painful Gynecom questions

[axkiker]

Hey all I have a couple quick questions

#1 I have had this darn problem since I was a young kid.   Started out years ago when I was young and fairly over weight as puffy nipples.   Now that I am 33 and in good shape I still have the same problem. PLUS over the last several months I seem to have developed a large lump under my left nipple which is painful.  HAve any of you all had any pain associated with your gyne....   I have always wanted to get the surgery but never had the $$.  Now that I seem to be getting this large hard lump which is painful im getting concerned that its something worse etc.

#2  Anyone have any success getting insurance companies to pay.  I tried a long time ago but was denied.  Now that I have pain associated with the issue I was curious if my outcome would be any different.

#3  What type of Dr. would I go to first to check this issue out?

Thanks

[Raider Fan]

Your regular doctor should probably order a mammogram and ultrasound for you, just to check things out.  Especially since there's been a change in your condition and it's only on one side. 

Most likely, the tests will show what you already know (you've got gynecomastia), but you need to make sure just to rule out something more sinister is going on. 

After this test, the question will remain.....why is this hard lump occurring at 33 years of age?  Most likely, the delicate hormonal balance is slightly off and it is manifesting itself under your left nipple.  You need to have your testosterone and estrogen levels checked. 

Your doctor needs to pursue the REASON this is happening, not just cavalierly discount it and tell you "it's common and it'll go away."  He needs to order blood tests to check your hormone levels.  He should know which tests to order. 

If you want to get into the matter even more, ask him for a referral to an endocrinologist, as they are specialists in this type of thing. 

Good luck to you.

[axkiker]

Well thats why I was thinking about possibly going straight to an endocrinologist.   I currently dont have insurance so im not sure if I could afford all the tests etc anyways.

If im gonna end up there anyways I might as well skip the general dr.

thanks