is noticed in the nipple area. This sensitivity often grows into a big discomfort, which leads men to consult their doctors. The tissue will continue to develop within the breast, causing the area to swell up and hurt more. The breast will extend under the arm, which can make lifting and arm movements painful.

The condition at its least severe stage usually comes as a mass underneath the nipple. The most severe cases can lead to the development of full, coning breasts. Gynecomastia is generally more noticeable in cold weather when everything tightens. In warm weather, when you usually won’t to take off your shirt to go swimming or be outdoors, the breasts will “pout” forward and become more noticeable. 

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids and Gynecomastia

Anabolic steroids will likely lead to Gynecomastia. A person who gets Gyno from steroids will need to stop taking the pills and consult their doctor on the best course of treatment. So how to get rid of Gynecomastia from steroids? With any case of Gynecomastia, it can only be fixed with compression shirts, medical pills, natural supplements or surgery. Gynecomastia from steroids isn’t life-threatening, but it is an embarrassing condition that becomes a hassle to deal with over time.

Types of Steroids that Cause Gynecomastia

Not all steroids lead to Gynecomastia, but they all have their side effects. Only steroids that aromatize will lead to Gynecomastia. Anadrol, Sustanon and Dianabol are all common causes of Gynecomastia, but there are others. The length of time it takes and the severity of the case depends on the strength and dose.

Steroid Gynecomastia Prevention

The best way to prevent Gynecomastia caused by steroids is to simply stop taking them. Drugs such as steroids throw off your hormonal balance and lead to a growth in breast tissue. Despite the overwhelming amount of cases of Gynecomastia caused by steroids, some still wonder can steroids reverse Gynecomastia? The short and simple answer is “no,” steroids cause the issue, they cannot fix it.

Note: No matter if you are a professional or an amateur bodybuilder, we recommend to check out the book called “Better Than Steroids” by Dr. Warren Willey.

Steroids cause an increase in estrogen (the female hormone) and/or a decrease in testosterone (the male hormone), which is what causes the breast tissue to grow. Steroid abuse is almost guaranteed to lead to Gynecomastia, and all treatment options for Gynecomastia are expensive.

Estrogen blockers, such as Armidex or Nolvadex can help prevent this condition, but once you have it, only surgery can actually cure it. To prevent the breasts from being noticeable, some men also try to use ice cubes or cold water to tighten the skin and make them less noticeable.

Handling Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is present in hundreds of thousands of men and it can really bring down your self-esteem. If you’re suffering from Gynecomastia, it’s a good idea to look at the potential treatment options you have.

If you don’t have money for surgery or medications, compression shirts are a good temporary alternative. Gynecomastia shirt only work to hide the issue, though, and it’s obviously still a present issue when you choose to do outdoor activities such as swimming or tanning.  Read more about Gynecomastia shirts here.

Gynecomastia medication is another option that is less-expensive than surgery, but also less effective. Most people suffering from Gynecomastia favor either compression shirts for their ease of use and immediate effects, or surgery for it’s permanent fix of the issue, but if neither of those suit you, you may consider speaking with your doctor about the potential of Gynecomastia pills.

Surgery is the best option for anyone suffering from Gynecomastia, but it’s also the most expensive. The surgeon will tailor the procedure to your body, though, and will thoroughly discuss the side effects and procedure with you before beginning. In some cases, insurance companies will provide coverage for Gynecomastia. Read more about Gynecomastia Surgery Insurance here.

What is Gynecomastia? Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breast, resulting in a prominent, typically more “womanly” appearance of breasts. Typically referred to as “man boobs”, they usually look like female breasts, fuller and rounder, instead of pecs. Some say chest exercises or surgery can help, but there are other options, such as Progesterone. 

What is Progesterone?

It is an important hormone for women. It is widely known for its role in pregnancy, however, it can also be useful for men. Progesterone makes men, well, manly. Men need progesterone for good health and full sexual function. Doctors suggest it should be the first hormone that men use to treat any problems caused by a deficiency or imbalance of sex hormones. Research suggests that progesterone has a similar effect to testosterone, the most famous male hormone. Like testosterone, progesterone enhances your libido, protects against prostate issues, improves your mood, helps keep weight down, increases muscle mass, provides you with more energy, stronger bones, strong erections, and even more. Sounds pretty amazing, right? It gets better! Progesterone also reduces estrogen and defeats its effects, such as moodiness, bloating, and more! Not only will it improve your mental and physical states, it will also help to eliminate man boobs.

What is Male Progesterone Deficiency?

Progesterone helps to neutralize the powerful effects of excess estrogen in men. Without progesterone, it is very easy for estrogen to go unchecked and feminize men if progesterone is low. This could lead to changes in both mind and body, including the development of man boobs. 

Does Progesterone Cause Gynecomastia?

Not in healthy dosages, in fact, Progesterone can work to avoid Gynecomastia. Progesterone, though it is most common in fertile or pregnant women, actually acts as an estrogen-fighter. High progesterone levels can cancel out estrogen’s dominance and combat its effects, such as Gynecomastia, excess fat, hair loss, and prostate problems. Also, progesterone directly stimulates estrogenic activity in mammary tissues. So, there is semi-direct influence of progesterone levels and Gynecomastia. High progesterone increases estrogenic activity and results in Gynecomastia. However, healthy levels actually work to cancel and combat estrogen’s influence.

Progesterone Gyno vs Estrogen Gyno

Estrogen Gyno is caused by an alerted ratio of estrogens to androgens. Estrogen acts as a growth hormone to increase the size of male breast tissue. However, the cause of Gynecomastia is unknown in around 25% of cases. However, it can be damaging in high levels so it is important to maintain a healthy level of progesterone. Over-dosages of Progesterone can create progesterone induced Gynecomastia. Excessive or unhealthy levels of progesterone usually cause progesterone Gynecomastia in the system. Because of this, it is very important to keep an eye on dosage levels.

How to Prevent & Reverse Progesterone Gyno:

Progesterone gyno treatment is multi-faceted and uses diet, lifestyle changes, exercise, and natural progesterone cream to combat the effects of Gynecomastia. There are several ways to prevent and reverse Progesterone Gyno, specifically through diet. Diet is vital in preventing and reversing Gynecomastia. Vitamin b6 increases progesterone and decreases estrogen (yay!). Progesterone gyno reversal is possible, and even preventable.

• Liver, kidney beans, and chick peas are all a great source of b6. Additionally, nuts are as well, including hazelnuts, walnuts, and chestnuts.
• Including zinc in your diet is also wildly helpful. Zinc deficiency is common in those who weight-train or exercise regularly. It is not a bad thing, as long as your levels are safe, to also take Zinc supplements. Zinc inhibits the enzyme aromatase, which prevents the conversion of testosterone into estrogen and is a major factor in losing those man boobs. There are high levels of zinc in sesame seeds and green peas.
• Finally, ingesting Omega 3 fatty acids, like flaxseed oil, can also play a crucial part in your battle against man boobs.

Using Natural Progesterone Creams to Combat Gynecomastia:

• They are perfectly safe and have no known side effects when used at a low and safe dose. It is readily absorbed by the skin and into the blood stream, so transdermal creams are more practical and effective than when absorbed orally. Natural progesterone cream for Gynecomastia is an amazingly beneficial way to combat Gynecomastia.
• Progesterone cream can combat male breast enlargement
• Creams are available over the counter at your local drug store, or you can order it online. There are many creams available through Amazon like:
  • Emerita Pro-Gest Cream
  • ProgestaCare Superior
  • Life-Flo Progesta-Care with Natural Progesterone Body Cream.
  • A particularly beneficial progesterone cream is Natpro Progesterone Cream, which has a concentration of 3.33% progesterone.
• It is fundamental that you opt for the natural variety of Progesterone creams. Pharmaceutical companies produced progesterone creams leave you at risk to develop undesirable side-effects. The cream should contain “USP progesterone” and about 450mg of progesterone per ounce.
• As advised by medical professionals, you should aim to use no more than 8-10mg per day, which amounts to about one teaspoon, once per day. The cream should be rubbed on the chest, inner arms, inner thighs, and abdomen for the best results.
• A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (June 1999, pages 15041511) states that “In order to obtain the proper (effective) serum levels with use of a progesterone cream, the cream needs to have an adequate amount of progesterone in it [at least 30 milligrams per gram]. Many over the counter creams have little [for example, 5 milligrams per ounce] or none at all.
• You should use it for as long as your progesterone levels are low, see a doctor so they can keep an eye on your levels. If you don’t do a saliva test or visit your doctor, do a trial period and see how it works for you. Some people gain positive results in a few days, some a few weeks, and some up to two months. If it isn’t help after three months, stop using it and focus on other ways to combat your Gynecomastia. But, you shouldn’t use it frequently, or, at least, as frequently after the three-month trial period. You don’t want to have to rely on hormone modification to maintain a tight chest; you should also be making some lifestyle changes.

How to Get Rid of Progesterone Gyno?

You may ask yourself “how to get rid of progesterone gyno”, a lot. First, and always, see a doctor and make sure there are no direct links to serious medical conditions. If there aren’t any direct medical causes, it is highly likely that your man boobs are simply caused by an over-exposure to environmental estrogens and low progesterone levels. Working out, especially chest-strengthening work-outs can also have a positive effect. In addition, diet and natural progesterone creams are also a great way to combat Gynecomastia.

Final Words:

Progesterone can be awesome, as highlighted above. It has worked for many, many men…however; it doesn’t work for all men. The only way to find out, truly, is to give it a try. Keep in mind the progesterone is not a replacement for a healthy diet, lifestyle, and regimented exercise regime. If you have man boobs you must follow system that cover all of the bases, not just hormonally.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a benign proliferation of male breast tissue triggered by an imbalance between the stimulatory effect of estrogen and inhibitory effect of androgens on breast tissue and is a general reflection of the relative estrogen to androgen ratio in the body. This can either be attributed to increased estrogen synthesis, reduced androgen production, or an amalgamation of both.

The causes of gynecomastia have been traditionally divided into three categories depending on the mechanism involved. These categories are responsible for different types and grades of gynecomastia and include:

• Physiological causes,
• Pharmacological causes and
• Pathological causes.

Physiological Gynecomastia

Physiological gynecomastia, as the name suggests, is development of man boobs due to normal processes occurring in the body. It is relatively common, with a prevalence rate as high as 36%. In fact, most cases of unilateral as well as asymmetric gynecomastia occur due to physiological rather than pathological processes.

Newborn Male Breast Enlargement

Physiological gynecomastia is often seen in both male and female newborns as a residual effect of androgens to estrogens conversion by the placenta. This temporary gynecomastia usually subsides within two to three weeks.

Gynecomastia in Puberty

Adolescents between 10-12 years of age are also prone to developing physiological gynecomastia. Gynecomastia in boys is usually the result of a surge in the levels of estradiol and testosterone, with the former reaching much higher levels than the latter.

What is Senescent Gynecomastia?

Aged men, owing to decrease in testosterone and a relative increase in the fatty tissue (which converts androgens to estrogens), may experience senescent gynecomastia.

These individuals may concomitantly have pathological processes which may act in conjunction with the physiological processes to cause development of man boobs.

Zinc Deficiency and Gynecomastia

Other causes of physiological gynecomastia include malnutrition in the form of both starvation and obesity. This is especially true in the case of zinc deficiency, which is known to facilitate aromatization of testosterone to estrogens.

Does Soy Cause Man Breasts?

In contrast, excess consumption of foods containing estrogen-like substances known as phytoestrogens may also cause gynecomastia. These include soy products which are particularly high in phytoestrogens, along with other legumes and certain red meats obtained from animals fed artificial hormones.

Pharmacological Gynecomastia – Drugs that Cause Gynecomastia

More than 25% of all cases of man boobs are due to direct or indirect consequences of drug use.  Medications that cause gynecomastia are diverse and include the ketoconazole, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), human growth hormone (hGH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs, calcium channel blockers (e.g. verapamil, amlodipine) and anti-peptic ulcer drugs such as cimetidine. Herbal products and natural supplements such as lavender oil and Tribulus terrestris have also been implicated.

Gynecomastia Caused by Spironolactone

Spironolactone, a steroidal drug prescribed for hypertension or heart failure, is undoubtedly the prototype drug for drug induced gynecomastia. The mechanism behind development of man boobs as a due to spironolactone usage occurs as a result of binding to androgen receptors and lowering circulating androgens.

Does Omeprazole Cause Gynecomastia?

Prilosec (omeprazole), a drug which is prescribed for heartburn and gastric reflux, is also known to cause gynecomastia by inhibiting enzymes that are involved in the metabolism of estrogens, thereby causing increased levels in the blood.

Gynecomastia Caused by Risperdal

Risperdal (risperidone) is a second-generation atypical antipsychotic drug primarily used in the management of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism.

Risperdal acts as an antagonist at dopamine receptors, and inhibition of dopamine action is associated with a consequent increased levels of prolactin in the blood, a hormone that normally promotes breast development milk production in women.

High levels of prolactin can, in turn, lead to galactorrhea, infertility, gynecomastia and reduced bone mineral density in men.

Other Drugs that Cause Male Breast Enlargement

Antidepressants such as Zoloft (sertraline) have also been implicated in the development of gynecomastia mediated by alterations in the levels of dopamine via mechanisms similar to those discussed before.

Another class of drugs that is often mentioned in relation to development of man boobs are those used in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Among these, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as Propecia (finasteride) and dutasteride take the limelight, along with antiandrogens such as bicalutamide and estrogen therapy.

Propecia, also prescribed for the treatment of male pattern baldness, decreases the conversion of testosterone to its active metabolite dihydrotestosterone, causing increased conversion of testosterone to estrogens in peripheral tissues thereby leading to gynecomastia.

Majority of cases of gynecomastia in bodybuilders are due to use of synthetic anabolic steroids. Gyno from steroids such as Winstrol (stanozolol) occurs as a result of increased androgens in the body which are inevitably aromatized to estrogens in peripheral tissue, thereby disturbing the balance between the two.

What Causes Gynecomastia in Bodybuilders?

The severity of gynecomastia in bodybuilders is associated with the duration and dosage. Extreme gynecomastia is often observed with long-term use of anabolic steroids, and may prove to be counter-productive for these gym fanatics.

Similarly, bodybuilders using human growth hormone can experience gynecomastia due to similar mechanisms.

A common misconception in bodybuilders is that creatine supplements cause gynecomastia. Use of creatine supplements may cause retention of water, which may look like man boobs but, in actuality, are not as there is no development of glands.

How does Alcohol Cause Gynecomastia?

Alcohol abuse is also associated with the development of gynecomastia. Excessive alcohol consumption lowers testosterone levels in the blood, promotes aromatization of androgens to estrogens and causes hypogonadism, all of which have been linked with the development of gynecomastia.

Other drugs of abuse such as marijuana and amphetamines have also been implicated in the development of man boobs. Smoking weed may cause gynecomastia by decreasing testosterone levels and reducing testicular size. Use of Adderall may cause man boobs by similar mechanisms

Pathological Gynecomastia

Pathological gynecomastia is defined as the development of man boobs in patients with a pre-existing disease such as liver failure or cirrhosis, kidney failure, testicular tumors e.g. Leydig/Sertoli cell tumors, or hCG-secreting choriocarcinoma.

Tumors that arise in other glands and are involved in disturbing the androgen-estrogen hormonal balance, may also result in gynecomastia. These include, but are not limited to, pituitary gland tumors, adrenocortical tumors, and bronchogenic carcinoma.

Hyperthyroidism can also cause development of male breasts. Thyroid hormones have been known to have a role in stimulating the liver to produce a sex hormone binding protein. This protein causes increased binding of testosterone relative to estradiol, resulting in a decrease in free testosterone relative to estrogen.

Gynecomastia is also a feature of Klinefelter Syndrome, a genetic disorder caused by an extra X chromosome. These individuals have low testosterone levels, high FSH and LH, and may suffer from hypogonadism, all of which are implicated in the development of gynecomastia.

Most cases of gynecomastia are managed conservatively. Surgical or medical management is warranted if conservative management fails.

Medicine for gynecomastia includes aromatase inhibitors that include testolactone and selective estrogen receptor modulators such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, although the latter have not been approved by FDA.

Gynecomastia gland removal via surgery is often reserved for chronic severe gynecomastia that does not respond to medical therapy. Temporary options such as compression shirts are also used frequently.

There is more than one answer to what causes man boobs. A man has to understand what the cause is for his before he can rid himself of them. Below is information on this subject to help you figure this out for yourself.

Hormone Imbalances

Hormone imbalances can occur in men and result in moobs or enlarged breasts. Gynecomastia is the clinical name for this and it is often referred to as just gyno. Aging, puberty, cancer, alcohol or drug abuse are just some of the things that can throw hormones out of balance. Toxic chemicals found in some everyday products could also lower testosterone levels.

Aging slows down the production of hormones in people. Puberty can cause some imbalances in testosterone and estrogen in boys. Cancer and the treatment for it tears up the body in many ways including hormones. Alcohol and drug abuse alter the way the liver works and this could lead to the hormones not being at the right level in the body.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can also cause gynecomastia and may be the answer to your question “why do i have man boobs“. These drugs include blood pressure medications, antidepressants, amphetamines and more. If you see suspect your prescription meds could be causing this consult your doctor. Alternative treatments could also cause the problem, especially in young boys such as the lavender oil and tea tree oil according to a small research endeavor.

An Overweight Body Condition

The reason you may need to burn man boobs off your body through exercise and proper diet is the fact you are carrying around excess body weight. Extra chest fat settles in your breast area under these circumstances. You must get rid of this fat to reduce your male breast or breasts down to normal size.

The Use of Steroids

The use of steroids either medically or for bodybuilding purposes can cause the body to have more estrogen. Also, the body can retain fluids in some cases, which can also cause manboobs. Avoid steroids whenever possible, especially when you are getting rid of moobs.

The quickest way to lose moobs is to understand what needs to be done to do so, and to take action. Our article on finding a natural supplement for gyno is an excellent guide beyond this article.