Gynecomastia - male breast questions - Men's Health Message Board

Darkfur · 09-05-2003, 12:22 AM

Hi. I lost a testicle 7 years ago (causing a low testosterone level) and only months later I began growing pointy breast-like projections. These breasts are now about a handful each. A few years back, one doctor said they were just fat. This year, a different doctor determined it was gynecomastia.

Is it possible to know the difference between small male breasts which are made of fat, versus true gynecomastic ones, just by appearance alone? The first doctor shrugged them off at just a glance, while the second doctor knew it was gynecomastia only by feeling glandular breast tissue in there.

I'm a bit heavy (225 lbs) and I have somewhat of a fat gut. How much do you feel my weight is contributing to my breast development? What size "breasts" might a male of my weight without gynecomastia be expected to have?

Allow me to describe my breasts. Do these sound like "fat" or "boobs" to you...?

Looking down upon my chest, my nipples seem to be pointing away from "forward" at 35 degree angles. In the mirror, they seem to be pointing forward.

When viewed from the side (standing with my back slightly toward the mirror) my breasts always stick out, at about 1.5 inches when the ruler is gently placed against the skin right below the breast. I can really notice this when I walk past a shop window and see my reflection.

They are sometimes more rounded, and sometimes more droopy and pointed. The difference between these "extremes" is not a lot. From the front, they just look like small, fatty, hairy, rounded-underneath male breasts. Sometimes my nipples will swell and combine with the area around them (independently) and a splash of cold water is all it takes to get them back to normal.

I am planning to have the breast tissue removed this winter. The surgeon will not remove any fat. What do you suppose the end result might be?

If anyone has any thoughts on this subject, or lives with (or has lived with) male breasts, I would love to hear your opinions. Thank you.

Gine2D · 09-05-2003, 06:57 AM

Gynecomastia is large male breasts of glanduar nature.
It is usually caused by too many female hormones & not enough male hormones. Many things can cause this unbalance. Losing a testicle is one of those.

I would suggest that you get the breast growth stopped before any surgery. A plastic surgeon will remove most of the glands & fat. Some gland tissue will always remain & some fat has to remain to give a smooth appearance.

Since some of the gland can not be removed they may grow back if the underlying cause has not been corrected.

My gynecomastia started in puberty. The female hormones kicked in before the male ones. I now, years later, use a testosterone gel to try to keep things in balance. I have other conditions than you also.
I am a 42C & have no plans for surgery.

Go to a doctor of endocrinolgy & try to get the hormones balanced for your body.

Good luck,

G

Gine2D · 09-05-2003, 07:02 AM

Yes fat guys have bigger breasts. Lose some weight & they will get a bit smaller. I noticed in one of your other posts that this is a lifelong problem with one testicle.

I would suggest that you also get tested for Klinefelters. You have many of the same conditions that are indicated in Klinefelters. It may be in the chromosomes like mine. Do some research on Klinefelters.

Good luck,

G

Darkfur · 09-05-2003, 12:12 PM

Thanks for your reply!

I did a little reading about the Klinefelters that you have - that does not seem like my problem. I'm sorry that you have it. You seem very brave on these boards like it does not bother you. When I'm in public, almost all I can think of is "people can see me" even though my teats are small enough to be dismissed as gross fat.

My breasts are most likely just due to low testosterone. They weren't a "life long" problem. This began in 1997 when I was 23. I kind of knew they were breasts, but was eating a lot and often at the time and sort of convinced myself I was getting fat. I don't know WHY I didn't go back to the doctor!

Now in 2003, I know they are breasts. I still am not sure HOW MUCH is fat and how much is breast tissue, thus this thread.

I have begun testosterone replacement therapy recently. So far, I've only had four injections. One of the possibile side effects of these shots IS gynecomastia. Should I wait to see if my breasts get LARGER before cutting out the entire works, or just go ahead an get these puppies removed and hope for the best? I imagine one glandular material is removed new stuff cannot grow to replace it, can it? Isn't there a finite amount of this stuff in my body? If my TRT is about to further my gynecomastia, how long does this usually take to become apparent?

The reason I am going to get this surgery done in the winter is simple. I will be wearing my coat at work all the time, and no one will see my chest. By the time spring rolls around, people will think I have just lost weight. Only the two people I have confided in will know the truth.

zak · 09-05-2003, 02:09 PM

When you press down hard on the nipple do you feel a hard lump? That would also be an indicator of gyno.

If you start TRT periodically check estradiol as T can increase that too which can cause or further increase gyno.