Male "defeminization" and the appearance crisis: Causes and prevention of breast development, hair loss, and premature graying.

Breast development generally begins earliest in girls during puberty, primarily due to high levels of estrogen secreted by the female ovaries. However, some boys entering puberty may occasionally experience pain in their breasts and, upon closer inspection, discover lumps, causing them anxiety. In fact, breast lumps during male puberty are a normal physiological change. Breasts are mainly composed of mammary gland tissue, fat, and connective tissue. When estrogen binds to receptors on mammary gland cells, the cells become more active, leading to cell proliferation and breast development.

After male adolescents enter puberty, their testes produce and secrete both androgens and small amounts of estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the proliferation of mammary gland cells in the nipple area, leading to the formation of lumps in the breast. These lumps in adolescent boys are often localized below the nipple and may sometimes be painful to the touch. Because the increase in estrogen levels during puberty is temporary, these lumps usually disappear on their own within several months to a year. However, in rare cases where the breasts of male adolescents continue to enlarge and become like those of a teenage girl, further examination at a hospital is necessary to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment as early as possible.

The "feminization" of men mentioned here does not refer to men exhibiting feminine traits in their temperament or behavior, but rather to the "feminization" of their physical appearance. Estrogen, a female hormone, promotes breast tissue growth, areola pigmentation, fat and connective tissue accumulation, and breast fullness; it also inhibits the growth of beard and chest hair while stimulating hair growth. Medically, this condition is called "gynecomastia," and there are several possible causes. One is the influence of medication; a more common cause is underlying medical conditions in the male body, such as liver disease, testicular disease, or adrenal gland disease.

G6PD deficiency (favism) is also a genetic disease, affecting approximately 90% of males. Due to the massive destruction of red blood cells, the red blood cell count drops drastically, resulting in severe hemolytic anemia. Premature graying in men is more common in young men and has many causes, primarily: 1. Nutritional deficiencies. A long-term lack of foods containing vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃, and A, as well as protein and copper, will hinder melanin production. 2. Psychological factors. Prolonged depression and excessive mental stress can cause constriction of blood vessels supplying hair follicles. 3. Medical conditions. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and pernicious anemia. 4. Genetic factors.

To prevent premature graying, maintain a cheerful mood, a regular lifestyle, and pay attention to a balanced intake of various nutrients. Massage your scalp: every night before bed and every morning after waking up, rub your scalp with your fingertips for about 5 minutes each time. Scalp massage can promote blood circulation and allow the hair papillae to receive more nutrients. Regularly comb your hair to keep your scalp clean. The method is to repeatedly brush your hair backward with a hairbrush, brushing it dozens of times each morning and evening. If there are only a few gray hairs, you can pluck them out and apply pig bile to the hair follicles to promote regrowth of black hair. If there are many gray hairs, you can take a prescription containing Rehmannia glutinosa, Polygonum multiflorum, and black sesame seeds to regulate your body.

Human hair has a limited lifespan; new hairs grow daily, while others fall out. Hair loss is more common in men than women, and more prevalent among those engaged in mental labor than physical labor. Hair loss is related to the body's endocrine function (primarily androgens), mental and neurological state, and genetics. Male pattern baldness mainly presents in two forms: alopecia areata and premature baldness. Alopecia areata is a temporary hair loss that occurs suddenly, commonly known as "spot baldness." Premature baldness is permanent hair loss. To prevent hair loss, one should pay attention to the following in daily life: avoid using nylon combs and brushes; wash hair frequently; avoid using shampoos with strong degreasing properties; quit smoking; moderate alcohol consumption; reduce stress; use hair dryers appropriately; and prevent constipation.