Man boobs, AKA gynaecomastia

Sudden moobs can be a big concern for young men going through puberty. So what are man boobs? Why do you get them? And what about how to get rid of man boobs, can it be done? The Mix explains all.

What are man boobs?

Hormonal changes during puberty can cause both nipples and the surrounding area to feel painful and tender to touch. The medical condition, known as gynaecomastia, is often caused by changes in oestrogen levels – a female hormone that also plays a vital role in male development.

Why do I have man boobs?

Gynaecomastia is a common concern among teenage boys, and can occur at any time during adolescence (approximately 12-18). What’s important to recognise is that in the vast majority of cases it’s something that’s totally normal, temporary, and no cause for concern.

How to worry less about man boobs

Man boobs are bound to make young men feel self-conscious, but don’t confuse sensitivity with size. It might not tie in with your expectation of being a man, but in many ways your boobs are only going to be a big issue if you make them one. Even if they feel like bazookas to you, people genuinely won’t notice unless you draw attention to them. And once you’ve accepted that it’s just a stage in adolescence, you can strike your moobs off your list of things to fret about.

If you’re struggling with body image, have a read of our article on male body image here.

Should I go to the doctor about my man boobs?

GPs in the UK report a steady stream of young men worried about man boobs, so it’s an opportunity to seek reassurance, and also get checked out. If you’re worried in any way, make an appointment, and hold your head up high when you walk through the surgery door. After all, what’s happening is simply a sign that you’re maturing, and part of that package involves taking responsibility for your physical and mental welfare.

Need help finding a doctor? Read this.

How to get rid of man boobs/gynaecomastia

If they’re causing you some real upset, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of man boobs. The good news is, gynaecomastia normally goes away on its own. Plastic surgeons can perform operations on people with the condition, but this wouldn’t normally be done on the NHS. The problem with surgery (along with the possibility of unwanted side effects), is that if you don’t treat the underlying problem, the excess fat might just come back. This is particularly true if the gynaecomastia was originally caused by some kind of hormone imbalance.

In some cases your GP might also be able to put you on hormone balancing treatments, aimed at minimising the appearance of breast enlargement.

Losing weight will help some people if excess body fat is causing the problem, and this is best done slowly and sustainably. Avoid fad diets that promise to work fast. Alcohol use is also linked to this condition, so if you drink it might be worth decreasing your intake.

What if my man boobs aren’t gynaecomastia?

Obesity in men can cause breasts to appear big. Obesity is also associated with all manner of health risks. If you’re overweight, talk to your doctor who can advise you on a weight loss plan. See our article on how to get fit for more tips. Later in life, however, rapid breast enlargement in males can be an indication of underlying health problems, ranging from liver disease to an overactive thyroid gland.

Remember, only your GP can make a diagnosis. So don’t panic, just make an appointment.

Do man boobs disappear?

If it isn’t a temporary phase in puberty, then much depends on the nature of the underlying problem. If they don’t reduce on their own accord, certain drugs may reduce the swelling, or surgery may be required to regain your desired shape.

If they’re really getting you down, don’t forget you can reach out to our team for support or post on our discussion boards. Once you open up about how you’re feeling, you’ll quickly realise you’re not alone and there’s plenty of help available.