Causes and symptoms of gynecomastia or male breasts

Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs in men, through which they develop enlargement in their breast tissues. This can affect one of the breasts or both of the breasts and is caused due to ann unbalance in the hormones of the person, oestrogen, and testosterone. This can develop in newborns or boys going through puberty and also in adult males as a result of hormonal imbalance.

This problem sometimes goes away with time but in case it persists, medication can be given or Gynecomastia Surgery can be performed. If left untreated, this condition may cause pain and sometimes in more serious cases may cause nipple discharge.

Causes of Gynecomastia or Male Breasts

Every individual, male or female has both male and female hormones. It is triggered by an imbalance in the level of these hormones. When, the level of oestrogen which is a female hormone increases in relation to the male hormone, androgens or testosterones. Several factors can contribute to this hormonal imbalance. It can be due to the development of certain conditions that reduce the effect of or decrease the secretion of the male hormones or on the other hand, the increased effect or production of female hormones.

Some of the causes are given below.

1.    HORMONES- Both the hormones, testosterone and oestrogen control the sexual characteristics in both males and females. It is believed that oestrogen is a female hormone and is secreted only in women. However, it is also found in males, although in lower quantities.

o   Gynecomastia in infants- Because of the presence of their mother's oestrogen, a large number of male infants have enlarged breasts when they are born. Within two to three weeks after their birth, the swollen breast tissue becomes normal as the female hormones go away.

o   Gynecomastia during puberty- During puberty gynecomastia is caused by hormone changes and this is very commonly occurring gynecomastia. In most boys going through puberty, without treatment, the swollen breast tissue goes away within six months up to two years.

o   Gynecomastia in men- For men between the ages of 50 and 80, gynecomastia becomes prevalent again. One in four men in this age group is definitely affected by this condition.

2.    MEDICATIONS- Anti-androgens, that are used for treating prostate cancer and prostate enlargement. Gynecomastia can easily develop in HIV postive male because the medications can cause the disorder. Other medications that can cause gynecomastia include antibiotics, anti-anxiety medications, anti-depressents, ulcer medications, heart medications and cancer treatments.

3.    DRUGS AND ALCOHOL- Some drugs such as amphetamines, meth, marijuana, heroin and methadone can cause gynecomastia. Also, alcohol is believed to be trigger.

4.    HEALTH CODITIONS- Some health conditions can cause hormonal imbalances in men and hence, lead them to develop gynecomastia. These health condititons include hyperthyroidism, kidney failure, liver failure, malnutrition or starvation, hypogondanism, tumours and also, due to aging.

Symptoms

These symptoms may develop in one or both of the breasts.

1.    When a man develops gynecomastia they can identify it as a rubbery mass sitting firmly underneath the nipple area. It may or may not be tender and is usually, an inch and half across the nipple.

2.    Sometimes, this is the only symptom by which gynecomastia can be identified, but in more severe cases, there may be some fluid discharge from the nipple.

3.    In some cases, it can also be painful.

What goes into Mommy Makeover

While having children is one of the ultimate gifts, the physical changes it brings to the body sometimes can’t be reversed no matter the amount of diets or exercise you put your body through. Women’s bodies undergo a big amount of changes as a result of a pregnancy and it can be hard to get the pre-baby body back. In addition to pregnancy causing extra deposits of fat in the abdominal area, it also stretches the skin and the underlying stomach muscles, leaving the area with stretch marks and loose, overhanging skin. After pregnancy, the breasts can also be affected due to breastfeeding and hormonal changes, the result leads to breast sagging.  This surgical procedure is a combination of cosmetic surgical operations that is specially designed for mothers who wish to restore and improve their bodies after the physical changes a pregnancy often brings.

With a Mommy Makeover, all of these problems can be addressed at once by tightening the abdominal muscles and eliminating the excess fat as well as lifting the breasts to achieve their pre-pregnancy position. A typical Mommy Makeover includes breast augmentation, a tummy tuck and sometimes a liposuction.

The first part of a Mommy Makeover is a tummy tuck. It is the most ideal procedure for woman whose stomach muscles and skin have been stretched by pregnancy on the midsection of the body. After one or more pregnancies, these effects can be significant and troubling for any mom. The solution for many moms in San Antonio is a tummy tuck.

During pregnancy when the fetus grows inside the uterus, it ultimately presses on the abdominal muscle wall, pulling apart the "six-pack" muscles and often causing permanent separation. When this happens, only surgery can bring these muscles back together and restore the abdomen. During the tummy tuck procedure, the muscles that have been stretched will be reconnected and tighten. Excess fat will also be removed and stretched skin cut away. A tummy tuck can also remove the stretch marks below the belly button.

The second part will involve breast augmentation surgery and/or a breast lift. A number of breast enhancement procedures can be combined to address breast droop after pregnancy. The goal is to restore fullness to your breasts and to raise and reshape.

A traditional breast lift can be performed to eliminate excess skin and tighten the breast area, creating a firmer bust line. Excess skin will be trimmed and supporting tissue will be tightened to help you achieve an uplifted, youthful breast contour. After surgery, your breasts will be higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. During the procedure, the nipple and areola can be repositioned or resized to further enhance the appearance of your breast.

 Breast enlargement with implants can add volume and new contour to the breasts. Breast enlargement not only revitalizes your bust after the effects of pregnancy, but it can also take your makeover one step further by creating a whole new body image. Breast augmentation typically requires two small incisions. The incisions can be around the nipple, near the underarm or beneath the breast to allow insertion of the implant. The implants can be placed above or below the chest muscles.

During a pregnancy when your body weight is constantly changing, stubborn fat deposits can appear on different parts of the body. The location varies from woman to woman. Some are bothered by fat in the thighs, while others tend to accumulate fat in the arms or anywhere in the upper body. Some women may choose to go through a liposuction to finish up their Mommy Makeover. Liposuction is one of the cosmetic enhancement procedures that is most commonly performed all over the world. It is used to remove excess fat deposits from any area of the body. Combined with other procedures, it can be an essential component in your journey to achieve total body rejuvenation after pregnancy.

A mommy makeover may be completed in a single day or it can be done in a series performed weeks or months apart.  A combined procedure of breast and body contouring can involve more downtime than just a single procedure. Some help at home will be needed for about one week after surgery, while complete recovery requires several weeks. As any other cosmetic procedures, it may take about six months to a year to appreciate the final results of your mommy makeover.

The cost of a Mommy Makeover can range depending upon your special requests and factors as geographic location and individual physician practices. Since every surgery is personalized, the best way to get the most accurate price is to speak with a plastic surgeon. If you are in the San Antonio, Texas area, consider visiting Dr. Suresh Koneru, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery.

Stem Cell Therapy For Knee Pain

What are the most common causes of knee pain?

Knee pain is not at all uncommon. Many of us experience it for many different reasons. Injury, for instance, can cause knee pain.

• ·         ACL injury

o   The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects your shinbone to your thighbone. If you are an athlete, you are familiar with ACL injuries. It happens frequently to basketball and soccer players. When the ACL is torn in your knee, it can be severe. It may require surgery to recover your knee pain.

• ·         Fracture

o   The femur (thigh bone), patella (kneecap), tibia (shine bone), and fibula come together to form your knee. Each of these has the potential to be broken. Falls and motor vehicle collisions are common ways for knee fractures to occur. However, if you have osteoarthritis, even a simple fall could cause a fracture. Depending on the severity of the fracture, you will require different treatments.

• ·         Torn meniscus

o   The cartilage of the meniscus acts as a shock absorber for the knee. This prevents your femur and tibia from rubbing together. Trauma to the meniscus can cause a tear or, as you age, you may lose your natural cartilage. Without this protection, natural movement will become painful.

• ·         Patellar tendinitis

o   Tendinitis is caused by inflammation and irritation of the tendons. This happens to athletes who do a lot of jumping.

While injuries can take an otherwise healthy knee and cause it to experience pain, sometimes there are mechanical issues causing knee pain.

• ·         Hip or foot pain

o   When your hip or foot is injured, your way of walking can be thrown off. This change in your natural gait may result in you developing knee pain.

• ·         Dislocated kneecap

o   The patella (kneecap) can slip out of place. This, of course, results in knee pain.

• ·         Loose body

o   Degradation of bone or cartilage can result in pieces breaking off. These free floating pieces can hinder knee joint movement and result in pain.

There are hundreds of different types of arthritis. They can absolutely result in knee pain.

• ·         Osteoarthritis

o   This type of arthritis is also known as degenerative arthritis. The wear-and-tear on your knee causes the cartilage to degrade. Without cartilage to cushion the joint, your knee will experience significant pain.

• ·         Rheumatoid arthritis

o   This kind of arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can impact any joint in the body, including the knees.

• ·         Gout

o   When uric acid crystals build up in a joint, it is called gout. It most commonly occurs in the big toe but it can happen in the knee.

• ·         Septic arthritis

o   An infection within the knee joint. That causes swelling, pain and redness.

When do you need to see a doctor about knee pain?

While knee pain is not uncommon, it’s also not something that you simply need to bear. We all experience minor aches and pains depending on our activity. However, when your day-to-day life is disrupted due to knee pain, then you need to seek help. More specifically, contact a doctor if you:

• ·         Feel unstable like your knee is going to “give out”
• ·         Notice an obvious deformity in your leg or knee
• ·         Cannot fully extend your knee
• ·         Have noteworthy knee swelling
• ·         Cannot bear weight on your knee
• ·         Develop a fever

All of these symptoms are serious and should not be ignored. Knee pain may not be unusual but it can become incredibly serious if not treated properly.

What are some common treatments for knee pain?

If you pain is minor, then you can treat your knees yourself. Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are useful tools for self-care. Additionally, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) can help relieve knee pain.

Will my insurance cover stem cell therapy?

Unfortunately, most stem cell treatments are not covered by health insurance. While you can check into your own personal plan, more often than not, you will have to pay for stem cell treatments yourself.

Severe cases of knee pain may require surgery. Knee replacements are not uncommon. However, as regenerative medicine evolves, there are more and more options for minimally invasive options. Stem cell injections can be used to repair and regenerate lost tissue in your knees. This can help with your knee pain by correcting the root cause.

How do I decided where to get stem cell therapy for my knee pain?

When selecting a medical team to provide you stem cell treatments, it is incredibly important to do your homework. All across the globe, there are “clinics” that claim to have medical treatments for numerous ailments, including knee pain. Stem cell therapy has great potential and there are FDA approved treatments available commercially. However, many of the stories in the news refer to theoretical applications or treatments that are still in clinical trials. These predatory clinics capitalize on the media’s love for “miracle” regenerative medicine stories to prey on desperate patients out of their money. Sadly, while going through the motions of treating the patients they are swindling, these clinics can often cause more harm than good.

This is your health! Don’t entrust it to anyone who doesn’t have the technical skills and experience to properly care for you.

If you are considering stem cell therapy for your knee pain, make sure to investigate the clinic, medical group, or doctor that you are considering using. Any legitimate organization, like the Stem Cell Institute of Texas, will be glad to explain the FDA guidelines and their personal background to you. Asking questions is your right as a patient!

Top Diseases that peak during fall – winter

As summer is ending and the leaves start to change color, and cold weather starts to set across the country, certain illnesses rise to their peak and spread throughout your workplace and schools.

Due to this changes from hot to chillier weather and your kids going back to school, a gigantic number of germs spark the start of a new season of diseases that sweep the country. When the weather starts to turn into icy temperatures, colder air and darker skies, the threat of catching certain diseases is greater. The cold weather suppresses your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. The chilly days of autumn are responsible for colds, flues and allergies.

 Fall's kickoff sparks the start of flu season beginning in the autumn months and continues all the way to January and February during the brunt of winter. The flu, a respiratory illness, typically spreads from person to person mostly through coughs, sneezes and even talking. It is possible to contract the flu just by touching a surface that is already infected with the flu virus and then transmitting it to your mouth, eyes or nose. Each year up to 20 percent of the population is impacted by the flu.

Common colds can affect anyone at any time of the year, but peak cold hits during the colder and rainy months. There are over 1 billion colds reported in the United States throughout each year. An upper respiratory infection, colds are spread similarly to the flu. Colds ordinarily bring nasal congestion, scratchy throats and sneezing along with other symptoms depending on the strain.

Norovirus, is one of the most common stomach inflammation illness in the U.S and it is commonly referred to as the stomach flu. It reaches its highest strength during the fall and winter months. The stomach flu is extremely contagious and can be spread easily from person to person.

Ear infections, especially in younger kids, are more likely to occur in fall and winter rather than any other season. Changes in climate, especially as colder air starts to hit, will most likely enhance the threat of an ear infection. Symptoms of general ear pain and even nausea can be the most common symptoms.

Allergies can happen at any time of the year. Fall allergy triggers are different but they can cause just as many symptoms as in the spring and summer. Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though it usually starts to release pollen during the cool nights and warm days in August, it can last into September and October.  Even if it doesn't grow where you live, ragweed pollen can travel for hundreds of miles on the wind.

Mold is another fall trigger. You may think of mold growing in your basement or bathroom -- damp areas in the house -- but mold spores also love wet spots outside. Piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold. Also, don’t forget dust mites. While they’re common during the humid summer months, they can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your heat in the fall. They can trigger sneezes, wheezes, and runny noses.

Asthma is one of the most severe diseases there is of the respiratory system. Asthmatics must avoid the dust, mold and the small and humid spaces because they can provoke a severe asthma attack. Due to the cold weather, people with asthma must avoid getting a cold, flu or bronchitis. They should spend as much as possible less time outdoors during fall to avoid asthma attacks caused by weather.

Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation in one or more joints of your body. Many people that suffer from arthritis swear by the pain in their joints as a predictor that rainy or cold weather is coming. If it’s cold outside, keep aching hands warm with gloves and try adding extra layers over your knees and legs to prevent the colder air from causing pain. While it's understandable to want to avoid the winter weather, people with joint pain should always stay active. The less sedentary you are, the better your physical function is going to be. Try to exercise inside and keep your body active to avoid the symptoms of arthritis. Finally, always stay safe particularly when the weather turns icy. It is important that people with arthritis protect their joints from further damage. If you’re going outside, pick solid, supportive shoes and try to walk on a surface that doesn’t look slippery or fragile.

Dehydration is not only a summer thing. People don't realize that it's just as easy to become dehydrated in the winter. Because few people recognize the signs of dehydration in the winter, it can be even more dangerous. Water is vital to both organ function and digestion any time of the year! Do not forget to keep yourself hydrated even in the chilly days of Autumn.