Estradiol patches and gynecomastia (man boobs)

[Quarky]

I'd like to consider using estradiol patches to help with hot flashes but am concerned that the small addition of estrogen in the patch will make my slowly growing man boobs larger. I've been on adt (Lupron, Abiraterone, prednisone), for 10 months and plan to continue for a total of 2 years. My boobs have gotten "fleshier" since I started adt, and I've experienced the usual midsection belly flab despite a fairly rigorous exercise routine. I've actually even lost weight! I'm ok about the size of my boobs now, but would really like them to not get any bigger. Even without estradiol I'm a little concerned that they will continue to grow. But, I sure would like to try something that's been proven effective mitigating hot flashes. For those of you that have used estradiol could you share your experience, especially as it might relate to any effect it might have had on the growth of your boobs?

Thanks in advance, and thanks again for this wonderful, supportive, and informative group!

[Tall_Allen]

Tamoxifen (10 mg/day) will prevent gynecomastia. You may be able to get it as a transdermal gel.

[tennis4life in reply to Tall_Allen]

TA, what are the chances of blood clot formation side effect from Tamoxifen? Ty

[Tall_Allen in reply to tennis4life]

It is low, but that's why I like the gel. Many women with breast cancer have taken it for years, so it is known to have a good safety profile.

[Quarky in reply to Tall_Allen]

I mentioned tamoxifen to my mo a month ago, and she said that she wouldn't prescribe it because of the increased clotting risk. She also suggested that I could stop Zytiga "if my growing breasts bothered me," which frankly didn't make any sense to me since I definitely don't see the point of that. She didn't respond when I asked her about the possibility of using a gel. I've considered trying to find another mo with Kaiser, but I'm not sure that I'm willing to go through that awkward process. I realize I may have to though.

[janebob99]

I have had some mild breast enlargement, but I'm taking high-dose estradiol (PATCH level E2). The effect is dose-dependent. If you take low-dose estrogen "add-back", then your gynecomastia will likely be small. If the hot flashes are adversely affecting your sleep, then doing estrogen add-back will be a good trade off.

Taking tamoxifen will likely negate any positive side effects of estradiol, and it may cause other problems.

[Quarky in reply to janebob99]

The estradiol does seem like a good trade off given the sleep disruption I'm experiencing. Thanks.

[EdBar]

I’ve been using patches for about 10 years now, they put a stop to the wicked hot flashes that I would get just about every hour. They also help with maintaining bone health and may just play a role in my battle with cancer. I’ve got a little boobage, but no more than most other guys my age. For me the benefits outweigh the boobs, and who really cares at my age, I’ll be 66.

Ed

[Quarky in reply to EdBar]

Thanks Ed. I agree too that a little increase in size is acceptable. I can accept where things are at now, if I thought this was the end point. I'm trying to strike a balance between the low estrogen induced hot flashes and further physical changes.

[janebob99 in reply to EdBar]

Hello, EdBar,

Have you been following the recent results of the PATCH-III study?

If not, send me an email to [e-mail] and I'll fill you in.

Bob

[EdBar in reply to janebob99]

Yes I’ve read on it but it’s not for me, I’m gonna stick with my current regiment of meds that are working. Thanks.

Ed

[janebob99 in reply to EdBar]

How many, and what strength, of the estradiol patches are you currently using? Just curious...

[EdBar in reply to janebob99]

0.1 mg, 2 patches per week, I change it out every 3-4 days.

[janebob99 in reply to EdBar]

Very good. I bet your serum estradiol level is 100-150 pg/ml, yes?

If you want to save some money, you could switch to locally compounded estradiol gel or cream, at a higher concentration than the commercially available Estrogel.com or Divigel.com, and only pay 1 $US/day. That's what I do.

[Mgtd]

Since you mentioned that you have an exercise program here is my experience. I took the med TA mentioned and increased my bench pressing sets and reps. I used lighter weights. You can also use dumbbells instead of bench presses if that is more convenient for you.

I also added pushups on a daily basis.

That worked for me and I am almost 80.

[Quarky in reply to Mgtd]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Did you use estradiol too?

[Mgtd in reply to Quarky]

No. Just ADT which can cause the same thing.

[j-o-h-n]

Just get them tattooed and just think, you'll be a hit at the beach...

Suggestion: "Democrat" on the left one and "Republican on the right one.

Talk about Quarky!!!

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-m

[Quarky in reply to j-o-h-n]

And "Independent" for my belly button!😀

[Mgtd in reply to Quarky]

Great idea!

[j-o-h-n]

I was going to say a bit lower........... but I thought if you tattooed the word "Independent" on your willie your wife would hound you to death.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-m

[yamobedeh]

Hi. Shortly after starting ADT, I was having frequent intense episodes of hot flashes. I opted for the estrodiol patches. It was welcome relief, despite developing man boobs. At the time, I was not offered, or aware of any treatment to minimize them. My family doctor later offered to refer me to have them removed. I passed, since, at the time, I was focused on treatment and recovery. Only one obtuse friend teased my about the situation.

Now at 74, with PSA still undetectable 6 years post treatment (radiations and brachytherapy) for my stage 4 Dx, I am considering getting rid of my man boobs. Weight gain on an already mesomorph frame has made them more noticeable. I don't know if it's a related factor, but my testosterone had been significantly below the lower limit of the normal range for years I'm at 2, bottom of normal range is 8.

Best regards

[janebob99 in reply to yamobedeh]

I'm curious, how to you plan on getting rid of your man boobs?

How many patches do you use today?

[Quarky in reply to yamobedeh]

Thanks for sharing your situation. Glad that your psa is still undetectable. I’m curious too about what you’re considering concerning about dealing with your man boobs.

[petabyte]

I am also interested in the subject of estradiol patches or gels, but more for preservation of bone mineral density without drug treatment (I am doing the usual things for this and a bit more).

Have you heard about radiation treatment as a prophylactic? Of course your medical team needs to be willing to do it and you get some additional radiation exposure.

mayoclinicproceedings.org/a...

[NewPotatoCaboose in reply to petabyte]

I had the radiation treatment and it didn't work. It was done prior to radiation treatments in late 2020. I'm on twice weekly 0.375 E2 patches now and my man boobs have gotten larger. It is what it is, I guess.