Learning that you have Gynecomastia is not easy, but my story is interesting as it took the mere words of "Bitch breasts" (This forum automatically changes the word T - I - Ts to Breasts. I guess not to offend someone?) to set off a long 2 week journey of research and very important decisions.
I was never aware that I was self conscious of my chest. It seems that I have the ability to ignore people and hid my condition from even myself. Subconsciously I have worn very loose clothing for many years. I can easily fit into a Medium size shirt, but I own mostly Large shirts. I am 23 as of this writing. I learned that even in high school I had a large chest. But it took the words of Co-Workers to make me fully aware of my condition.
I have had a Girl Friend for 3 years, when I told her about my co-workers calling me "Bitch breasts" she told me that she would guess that I was a B Cup. Now as much as I love her, those words stuck to me. I kept processing that information over and over. Thinking to myself all of the times people were calling me that name.
I eventually went to research the problem. I came across this website and learned all about Gynecomastia. Read the countless stories that others wrote. Even the ones that were obviously "Fetishes and Cross-Dressers" pretending to have the condition. Now I didn't jump to conclusions but had a very good idea that I have Gynecomastia. I tried to understand what causes Gynecomastia, that is when my world changed...
I was diagnosed with ADHD back when I was 8 years old. I was put on medications. After 2 years my medication was switched due to doctors stating that the drug can cause health problems. I never suffered from those. I was then switched to Welbutrine, I suffered a major allergic reaction that left me with locked joints in my knees and hives. I then was placed on Concerta and was diagnosed with Bi-Polar (later learned I was misdiagnosed with Bi-Polar) and placed on Risperdal. I was on this combination of pills from age 10 to 20. At the age of 20 I had a blood test stating high levels of Prolactin. I was never informed that Prolactin causes Breast Development. My doctor thought that Concerta caused this high level and switched me to something else. I then as an adult decided "darn Pills" (Again forum changes the F Word to darn, Do they understand that cursing can be performed in a mature / Professional way?) and took myself off them. I then went though a horrible withdrawal period of a week or so.
I realized that my life has been far better without pills. well that is until I discovered that "Bitch breasts" would lead me to learn that Risperdal causes Breast Growth in boys / men. I can't escape my past as the decisions made back then are permanent.
I was told by my girl friend that I should try both a Sports Bra (for concealing my breasts during work) and a regular bra for at home wear. She measured me and found that I was a 38B. I am a 6"1 tall man and I weigh 188lbs, I am considered normal weight. I ordered some bras online. Now let me say that I wasn't optimistic about trying on a bra. The stigma of it being a "Woman's Garment" is very strong. I felt very weird putting my arms though the straps and clipping the back together. But I was shocked that my "Breasts" filled the cups. I was devastated and felt wrong.
I was also shocked as to how comfortable it was. I felt like a weight was lifted off my chest. I then put on the Sports Bra and was very happy to see my chest being flattened down. I went to work with the Sports Bra on and received comments that I looked good and that people thought I lost weight. I guess that Breast on a man equals fat? I can't see the connection. I also felt very confident, something I haven't felt in years. The lack of protruding breasts gave me back my confidence.
It also did something I never expected, solved my back problems. I have been suffering from back pain since high school. I have been to the chiropractor for a few years. I hated that he was patching my problem with adjustments, never solving the underlying cause.
I have a new respect for bras. I always thought of them as a woman's underwear. I never realized what they do for women until I learned first hand. Bras are made for breasts, not women. Yes 99% of women have breasts therefor they are the target audience. I am sure if more men had breasts things would be different. I have stayed far away from the more "Girly" bras (AKA Victoria's Secret, certain colors, lace, push-up etc) Instead I bought white, black and nude. They can be so comfortable that I forget I am even wearing one. I even forgot to switch to my Sports Bra, someone asked why I had "breasts". That was a very fun conversation. Let's just say he now respects me and all of those who suffer from Gynecomastia.
I eventually started buying more bras and sports bras. The stigma I felt initially has withered away, it still can bother me from time to time. The pros from wearing bras has completely outweighed the cons. I let my parents know of my condition. It wasn't easy to talk about. They jumped to the "You should workout" conclusion. I hated to break it to them that this would require surgery to remove.
I looked at some old photos of me when I lost weight down to 165lbs, which is almost underweight for my height. I still had a large chest, some people said I looked like a leukemia patent. I guess that since I had breasts, I never thought I was that thin.
It is still strange that I wear bras, but everyone that I informed about my condition hasn't made a fuss about it. They actually encourage me to continue wearing bras. I hate it when getting my back scratched by my Girl Friend she asks me if she can remove my bra. It feels ass backwards in that situation.
For the psychological factor, it is a consistent battle of how to cope. I do blame the poor decisions of my doctors for my condition. I later learned that I never had bi-polar. I also learned that Risperdal has been involved in class action lawsuits due to being prescribed to ADHD patents even though it was never approved for treatment use. I was the victim of greedy decisions, the victim of a clueless doctor, the victim of being a child who had no choice but to go along for the ride.
I have looked into surgery, however I am not the type of person who likes doctors, blood tests, needles. I try to back out of getting anything done to me unless I absolutely have to. I even passed out at the dentist for getting 4 shots in the gum-line prior to drilling. I just can't see myself going the surgery route. The healing process afterwards makes me sick thinking about it.
I am stuck behind a rock and a hardplace. I do think that surgery would end my battle with Breasts, however I just can't do it.
My feelings towards that whole "We need to make people aware of this" is moot. I think people shouldn't care at all. Why do we need to have others accept us for our Medical Condition. Do Diabetics need acceptance? Nope I do think it is the fact that a Man is supposed to follow strict, bullshit guidelines on how to be a man. I personally do not conform to the "guy code" I write my own rules and follow what I want. I hate sports, drinking, partying. You can say that my personality is more like Sheldon from "Big Bang Theory" just not as plain. I am a very logical person. I try to make sense of every issue. I will admit Gynecomastia was a hard nut to crack. But after finding something that works for me I am feeling better than ever.
To wrap things up, I am glad to understand my condition. It may not be ideal nor wanted, but I manage to live with it. You will find on any forum Idiots and some crazies. This forum is no exception. Look, if you want to wear a bra, just do it. You don't need some stranger on a forum to approve your desires. The only people who's opinions matter are Family, and very close friends. I learned to like bras, I don't get frills wearing one. If you do, that is your prerogative. Now from a sexuality point of view, I guess since wearing one I find bras less sexy. There is more to a woman than a big pair of breasts. It is a loving, caring and dedicated person.
"What makes a man, a man, anyway? It's more than testosterone levels--it's a sense of duty, honor, and willingness to provide protection, and you have all of these qualities in spades." (my girl friend once told me this)
Topic: Story of how I learned I have Gynecomasita and my eventual Acceptance (Read 5117 times)
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