Hi all,

I was castrated by Dr. Kimmel in September 2003 (9 months ago). I was on spironolactone for about three months before that, discontinued it 2 weeks before the surgery; I have not used any sort of hormone therapy since then. I've gained about ten pounds.

About three weeks ago I noticed some soreness directly behind my left nipple. It's apparent only when I brush against that area or compress it, such as when I lay on my side in bed and my arm rests upon my breast.

Is this to be expected? Or is it something unusual, a cause for concern? I read, some time ago, that an early stage of breast growth does include some soreness in the area around the nipple.

How long should I expect this to continue?

thanks, matt

mattchi (imported) wrote: Thu Jun 24, 2004 6:50 am Hi all,

I was castrated by Dr. Kimmel in September 2003 (9 months ago). I was on spironolactone for about three months before that, discontinued it 2 weeks before the surgery; I have not used any sort of hormone therapy since then. I've gained about ten pounds.

About three weeks ago I noticed some soreness directly behind my left nipple. It's apparent only when I brush against that area or compress it, such as when I lay on my side in bed and my arm rests upon my breast.

Is this to be expected? Or is it something unusual, a cause for concern? I read, some time ago, that an early stage of breast growth does include some soreness in the area around the nipple.

How long should I expect this to continue?

thanks, matt

After castration, there can be mild breast growth, depending on your adrenal glands. That soreness is a sign of slow growth. It will go away when the growing is stopped. It will increase if you go on estrogen.

Hello Matt,

Yes, this is an early sign of breast growth. The stages of growth first begin behind the nipple, then spread from there. Every person, male and female, produce both testosterone and estrogens. It is only in different proportions that makes each develope the secondary sexual characteristics in either gender. By removing, or reducing, one hormone it gives the other a greater chance to effect the tissues most sensitive to them, ie: breasts and skin. The tenderness you are experiencing is from the estrogen having an effect on those tissues. This may continue for some time and should pose no cause for alarm unless there is a discharge from the nipple. Over time you may in fact feel a tenderness behind both nipples.