Gynecomastia is the formal term for male breast enlargement. Many people believe there is a connection between cannabis use and this condition. But does such a link really exist?
Below, Dr. David Bray Jr. discusses the known and potential causes of enlarged male breasts, as well as options for treating gynecomastia.
Cannabis and Gynecomastia
There is a plausible connection between marijuana use and gynecomastia. A 2022 study published in the journal Radiology studied 56 marijuana smokers and compared their health to 57 nonsmokers and 33 smokers who only used tobacco products. While the study focused on the risk of emphysema (which was higher among cannabis users), they found that gynecomastia was more common among the marijuana group, with 38% affected versus 16% of patients in the control group and 11% of tobacco-only smokers. Still, to date, we are not aware of any study focusing specifically on cannabis and gynecomastia that has shown a definitive link.
Weight Gain and Pseudogynecomastia
Pseudogynecomastia is a condition that often occurs in overweight individuals and is a “false” form of gynecomastia where the enlarged breasts are due to excess fatty (adipose) tissue. The amount of adipose tissue in the breasts may be disproportionate to one’s body size but can improve with diet and exercise. Some patients with pseudogynecomastia may benefit from liposuction to achieve an improved contour.
Obesity
Overweight men are also vulnerable to developing genuine gynecomastia (as opposed to pseudogynecomastia), as obesity is among the most common causes of breast tissue enlargement. Fat cells produce estrogen, so excess weight means more estrogen in a man’s body. That leads to enlarged breast tissue.
Medication Side Effects
The side effects of some medications may also result in gynecomastia. These medications include:
• Anti-androgens for treating prostate conditions
• Anabolic steroids
• ADHD medications, such as Adderall
• Anti-anxiety drugs, including Valium
• Certain antibiotics
• Certain chemotherapy drugs
• Heart drugs, including calcium channel blockers and digoxin
• Over-the-counter anti-ulcer medications
Speak with your doctor if you developed gynecomastia after taking these drugs.
Gynecomastia is also linked to certain medical conditions, especially kidney or liver disease, thyroid issues and testicular cancer. In many cases, the cause of gynecomastia remains unknown.
Gynecomastia Treatment
The good news is that enlarged male breasts can be treated. Male breast reduction surgery consists of removing the chest’s excess glandular tissue to treat gynecomastia or fatty tissue to address pseudogynecomastia.
Schedule a Breast Reduction Consultation
Dr. Bray is a triple board-certified plastic surgeon who has helped many individuals reduce the size of their breasts. Schedule your breast reduction consultation with Dr. Bray in Torrance, California today. He will answer all of your questions so you can make an informed decision regarding the procedure.
