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| Photograph by: Ted S. Warren, The Associated Press , The Canadian Press |
Marijuana still remains to be among the most popular
recreational drugs out there. From its golden age back in the sixties until
today, marijuana still proved itself to give that certain relief and high. But
as much as it might be very enjoyable to some, marijuana is a controlled
substance for good reason.
By now, we are all aware of its list of detrimental effects
to the human body. And if you are a man who is fond of having a joint or two,
studies show that this can cause man boobs to develop. And if you are keen on
keeping your masculine features, you might want to rethink before puffing on
another roll.
Gynecomastia, or more commonly known as man boobs, is a
condition where males develop female breasts. This can either present as a
puffy nipple or a full blown breast.
There are various causes for gynecomastia, from medications,
hormonal imbalance, certain conditions, and yes marijuana. Back in the day
studies are already shedding light on how marijuana affects the normal function
of the endocrine system (the part responsible for hormone production), which
eventually results to marijuana-induced gynecomastia.
Tests were done on male rodents, and the results showed a
decrease in testosterone levels. The same results were also found when the same
tests were done on primates. Human studies also concluded that chronic use of
marijuana gradually decreases their major male hormone. As an effect, the
normal circulating estrogen in the male system will be more which eventually
triggers gynecomastia to occur.
However a cohort study to prove this claim concluded
otherwise. They are saying that this certain consequence to chronic marijuana
use has not been established firmly.
But studies also showed that the relationship between
marijuana and gynecomastia is plausible, due to the strong affinity of its
smoke to estrogen. The Mayo Clinic also claimed that marijuana, along with
alcohol, heroine, amphetamines, and methadone are street drugs or substances
that can trigger gynecomastia.
But this should not simply be the reason why you should stop
or avoid smoking pot, since there is a wide range of health risks and
complications that is capable to produce.
Gynecomastia, although not malignant, can certainly affect a
person’s body image. And if you are unaware of other factors that are already
making you vulnerable to it, and you aggravate the situation by smoking pot,
you only increase the gravity of the condition.
Aside from affecting your masculinity, marijuana use can
also affect your fertility. It can shrink the testes; create abnormal sperm and
affects normal sperm count. Dose-related oligospermia (low sperm count) was
observed in patients who are chronic marijuana smokers.
If you have a history with marijuana and man boobs are
taking the front stage on your chest, aside from stopping the habit, you should
have yourself checked by a doctor. This is to clear you off from other problems
that may have contributed to your condition. Blood tests and a thorough
evaluation may have to be done, in that way appropriate treatment can be given
for a much successful result.
Sources and Citations
www.realself.com/blog/usage-lead-man-boobs
www.asylum.com/2008/04/08/marijuana-can-cause-man-boobs-and-other-things/
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