Gynecomastia

RE: Gynecomastia

Hi Micheal
My cousin developed this condition when he was about 15. He, too, was embarrassed to tell anyone, (his mum was a hospital theatre sister!) but he got round it by making his own appointment to see the family GP. His doc was very reassuring, checked him thoroughly and told him that it was due to hormones racing about his body. It was evident until he was about 18, and then it disappeared. His doc also said that he should try and exercise more, as he was a practicing couch potato, and heavier than he should be. He is now 27 and fit as a flea.

RE: Gynecomastia

Hi Michael, ( wonderful name, its my son's name, I think it means Of God.)
I agree with JTH make your own appointment, for a day when mum isn't working if that helps, Dr's have a code of conduct to stand by, so your treatment will be confidential.
Don't be embarrassed to talk to mum or show her, she's seen more than your nipple a few times you know. She'll probably just say " it's all ok don't fret, but if you are really worried love I'll make an appointment for you". We mum's are here for you no matter what you need to talk about,trust us,we love you to bits. ;);)Lyn.......A Mum xx

RE: Gynecomastia

Thank you both for the advice. Im a fairly fit lad. I play alot of football and have never been overweight, my mates call me skinny, so if anything im underweight.

Ive recently joined a gym, i read somewhere that increasing muscle can sometimes solve this problem, im willing to try anything at the moment, had this burden on my mind way too long.

How would i go about getting an appointment with the family gp? I dont know where to start.

Thanks
Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

You ring the doctors surgery and ask for an appointment, or you can just go along and ask for one. Does your mum work the reception? if so wait till it's her day off, but you know, I think she'd be upset that you haven't approached her and I can't imagine any son wanting to upset mum, for one you'd get no tea ! lol, go on tell your mum.
There is another thing you could do, if you know where there is a walk in medical centre pop in and see if they'd see you. lyn

RE: Gynecomastia

Well my mum works as pharmacist, or something along those lines. The pharmacy bit where she works is connected to the doctors. I live just round the corner from the doctors too, walking distance.

Its her week off now, its my perfect oportunity 🙂

How long is it to get an appointment, in general? Is it usually a long wait?

Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Ring the receptionist and ask for an urgent appointment. All surgeries are different, so we can't tell you how long you may have to wait.

RE: Gynecomastia

Thank you all. Just a few more questions i think, if you dont mind.;)

Have any males on here, or has your male partner/husband experience this problem, if so what solved the problem?
Would be much appriciated 🙂

Cheers
Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Hi Michael, no to your last questions sorry, nor has my son, but thats not to say others haven't, you will not be on your own love.

Ring the doctors ask for an urgent appointment, the receptionist may ask what the problem is, just say it is of a private personal nature, thatI do not wish to discuss with anyone other than the Dr.
lyn

RE: Gynecomastia

I feel like ive let myself down, but ive decided to leave it be for the moment, and hope it goes away on its own.

If it still hasnt gone by the time im 18, then i'll make a visit to the doctors. Thanks all for your help. You have made things alot clearer for me 😉

Thanks
Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Hiya Michael

Have a read of this, it might help.

[link= http://www.baaps.org.uk/content/view/66/60/ ]http://www.baaps.org.uk/content/view/66/60/[/link]

Angel x

RE: Gynecomastia

Oh dear, the thought of surgery has shook/annoyed me abit [sm=banghead.gif]. Is surgery the only known cure for this problem? Thanks for the reply Angel. That read has opened my eyes more and given me more information about the problem.

Thanks Michael.

RE: Gynecomastia

Dear Michael - the article said that less than 10% of men take this through to adulthood, and only a tiny percentage would opt for surgery.
I have three sons and they all went through this, and then their nipples went normal again.
Just another thought though

From-
[link= http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,2015792,00.html ] http://www.guardian.co.uk/medicine/story/0,,2015792,00.html [/link]

quote:

The warnings follow revelations that boys have been warned against using oils or hair gels that contain tea tree oil after three cases of them growing breasts were reported.
Researchers in the US believe that the oils may have hormone-like properties that lead to gynaecomastia - the growth of breasts. When the boys stopped using the oils, the breasts disappeared. Writing in New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers say that the repeated use of such oils may disrupt hormonal function.

Hope this helps, and the best thing to do is relax about it. If your girl friend is a nice girl she won't mind - she's probably got hang-ups about her own body. Just be nice to each other - you may even be able to have a laugh about it! It never seemed to bother my boys' girl-friends..............

Best wishes,
Sharon

RE: Gynecomastia

Sharon thanks alot for your reply. That article is very interesting. I do use creams/lotions for minor acne and i am bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my hair lol. So i do use a fair share of hair wax/gel. I will research the brands i use and look what they are made of, hopefully this will lead to the end of this problem 🙂

Thanks Michael.

EDIT: When looking at the products i use, will it say on them "tea tree oils" or is there a special scientific word for these oils????

RE: Gynecomastia

A little tea tree oil is fine - the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. It's only when people use larger quantities day in day out that these kind of side effects occur.

The latin word for tea tree is melaleuca.

Lesley

RE: Gynecomastia

So it is unlikely that tea tree oils will be the problem for me. I only use hair wax and acne lotions when needed.[&:] hmmmmm.

Thanks Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Michael I think you are probably entirely normal - remember Angel's article said that most teenage boys had symptoms like yours.
Sharon

RE: Gynecomastia

Its just the fact ive had this for nearly 3 to 4 years now 🙁
I didnt realise the change at first, until someone said something in the P.E changing rooms, then i become self aware of it. It just wont go!!!!!

Thanks all for your help and advice. Anymore would be appreciated.

Thanks Michael.

RE: Gynecomastia

I still think thisis normal - but do you have brothers or male cousins or are you able to talk to your father to compare experiences? I think you will find most people to be sympathetic listeners (yourMum for instance - I would hate to think that my boys wouldn't talk to me about something like this, as I could reassure them and make them feel better, and it would be a waste of my sensitivity and experience and my love for them if they were too embarrassed to talk to me. I would think your own Mum is the same? Most Mums love their boys to bits!).
Sharon

RE: Gynecomastia

Yeah i have two older brother, 24 and 21. I think i will talk to my mum sooner or later, whats the worst that can happen eh? 🙂

You speak wise words, im very grateful for your caring replies. My mums name is also sharon, lol, seems like im talking to her. Just shows how easy it can be...well here goes.

Thanks Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Oh Michael that's good to hear.
Hope it all sorts out for you,
Your internet Mum! (nothing like as good as the real thing!)
Sharon

RE: Gynecomastia

Hi Michael,

Just seen this. Yes, tell your mum. She gave birth to you, and will know all about you physically. I'd hate it if my son had something like this and he kept it to himself. Once you've told her, it'll be easier to make the doctor's appointment. It is always best to have something like this checked out, even if it turns out to be nothing at all.

Most breast problems (men's and women's) are usually caused by hormones.

Don't be embarrassed, Michael. Doctors see human bodies every day, and are used to embarrassment in their patients. Your doctor will be able to reassure you, put you at ease and above all, will not discuss your condition with anyone, including your mum.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Patsy.

RE: Gynecomastia

Excuse my language, but what an ignorant w*nker!!!

I have just been to the doctors to see someone about this problem.

When i get in there, i tell him about it, how long its been like this etc.

He didnt even ask to see for himself. All he said was, i quote "this is just you changing".....i have been "changing" for over 3 bloody years!!! [:@]

All this worry over a 30second chat. It's just insulting. He didnt explain why this happens, what can cause it, or what i should do.

This is from a 'skin expert' too [:@] knobhead!!!! 🙁

Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Hey all, just looking for some more information, ive came across this andractim testosterone gel....has anyone heard of this or know if its actually going to work against gynecomastia?
thanks

michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Hi, if i post up a picture of my chest, would this make things more clearer of my situation?
im going on holiday soon in july, and im so desperate to get this sorted before i have to go on beaches and be embarrassed for all of my holiday 🙁
please reply.

thanks michael,

RE: Gynecomastia

here are some pictures..

RE: Gynecomastia

Having lookedat the photos, I do not thinkyouwouldbe a candidate for surgery or anything radical such as drug therapy. I have to admit that I was expecting something far worse. What may be worth doing is finding someone you could talk to about this, as I think, from the photograph, that you are still going through huge pubescent physiologicalchanges - which are likely to continue for a couple of years yet (if you are still 17). My cousin, who had gynecomastia diagnosed at age 15 had actual 'breasts', but these started to disappear when he got to about 18/19 and were completely unnoticeable when he was in his early 20's. Hehad to kind of 'grow' into his adult body. Have you thought of seeking instruction from a personal trainer, so that the surrounding muscle could be improved?

RE: Gynecomastia

Thanks alot for the reply jabba.

i have been recently working out alot, upto 5 times a week at the local gym for about 2 months. Everyone says that they can see a difference in my body and how i have grown bigger.
Im going to the gym tomorrow, i could ask the trainer to give me some exercises for the pectorial muscles...

Do you think this will help?

What do you mean by "huge pubescent physiologicalchanges"?

Thank you for your advice.
Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Has anyone heard of Tribulus Terrestris?

I brought some and its supposedly makes your body increase the amount of testosterone in your body...

Just wondering what you think of this 'natural herb supplement'?

Thanks
Michael

RE: Gynecomastia

Micheal - don't muck around with your hormones - at the very least, have a consultation with a fully qualified medical herbalist or naturopath before putting stuff into your body. You are still growing.

TBH I think you are doing a bit too much navel gazing - how about sticking with the exercise regime for now, and getting on with your life/studies/job.