Revenge of the Man Boobs – A Hormonal Crisis
Are you getting older? Are your pecs not as firm as they used to be? If you're a guy who feels like he might need a bra, your hormones may be out of whack. Learn the facts about the dreaded Gynecomastia, and find out what you can do about it.
Case #:
491
Concern:
My brother is very self-conscious because he carries weight in his stomach and chest, which makes him look like he has man breasts. I was wondering if enlarged breast tissue in men is from an excess of estrogen or another kind of hormonal imbalance? Is there anything he can do to help this condition? Also, are there any foods that he should eat or not eat in order to help with this? I would like to lead him in the right direction.
Discussion:
You don't normally hear the words “men” and “estrogen” in the same sentence, but the truth is, estrogen is present in the male body just as testosterone is present in the female body. When these hormones are in balance, everything functions normally, but when an imbalance occurs, the physical manifestations can be overwhelmingly evident.
For men, this can mean the development of the dreaded “man boobs.” And let's face it: firm, full breasts look much better on a woman than they do on a middle-aged, balding gentleman. So what's going on here?
The Great Estrogen-Testosterone War
Gynecomastia is the technical name for male breast enlargement. It's also a great name for a heavy metal band, but I digress. The problem stems from a liver enzyme known as aromatase, which regulates the testosterone-estrogen conversion.
Poor diet causes the release of excess aromatase, which ultimately causes a testosterone levels to decline while estrogen levels rise. So if you hear your brother in the shower singing Shania Twain's “Man, I Feel Like a Woman,” now you know why.
So once that estrogen imbalance kicks into high gear, the body starts to develop estrogen receptors in key locations, such as the gut and breast area. Other side effects can include reduced dopamine and serotonin functions, reduced thyroid function and reduced liver function. Basically, the entire body starts to revolt against itself.
Getting the Body Back on Track
If your brother is self-conscious about his appearance, you might recommend some natural ways to improve testosterone levels. These would include adding cruciferous vegetables—like cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage—to his diet, while cutting back on the junk food and exercising regularly. Fastest way to increase testosterone level & counteract the estrogen imbalance is take natural testosterone herbs that known to help men with low sex drive.
He might also try taking zinc, which inhibits the conversion of testosterone into estrogen. Lastly, encourage him to manage his stress levels, as stress hormones can contribute greatly to the problem. Little by little, these changes can make a big difference, not just to his cup size, but to his overall health.