hcg injection impact on Gynecomastia

[bendo]

Good morning (as it is an US forum).

I'm a 36 years old French. I was detected as having homogenous Klinefelter's syndrome during the infertility tests.

I am going to be operated via micro TESE in about 7 months to try to find sperm. But first I need to take hormone treatment to maximize chances of finding sperm. First, during 15 days, I need to take about 5000 UI of hcg twice a week. And if results are good, I will get an other prescription for 6 months but I still don't know the amount of hcg for this second part. So I need to start this "test" treatment in few weeks.

I asked the surgeon and the endocrinologist if there was any risk and they both told me that there was not.

I did some research and saw that it could cause gynecomastia. My andrologist told me that one day it would happen, but it was impossible to know exactly when.

So can injection of hcg cause gynecomastia, especially for a klinefelter patient? I have been told that this treatment is mostly used in North America and Japan and not much in France. Only two doctors would master it, so my chances of getting a second opinion are quite low in France, hence my question on this forum.

Thank you for your help.

[bendo]

After a lot of research I found this study on the subject. It allows me to understand the hormonal impacts of the treatment ([1479683X - European Journal of Endocrinology] HCG Stimulation on Klinefelter.pdf).

And for those who are interested, the principle of this treatment on spermatogenesis even if it is a little bit different from gynecomastia (HCG - spermatogenesis effects.pdf).

[Miguel Delgado MD]

Bendo,
As you know,  Klinefelter patients can develop gynecomastia due to the hormonal imbalance, but it seems that you do not have this condition.  To answer your question, Hcg injections can cause gynecomastia.  It is a potential side effect for all men.  It is possible that your condition with an already compromised testosterone level could play more of a role.  An endocrinologist may have a better explanation. 

[bendo]

Thank you for your answer. I have indeed a compensated hypogonadism with a normal testosterone level but a little below average. Following my endocrinologist there is no risk but we will see how it happens.

Have a nice day