Gynecomastia, an informal survey

[Andrew (imported)]

After posting about an informal survey concerning hotlashes, it crossed my mind that there was another YMWV aspect of eunuch biology that might be surveyed.

Gynecomastia. An enlargement of the breasts

Please note that this is for those whose testosterone levels are at castrate levels, not wannabes, hanger-ons, and the like.

So what we would like is the reason you are at castrate levels. Surgical or chemical castration? Biological decline in testosterone, or perhaps as a result of other medications? After that, have you experienced any gynecomastia? If so, how much and how long did it take? Has it currently stopped or is it still growing?

In my case, I was surgically castrated 14 May 2001. In the last year, I seem to have a mild case resulting in size A cups, but that seems to have stopped. Just a mild redistribution of fat, I suppose. No big deal.

Yes, our MTFs are welcome to also post in this survey.

[Paolo]

I also got a bit of that, nothing too severe. I went through a fat-phase around age 10-12, and had it then, enough to the point that I wouldn't take my shirt off and wore larger shirts than fit right.

I don't think I've gained that much in the breast department in adulthood, though. Perhaps a bit, as Andrew mentions, of fat redistribution.

[CT212 (imported)]

Before I started HRT I had about an A-size cup, maybe because at around age 40 or so I felt a slight reduction in labido. Is it true that there is such a thing as middle-age menopause in males? A drop in testosterone levels would most likely be the apparent reason not just a lot of wishful thinking:D

Chris

[BossTamsin (imported)]

Yes, as time goes on, more and more medical research has found that men do go through a version of menopause. Just do a web search on 'andropause', and you'll find all the information you will need.

As for hot flashes, I have had some, but fortunately they weren't all that bad, and didn't last all that long. HRT really helps, too.

IEunuch.

[Andrew (imported)]

As for hot flashes, I have had some, but fortunately they weren't all that bad, and didn't last all that long. HRT really helps, too.

IEunuch.

Are you saying that the Canadian Health System is allowing you testosterone again? Now that is good news indeed.

[BossTamsin (imported)]

Yes, despite Premier Campbell's cuts to the health system, and a recent series of job actions by the doctors, I managed to get a two-year exception for my testosterone. Shots only though, no pills, cremes, or patches. So as long as the supply holds up (manufacturer's shortages happen from time to time, as there is only one company making this stuff, to the best of my knowledge), I am back on the shots. 200mg (2ml), bi-weekly. I do not plan on missing any shots for as long as I can get them.

IEunuch.

(Now if only I could get ranitidine covered.....)

[Andrew (imported)]

(Now if only I could get ranitidine covered.....)

And what is that?

[Sherry (imported)]

Hi Andrew,

After posting about an informal survey concerning hotlashes, it crossed my mind that there was another YMWV aspect of eunuch biology that might be surveyed.

Gynecomastia. An enlargement of the breasts

Please note that this is for those whose testosterone levels are at castrate levels, not wannabes, hanger-ons, and the like.

So what we would like is the reason you are at castrate levels. Surgical or chemical castration? Biological decline in testosterone, or perhaps as a result of other medications? After that, have you experienced any gynecomastia? If so, how much and how long did it take? Has it currently stopped or is it still growing?

Yes, our MTFs are welcome to also post in this survey.

You will probably recall that I was on no HRT at all for the first 2.5 years after my castration, and during that time I had no breast growth. Being MtF, I was disappointed that castration alone did not cause gynecomastia for me.

But now my low dose of estrogen is giving me some breast growth.

[Pippa (imported)]

Gynecomastia. An enlargement of the breasts

in MALES

I have changed the title on my reply, as Gynomastia refers to breast enlargement in males,

a species which I am no longer a member of.

During the 3½ years I lived as a Eunuch, I did have some breast growth,

(gynomastia at this stage, as I was still considered to be male),

in fact I got to be an A cup.

(This was the period when I was not receiving HRT)

Now after some 3 years on female hrt,

my breasts have developed to being a C cup.

The structure of them feels as if it has changed considerably, they are no longer just fatty deposits. I am quite sure that the change in how they feel (not just the size) is due to my milk ducts developing. My nipples have changed size and texture considerably as well. I guess I am one of the lucky transsexual women in the world, whose body is very sensitive to Oestrogens.

Note, the HRT I am taking also includes Progesterone, and is taken in a cycle to imitate the natural female hormone cycle. After altering the medication like this, I noticed my breasts really change from being fatty deposits, to being breasts.

[madscientist (imported)]

How can one tell the difference between breasts & just saggy pecs?