Started transdermal estradiol (0.0375 mg) in November 2023 to counter negative effects of ADT (relugolix and abiraterone) on bone density. Increased the estradiol to 0.075 mg in January 2024 which accelerated my gynecomastia. I asked my MO about using transdermal tamoxifen along with the estradiol to reduce the gynecomastia. She said she did not know if the topical gel would provide the same benefit as oral tamoxifen and could not find safety data regarding the side effects of compounded formulations.
Is anyone aware of a study/studies which compared the effectiveness of topical gel versus oral tamoxifen for gynecomastia, and/or reports on the side effects of compounded formulations?
Has anyone using transdermal estradiol also applied tamoxifen topical gel to reduce breast enlargement? Did it work for you, and at what dose? How long were you experiencing gynecomastia before starting the tamoxifen? How long did it take to see a reduction in breast enlargement?
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Flydad
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The risk of oral tamoxifen is blood clots. Transdermal can potentially mitigate that. Also, you can apply it directly on your breast. If it doen't help, you can go back to the pills. 20 mg/day is required to reverse existing gynecomastia, 10 mg/day for prevention. There are no studies of the transdermal that I am aware of. It is probably safer for the same reason that transdermal estrogen is safer than oral estrogen.
Oral tamoxifen is probably safe, but by all means try either or both. Weight training for the density and more exercise and fat loss in general works wonders for the gyno if you give it time. A stronger upper body with less fat hides it and synergies well with your other efforts.
The randomized, Phase-II trial of transdermal estrogen has demonstrated conclusively that tE2 therapy actually grows bone, compared to Lupron which shrinks bone. Check out the papers by R. Langley et al., and by N. Russell et al.
There are some papers that warn that taking tamoxifen may counteract the benefits of doing tE2, however.
I'm planning on doing electron beam irradiation of my Moobs to reduce their size (I'm taking high-dose transdermal estradiol gel). You may want to consider that route.
I asked for Tamoxifen for gynecomastia and was prescribed anastrozole instead. Urologist didn't explain why. BTW I'll get my latest PSA reading in a week. Have been on dutasteride for the last three months. I consider that 'ADT-lite'.
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Shrinking of genitals due to ADT.
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