Doctors Visit

[Sophie]

During your annual physical, you need to mention your gynecomastia. It's a personal choice but wearing your bra for your visit will also bring attention to the fact that you have breasts that can affect your overall health. You can request that you would like a "Diagnostic Mammogram". This will establish a base line for any future changes that you may experience in your breasts. After that, depending on what they find and your insurance, you may be on scheduled for annual or biannual mammograms. 

❤️Sophie❤️

[gotgyne]

I know doctors who downplay the gynecomastia. I am a 40 C since several years. Some years ago I went to a male(!) dermatologist for a mole. He didn't even mention my gyne, thus I asked him about it. He palpated my breasts a little and answered "no, there is no gynecomastia".
My female GP on the other hand informed me that I may feel nipple tenderness in general and pain during strenous sports from the movement. 

[Parity]

I'm in the same camp.  My male Dr. takes a completely different approach to the issue.  My general Dr. a nice caring woman was great.  She retired and a male took over.  I to want to find a female Dr. who is caring compassionate and empathetic.

[taxmapper]

Had my doctor's appointment and tomorrow go for blood work. 

When I stated the gyn., she didn't hesitate and went to such questions as "discomfort of growth, nipple discharge, heaviness, etc" 

I did ask for a hormone check.   

[Dudewithboobs]

Hey y’all it’s been a few weeks since I logged in. Wanted to get diet and lifestyle in check and focus on health after my labs came back. 
In the graph of green and red my eatrogen for men says at highest end of normal range should be 39, mine was 47. Total T at lowest should be 250, mine was 265. Free T at lowest should be 46, mine was 37.6. My SHBG and Albumin and Prolactin were fine but bio available T at lowest should be 110, mine was 83.2. 

My results came back confirmation of Hypogonadism and after googling that it wasn’t fun. 

My NP didn’t think it was concerning and I got a second opinion and they asked things most probably do about health, diet, exercises, supplements etc. A prior post I noted I had been taking red reishi for some time for joint pain and at higher doses cause my body just doesn’t do much with standard dose of anything. Always from Tylenol to medication doubled the dose. The MD I spoke to said he has heard and read a lot about red reishi and it’s effects on testosterone negatively and when told him I had stopped taking it immediately he said it’s likely what caused my hormones to swing so out of balance. I have an appointment to have my labs re ran in about 2 weeks. He asked if I wanted to try T to boost my levels and see how my body responds to it and when I asked if he had any natural options first he recommended trying Zinc and Stinging Nettle or Ashwaghanda as well using more resistance workouts to see if I notice a difference naturally. 

I will say after taking that advice my body feels better, more normal, my ED has gone away and I feel almost 18 again. My libido is back from a very long vacation lol. 

My breasts have gone from 36.5 under and 39 over to 36.25 under and 40.75 over in the last month or so and losing 8lbs has had no noticeable changes in my breasts. 

I know we all accept our breasts and even come to love them and nurture them as much as a woman would. But for me I’ve become quite comfortable with my boobs but when things happened recently I was insecure and found it hard to adjust to my added increase of breast growth. 
My breasts push against my shirts more, my nipples are thicker it seems and draw more attention even when in a bra, the movement and jiggle has become more pronounced, when standing my under bust has become more defined and rounded, when sitting or crossing an arm over the crease in my breast is obvious and overall it is just noticeable in every way at how my chest has changed more. With my b cup bras no longer fitting in the cups as they had prior to giving more indication it isn’t just in my head. 

It’s one thing when your breasts grow and the cause is idiopathic and it’s a what can ya do situation for me. It is another to realize you were just trying to ease pains in joints and took a supplement that aligns in every area that caused a tremendous imbalance and caused issues, growth and problems. Re accepting accepting my breasts as my body rebalances has been tough but am thankful for forums like this that when times are tough in accepting I can log on and realize it’s not a lonely world in being a guy with breasts that may or may not get larger. 

[tryingtoaccept]

Dudewithboobs, thanks for the update.  I am dissatisfied with my urologist and just had a consultation with another for a second opinion.  I go down next week for blood work.  I hope my new urologist finds something; if not she is at least trying to help.  I hope I have a good outcome like you are having.

[Dudewithboobs]

Went to a urologist today to get things moving regarding fertility. I honestly thought it would just be a what brings you in today here’s a cup leave it on the shelf when you’re done type visit. 
Not so much. Very much a drop your pants and examine things. Honestly have never been more embarrassed during a dr visit. 
I also was honest on the patient form regarding breast development under the endocrine issues or history and such. Which warranted him to do a breast exam. Given his inspection of both top and bottom things seemed normal and healthy but he ordered on top of a hormonal panel a mammogram. I never had one and not too much of a fan of the idea. I’ve been confident of my issues overall but today just kind of as a man in late 30s was very embarrassing. Sorry if not relevant to things here just kind of had to vent 

[Justagirl💃]

Went to a urologist today to get things moving regarding fertility. I honestly thought it would just be a what brings you in today here’s a cup leave it on the shelf when you’re done type visit.
Not so much. Very much a drop your pants and examine things. Honestly have never been more embarrassed during a dr visit.
I also was honest on the patient form regarding breast development under the endocrine issues or history and such. Which warranted him to do a breast exam. Given his inspection of both top and bottom things seemed normal and healthy but he ordered on top of a hormonal panel a mammogram. I never had one and not too much of a fan of the idea. I’ve been confident of my issues overall but today just kind of as a man in late 30s was very embarrassing. Sorry if not relevant to things here just kind of had to vent

Mammograms are not that bad 'normally'. 
Of course the last one I had they made me wait almost 4 hours "until they could have 2 technicians in the room with me."

They never did explain why. 

[Parity]

Went to a urologist today... just kind of as a man in late 30s was very embarrassing. Sorry if not relevant to things here just kind of had to vent

Firstly, you may feel embarrassed and that's okay.  For peace of mind Dr.'s have seen it all and I'm sure it wasn't for him.  Your young yet and I feel as you age as I have you just won't care.  It's not a big deal except to you.  You will get beyond that.  Allow the time.

Next, never feel sorry for for sharing your feelings on how the day went or how your breast have impacted you today.  That's why we are here.  To help each other through these issues.  You will be fine.

[Dudewithboobs]

Good morning, I went for my mammogram today and there were only 2 ladies in the room waiting as well. I felt ok being there and not too embarrassed given they were a bit older. 
I was called back and the tech did their process of questions. Asked if I had a mammogram before I said no and honestly it’s a bit embarrassing so I’m sorry if it’s obvious. She assured me she sees a lot of guys come through and thinks it’s better to be safe and sorry when it comes to letting pride get in the way of health checkups. 
She walked me through the process explaining each step. Take off your shirt, confirmed not wearing deodorant, placed breasts where they go and took picture of each one. Informed it would be a week or two for results and how to follow up. During the time there she was personable and respectful and seemed to really care. It wasn’t a bad first experience in this area. 

[AlfaQ]

I have a blood test tomorrow and my goal is to go wearing a bra. It's with a female nurse so should be less anxiety provoking. 

[Zaphod B]

I have a blood test tomorrow and my goal is to go wearing a bra. It's with a female nurse so should be less anxiety provoking.

I have started wearing a bra to doctor's appointments.  They have seen it before and the reason for wearing it is easy to explain if anybody asks, which they probably won't.  When they use a stethoscope, they just go right over the bra the same as they would do with a woman.  it is a good way to build your confidence.  I have been wearing one every day for several years and seldom leave the house without one.  Once you get used to it, you will never go back.

[AlfaQ]

Wore a black sports for today's blood test.  Quite a compressive  bra but the outline of the  straps and underband where  definitely visible through my shirt but I don't think the nurse even noticed.  That's another step forward for me. 

[Sophie]

In my experience, the doctors, nurses and MAs or any other medical professional don't care. 

I've worn a bra to every medical appointment since I was sixteen years old. I can say this because that's how old I was when my mother said that my gynecomastia was severe enough that I had to start wearing a bra full time. 

They might not care, however, that doesn't mean that you may not have a reaction from them. I have had some that I can read their expressions or body language that indicate a surprise 😮. 

We don't see a lot of men at the Breast Care Center. We do see enough of them. All of the staff has been through "sensitivity training" which covers gynecomastia and trans issues. We do still have some old biddy's who resist the fact that some men have breasts and transgender women have breasts and they deserve the same respect and care for their breasts as genetic women. Those two ladies should just retire anyway 😌. EVERYONE else is very accepting and especially Jessica, our surgeon encourages those men who have breasts to seek a radical mastectomy as a last resort due to the risks involved. 

❤️Sophie❤️

[Parity]

Sophie,  
  Thanks for that.  Sometimes I need to be reminded myself that this is not life threatening and no further action need be taken other than normal well being care.