It's taken me about five years to register here...

[grotesk_uk]

Hello. I'm 38 yo from the UK and I have suffered with the crippling mental anguish of gyne for about 20 years. I never spoke to anyone about it or posted on a forum until I visited my GP a couple of weeks ago.

Basically, my condition occupies my mind for a large part of every day, as I am sure many of you are aware. I felt that chatting on this forum or going to the doc would just make it too real so I have been avoiding the issue for over half my life.

About 6 months ago, an uncle of mine, who is in his late 50s, said he was having injections of testosterone to get rid of his manboobs. He had suffered for many years and finally went to his doctor who found he had low-testosterone. Six months later and his boobs are significantly reduced. So, I decided to go to my GP, hoping for a quick fix (I never truly believed this would be the case).

I found verbalising my condition to be very traumatic, even though it was to a doctor. When I got back I 'fessed up to my girlfriend of 18 years. Naturally she said the right things like "I don't think you've really got a problem", etc, but she was being nice. It has been the elephant in the room for a long time. Giving voice to it has somehow made it more real to me though and I am now at the lowest point in my life.

Anyway, I saw my doc today after hearing that my blood test results were "normal". I was naturally disappointed as I know there is now no hope of a quick fix. I did notice that my testosterone was the low side of normal though, a figure of 12.9 on a scale of 9 - 40-something.

Basically me doctor told me that surgery is the only option and that I would have to pay for it myself. I am a mature student with a girlfriend who stays at home to look after our 3-y-o son, so I cannot afford surgery. I am also terrified at the thought of it - not the pain, more the chances it won't work and the fact I may need to tell friends/family.

So, I don't really know why I am posting here. Maybe it's just another step in long and painful process...

[HeavyArms]

Hey, I just joined today as well though I found this site a long time ago.  I know what you mean about facing the reality of it.  It certainly is the elephant in the room and it's not easy for me to talk about it, even anonymously.  It took a lot of contemplating before I decided to make my first post.  Honestly, I'm a little apprehensive about what replies may come... or if they won't. 

Hopefully we both made the right choice coming here for support from others in the same predicament as ourselves.  At the very least, I'll be willing to listen to what you have to say.  We're in this together.

Good luck.

[grotesk_uk]

Thanks man...

[hatemymoobs]

Guys- this is a good first step. Reaching out to others who are going through the same thing.

There are good days and bad days, but keep your chin up because there are ways out of this... it's just not easy by any means.
Depending how bad your case is- go get a few compression tank tops or undershirts. I got some from Underworks and while at first I was depressed about having to wear them to feel less self conscious- I got over that and they've really helped me wear clothes I want to without feeling like my cones are poking out. lol

Take your time. Try not to think about it too much, and do some research all over the web and with doctors. This is a good place to vent and talk and learn a little, but keep in mind this place is full of surgeons only so it's a bit biased.

About the hormones- did they test your Estradiol levels as well as Testosterone? Post up your results from your lab (details) and I'll let you know what I think. I'm not a doctor but I've done some research and have been to an endocrinologist, had a bunch of labs done, and posted on a couple other forums in regards to HRT/TRT. My doc put me on Testim (T gel) but I stopped taking it after 3 days because I want further investigation into why my T is low before committing to a potentially life long treatment.

Good luck and again keep your chin up. Chances are no one notices your moobs. Easier said than done (believe me, I know) but it's true. We're all here to support each other through this awful condition so whenever you want just post up to rant, ask questions, etc...

[Paa_Paw]

Not often do I get to welcome two new guys at one time.

Hopefully you can find some comfort just in knowing that you are not alone. The site is not only for those seeking surgery, wander through and you'll find a variety of differing viewpoints here.

There is some comfort just in being among friends who share the same concerns.

Welcome.

[HeavyArms]

If everything I keep hearing says that the only way to rid yourself of gyne is surgery then what exactly is the point of going to an endocrinologist? 

Similarly, how is this site biased if surgery is the only cure?  Does this mean that there are other ways to get rid of gyne?

[grotesk_uk]

Hello again and thanks for the replies.

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back but I am in denial again...

Anyway, I have an appointment with an endocrinologist in November - I am not sure it will achieve anything but I may as well attend. I don't have my test figures but I will make sure I get them after the appointment.

I have been thinking of going the disguise route - anyone in the UK tried these?

h**p://www.marksandspencer.com/Bodymax-Stretch-Cotton-Sleeve-Shaping/dp/B00323CYLA?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_5&nodeId=332652031&sr=1-5&qid=1318517799&pf_rd_r=1ER4ZRYMNM8JWMCJ949H&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=332652031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

[gynespain]

Hey I was looking for a serious forum on internet since I decided to get the surgery and I convinced my parents to finance it.
Finally yesterday I found this forum, in spanish it some of them, but also talking about other medical issues, so it's not specyallized on gynecomastia.
I'll have my surgery on 20th October, and I'm really impatient, I just want to have it done and know finally how I'm gonna feel after it, if it's smooth enough...

It also took me long time to assume that my only chance was the surgery, and what all that implies, see doctors, make your close family undertand it, options, get information, read, read, read... and finally make the right steps to have one concrete day assigned for the surgery, it's usually a long process for everyone

Let's hope you find some sort of solution, insurance, family support and you can do it

I was in the same situation like you, my insurance didn't cover my kind of gynecomastia, and my only hope were my parents, if they would have said no, or if they couldn't afford it... I should have lived with this till maybe 10 years more, but I fought for it and I was lucky.
In Spain now we have a really high unemployment rate, even higher for young people, so you can imagine, every graduated student from college is now going to work in UK, germany, netherlands... as far as they speak english or german.

Don't loose hope and you'll have your shot.

[xelnaga13]

If everything I keep hearing says that the only way to rid yourself of gyne is surgery then what exactly is the point of going to an endocrinologist? 

Similarly, how is this site biased if surgery is the only cure?  Does this mean that there are other ways to get rid of gyne?

Going to an endro is a MUST! I cannot over state this. Low testosterone and/or excessive estrogen in a male can wreak havoc on a mans physical and mental health. Gyno can be a symptom of hormonal imbalance or worse. Whether you can get gyno surgery or not; getting the underlying hormonal problem in check is a must.

A few years ago my 55yr dad began to have symptoms of serious depression and anxiety. He went to his doctor and was given the usual treatment of antidepresents and anti anxiety pills. After months of zero improvement and increased amounts of the drugs; I finally picked up the phone and called his doctor. Although I was not permitted to hear about my dads treatment; I suggested he may be a testosterone replacement therapy case.

The doc. shrugged me off; stating that he was healthy and had no psychical signs of low T. I did convince him to write an RX for a hormone panel for my dad. Tests came back; my dad had the same testosterone you can expect out of a female child!

Fast forward... He was been on TRT now for many months. Hes happy, outgoing, and energetic. No anti depressents and anxiety pills.

Hormones matter!

[grotesk_uk]

I struggle a lot with depression and have done for at least 20 years. I went to the doctor about in in the late 90s and he put me on various meds but nothing made a difference.

It's got to the point where I just assume that this is my natural state. It's not very nice.

[xelnaga13]

I struggle a lot with depression and have done for at least 20 years. I went to the doctor about in in the late 90s and he put me on various meds but nothing made a difference.

It's got to the point where I just assume that this is my natural state. It's not very nice.

I tried SSRI's before. The never helped me out as much as working out, eating healthy, and staying away from booze did.

Im not totally against them; for some people they work wonders. I do have a problem when doc. treat depression with a medication approach only. Rather than investigating possible root causes.

[grotesk_uk]

Update

Well I finally got to see an endocrinologist last week, after many rescheduled appointments (on their part, not mine). Anyway, he said that my T-count was low but it was within the normal range - it's around 12.9 if I remember correctly. So he has put me on a course of Tamoxifen for six months, in the hope that it will lower my oestrogen.

If this makes no difference (and I seriously doubt it will), he said the other option is surgery, which he said I could have done for free on the NHS as my condition is causing me much mental anguish and stress.

I am terrified by the thought of the surgery. A large part of this is because I would have to let my family know what's happening. Perhaps I can tell them I am having some other procedure...

[grotesk_uk]

I don't want to be accused of spamming/bumping my own thread, but has anyone else here had surgery in the UK on the NHS?

I am a bit concerned that the surgeon will have little or no experience with this procedure. The endocrinologist suggested a surgeon at my local hospital, who specialises in reconstruction, I assume for women with breast cancer.

He said the other option would be a plastic surgeon in a nearby town.

I hate the fact I may need to tell someone what is happening so I can get a lift back from the hospital...

[shaknbake]

I'd be a little worried about going to see a surgeon who specializes in re constructive surgery.  Sounds like he may deal more with mastectomy surgery due to breast cancer, and that is definitely NOT what you want.  A plastic surgeon is the way to go.  They are artists who strive to make their surgical presence the least noticeable in the final results as possible.  By that, I mean they want you to look better, but not look like you've been operated on.  They are better trained at hiding scars and such than a general surgeon.  The last thing you want is to trade off your gyne for ugly scars from a surgeon not properly trained to perform this type of surgery.  It's a tough road you are on, but everyone here is rooting for you!  Hang in there!

[grotesk_uk]

The tamoxifen did nothing, as expected. I saw the endo again and he said he will contact the surgeon who will be in touch. That was 6 weeks ago and I have heard nothing.

My 4 year old son got in bed with me this morning and he said "you've got boobies, like mummy".

I feel about as low as I have ever felt at this moment...