How do you know if it is fat or gynecomastia

[dboy10]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I am 51 and been on Androderm 5mg patch for 1 1/2 years because my T level was  below 250.  I only have one testicle for about 25 years.  About 3 months ago I started getting boobs.  I am very embarrassed and can't talk to anyone about it. How do I know if it is just fat or gyne? My weight has been steady between 238-250 the past 5 years.  Please help !!!

[jackanonymous]

unfortunately, you can't say for sure just alone by looking at it 
you need to get examined by a doctor, he's gonna run some tests, he might take blood and might do a x-ray on you 

[jtd993]

With no recent wt gain and the testosterone patch, I imagine it's gynecomastia.  Your body is probably responding to the testosterone with increased estrogen.  If you can feel a distinct hard lumpy tissue it's gyne.  Find a surgeon if it bugs you and see if insurance will cover it (since it's a drug side-effect).  Good luck!

[dboy10]

Thank you for your help. I will have to call the doctor. I am so upset about this, I am so embarrassed. 

[DrBermant]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I am 51 and been on Androderm 5mg patch for 1 1/2 years because my T level was  below 250.  I only have one testicle for about 25 years.  About 3 months ago I started getting boobs.  I am very embarrassed and can't talk to anyone about it. How do I know if it is just fat or gyne? My weight has been steady between 238-250 the past 5 years.  Please help !!!

Gynecomastia is a contour deformity that is usually composed of fat, gland, and sometimes of skin.  The components can vary, but the effect on the emotion is the same, many just do not like the deformity. Have you checked your Body Mass Index or BMI on a calculator?  For those where fat is a major component, weight loss before gynecomastia surgery is usually better than weight loss after surgery.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
Learn More About Gynecomastia and Chest Sculpture

[elcrep]

How do you know if it's fat or gland?

feel it.

if its dribbley and squelchy like the rest of the flub on your body, its fat.

if its sort of hard and has a definate shape, its a gynecomastia gland.

if you cant feel it, lose some weight, and you'll be able to tell more accurately

[Paa_Paw]

It really makes little difference. As Dr. B pointed out, Usually it is both to some degree. The adverse effects are very rarely physical but nearly always emotional and the emotional impact is the same in either case.