Conditions
Gynaecomastia
Ask any teenage boy if he’d like a pair of breasts for the day and the response will probably be a resounding “yes!” This will usually be followed by an enthusiastic and all too detailed account of how the day would pan out with his new bosoms. But for teenage boys whose physical appearance really is defined by this curvy feminine feature, the embarrassment far outweighs the novelty. Gynaecomastia (more commonly known as ‘man boobs’) is a common condition where tender breast tissue grows under the nipples. It is usually caused by an imbalance of hormones during puberty and usually disappears without treatment within a couple of years. ‘False gynecomastia’ is when men and boys develop breasts as a result of too much fat on their chest, which is usually helped by losing weight, through a combination of healthy eating and regular exercise.
Comments and Questions
You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.
I'm in my late 50's & have had moobs all my adult life, please can you recommend a clinic I can contact with the view to having a treatment to remove or reduce them.
I just turned 18 I have Gynaecomastia from at least age of 14. At the time online I read it go away in next year or 2, but 4 now and I hate taking of my shirt, My cheast area has a slight female shape and my nipples are very large. I don't want them as soon I be going to collage in sept, Will it go soon (with in the next year) or is better to get surgery?
Hello im 16 and i have "man boobs" ive had them for years, but not even told anyone about them. when it came 2 sports at school i always tryed avoiding doing them. im a skinny boy but dont know what to do, i havent even told my mum and dad im too embaressed to tell them or to tell anyone. i dont know where to look for help or how i should go about this. wish they would just go away can someone help me please!!
Hi, when I was 19 I was diagnosed with a rare skin condition called lichen-planks. The only treated that helped was to be on the strongest steroids the doctor could prescribe. I was only supposed to be on the steroids for 1 month, but as my condition persisted, I was on them for closer to 6 months. As a result of this, I put on a great deal of weight! I am now 28, and I work out intensely 5 days a week. I would describe my physiche as quite muscular and I am generally very fit. However, no matter what I try I can not gwt rid of my man boobs or tone up my stomach area. I am convinced that this is due to the after effects of the steroids! Can anyone help me as I am so frustrated?
Hi, i've had lik these protruding nipples since i was like 12 they only started protruding then. I get really embarrased when taking my shirt off, i dont hardly ever do anyway. i dont want to be like that for most ma teen years i want to enjoy being 15 and onwards its not fair. Im a skinny kid that is very sporty ive tried working out but still not working. can someone please help me! i want to be able to take ma shirt off in public. thanks!
I am 30. I have always had man boobs but have always considered myself to be quite fit. I have hard lumps behind each nipple, which makes them look puffy. In cold conditions they stand erect. I have always felt so self contious about them and hardly ever walk around without a shirt on. I feel to embarassed about my man boobs and i just want a normal looking chest. I have been too embarassed to even see the doctor about it untill about 2 years ago. What can i do about this? I have been to a doctor and he has confirmed it to be Gynaecomastia. How do i take it further.? Please help Any advice or contact numbers would be greatly appreciated
Hi, im 15 and think im a "victim" of this male breast occurance. Iv had it since roughly about 12 years old. When it first came, the area around my nipples were also puffy: almost as if built up fat. Thankfully now the case is less severe. The area around my nipples shall i say is almost completely flat. I don't understand why i still have them, by now i would have expected it to disappear. I am skinny and have even tried exercising. When i wear my school jumper, people dont notice my flat chest because of my puffy nipples imitating that i have "Man Boobs". Iv tried pushups, situps but didnt work. My current plan is to become sporty. I have been participating in weekly skiing every Friday but i also have an active schedule duering weekdays filled with band practice etc. I dont eat alot of food. Not enough i would think. I would like them to vanish before my childhood teen years is over. im unable to participate in the normal teenage joyments experienced by a natural male.
hi my son is 13 and he has man boobs. hes got no selfesteem. his wiegh is a little over we r doing keepfit together will this help. i what to take to the docs but do not what him to feel bad about it please help me
hi im gareth im 14 but i have like man bboobs the doctors said that isnt normal but i just want rid can u help me please i have no self esteem for my self and its ruinig my life please help
hi im normal weight but have man boobs. i have been to the doctors about it and they say its just fat tissue and and if i were going to go forward with surgery then they would only need to make an insision (cut) around my nippe. i just wanted know if the scarring would be very visible if so would Areola Repigmentation cover the scar.
Important Notice
The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.
If you want to embed our videos in your site, read our embedding T&Cs here


The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.