This condition affects men in which their breast tissue becomes swelled, and it can take on a fuller look which can be embarrassing for many men. This condition happens as a result of irregular levels of hormones in their bodies during puberty.
This condition can happen in one or both breasts, and also it can have uneven development. Breast tenderness and swollen breast glandular tissue are the most common signs and symptoms of gynecomastia.
If this condition is accompanied by discharge from one or both nipples, swelling, and pain, then it can require medical attention. Changes in the levels of hormones–androgens and estrogens are the most common cause of gynecomastia [1].
There are many reasons which can lead to it, such as side effects of certain medications, malnutrition, excess alcohol consumption, use of marijuana, kidney failure, exposure to pollutants, chronic liver disease, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, hyperthyroidism, low testosterone (male hormone), hypogonadism, age, and puberty.
Also, if you are overweight, this can lead to this problem. This is not a serious problem, but there are many men who find it really tough to cope with it, and they opt for medications and even surgery. There are many simple home remedies that can help you to treat gynecomastia.
Also, this problem can regress over time. Consult your doctor before you start taking some of the below-mentioned home remedies for gynecomastia. You should not take any recreational drugs like marijuana. You should try to maintain healthy body weight. You should not smoke or use any other tobacco product.
Also, you should not take any drugs for bodybuilding. You should avoid exposure to pollutants like lead because this can increase your risk of developing feminine breasts. You should drink an ample amount of water throughout the day because this can help your cells to function properly.
10 Natural cures for gynecomastia
Contents
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is a very effective home remedy if your breast enlargement is due to liver disease. Milk thistle has an active constituent known as silymarin, and this element can improve liver functioning [2].
You should add one tablespoon of crushed milk thistle seeds to three cups of water. You should heat it until boiling, remove it from the heat, and you should steep it for twenty minutes. Strain it and add little honey. Drink this natural cure two times a day for a period of a few weeks.
Also, you can take this herb in supplement form. Consult with your doctor for the proper dosage.
Zinc
You should consume foods that are rich in zinc because they can help you to treat gynecomastia, especially when it is caused by low testosterone. There are some studies in which it is found that zinc can increase testosterone in a natural way.
Also, there are other studies in which is shown that zinc deficiency can lead to decreased levels of testosterone. One of the leading causes of gynecomastia is low testosterone. You should eat foods that are rich in zinc, such as chickpeas, raisins, yogurt, cashews, lobster, fortified breakfast cereal, and oysters. Talk with your doctor if you want to take zinc supplements. [3]
Passionflower
This home remedy has testosterone–boosting properties which can help in the natural treatment of gynecomastia. It has a compound known as chrysin which can help to keep the body from breaking down testosterone. This herb can also help with the withdrawal from alcohol as well as certain drugs [4].
You should steep one teaspoon of dried passionflower in one cup of water for ten minutes. Strain it and drink this home remedy a few times per day. Also, you can take passionflower in supplement form but talk with your doctor before you start using it.
Cold compress
This condition often causes the breasts to become tender, and even in some cases, it can be painful at times. Cold compress is an effective home remedy for tender breasts. The cold temperature will cause the tissues to contract. This, in turn, can help to reduce pain and swelling.
You should wrap a few ice cubes in a thin towel. You should put the cold compress on each breast for one minute only. You should follow this home remedy as much as needed. You should never apply ice directly on your skin because it can cause frostbite.
Fish oil
It is rich in Omega – 3 fatty acids which are beneficial for men who suffer from gynecomastia because they can help in the production of testosterone.
Also, these fatty acids can help to reduce estrogen levels, which are one of the biggest causes of the growth of male breasts [5].
You can take fish oil supplements. Also, you can take Omega – 3 supplements. You should talk with your doctor about the proper usage and dosage.
Also, you can eat cold-water fish that is rich in Omega – 3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, tuna, and salmon.
Turmeric
This is one of the best home remedies for gynecomastia. It can increase the testosterone hormone levels in males. When the levels of testosterone become high, then the large breasts in men can naturally reduce their size.
Also, turmeric can help to promote liver health, and it can help to burn fat. In one cup of water, you should add one or two teaspoons of turmeric and heat it for ten minutes. You should drink it two or three times per day and especially before you go to bed.
You should repeat this natural treatment on a daily basis for a period of a few weeks until you notice improvements in your condition. You can take turmeric supplements but talk with your doctor before you start taking them.
You should talk with your doctor before you take turmeric as your natural cure because it can make stomach problems like GERD worse in some people. Also, it can worsen gallbladder problems, and it can interfere with blood thinning medications. [6]
Exercise
Exercise can help to reduce gynecomastia, and it can help to balance hormone levels. Also, some exercises can help to build chest and torso muscles. They can help to reduce the overall body fat, which could lead to pseudo-gynecomastia. This condition causes feminization of the male breast due to a buildup of fat.
You can include elliptical, weight lifting, and cardiovascular exercises in your exercise routine. Also, swimming, especially breaststroke, is very effective in reducing excess fat. Walking and jogging are also good forms that can help to burn many calories and body fat.
Flaxseed
This home remedy has Omega – 3 fatty acids, which can help to raise testosterone and reduce estrogen levels. Also, they have higher concentrations of lignans which can balance estrogen activity, and they have antiestrogenic qualities. This home remedy can also aid in the removal of harmful toxins from your body.
You should add one tablespoon of ground flaxseed to one glass of hot water, and you should consume it on a daily basis until you see improvements in your condition.
Also, there is another option, and that is to take one or two tablespoons of flaxseed oil on a daily basis for a period of a few weeks. You can add ground flaxseed to your smoothies and baked goods such as muffins and bread.
You need to talk with your doctor before you take flaxseeds as your natural cure because they can interfere with some hormone treatments and medications. [7]
Epsom salt bath
This home remedy can help you to rid of water retention. It is made up of magnesium sulfate, which can aid in the detoxification process and it can balance hormones.
You should add two cups of Epsom salt to a tub filled with warm water. You should stir it properly until the salt is dissolved. You should soak in this relaxing bath for fifteen minutes. You should repeat this natural treatment up to three times per week.
People who have heart problems and high blood pressure should not use this home remedy.
Dandelion
This is also one of the best home remedies for gynecomastia. It has a diuretic effect which means that it can help to remove the excess water as well as excess estrogen and harmful toxins from your body. Also, it can help to break down carbohydrates which in turn can cause less fat to be stored in the body.
You should add one teaspoon of dried dandelion to one cup of hot water. You should cover it and steep it for ten minutes. Strain it and drink this home remedy two or three times per day for a period of a few weeks.
Also, you can take tincture dandelion supplements or tincture after you have talked to your doctor.
References:
[1] Cuhaci N, Polat SB, Evranos B, et al. Gynecomastia: Clinical evaluation and management. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2014;18(2):150-158.
[2] Vargas-Mendoza N, Madrigal-Santillan E, Morales-Gonzalez A, et al. Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin. World Journal of Hepatology. 2014;6(3):144-149.
[3] Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FW, et al. Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults. Nutrition. 1996;12(5):344-8.
[4] Schunck RVA, Macedo IC, Laste G, et al. Standardized passiflora incarnata L. extract reverts the analgesia induced by alcohol withdrawal in rats. Phytotherapy Research. 2017;31(8):1199-1208.
[5] Iyengar NM, Hudis CA, Gucalp A. Omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of breast cancer: an update and state of the science. Current Breast Cancer Reports. 2013;5(3):247-254.
[6] Kim SK, Seok H, Park HJ, et al. Inhibitory effect of curcumin on testosterone induced benign prostatic hyperplasia rat model. BMC Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2015;15:380.
[7] Calado A, Neves PM, Santos T, Ravasco P. The effect of flaxseed in breast cancer: A literature review. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2018;5:4.
