Gynecomastia

Another option may be Tamoxifen, a drug usually used by women with breast cancer. After my oncologist added bicalutamide to my Eligard monotherapy I soon experienced breast growth and pain. I requested and was prescribed 10 mg daily Tamoxifen which seems to have stopped both pain and growth but didn't reverse the growth. I didn't notice any new or worsening side effects, Might be worth inquiring.

Hello, Mr. Bill ----

In regard to your post ...

I really don't know why so many fellows wear shirts that are way too small for them, which only makes the problem you describe worse, in terms of appearance.

An EASY step is to start buying looser-fitting shirts that are much more flattering.

Golf shirts, larger t-shirts, "bowling-style" button-down shirts, & Hawaiian print shirts are good choices ---- and COMFORTABLE!

For social events, an athletic or sporty undershirt with a dressy Oxford shirt over that works well --- Oxford shirt untucked --- looser fitting, with sleeves rolled up a bit, and only a few bottom shirt buttons buttoned ----- with khacki pants & loafers.

Classic style ---- comfortable and casual --- and works for most outings, restaurants, movies, get-togethers, and social events.

Most fellows aren't going to pursue cosmetic surgery, so looser-fitting shirts are an easy-breezy alternative!

Certain stores offer larger-sized shirts --- but there's even more choices online.

I'm tall --- so I have needed custom-sized shirts with extra sleeve length for years. I order custom-fit Oxford dress shirts from L.L. Bean, as one example.

I exercise each day --- lots of benefits there!

Always glad to hear from you, Mr. Bill!

With my best ---
CYCLONE - # Iowa State University

Thanks for all the input my friends. At one time I did not look too bad in a tee shirt. But I would not even consider one nowadays. Much like Trailguy and others I don't really care how others may perceive me. I have had my day in the sun.
At age 78 I am not ready to fold my tent. However, I do have to do a reality check. To go through radiation, surgery, whatever, may be an exercise in futility. I guess I just don't like looking in the mirror after a shower. Always did like khaki and loose shirt look like Cyclone-ISU has described. Works for me.
Thank again,
Mr. Bill
Having been cut, radiated, chemo'd, and now chemical castration, after a 12-year battle PSA is still <.03.

My previous Uro had suggested that I see a surgeon about my painful boobs. but I already have surgeries stacked like airplanes waiting for a runway. Originally I was supposed to see a specialist this past week about replacing my AUS, but then tore my left shoulder (less than a year after having my right shoulder repaired) and that took priority. And to schedule that surgery I had to work around the birth of our grandson, born last Sunday and now one week old.

Sure wish I could just "go for a walk"... Ten years ago our plan was to retire to Florida and I'd get my knee fixed. Instead we were both diagnosed with cancer. My orthopedic surgeon says I'm better off if I just continue to live with my knee the way it is. And I suppose that's what I'm doing with the painful breasts too. They are not unsightly if I hold my shoulders back, even in my usual T-shirt.

In my sixties, a surgery was just another surgery... eighteen so far, until next month. Now in my seventies I must choose my battles more carefully.

I know the reason, my wife and my brother knows the reason.
It bothers me a small bit, so I just wear 2X t-shirts.

A lot guys over their mid-50s have some degree of gyno. It's not a big deal. It is... troubling... when showering, since it's not how we've seen ourselves most of our life. My wife's fine with how I look, we joke about it. Not a big deal, and I'm happy with everything else going on.

As far as "treating" it, radiation can possibly prevent it (not to reduce it), but my radiation oncologist was NOT in favor of that. He thought the risk from the radiation exposure required was not worth it for a vanity issue that could be surgically corrected later if necessary.

Tamoxifen can help prevent it, to some degree. Possibly some reversal, but quite limited from what I've heard along the way. It probably depends on how developed the gyno is.

Surgery has mixed results. You can find a lot folks that had it done, and the results are not always as aesthetic as one might hope for. Female-to-male trans folks might be an avenue to explore if looking for that kind of surgeon, for suggestions.

I have, as others here have said, simply decided to live with it. I have found a type of shirt from Duluth Trading that works really well as a tank-top undershirt, minimizing appearance and keeping things stable. It works fine under moderately loose-fitting shirts. Not sloppy loose, just not form-fitting.

It seems a small price to pay for my ongoing undetectable PSA!

No tenderness or sore spots. Oh well things could be worse.