Gynecomastia is a problem that can be seen in men of all age groups from adolescence. Yet this problem has a different place for bodybuilders. Those who are interested in the sport of bodybuilding boast that they completely burn the fat in their bodies and increase their muscle mass.
Thus, the breast tissues become more pronounced. But the steroids they use to achieve this change in their bodies can cause gynecomastia. Steroid-induced gynecomastia is a common condition among bodybuilders.
Anabolic steroids taken first lead to a deterioration of hormone levels. Accordingly, abnormal growths may develop in glandular breast tissue.
The risks of gynecomastia caused by steroids, how it can be prevented and all other details are in our article.
Table of Contents
How Do Steroids Increase the Risk of Gynecomastia?
Men interested in the sport of bodybuilding can use steroids to increase muscle mass. Anabolic steroids, in particular, have many side effects even though they are suited to the goal in question.
It can cause negative effects such as high blood pressure, hair loss, liver disease and breast development. That is why its use must be monitored by the doctor. However, a very large proportion of athletes use these products without the use of a doctor.
There are different substances in steroids that increase muscle mass. One of them is testosterone, which is the male hormone.
Due to the testosterone taken from the outside, the body itself reduces the production of this hormone. Even estrogen production can be increased against the hormone taken from outside. This reaction of the body will cause the breast tissues to increase.
Steroid-induced gynecomastia can pass by itself when steroid use is stopped. However, if it continues, the fat and tissue in the relevant area should be removed by surgical procedure. Otherwise, they may be permanent. You should consult with your doctor to treat the problem in question and prevent it from progressing further.
Read Also: How Do I Know If I Have Gynecomastia? Do Your Pinch Test!
How to Prevent This Situation?
In order to prevent this situation, early diagnosis and recognition of tissue growth in the relevant area is very important. After early diagnosis, your doctor may change your steroid use.
Thus, you can use products that are less risky. Thus, the development of gynecomastia is prevented.
Taking more innocent supplements like protein powder instead of steroids to increase muscle mass is always considered safer.
Treatment
There are different options for treatment, and according to the person’s condition, appropriate ones are preferred. Some people, when they stop using steroids, can pass gynecomastia without the need for any treatment.
In a significant proportion of patients, hormone levels should first be brought to normal levels. For this, a treatment that usually involves testosterone replacement is prescribed.
If the problem persists despite medication and hormone therapy, the surgical method is preferred. Steroid-induced gynecomastia is usually Type 1 and Type 2, which are considered mild. In other words, the basis of the swelling in the breast is only glandular tissue.
· Surgical Intervention
Gynecomastia caused by steroids in those who are interested in bodybuilding sports is thought to improve after the cessation of steroid use.
But this idea is not true for many athletes. Diet and exercise also cannot remove the growth in the area involved. The only and permanent solution at this point is the surgical procedure.
Another option for reducing breast tissue is liposuction. However, since the cause of this condition is largely glandular tissues, it is very difficult to get the desired result with liposuction.
The safest treatment method for steroid-induced gynecomastia is gynecomastia surgery. Compared to anti-cancer drugs and aromatize inhibitor drugs, surgical procedure is a much safer and much more successful treatment method.
The surgical method aims to remove glandular tissues through the incision formed around the areola.
The location and size of the incision varies depending on the type and amount of tissues to be removed. After the excess tissues and fats are removed, the incisions are closed and the process is completed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently asked questions about steroid-induced gynecomastia and their answers are as follows:
· Does Steroid-Induced Gynecomastia Pass?
Steroid use can pass on its own after cessation. However, if it continues, without a surgical procedure, it will not be possible to pass.
· How Common Is Steroid-Induced Gynecomastia?
It occurs in approximately 10% to 25% of people who use steroids. Its basis is an increase in the level of estrogen and a decrease in the level of testosterone.
· Which Steroid Causes the Most To Gynecomastia?
The main point here is that hormone levels change. Steroids such as dexamethasone and prednisone affect hormone levels.
Read Also: Can Gynecomastia Recur After Surgery?
Schedule a Consultation
If you are also suffering from gynecomastia and this problem has become permanent, it is time to see an experienced doctor. Thanks to a correct and qualified surgeon, you can get rid of this problem permanently and overcome this process without any problems.
Our surgeons working at COSMETICIUM have a great deal of experience and expertise in gynecomastia. Every year, they ensure that a large number of patients get rid of this problem. If you want a hassle-free and reliable gynecomastia treatment, you can contact us immediately for a free online consultation.
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