Referral from GP to Endocrinologist

[MarcMCFC1986]

I went to the doctor when I was around 17-18 with some concern about gynaecomastia. He simply looked at them, told me he had "seen worse", then sent me on my way. I lived with it for another 8-9 years and decided a couple of weeks ago to go back and try again!

He took a blood test, and told me that he would be in touch when results are in. I got a letter this morning to tell me:

" I have your blood results back and they show you have elevated level of oestrogen in your blood which could well be the cause of your symptoms. With this being the case you could be helped with some medication rather than requiring any surgery. I will arrange a referral for you to the endocrinologist's who are the specialists that deal with hormone imbalances, and will arrange any further necessary investigations and make recommendations with regards to what medication will be best for you".

Has anyone else had any treatment from a endocrinologist? And what were the results of your treatment? I'm very excited to be finally getting some sort of treatment for this which I have lived with for we'll over 10 years, but don't want to be disappointed with the results of the treatment.

Thanks in advance

Marc

[srnd2012]

With this being the case you could be helped with some medication rather than requiring any surgery.

Notice he says "could".   I'm no doctor but I highly doubt any medication will get rid of gyne.  Perhaps they will give you some meds to lower the estrogen levels

[Paa_Paw]

What is important is that there is an underlying problem that may be the cause of your Gynecomastia. Even if correcting that problem does not get rid of the condition, It is an important first step. That glandular problem needs to be treated before you think seriously of having surgery.

I note your spelling is UK English while mine is US English. Both spellings are correct here. We even happily work our way through some spelling that is rather creative.

If you have not properly been welcomed to the site, Allow me the privilege of extending that welcome. We are among friends here.

[Keep_It_Moving]

I'm currently working with an endocrinologist and she's prescribing me Tamoxifen, but this will not lower estrogen only block the receptor sites in the breast tissue. That's my understanding.

[MarcMCFC1986]

Hi everyone!

I know my original message was a long time ago, but the NHS works slow over here in the UK.

So, I have been referred to a surgeon - however I have no idea what will be happening at my appointment. The letter I received literally just says I have an appointment with a plastic surgeon on 22nd May.

However, I am concerned that the surgeon won't go ahead with the surgeon. I have no idea whether, from this point of the process, the surgery is guaranteed, or whether the surgeon gets the final say as to whether the procedure goes ahead?

To be honest, I am terrified that it wont happen, as it has been almost a year of appointments with various health professionals, blood tests etc. and if at the end it doesnt go ahead then I'll be gutted. I can't afford to go private but, as you will all be aware, it affects my life on a day-to-day basis - the way I walk, the way I stand, the clothes I wear, my sex life, my confidence and plenty more.

Has anybody in the UK been through this process with the NHS, who could advise what I can expect from my appointment? Or if anybody just knows what I can expect?

I have tried to attach some pictures of myself below, but not sure if it will work as I don't use forums much...

[MarcMCFC1986]

Pictures are here...

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Yes, it does appear that you have gyne, with the left side perhaps worse than the right (can't tell from these photos).

If your hormones are not in normal range, then taking meds to correct them is the first and necessary step.  Once the hormones are stabilized, one can assume that the stimulation from then on your breasts will have been reduced.  Unfortunately, in the vast majority of cases, once breast tissue has grown, it tends to remain even if the hormones are now better.  Witness women who go through menopause with a natural decrease in hormones -- their breast tissue remains (otherwise all us old guys would be crying!).

Then, you should consider surgery to remove your gyne.

If the NHS doesn't cover it, then your alternative is to save some money and go to a private surgeon.

Good luck!

Dr Jacobs

[MarcMCFC1986]

Just got back from my appointment...

AND I AM GETTING SURGERY ON THE NHS FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Literally, I am the happiest man on this planet right now! Bought a scratchcard too, might be my lucky day!!

[MarcMCFC1986]

...Only won £4 on the scratchcard! Never mind!

[jay adams]

Congrats on surgery not the scratcher:)