Causes of man boobs: are they hereditary?

Man boobs, medically referred to as gynaecomastia, are said to affect up to 60% of men. While women often dream of having bigger breasts, for men it can be a nightmare; leading to significant issues with self-confidence.

There are a lot of different causes of gynaecomastia, but could genetics be one of them? Here, we’ll look at the genetic link of man boobs and the treatment options available.

Is there a genetic link to man boobs?

It is possible man boobs could be hereditary, however, the chances of developing genetic gynaecomastia are extremely rare. Very few men experience the condition due to hereditary circumstances.

The genetic condition known to link to man boobs is referred to as Klinefelter’s Syndrome. This is basically where men are born with an additional X chromosome, giving them an XXY genetic makeup. There are, however, many other causes of the condition you need to be aware of.

What are other causes of man boobs?

So, if your man boobs are unlikely to be caused because of genetics, what other causes are there? Some of them include:

• Age
• Weight
• Hormonal imbalances
• Drug side effects
• Excess alcohol consumption

Hormonal imbalances are a common cause of the condition. They can occur during puberty, as men age and due to some types of cancer. During puberty, the hormones will calm down again, and the condition will disappear on its own. However, if hormonal imbalance is detected after puberty, treatment may be required. The hormonal imbalance can cause excess tissue to develop, which doesn’t always go away by itself.

Can man boobs be treated?

Whatever has triggered man boobs in a patient, it can usually be treated. The treatment type will depend upon the cause. For example, if the cause of gynaecomastia is determined to be excess tissue, it will require surgery to treat it. If it’s caused by excess fat, on the other hand, an exercise and diet plan may prove effective at eliminating the condition.

Therefore, it is crucial patients receive a proper diagnosis to determine the root cause of the condition before treatment can be started. So, it is possible to develop hereditary-based gynaecomastia. However, it is rare and those who are experiencing the condition have likely developed it due to the more common causes such as weight gain or hormonal imbalances.

To find out more, call us on 020 7523 5392 to book a consultation.