Looking out for my brother

[Cole1992]

Hey guys,

I went through gynecomastia and had surgery as it was not going away.

Now, I've noticed my brother getting it since his voice dropped recently.

I have some Nolvadex left over from trying to use it to get rid of my gyno.

So my question is, since he has just developed puffy nipples, could Nolvadex help him get rid of his gyno since it's only just started? I dont want him to go through what I went through, it was hell, as you all know. Is there any chance of reversing his with Nolvadex?

[headheldhigh01]

i don't want to say no, but in principle, dinking around with hormones without a little professional input, like talking to an endocrinologist, isn't usually that great an idea. 

[mrpower33]

I would try AIFM over Nolvadex.  But I guess it wouldn't hurt.  Make sure you get the dosing right.  For those of you who freak out about this stuff, they've done trials on kids with Tamoxifen, it's harmless and in a certain percentage of boys it can reverse gyne if you catch it in time.  Check out Pubmed and search for it.  I think that Aromasin is probably a better idea though, it's an aromatase inhibitor.  I have heard of AIFM curing gyne on boys if you catch it early enough.  Clearly with most boys there is a natural process by which it goes away, most boys have gyne during puberty but it usually goes away on its own.  I think that's great that you're looking out for your bro.  If it works, please post. 

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Before anyone starts taking drugs (all of which have some type of side effect), it would behoove them to have a thorough base-line evaluation by an endocrinologist.  That way you know from where you are starting.  The doctor can then prescribe the appropriate medication (and follow its effect with blood tests) if indeed it is indicated at all.

Self prescribing medication is never a good idea.

Dr Jacobs

[Paa_Paw]

There is very little chance of anyone doing any good by medicating themselves.

On the other hand, there is a very large possibility that a person could make things worse.

I agree thoroughly with Dr. Jacobs.

[mrpower33]

Well, I don't think it would hurt to go see an endocrinologist, but you can review the studies for yourself.  There are tons of them where doctors gave Tamoxifen to otherwise healthy boys, yes, the breast cancer drug.  If his brother is healthy and has no family history of medical problems, I don't see what the big deal is.  I think people overreact when it comes to "drugs".  In fact, you will likely have to print out the studies to convince your doctor to prescribe something, even if there is very good evidence that it could work, and with very low likelihood of side effects.

Do you know what the truth is?  The medical community is just totally ignorant about gynecomastia, it's causes, treatments, etc.  Not to be critical of plastic surgeons, because I have had the surgery myself and am quite happy with the results, but there seems to be really little incentive to pursue research in this area as long as lots of money can be made by cutting it out.  That's just my cynical perception of our health care system. 

[Paa_Paw]

There are some GPs who will prescribe almost anything you ask for; Others who will not prescribe anything "off label."

Monitoring of treatment is very important, especially when a drug is used in a manner other than that for which it was originally intended. If you are playing games with a medication which is intended to alter the levels of your reproductive hormones, monitoring of your hormone levels by a specialist is very important. Anything less would be unwise.

[mrpower33]

Look, I have no problem with seeking the opinion of medical professionals, but what I am saying is that the "clergy" that is the modern medical profession is not what you think.  There is a reason that health care costs are going out of control.  If you think that there is not any possibility that this pressure is coming directly from doctors themselves, then you are naive beyond reproach.   Of course, health care professionals are going to deny that as long as they can, but the numbers speak for themselves.   You have to question your sources, always. 

If there is anything that the past decade has shown us is that you can't trust that "professionals" are always looking out for your best interests.  Concomitantly, you shouldn't discount your ability to solve your own problems.  The only people that are going to tell you to rely on them with blind faith are those that are trying to scam you.  I think this is true in all aspects of life.  It's odd that when it comes to medicine, people seem to just roll over.  The reality is, how you deal with your mechanic is probably most analogous.  Of course, doctors are going to whine about that comparison, but I challenge one of them to make a substantive distinction, in the vast majority of cases.  It's really a class thing at the end of the day.  So really, don't be fooled.  If you have an IQ of over 110, you can figure out most things for yourself.  If you're dumb, of course you should go see the doctor. 

[Paa_Paw]

The man who medicates himself has a fool for a Doctor.

The Doctor who medicates himself has a fool for a patient.