Author Topic: Grave's/Hyperthyroidism and Gynecomastia  (Read 939 times)

FourT6and2

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Hi there, I'm a 33-year old male recently diagnosed with Grave's Disease—about three months ago. I'm 6' 2", 180lbs. and an active rock climber. So I'm not overweight. I work out 3-5 times a week. No other medical conditions.

Meds: 50mg atenolol, 1/day and 10mg methimazole, 1/day.

My thyroid levels are slowly coming down to normal. I feel great. No lingering symptoms. About 3 weeks into treatment with methimazole I developed gynecomastia in my left nipple. A small 'button' under my nipple, contained within my areola. Had a biopsy to rule out anything bad. But it's gynecomastia.

My endocrinologist says there is no link between gynecomastia and thyroid issues. But that doesn't sound right to me. And I don't think it's a coincidence that it popped up right when I developed Graves'.

Had some blood tests done. Here are the results. My question is: is there anything else I should look at or ask my doctor? Or is it just a hey I have gynecomastia and nothing more can be done. It's no big deal I guess. It isn't physically noticeable to anybody. But it is painful.
I've had routine CBC, calcium, etc. levels as well and they are all normal.

LH: 3.9mIU/mL (1.5 - 9.3)
Estradiol: 30pg/mL (<39)
Prolactin: 6.0ng/mL (2.0 - 18)
FSH: 2.0mIU/mL (1.6 - 8.0)
Total Test.: 756ng/dL (250 - 1,100)
Free Test.: 72.9pg/mL (35 - 155)

Offline Dr. Schuster

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Hyperthyrodism can definitely cause gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is not listd as a possible side effect of Methimazole, which decreases the formation of thyroid hormone itself. 
Dr. Schuster
Chief, Division of Plastic Surgery Northwest Hospital
Private practice in Baltimore, Maryland
10807 Falls Road
Lutherville, Maryland 21093
410-902-9800
email: info@drschuster.com
website: www.CosmeticSurgeryBaltimore.com

Offline Litlriki

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As noted, there is an association between hyperthyroidism and gynecomastia, which seems to improve when the patient has normal thyroid levels again.  The resolution may take some time, but I'm not sure how long it might take.  
Dr. Silverman, M.D.
Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery
29 Crafts Street
Suite 370
Newton, MA 02458
617-965-9500
800-785-7860
www.ricksilverman.com
www.gynecomastia-boston.com
rick@ricksilverman.com

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery


 

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