Causes of Gynecomastia
Several factors can play vital roles in causing gynecomastia. For example, lifestyles such as excessive drinking and inadequate exercise, ageing, existing illnesses, and side effects of some drugs play vital roles.
The sex hormone testosterone, impedes the development of breast tissues, while sex hormones like estrogen [1] and progesterone [2] enhance the development of breast tissues. Insulin-like growth factor 1 and growth hormone also play vital roles in developing breast tissues.
Several factors can result in an imbalance of these hormones in men. Some of these factors include:
Aging
The level of testosterone in men starts to drop at the age of 30. Studies show that gynecomastia occurs in men older than 65 years because of low testosterone [3] levels. According to research, 24-65 percent of men between the ages of 45 and 75 experience gynecomastia. In addition, older men may use drugs that result in gynecomastia.