Gynecomastia is due to some disorders in the endocrine system and is restricted to males. Here increased size of the male breast is the main manifestation. Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts. It is usually caused by an imbalance of the hormone estrogen and testosterone. Other causes also exist.
Gynecomastia can develop in New borns, boys going through puberty and older men as a result of normal changes in hormone levels.
Gynecomastia is relatively common especially in adolescent boy. Around 70% of them suffer from the same due to the hormonal changes during puberty and usually starts between 10 to 12 years of age and get resolved in 2 years. Newborns often show temporary Gynecomastia, as they are influenced by the maternal hormones and are resolved in two to three weeks.
In elderly men, as part of normal process of aging testosterone levels gets declines and subcutaneous fatty tissue level is increased. This is referred to as senile Gynecomastia.
PATHOLOGIC CAUSES OF GYNECOMASTIA
- Cancers
- Endocrine disorders
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Spinal and bulbar muscular dystrophy
- Metabolic dysfunction
- Certain medication can cause Gynecomastia. These are: Anti androgens used to treat prostate enlargement example include Flutamide, Finasteride.
- Heart medicines such as digoxin and calcium channel blockers.
- Heartburn and ulcer medication.
- Cancer chemotherapy.
- Tricyclic antidepressants etc.
- Chronic kidney disease
- Liver failure and Cirrhosis
- Malnutrition
When the endocrine system is disturbed, there may be an increase in estrogen – androgen ratio, which is thought to be the reason for Gynecomastia. In some cases, even though the estrogen and androgen levels are both normal, the ratio can be altered. Estrogen increases the size of breast tissue acting as a growth hormone. Natural decline in the production of testosterone can also initiate the development of Gynecomastia.
When a person is under malnutrition, there will be a drop in testosterone level, but the adrenal glands still goes with estrogen production, resulting in hormonal imbalance. Once the nutrition is regained, Gynecomastia symptoms will be erased. This is known to be as refeeding Gynecomastia.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
The classic symptom of Gynecomastia is the enlargement of male breast. The male breast appears to be soft and compressible. On palpation of the under the areola of the breast, mobile subcutaneous chest tissue can be noticed. If a Gynecomastia patient is presented with a prolactin secreting tumor, milky discharge can be found.
Gynecomastia can occur in one breast or both varying from person to person. There may be an increase in the areola diameter and chest tissue asymmetry can also be seen.
The Gynecomastia patient will certainly suffer great stress, as this condition has immense psychosocial impact. Derogatory terms like 'man boobs' are really stressful.
Spectrum of Gynecomastia severity:
- Grade 1 – no skin excess: minor enlargement
- Grade 2 – no skin excess: moderate enlargement
- Grade 3 – skin excess: moderate enlargement
- Grade 4 – skin excess: marked enlargement
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR GYNECOMASTIA
The great psychosocial impact of this condition can cause low self esteem. In this stressful context, Planet Ayurveda offers an excellent herbal remedy for Gynecomastia.
- Tribulus Power
- Aarogyavardhini Vati
- Hakam Churna
- Guggul Capsules
Herbal Remedies for Gynecomastia
1. Tribulus Power
This is prepared from the standardized herbal extract of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). Gokshura is very effective in reducing the edema. Gokshura is an effective rasayana, rejuvenating herb. It is the rejuvenating tonic of genito urinary system. It helps to support the functioning of prostrate, kidney and bladder. Tribulus is widely known as testosterone boosting herb. It is highly recommended for male health.
Dosage – 2 capsules twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.
2. Arogyavardhini Vati
It is classic Ayurvedic formulation aimed at improving the overall health. Ingredients of Aarogyavardhini vati.
- Loha Bhasma – Calcined iron
- Shudha Parad – Mercury (purified)
- Shudha Gandhaka – Sulphur (purified)
- Katuki – Picorhiza kurrooa
- Castor – Ricinus communis
- Shudha Guggul – Commiphora mukul (purified)
- Shudha shilajatu – Asphaltum
- Amalaki – Emblica officinalis
- Vibheetaki – Terminalia belerica
- Hareetaki – Terminalia chebula
- Abhraka bhasma – Calcined mica
- Neem juice – Azadiracta indica
Aarogyavardhini vati helps to expel the excess fat from the body. It is an excellent formulation to control the hormonal level in both boys and girls.
Dosage – 2 tablets twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.
3. Hakam Churna
It is also known by the name tridosha rasayana. As the name implies, this choorna can be used to balance the tridosha i.e. vata, pitta and kapha. The warm nature of this churna helps to reduce obesity and expels the excess fat from the body. Ingredients of medicine include:-
- Chandrashoora – Lepidium sativum
- Kalonji – Nigella sativa
- Methi – Trigonella foenum graceum
- Ajwain – Tachyspermum ammi
All these herbs tend to increase the testosterone level especially fenugreek.
Dosage – 1 tsp powder with lukewarm water twice daily after meals.
4. Guggul Capsules
It is formulated from the standardized extract of Guggul (commiphora mukul). Guggul is considered to be an efficient lipid regulator. It can correct the hormonal imbalance and offers a well systematic healthy body.
Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.
All these formulations are excellent in Gynecomastia and are guaranteed to have no side effects, if taken under medical prescription. These medicines are free from chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers, artificial colors etc. the mineral preparations are formulation after undergoing compulsory purification processes and under the strict supervision of qualified Ayurveda doctors.
Gynecomastia condition is really a stressful condition. The stress in turn causes the hormonal imbalance, which triggers the Gynecomastia condition. One needs good support from the family and fellow beings.
Even though Gynecomastia is a physical condition, it may be an alarming sign of any other serious underlying pathology like testicular cancer. So discuss with your physician and be in the safe side always.
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