gynecomastia

There are many side effects to steroid over usage. Thankfully most are not that bad health wise. However, there are some side effects which surely are not pleasant such as gyno. Gynecomastia is the swelling of breast tissue in men. It is often seen as a result of over usage and has noticeable effects on the breast size and shape. Some of the effects are caused by steroid aromatization. In this process, the strong androgens get converted to estrogen by the liver and then into estradiol. Gynecomastia is not a serious problem but can cause distress in its own right. So let us find out more about this condition, how it happens and what are some preventions for it. This article gives you some insight into its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. There is also a section on drug interactions with steroids which may not be as widely known.

What causes Gynecomastia?

There are many factors which can cause gynecomastia but mainly it is as a result of high levels of circulating testosterone in men. Testosterone level is generally known to affect breast size and shape in men. 

The mechanism of gynecomastia is multifaceted. Androgen (male hormone) levels are naturally higher in men than women. However, when the balance becomes more androgenic (male hormone producing) it can cause swelling in the breast tissue. For example, anabolic steroids hormones such as testosterone can bind to androgen receptors in an overly literal sense causing a surplus of male hormones. The balance of the hormones skew in a more androgenic direction which causes the swelling of breast tissue.

The most common cause of gynecomastia is steroid usage, but not always from anabolic steroids. Some drugs such as marijuana also have a high ratio of Androgenic to estrogenic activity which may cause gyno. This is why marijuana users are at a higher risk for breast enlargement. However, the onset is immediate upon the ingestion of marijuana and does not take several months (or even years) to develop.

What are common symptoms?

The common symptoms of gynecomastia are distinct. The upper side breast becomes somewhat swollen, tender, feel like a marble under the skin and nipples can become enlarged as well. The swelling can spread to all parts of the chest and may make it impossible to tell specific limits between the breast and pectoral muscles. Pain is also quite possible in case the area is large enough. The patient may experience discomfort or burning sensation during exercise or activities when pressure is applied to the chest area which can be quite painful at times as well.

Symptoms of gynecomastia include:

-breast lump(s)

-enlarged breast tissue (sometimes to the point where they are asymmetrical)

-discomfort or pain in breast area from swelling, along with tenderness, or possibly even sensitivity in nipple area. Note that this pain may be more pronounced in one breast over another possibly because one is slightly larger than the other.

-rapid increase in breast size (generally to a noticeable degree within one month) to the point where it interferes with daily activity.

-may or may not be painful to the touch. If pain is experienced it will be similar to that of a sprained muscle or pulled ligament (painful but not debilitating). However, some may experience more severe chest discomfort/pain.

Treatment for gyno involves getting off of anabolic steroids, and resolving the issue without steroids. The most effective treatment is surgical removal, known as a gynecomastia reduction. This procedure is designed with the goal of returning your body back to its natural state before symptoms appeared. Surgical reduction is the most effective treatment for gynecomastia. The surgery removes the glandular tissue from under your chest muscle. Devoted gynecomastia surgeons are designed to leave as little scarring as possible, and a quick recovery time. The goal of the surgery is to give you a natural looking body once again.

If you want to avoid surgery, it is possible but not recommended. Since gynecomastia is caused by excess estrogen in your body, getting off of all anabolic steroids will reduce your estrogen levels and thus cure your symptoms. However, it will take time for everything to heal back to normal, and some scarring may still remain after stopping steroid use. The good news is it is possible to reduce the size of enlarged breast tissue. You can safely achieve this with natural methods and find relief from symptoms. 

There are a variety of ways you can reduce or eliminate your symptoms:

-Reduce your estrogen levels. There are many natural herbs that do so safely, effectively, and affordably. You can also boost your testosterone levels (which will naturally reduce estrogen), as well as support healthy liver function (cleanse or detox). If you need a detox supplement, use Liver Support. Follow a healthy lifestyle! This goes without saying but it is something we all should still consider if you are looking to avoid gyno .