Luckily mine isn’t so bad that I would consider gynecomastia removal surgery at this point, but I do get the “sensitive” and “itchy” nipple feeling from time to time and I can feel a pea-sized bit of tissue on the right side. It comes and goes. Sometimes I’ll take some Nolvadex if I happen to have any on hand. I’ve asked my doctor about prescribing me Arimidex or some other aromatase inhibitor but he maintains that they are not needed at my dosage. He also doesn’t want to test me for estrogen levels because he says what really matters is that the balance is in favor of testosterone. So, meh… I have some good and bad things to say about my endocrinologist. That’s one reason why I “supplement” visits to him with consultation from an anti-aging clinic in Florida who seems to “get it” and understands that not every treatment can come straight out of the American Medical Association guidelines book.
Anyway, I was getting the “itch” this morning so I looked into how much it would cost to get gyno surgery, assuming my insurance company wouldn’t pay (they probably wouldn’t unless it was cancerous – so let’s hope not) and found this site featuring plastic surgery prices for different procedures. According to the average amount charged by the plastic surgeons they interviewed, gynecomastia surgery costs about $2,000 – $3,000 for both sides. I also found out that some doctors recommend getting both sides done even if your problem is in one side since eventually you’ll probably have to deal with the other side anyway. Of course, they may just be wanting more of your money.
I guess I could afford $3,000 at the high end of the range if it came to that. I’ve heard that it’s a one-time surgery because they take out the tissue and it doesn’t grow back. I’m not sure how true that is. Anyone know? For now I’ll just try to keep it from getting worse. It’s not anything anyone would be able to see at this point, even with my shirt off.
Got a gyno-related story? I’m sure the other visitors would love to hear about this topic that affects a lot of guys, especially those with endocrine problems, but one which we are unlikely to be able to talk about to our friends and family.
Most men on testosterone replacement should be on arimidex or another estrogen blocker.
It really serves 2 purposes, it keeps the free testosterone high as it decreases the SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) and prevents gynecomastia. This is a problem better to prevent than have surgery. The typical dose of arimidex is 1 mg twice a week but it can vary
Dr B.
Hi TRT man,
I’ve been at this TRT for 11 years now. However, I’ve had gyneomastia for 50+ years. The TRT made no difference at all. You will also find that all sorts of things from TRT to opioids, lavender oil in soaps, a ton of different drugs and all sorts of things can influence gynecomastia. I have to say having a pair of DD breasts during junior high was hell on earth. By this time, life threatening diseases, becoming a nudist and getting rid of body-shame and many experiences have quite defused the psychological pain. I’m on a handfull of medications most all of which could cause breast growth but haven’t changed a thing. I’m a lousy surgical candidate and at this point would have other procedures first becasue they matter more to me. At this point my chest is a Rorschach test for other people and if they don’t like it that is their problem. It has become a non-issue for me. Almost half of men face such with most either starting at puberty or after age 50 as testosterone levels fall with age related decreasing serum b12 levels.