Gyno and nipple discharge after my first prohormone cycle

[irfu91]

I have just created this account in an effort to find advice as to what to do to help my problem. I am 19 and did a 5 week cycle of prohormones, hdrol to be exact. Before I continue I want everyone to know I realize just how foolish it was to tamper with such supplements, especialy at my age. I take responsibility for what I did and the side effects that have come with it. I knew full well what the risks were, I just thought if I went through all the steps to run it as safely as possible I would pull through fine.
Now onto the problem. It has been nearly three months since I have been off prohormones and and my pct, which included a serm among other supplements. At first I expierience erection problems. My libido was not severly hit, just my ability to attain a full erection or one at all. I immediatley went to the dr and got blood work done. I was fine for the most part, but my test levels were far higher than they were supposed to be and my red blood cell count was a little to high. He said to just give it time to stabalize.  About a month ago I developed a firm lump under my right nipple. I know there are treatments that can be used to help cure the gyno if caught early, so I'm looking for suggestions as to what approach to take. My dr. Says to wait it out, but from what I've researched waiting generaly results in requiring surgery, which I would like to avoid. The other day another troubling side effect occured. I had nipple discharge upon squeezing my nipple. I asked my dr to check my prolactin levels and they came back normal. So as of now all my blood work shows I am completley fine yet I'm still expieriencing such harsh side effects. Any ideas where to go from here?

[irfu91]

If any information about my supplementation is needed I am glad to provide it.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

You should consult with an endocrinologist to get a complete picture of your hormonal status.

Sometimes, in its very early stages, one can halt or even regress the growth of hormone-induced gyne.  Don't know if this applies to you.  If you opt to wait it out, then do so for at least 6 months or more.  If it still remains, then you may require surgery to remove it completely.

Dr Jacobs

[DrBermant]

I have just created this account in an effort to find advice as to what to do to help my problem. I am 19 and did a 5 week cycle of prohormones, hdrol to be exact. Before I continue I want everyone to know I realize just how foolish it was to tamper with such supplements, especialy at my age. I take responsibility for what I did and the side effects that have come with it. I knew full well what the risks were, I just thought if I went through all the steps to run it as safely as possible I would pull through fine.
Now onto the problem. It has been nearly three months since I have been off prohormones and and my pct, which included a serm among other supplements. At first I expierience erection problems. My libido was not severly hit, just my ability to attain a full erection or one at all. I immediatley went to the dr and got blood work done. I was fine for the most part, but my test levels were far higher than they were supposed to be and my red blood cell count was a little to high. He said to just give it time to stabalize.  About a month ago I developed a firm lump under my right nipple. I know there are treatments that can be used to help cure the gyno if caught early, so I'm looking for suggestions as to what approach to take. My dr. Says to wait it out, but from what I've researched waiting generaly results in requiring surgery, which I would like to avoid. The other day another troubling side effect occured. I had nipple discharge upon squeezing my nipple. I asked my dr to check my prolactin levels and they came back normal. So as of now all my blood work shows I am completley fine yet I'm still expieriencing such harsh side effects. Any ideas where to go from here?

I have seen patients who made a mess of the balance of their hormone system with prohormones. Some self corrected, others became refractory to treatment. A single blood test does not make an adequate evaluation of this issue. I prefer sending my patients to an experienced Endocrinologist to evaluate, test, and stabilize. There is way too much variations in quality of laboratory work by different centers that need to be understood before even relying on a number for a test.

What gland is swollen from stimulation, may yet decrease. If there is still an imbalance in the system, you may not be done yet with growth and other issues like nipple discharge. Once the swelling goes away you can then assess what contour deformity remains. That usually will need to be accepted or surgically sculpted.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, M.D.

[Litlriki]

I deal with a lot of patients who have their gynecomastia from steroids and pro-hormones, as do Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bermant. Prior to 2001, I also used one of the 19-nor-andro products, prior to them being banned in the organization in which I competed.  Since then, the products that have come out have been refined and adjusted to stay one step ahead of what's illegal, and some remarkably "effective" supplements have been created.  Regrettably, while these products can be effective anabolic stimulants, they also have many of the same side effects as the "real thing," including suppression of your own system and potential for causing gynecomastia.  Whenever I see a patient who, like you, has used a product briefly with resultant gynecomastia, I encourage them to wait six months before taking any action.  During that six months, I tell them to take NOTHING, other than protein supplements and perhaps creatine and flax or fish oils.  You really need to allow time for full resolution of your hormonal axis, and testing may not be meaningful, since it only assesses your levels at that moment without looking at trends. 

So, my recommendation is a six month supplement free period, and if you still have an issue, see a plastic surgeon at that point, and consider further endocrine workup at that point as well. 

Good luck,

Rick Silverman

[irfu91]

I really appreciate your prompt replies and advise. I asked my dr if a serm would help my situation and he felt it would be best to let my body naturally regain its correct balance without putting more chemicals into it. I will do as he and you all have recommended and wait and see if it corrects itself. I know this site is focused on gyno, but I would like you imput on the erectile dysfuction issue. This is an iproblem that as you can guess is causing a lot of distress in my life. I have taken many different herbs that are supposed to aid ed, such as tribulous, citrulline malate, maca, and horny goat weed and non of them have had much, if any, effect at all. I asked my doctor if he would prescribe me cialisis and he refused due to my age. I understand the risks that come with cialisis, but from my readings nothing says that age is a factor. I am considering ordering cialisis online, but I would like your input before proceeding in that direction. Thank you again for all of the help you've given me thus far.

[irfu91]

Also, my last lab tests said my test levels were in the mid 400's and that everything else appeared to be fine. I have not yet gotten the chance to see an endocrinologist due to a scheduling error, but I will be seeing him in a montch, which is the earliest I am able to be scheduled. My dr however spoke to him about my symptoms and and the cause of them and he supported my dr's course of action, opting that putting more chemicals in my body right now may just aggravate the situation

[Litlriki]

With normal testosterone levels, and an endocrine evaluation in a month, I stand by my previous recommendation that you wait patiently until things return to normal.  You could spend your entire life chasing your tail if you are reactionary to every abnormal laboratory result following use of an unregulated "hormonal" supplement.  You want your body to be back to normal and un-medicated, and you will only complicate the situation by adding additional variables.

Keep us posted.

RS