I finally took the time to write a proper introduction. I’ve been a member and reader for some time, but always felt awkward about posting/chiming in without introducing myself first or sharing my story. The content here has been helpful and encouraging, and I hope to return the favor.
I am married, 50s, with two young adult kids, and while I’ve never really been able to build trim, bulky muscle despite weight training, I am tall and have broad shoulders. For most of my life, my breasts have been more moob shaped (horizontal oval and wide set) than boob (circular or teardrop), but not droopy. There is a fair amount of firm tissue; I had a mammogram and ultrasound more than a year ago and it confirmed gynecomastia which I had long suspected. It has slowly grown since late teens, increasing with GERD, BP meds and especially with prostrate meds the past 5 years. Being a stocky guy, and still moobish, it’s in plain view but even today I don’t get second looks, even at the pool (although I am self conscious about showing noticeably, I may need to wear a swim shirt if growth continues).
10 years ago I considered surgery but my wife thought it was unnecessary, and still does. My testosterone has been on the low side of normal but my Dr doesn’t want to add T because it would aggravate my prostrate issues; everything else in the normal range. As I became more comfortable with myself realizing its not uncommon, and unable to attain/stay trim (close many times), I now simply accept and appreciate it.
I now wear a bra or some type of compression ~65% of the time. Through trial and error, I was surprised to find I am a 38DD if the bra is more elastic, 40D if is less so, in an underwire. I have tried a 40DD, but I don’t quite fill it. I now generally wear an XL/XXL pullover sports bra at home or when out and about, and men’s compression tanks for work - and dark colored or patterned non-slim-fit shirts or dress shirts and none seems to be the wiser. My wife is OK with sports bras, but not sure about underwires which have much more projection. That said, I’ve been trying them and I can generally wear an underwire with a dark button up shirt without getting noticed, even by my family (I do so in situations where hugs are unlikely).
I look forward to actively participating.