HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

This is embarrassing

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 2/2/2021 9:40 PM (GMT 0)
So I have been on ADT for over 8 months now. I have gained 20 pounds and looking in a mirror I think I need a "bra". I know it sounds funny, but it has really been getting to me. I am trying to stay up and positive, but in the morning looking in the mirror they seem to be getting bigger.
Posted 2/2/2021 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Steve, there isn't anything to be embarrassed about. I'll let some of the others who have been there chime in. It's part of how it works for some guys. Hang in there.
Posted 2/2/2021 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Yep I hear ya. I’m about 10 years ADT . I had radiation a few years ago to stop the growth of the boobs. I think that worked and also they’re not so sensitive now.
Posted 2/2/2021 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Steve,
Unfortunately, there are plenty of "embarrassing" effects from ADT. What bugs me is my continuously shrinking junk. I do like the free manscaping though.

Try not to be overly concerned. ADT keeps us alive, and most of the time that seems like a good trade off for the crap it does to me.
Posted 2/3/2021 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Steve, nobody here needs to be embarrased about anything, especially considering some of the cr@p we have all been through, and the places people we hardly know have shoved fingers and other apparatus.

It does happen to some guys, and if it is bad, yes, radiation mght help. I think i recall someone, maybe Redwing(?) talking about Estrogen patches being a possible solution as well. Not sure.
But ask your Doc
Posted 2/3/2021 8:29 AM (GMT 0)
I've never been on ADT but I am at least 30 pounds over weight.

Not being able to see Mr. Pee Wee due to the belly is worse than the Man Boobs.

When you have both...... You make Lemonade !!!! (sugar fee of course)
Posted 2/3/2021 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Tamoxifen has also been used. Talk to your doctor. He/she should have told you up front as this is a common side effect.
Posted 2/3/2021 2:25 PM (GMT 0)
Steve, There are four of us in our biking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and running gang that have had and are still experiencing some pretty adverse side effects from cancers and chromes disease. We usually have to stop at least every 30 minutes to make nature breaks the other 5 guys don't give a crap they are just happy to have our group of guys to do activities. So even tho there are some sucky side effects to ADT I'm sure your family don't give a crap about your man boobs but I'm sure they are very excited to have you still in their lives! Our oldest guy in our group is 78 still can go out and hammer out 6 miles snowshoeing like we did last nite and he's probably got some of the biggest man boobs you have ever seen although I don't think he has even 10% body fat. But I will tell you all of us have the utmost respect for him and hope that we can still just be walking 6 miles at 78! Next time your feeling down go out for a short walk in nature if you can just look around and enjoy the moment!

Larry
Posted 2/3/2021 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
Had similar problem with weight gain first time on ADT back on 2011-12. Took four month diet after to get rid of it. Started ADT again this past month. This time I also started with a low carb diet. So far, so good — have lost a few pounds. But that is the low hanging fruit — giving up carbs, particularly alcohol. As T leaves my system, it will get tougher. I am very active physically, but that by itself didn’t do it on the first go round. Best wishes,
Posted 2/3/2021 3:01 PM (GMT 0)
ADT certainly messes with metabolism.
Posted 2/3/2021 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
So long as we LIVE, who gives an 'effing darn!

NJ Fred
Posted 2/3/2021 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
Bet my boobs are bigger than yours. I used to work in a bra shop. Call me for fitting tips. Maybe we can shop together.
Posted 2/3/2021 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
Since November 2018 I have been on Lupron with a 9 month break. Instead of gaining any weight, I have lost about 10 lbs. Is losing weight unusual during ADT?
Posted 2/3/2021 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Steve,
This is another of those things that are sorta embarrassing but that actually happen to quite a few guys on ADT. It's something to talk to your oncologist about. You won't be the first patient to complain about his moobs. Your doctor can probably give you a quick feel and tell you whether you appear to be growing glandular tissue (a direct effect of the hormone therapy) or whether the ADT is just making you fat. If it is gynecomastia (the medical term for growing hormone-related moobs) then there are treatments that can help. If its just weight gain then it's part of a different problem.
Posted 2/3/2021 9:32 PM (GMT 0)

mattam said...
Unfortunately, there are plenty of "embarrassing" effects from ADT. What bugs me is my continuously shrinking junk. I do like the free manscaping though.

I too have experienced the mysterious shrinking junk. It's been four years since starting Lupron and just within the past few months my penis has begun to retract like an "innie", and looks like I was not circumcised. The pad tends to push it in even more. I know I lost a couple inches of length from the RP, but that was a long time ago. I'm sure my Uro will have nothing to offer to help (he never does).

But I have begun to grow a few dark hairs on my chest. Still fine and wispy though.
Posted 2/4/2021 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
a lot of it is just aging, gravity and weight gain. i'm about ready to turn myself in to the fat farm to drop 10 lbs or so which eliminates alot of sag and makes my pants fit better
Posted 2/4/2021 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
I did radiation when I felt sensitivity around my nipples and worried about Gynecomastia. They did 6 grays to each side for 3 days total. Sensitivity stopped and so did the growth. They also have hormone patches and pills but those had other side effects I couldn’t handle. Good luck. -JR
Posted 2/6/2021 4:08 AM (GMT 0)

Hello, SteveO ~~~

Excellent insight shared by the fellows here ...

I am stepping into my eighth year on ADT.

I quit buying the "cookies and candy" at the grocery store --- added more fresh produce instead --- and ramped up my walking regimen.

Don't neglect the weekends --- choose the physical fitness regimen that suits YOU and your interests.

Stay consistent ... I lost weight. I am getting back to my lanky self ...

Staying active boosts energy, while being on ADT, as well.

It doesn't have to be complicated ... even a daily walk in your neighborhood will pay dividends.

On weekends, I walk twice a day --- and it's been great to explore some county parks, state parks, and area lakes that include recreational trails. When winter fades away, I have a new list of trails I want to explore this spring and summer.

Beyond that --- for social events --- while ramping up your fitness ...

Wear a somewhat form-fitting athletic brand t-shirt ... and wear a looser fitting long-sleeved Oxford dress shirt over that --- roll the cuffs, and adjust the buttons, as you wish. Casual, comfortable, and classy ...

In the winter, wear an athletic t-shirt and wear a jersey or zippered fleece jacket over the t-shirt for social occasions.

Things to improve your fitness, boost energy, and keep you looking "slim and trim" for social events ... while ramping up the fitness regimen.

Some strategies that have helped me ---
C•Y•C•L•O•N•E ~~~ # Iowa State University
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply