Attention Pot Smokers: You May Be Growing Man Boobs
K. Mathews on 21 Jun 2011 at 11:00am
It's a rumor that's spread wider than a D-cup: recreational pot smoking may lead to enlarged male breast tissue. But is it true? Do doobies really increase men's boobies?
According to the Mayo Clinic, as well as several RealSelf doctors, it's true. They hold marijuana responsible for some cases of male bosoms. The theory is that frequent marijuana usage cuts down on testosterone in the body, thus allowing breast tissue to develop. However, more recent studies have not replicated the findings of previous research in this area. Some allege that the reported association is misdirection from anti-drug propagandists. The jury is still out on whether their paranoia is justified or just the result of smoking weed.
Excessive male breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia, can be attributed to a number of factors. In addition to marijuana, Bay Area plastic surgeon Dr. Miguel Delgado, Jr. lists liver disease, medications, testicular tumors, thyroid issues, and lingering adolescent fat tissue among the causes of gynecomastia. While female breast reduction surgery is widely accepted, many might be surprised to learn that male breast reduction procedures are fairly common as well, particularly among men who want to attract breasts rather than have their own.
"It seems likely that marijuana smoking increases the chances to develop gynecomastia for those people that have an inclination to develop male breasts," said the gynecomastia expert, Dr. Mordcai Blau, via e-mail. "In other words, it is seen more commonly in [marijuana] smokers, but not every [marijunana] smoker develops Gynecomastia."
Considering the number of potential causes of gynecomastia, your best bet is to consult a doctor to identify the source of the problem. While the solution may be to lay off the marijuana, it could also be to diet, exercise, or switch prescribed medications. Even if the problem is deemed genetic, at least there is a surgical solution. It seems the majority of men are glad they opted for the surgery rather than purchasing braziers: two-thirds of RealSelf members declared male breast reduction "Worth It".
Photo credit: Torben Bjorn Hansen on flickr
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Dr. Peter A. Aldea
Memphis, Tennessee
www.TheBeautyDoctors.com
Wow, thanks for sharing all of those causes. If I were a guy I'd be trying to memorize all of them!
As a few have mentioned on our Facebook page, I'm wondering if there's a connection with the munchies when you're high... excess calories--gaining weight--man boobs.
That make sense Makenzie, I'm sure it has something to do with it. But when you think about it, lower testosterone could explain growing Moobs.
if that part of the body sags it's either genetics
or the particular food their eating or some other cause.
they want to blame this on weed because they are trying to get states not to legalize it when ramped up by clinics and Hospitals for kickbacks by either the Government or large corporations and Giant Pharmaceutical corps. when we we were in our teens and weed was available, years & years ago EVERYBODY smoked it. Dr.s lawyers judges politicians our soldiers even the cops and THAT'S why they never busted us all THEY wanted was our weed. we used to watch them drivers door to door passing it and watch the cloud billowing out of the police cars. and NO ONE I know has this issue. all weed gave us was the munchies. it's ALL about politics
(in my opinion) Legalize it already - dot - com
wasn't this topic about Marijuana and
NOT plastic ???
hm...
I wasn't missing 1 huge cause here I C & P'd it for you : it's either genetics or the particular food their eating or SOME OTHER CAUSE. this wasn't research reform, it's a opinionated Blog.
there are too many variables to pin this on just one subject like marijuana. it's like saying hot dogs are the cause of heartburn. see what I'm saying. they're pushing this agenda because it's all about politics. and Marijuana has been illegal for years. that's all.
Someone way up top mentioned a crapload of causes, was just adding another often-forgotten issue to the list.
Wow, what a heated discussion!
I just wanted to point out that this post does not claim marijuana to be the sole cause of man boobs, or even a scientifically proven one. In face, the author clearly states "Considering the number of potential causes of gynecomastia, your best bet is to consult a doctor to identify the source of the problem. While the solution may be to lay off the marijuana, it could also be to diet, exercise, or switch prescribed medications. "
RealSelf does not have a pro or anti-weed agenda. But I'm glad this sparked some debate!
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