Study finds essential oils can cause increased gynaecomastia risk

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More evidence has been published that find essential oils could make male breasts develop in young boys. Gynaecomastia or the appearance of male breasts can be a highly distressing condition and more research is being focused on what causes it.

True gynaecomastia, which is the over-development of glandular breast tissue in the male chest is relatively rare and it is not always possible to find an exact cause, but a number of cases linked to the use of essential oils has prompted a group of American researchers to look more closely at this possible association.

Essential oils and gynaecomastia risk

These plant-derived oils, including lavender and tea tree oil, are all very popular in the cosmetics industry, used in soaps, shampoos, and facial cleansers.

The American study has found that key chemicals in the oils could boost oestrogen and inhibit the production of testosterone, results in the small amounts of glandular tissue that all men have to overdevelop during puberty. However, not everyone will have the same reaction.

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 subsided when they stopped using the products, but what do you do if your ‘moobs’ won’t go away, whatever steps you take?

Treatments for gynaecomastia

The first step is to diagnose whether the problem is the result of enlargement of breast tissue or the accumulation of subcutaneous fat and stretched skin in the chest area that often can appear breast-like. If the former, then ascertaining the underlying cause if possible is important. Rarely, it might be the result of a tumour, but can also be caused by genetics, steroid use and some medications.

If gynaecomastia is due to the over-development of breast tissue and the underlying cause has been addressed, Mr Alan Park can perform a procedure similar to a female breast reduction where the excess breast tissue and any stretched skin is removed. If due to fatty tissue alone, liposuction can often produce a fantastic result.

To find out which gynaecomastia procedure is best for you, call ‬‭01926 436341 to arrange a consultation.