New link found between essential oils and gynaecomastia
More evidence has been found between essential oils and gynaecomastia or male breasts in young boys going through puberty. Gynaecomastia can be a very distressing condition so more research into possible causes and greater knowledge of what can be done about it is important.
The most important distinction to make is the difference between what is termed ‘true gynaecomastia’ and ‘psuedo gynaecomastia’. All men have a small amount of glandular tissue located beneath the nipple, but in a healthy male the chest area is predominantly fatty tissue. However, sometimes there is enlargement of this glandular tissue, producing a more female-like appearance to the chest.
The underlying cause is not always known but genetics, hormonal changes, steroid use and some medications can all result in gynaecomastia. Now, a new potential cause has been identified. A number of cases have been linked to the use of essential oils which prompted an American team of researchers to analyse this possible association.
Essential oils and gynaecomastia
Scientists identified eight key chemicals among the many hundreds of components in a whole range of essential oils and found that they were endocrine disruptors, boosting oestrogen levels and inhibiting the production of testosterone. In some cases, but not all, they can cause the over-development of glandular tissue in young males as they experience puberty.
What’s worrying is because these essential oils, such as lavender and tea tree, are plant derived they are seen as natural and ‘good’ and are used widely by the cosmetics industry, in soaps, shampoos and facial and body washes.
Lead researcher J. Tyler Ramsey from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) recommends caution: “Our society deems essential oils as safe. However, they possess a diverse amount of chemicals and should be used with caution because some of these chemicals are potential endocrine disruptors.
The good news is that, in most cases, the symptoms disappeared when the product use was discontinued. It is also important that men realise that there is a surgical solution if they’re suffering from gynaecomastia.
Male breast reduction options
During your gynaecomastia consultation with Mr Paul Tulley, the first step is to diagnose whether you’re suffering from true gynaecomastia or whether weight fluctuations have caused an accumulation of fatty tissue and stretched skin over the chest, often known as pseudo gynaecomastia and then he can advise you on your male breast reduction options.
If it’s true gynaecomastia, it is also important to ascertain the underlying cause and treat that if necessary. Then Mr Tulley can perform a surgical procedure that is very similar to the female breast reduction where excess glandular tissue is removed and the chest area reshaped. If it is due to an excess of fatty tissue and skin elasticity is good, then liposuction can be a possible solution.
For more advice, call 020 7467 3000 to arrange a gynaecomastia consultation with Mr Paul Tulley.
