Low Testosterone Can Cause Enlarged Breast Tissue in Men

Posted: January 10, 2024

Low testosterone levels can also lead to a condition known as gynecomastia – enlarged breast tissue in males. Gynecomastia occurs when there is an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone in the body, resulting in excess breast tissue growth. Men with low T levels may experience an increase in estrogen production, leading to this condition and requiring testosterone replacement. Factors such as aging, obesity, and certain medications can cause your testosterone to drop even further.

While gynecomastia is not a serious health concern, it can cause discomfort and embarrassment for men. It can also be a symptom of other underlying conditions such as liver or kidney disease, thyroid problems, or certain medications. However, low testosterone remains one of the most common causes of gynecomastia in men.

In addition to physical changes, low T can also affect your emotional and mental well-being. Low energy levels, decreased libido, and mood swings are all common symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone replacement therapy can help increase testosterone levels and improve symptoms of low T, including gynecomastia. Schedule an appointment with us now to get your testosterone levels checked and start your journey now to better health.

What is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by males developing an excessive amount of breast gland tissue due to abnormally high estrogen levels.  This can also be accompanied by increased fat tissue, giving the appearance of enlarged breasts. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition affects as many as 65% of men over the age of 50.

Gynecomastia can manifest in one or both breasts, causing asymmetry.  It can also be accompanied by sagging skin, enlarged areolas, and in some cases, discomfort or pain.

While gynecomastia is not considered a serious health concern, it can have a significant impact on body image. It may cause men to avoid wearing certain clothing or participating in activities that require them to take off their shirts. This can be particularly challenging for men who are already struggling with other body image issues.

Although gynecomastia can be a long-lasting condition, it may be able to be reversed. Various treatments, lifestyle adjustments, and medications can potentially assist in reducing the enlarged breast tissue.

Testosterone Replacement Can Prevent Excess Estrogen

Low testosterone may cause male breast tissue to grow. Help counteract this with testosterone replacement therapy.

The male body produces both testosterone and estrogen. Estrogen is crucial for maintaining bone health by preventing the excessive accumulation of the bone-resorbing cells known as osteoclasts. It also supports cardiovascular health by assisting in maintaining the health of the arterial walls and promoting good cholesterol levels. It is even part of the hormonal balance that regulates libido, erectile function, and sperm production.

When testosterone levels decrease, estrogen levels can begin to rise.  This is primarily due to the process known as aromatization, where the body converts testosterone into estrogen. This process is catalyzed by an enzyme called aromatase. When testosterone levels are low, the body may produce more aromatase, leading to an increase in estrogen conversion.

In addition, excess estrogen has been found to suppress the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), which plays a critical role in testosterone production. This means your already low testosterone levels could drop even more, creating wild swings in your hormone levels. As testosterone levels decrease, the estrogen to androgen ratio in the body becomes even more imbalanced.

Treating low testosterone with testosterone replacement is crucial for restoring a normal hormonal balance, helping to reduce difficult symptoms and stop extreme hormone fluctuations.

High Estrogen Can Cause Male Breasts to Develop

From a psychological perspective, an excess of estrogen can greatly affect the mental well-being of men. Elevated levels of estrogen have been linked to mood swings, anxiety, and depression, causing significant emotional distress. A hormone imbalance can result in fatigue and lethargy, further contributing to reduced energy levels and motivation. Together, these symptoms can have a significant negative impact on your quality of life, affecting your ability to get day-to-day tasks done effectively and efficiently.

Excessive estrogen in the male body can also have various physical effects. Men may experience weight gain and a decrease in muscle mass due to hormonal imbalance. An excess of estrogen can lead to a decline in libido, resulting in a lack of interest in sexual activity. This imbalance can also affect erectile function and even potentially lower sperm count, reducing fertility in men.

Estrogen is the main cause of gynecomastia. Increased estrogen levels can directly impact glandular proliferation by stimulating tissue in male breasts to start growing.

This process starts with estrogen molecules binding to the same receptors as testosterone within the male breast tissue. Once attached, the estrogen blocks the effects of testosterone, allowing the estrogen molecules to begin working. These molecules promote cell division and proliferation—the process that facilitates tissue growth and expansion. The glandular tissue in the breasts then begins to grow.  Interestingly, estrogen also prevents the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis), allowing for the continued enlargement of breast tissue.

Male Breast Enlargement Often Accompanied by Overall Weight Gain

Male breast enlargement can be a complicated issue. To make matters worse, it often comes hand in hand with weight gain, a common symptom of low testosterone.

Low testosterone is a significant contributor to weight gain in men, particularly around the midsection. Testosterone plays a critical role in regulating fat distribution in the body, so lower testosterone levels can disrupt this balance, leading to the accumulation of fat around the waist and in the abdominal area. A decrease in testosterone also can result in reduced muscle mass, which slows down the metabolic rate. As a result, the body burns fewer calories, leading to faster fat buildup.

It is a compounding problem—less testosterone can cause weight gain, and increased body fat can further lower testosterone levels, creating a vicious cycle. This only exacerbates gynecomastia, as increasingly low testosterone levels lead to more estrogen production and further growth of breast tissue. If left unchecked, this cycle can become overwhelming and cause significant distress and anxiety about body image.

With proper diagnosis and treatment of low testosterone, you can improve your overall health and well-being while also addressing underlying hormonal imbalances that may be causing gynecomastia and weight gain.

Restore Hormone Balance with Testosterone Replacement

Testosterone replacement therapy can be a highly effective treatment for gynecomastia. It helps restore your hormone balance, alleviating symptoms like fatigue and weight gain.

Take control of your health and contact us today to schedule an appointment to check your testosterone levels. Our dedicated team provides personalized support throughout your treatment process, helping you regain confidence and improve your well-being.

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Disclaimer: This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of Low T Center. You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.