A recent study published in the British journal BMJ Open indicates that men with an abnormally large body part are at a higher risk of dying before the age of 75.
This Abnormally Large Body Part Signals a Higher Risk of Death Before Age 75
Researchers at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark found that men suffering from gynecomastia, which is the medical term for breast tissue enlargement, have a 37% higher risk of dying before the age of 75 compared to those without the condition.
The study analyzed health data from 140,574 men collected between 1995 and 2021, including 23,429 men diagnosed with gynecomastia. The researchers compared the health data of those affected by the condition with that of healthy individuals, taking into account age and the onset of the disease.
Men with gynecomastia were categorized into two groups: those with idiopathic gynecomastia (unknown cause), consisting of 16,253 individuals, and those with conditions or medications linked to breast tissue enlargement, totaling 7,176 individuals.
As of June 2021, 12,676 men with gynecomastia had died, accounting for 9% of the study participants.
The findings suggest that men with gynecomastia face a significantly higher risk of premature death. However, the researchers noted that their findings are observational, and further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between gynecomastia and the risk of dying before age 75.
The study’s results were published in the BMJ Open journal on January 17, 2024.
Gynecomastia is a condition of abnormal breast tissue enlargement in men. (Illustrative image).
What is Gynecomastia?
According to the National Health Service (NHS) of the UK, gynecomastia is a condition where male breast tissue enlarges abnormally, similar to female breasts. It can occur at any age but is most common in adolescent boys or older men.
The cause of this condition is usually due to a hormonal imbalance between the two sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen. This hormonal imbalance often occurs in boys during puberty when hormone levels fluctuate, or in older men as their bodies age and produce less testosterone.
Additionally, the NHS notes that obesity can also contribute to gynecomastia. Excess weight can increase estrogen levels, leading to abnormal breast tissue growth.
Other potential causes of gynecomastia in men include:
- Side effects of medications – such as those used for treating stomach ulcers, heart conditions, or containing anabolic steroids;
- Use of stimulants;
- Alcohol abuse;
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Klinefelter syndrome (a rare genetic disorder).
Signs and Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
The common signs of gynecomastia include the appearance of an abnormal mass in the breast and an increase in chest size. This condition can occur in one or both breasts and may or may not cause pain. Sometimes, it is discovered incidentally during a medical examination.
To treat gynecomastia, patients should consult a specialist who may recommend one of the following two treatment options:
- Medications to adjust and balance hormone levels.
- Surgery to remove excess breast tissue.
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