Overview:
Puffy nipples in Men is a term that is used to describe a condition where the nipples of a male become enlarged due to a build up of fluid and other substances inside the breast tissue. Most of the men think, why are my nipples puffy? Well, it is a rare condition that affects men only and can cause discomfort, pain and sometimes infections.
It can be a painful condition that can cause discomfort, embarrassment and even physical pain. But, it’s important to know that this condition is not as rare as you might think. It’s estimated that between 1% and 2% of the male population will experience puffy nipples at some point in their lives. In some cases, puffy nipples are the result of a condition called gynecomastia.
What Causes Big Puffy Nipples in Men?
Puffy nipples in men are often the result of a hormonal imbalance. The most common cause is low testosterone. Other causes include:
- Too much estrogen
- High prolactin
- Gynecomastia
- Low luteinizing hormone
- Low progesterone
- High cortisol
- Low thyroid
- Stress and anxiety
- Excessive weight gain
How to reduce puffy nipples?
Puffy nipples in men are very treatable. The main goal is to treat the cause and reduce discomfort, which will also help reduce the chances of it happening again. In fact, the majority of cases of puffy nipples in men resolve themselves on their own without medical intervention.
But if you want to treat your puffy nipples now, there are a few things you should know about how to reduce puffy nipples naturally. Here are a few ways to treat your puffy nipples without using medication or surgery.
1. Improve diet
What you eat can have a big impact on the appearance of your puffy nipples. Your body needs certain nutrients to maintain healthy hair growth, and too little of these can result in puffy nipples. The best foods for reducing puffy nipples include:
- Whole grains (brown rice, oats, barley, quinoa)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds)
- Fruits (bananas, apples, berries, grapes)
- Vegetables (zucchini, squash, green beans)
- Fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
In general, it is recommended that you eat more protein and fewer carbs.
2. Exercise and target lifting
Exercise plays a vital role to improve many areas of our health and wellbeing, but it’s even more important when it comes to puffy nipples. Try doing regular, consistent exercise, whether you like it or not, to ensure that you’re getting all of the nutrients needed for healthy hair growth and a healthier body overall.
Also, make sure to focus on the chest muscles specifically when you’re performing this exercise. Puffiness often results from an overabundance of fatty tissue between the nipple and skin, which is why targeting the muscles that support the chest will be most effective. You can start by working out with a weight vest, or simply focus on the bench press or chest press exercises.
The best exercises for puffy nipples are:
- Bodyweight exercises (push ups, sit ups, lunges, planks, dips, squats)
- Gym strength training
- Lifting weights
3. Sleep well
This may seem like a no brainer, but we’ve all seen people who look as though they’ve been up partying the night before – but when you look at them a few hours later, their puffy nipples seem to have disappeared. That’s because sleep plays a huge role in puffy nipple reduction, and getting enough rest helps the body heal from the stresses of everyday life and boosts the immune system to help fight off any nagging infections that could lead to puffy nipples.
4. Take supplements to boost testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for the production of sex hormones, which include estrogen, progesterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is the main cause of puffy nipples. It also plays a role in energy production, bone growth, fat metabolism, muscle building, immunity, libido, mood and mental performance.
Testosterone deficiency is common among aging males, especially those over 40. To restore proper testosterone levels, try boosting your diet with zinc and magnesium (which are found in oysters, spinach, beans, almonds and avocado).
Now, the question is, How we can boost our Testosterone naturally? So, Garlic is believed to boost your testosterone levels naturally, and there are many studies suggesting that garlic may actually increase testosterone levels.
5. Undergo surgery for Puffy Nipples
Surgery is recommended only if there are physical signs of gynecomastia such as pain or inflammation of the breast tissue, nipple damage or infection. If the puffy nipples are caused by hormonal imbalances, medications such as anabolic steroids may need to be taken.
In some cases, surgical removal of the areola will allow your puffy nipple to flatten out and look more normal. However, surgery should be used as a last resort, because it can have unwanted side effects such as scarring and a poor cosmetic outcome. The best option is to use a combination of treatments like laser therapy and acupuncture to help reduce your puffy nipples.
Depending on the condition of the breast, the surgery may involve:
- the use of liposuction, which is a surgical technique designed to remove excess fat cells from specific areas of the body.
- can include mastectomy, for more severe gynecomastia
- Diode Laser treatment, low-powered, highly targeted laser and it is an an ideal solution for those who do not wish to have surgery.
Anyone concerned about the appearance of their nipples can speak to a doctor about their treatment options.
6. Dietary changes
Excess dietary fat consumption can cause an increase in estrogen production. The body needs less estrogen as fat storage decreases. To lower the amount of circulating estrogen, you may want to cut down on foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol such as butter, meat, cheese and other fatty meats. Instead, opt for lean meats, low-fat dairy products, fish, beans and whole grains.
For a balanced diet, people can try:
- cutting back on dairy products, because they are high in fat
- eating smaller portions,
- avoiding saturated fat
- drinking water instead of sugary drinks,
- eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
7. Herbal Remedies
Some herbal treatments can help reduce the estrogen levels in your body. The most effective ones are those that contain natural anti-estrogens such as
- Fenugreek Seeds – They are great for boosting the production of progesterone and for reducing estrogen.
- Licorice Root – It helps in lowering estrogen levels and relieving PMS symptoms.
- Chaste Tree – It helps fight against estrogen in the body.
- Dong Quai – It helps fight against estrogen.
- Alfalfa Seeds – It helps reduce estrogen and balances hormones.
- Green Tea Extract – It is known to reduce the level of estrogen in the body.
Also, avoid taking excessive amounts of vitamin A (which is found in liver and egg yolks) because it can increase the production of estrogen in the body.
An herbal supplement called aswagandha, or Withania somnifera, may potentially have a positive impact on testosterone levels. Most studies of ashwagandha examine its impact on male fertility, not nipple size.
Trusted Source studied ashwagandha’s role in exercise and strength training. Though it may not help with puffier nipples, the study indicated that ashwagandha had a positive impact on increasing muscle mass.
Summary
Puffy nipples in men are not a serious medical condition, but they can cause discomfort and embarrassment. It can be caused by various factors like genetics, hormonal imbalance, weight gain, and poor nutrition. They can also be a side effect of medication or alcohol intake. In most cases, it can be treated without surgery. However, in some cases, a surgical procedure can be performed to remove the excess fat and skin from the nipple area.