(GoRealNewsNow.com) – In a head-turning development stemming from an odd medical finding, a recent study has raised significant health concerns for men suffering from gynecomastia, commonly referred to as “moobs” or “man boobs.”
This medical condition, characterized by enlarged breast tissue in men, is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances and affects a substantial proportion of the male population, being prevalent in one-third to two-thirds, varying across different ages.
Gynecomastia typically emerges during three key life stages, each associated with hormonal shifts: the neonatal period, puberty, and later life. This condition is distinct from pseudo gynecomastia, which is attributed to excessive weight or obesity.
The study presents alarming findings, showing that men with gynecomastia are at a 37% increased risk of premature death before the age of 75 compared to those without the condition.
The risk escalates dramatically, by 75%, in men with gynecomastia produced from known pre-existing conditions. The study identified the highest risks in men with prior histories of cancer, as well as circulatory, lung, and gut diseases. In a surprising contrast, neurological diseases were associated with a 29% reduced risk of early death in these patients.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Anders Juul from the University of Copenhagen emphasized the study’s implications. He stated in a media release:
“Males diagnosed with gynecomastia are at higher risk of death, observed mainly in males with a known pre-existing risk factor of gynecomastia. These findings will hopefully stimulate more awareness among healthcare providers to potentially apply interventions that aid in alleviating underlying risk factors in males with this condition.”
The researchers used data from Danish national health and population registries to conduct their study. They identified 23,429 men diagnosed with gynecomastia between January 1, 1995, and June 30, 2021.
These individuals were divided into two groups: those with idiopathic (unknown cause) gynecomastia and those with pre-existing conditions. The participants were monitored up to June 2021 or until their death, during which 12,676 men died.
Men with idiopathic gynecomastia did not generally face a significantly increased risk of early death, except for a notable doubled risk of liver disease-related mortality.
Dr. Juul concluded, “Males diagnosed with gynecomastia are at a 37% higher risk of death, observed mainly in males with a known pre-existing gynecomastia risk factor and not in males with idiopathic gynecomastia. These results should therefore prompt thorough clinical examination to identify the underlying risk factors.”