Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by development and enlargement of breast tissue is male subjects. It may occur temporarily in newborns and is experienced by half or more of adolescent boys during puberty, though 75% of these cases resolve themselves within 2 years. Gynecomastia is also a common side effect of steroid usage. Increasing the levels of androgens in the body causes estrogen levels to rise as well. This means that in addition to promoting classically male attributes such as large muscles and increased strength, feminine attributes such as breasts can occur.
Popular Perception of Gynecomastia
The biggest negative result pertaining to gynecomastia is the perception by others. With the exception of minor pain or sensitivity, gynecomastia is largely an aesthetic concern. In the bodybuilding community, a high value is placed on appearance. This is especially true in the case of bodybuilding competitions. As a result, gynecomastia is addressed in a somewhat derogatory manner. Common terms used to describe gynecomastia are "moobs," (a portmanteau of "man boobs"), "bitch tits," or simply "gyno." It has been said that the worst fear of bodybuilders is gynecomastia.
An example of a bodybuilder with (left) and without (right) gynecomastia:
Gynecomastia Symptoms
Gynecomastia occurs as a result of altering the ratio of androgens and estrogens in the male body. The most obvious feature is firm or rubbery chest tissue extending outwards from the nipple/areola. Growth may occur on one or both sides and can cause significant stress and anxiety. An increase in the diameter or a noticeable asymmetry of chest tissues can also indicate gynecomastia. In some cases gynecomastia can be mistaken for breast cancer by an uninformed observer. While gynecomastia is unpleasant and unsightly, it is also benign.
Prevention
As previously mentioned, gynecomastia is a result of increased estrogen. In the case of bodybuilders and athletes, this can easily be brought about by prolonged steroid use. In order to prevent gynecomastia, as well as other side effects, steroid users employ anti estrogen and or aromatase inhibitor medications. Substances such as Clomid, Nolvadex and Femera are used to minimize production and effects of estrogenic compounds in the body. Because many of these medications were developed for the treatment of breast cancer, they are ideally suited to slowing or reversing growth of breast tissue.
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46.50 USD
62.00 USDClomid
Trade Name: Clomid
Compound: Clomiphene Citrate
Strength: 50 mg/tab
Container: 100 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Dragon Pharma -
38.50 USD
55.00 USDNolvadex
Trade Name: Nolvadex
Compound: Tamoxifen Citrate
Strength: 20 mg/pill
Container: 100 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Dragon Pharma -
59.25 USD
79.00 USDFemara
LABORATORY TESTED!
Trade Name: Femara
Compound: Letrozole
Strength: 2.5 mg/pill
Container: 100 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Dragon Pharma
Treatment Options
Gynecomastia treatment usually revolves around anti estrogen medications such as SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) and aromatase inhibitors are used to control and manage the levels of estrogen within the body as well as the effectiveness of the estrogen receptors. Both of these classes of drug can help minimize or reverse the effects of gynecomastia though they have not been specifically approved by the FDA to do so. In some cases, gynecomastia cannot be reversed through medication or diet. In these situations, medical intervention including surgery may need to be considered.
Letrozole
One of the most popular medications for the treatment of gynecomastia is Letrozole. Letrozole is an orally adminstered aromatase inhibitor. Itinhibits the production of estrogen by itself binding to the aromatase enzyme, preventing androgens from being converted by 98% or more. In some cases letrozole can cause joint pain, sweating, hot flashes and fatigue. Letrozole is available under such trade names:
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59.25 USD
79.00 USDFemara
LABORATORY TESTED!
Trade Name: Femara
Compound: Letrozole
Strength: 2.5 mg/pill
Container: 100 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Dragon Pharma -
28.00 USD
40.00 USDLetroxyl
Trade Name: Letroxyl
Compound: Letrozole
Strength: 2.5 mg/pill
Container: 30 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Kalpa Pharmaceuticals -
28.00 USD
40.00 USDLetrobol Tablets
Trade Name: Letrobol Tablets
Compound: Letrozole
Strength: 2.5 mg/pill
Container: 50 Pills
Manufacturer: British Dragon Pharmaceuticals -
28.00 USD
40.00 USDLetroplex
Trade Name: Letroplex
Compound: Letrozole
Strength: 2.5 mg/pill
Container: 50 Pills
Manufacturer: Axiolabs
Anastrozole
Anastrozole, popularly known as Arimidex is a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor. It is practically very similar to Letrozole and is frequently used as a first line treatment. Arimidex is slightly older than Letrozole and has therefore been in use for a longer period of time. There is anecdotal evidence that patients being administered Anastrozole experience a higher instance of aches or muscle pain which may prompt a switch from one to the other. Anastrozole is available under such trade names:
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58.50 USD
78.00 USDArimidex
LABORATORY TESTED!
Trade Name: Arimidex
Compound: Anastrozole
Strength: 1 mg/pill
Container: 100 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Dragon Pharma -
24.50 USD
35.00 USDArimixyl
Trade Name: Arimixyl
Compound: Anastrozole
Strength: 1 mg/pill
Container: 30 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: Kalpa Pharmaceuticals -
37.80 USD
54.00 USDAnastrozole Tablets
Trade Name: Anastrozole Tablets
Compound: Anastrozole
Strength: 1 mg/pill
Container: 100 Pills in Sachet
Manufacturer: British Dragon -
37.80 USD
54.00 USDArimiplex
Trade Name: Arimiplex
Compound: Anastrozole
Strength: 1 mg/pill
Container: 50 Pills
Manufacturer: Axiolabs
Surgical Intervention
In some more severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to reverse gynecomastia. This procedure is referred to as a mastectomy. In the case of gynecomastia it may be combined with a form of liposuction to remove excess adipose tissue. This is the most drastic method of treatment for gynecomastia and should not be undertaken lightly. Even the most minor of invasice surgeries carry significant risk. Ideally, gynecomastia should be treated, or even prevented, before it becomes permanent.
Steroid induced gynecomastia is a very preventable condition. With proper attention to dosage and time limits, many bodybuilders will never experience it. In the case of more zealous bodybuilders, gynecomastia does become a concern, but even then it can be easily prevented with the use of relatively easy to obtain substances. The key factor is to simply do your research and be careful. As long as you're following the right guidelines and have an eye out for side effects like gynecomastia you should be just fine.