bluemoon1: Any guy's out there... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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bluemoon1

27 Replies

Any guy's out there embarrassing as it is,find that one's manly bits kinda disappear and women's bit's appear top side,sure take's some getting use to, cirrhosis is real mean if people new the full story what alcohol can do then the choice is yours wife's or partner's can speak if you want as i know it's not something you want to shout about.

27 Replies
Garyvh profile image
Garyvh

Spironolactone can cause enlarged, often tender breasts in men. It did with me, and it really did look odd, particularly with being slim everywhere else!

Loss of libido and function is also common with cirrhosis. I'm not too knowledgeable about the science behind it, but this disease definitely bugger's your hormones up.

G

Never be embarrassed my friend. This has not happened to me but I have read it is a symptom for some with cirrhosis. I'm not sure if the doctors can treat it with testosterone injections or something? But def ask about it next your in the clinic.

in reply to

thanks.

Hi blue-moon_1,

My husband found his breasts enlarged and got sore while he was on spironolactone, as Garyvh's did. He/we asked our GP and he was unaware of that as a side effect, but when he mentioned it to his liver doc, he said get off the spironolactone that is what's doing it. Hubby also has been on blood pressure meds for years and the diuretics for that and for the liver disease interfere with the husbandly duties, but I'd much rather have him.

Best wishes and a Happy New Year,

Mary

in reply to

We are lucky to have such understanding wife's,Stars.

in reply to

It's hard on the Male self esteem. But agreed with blue moon that thank God there are great and understanding women like your self Mary XX

freddie76 profile image
freddie76

Definitaly related to cirrhosis caused by whatever reason ( the cirrhosis). When docs were trying to find out what was causing my hubbies symptoms one of the comments was regarding testicle size. His liver problem wasnt drink related. Liver disease affects hormone balance.

in reply tofreddie76

right you get increase in female hormone and reduction in male hormone.

in reply tofreddie76

Was I off the mark at all in wondering if they could treat it with testosterone injection. Has any doctor mentioned this as an option?

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK

Because one of the livers jobs is hormone production and regulation - Serum testosterone is reduced in up to 90% of men with cirrhosis, with levels falling as liver disease advances. Testosterone is an important anabolic hormone, with effects on muscle, bone, and haematopoiesis. Many of the features of advanced liver disease are similar to those seen in hypogonadal men, including sarcopenia (Sarcopenia is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass), osteoporosis (Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break.), gynecomastia (Enlarged Breast Tissue in Men. True gynecomastia is an enlargement of the male breast gland because of a hormonal imbalance) and low libido.

My hubby (with cirrhosis) has displayed all 4 - loss of muscle, diagnosis of osteopenia, man boobs & zero sexual function or interest - none of his specialists have ever mentioned treating the low testosterone levels. Hubby is not on any diuretic so no spiro at work here with his moobs.

Katie

in reply toAyrshireK

thanks for that a cause for thought,approached doctors but don't seem to aware of the mental attributes it has on a person let alone approaching them on the subject.

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply to

My hubby (then fiance) was diagnosed April 2012 and we got married August 2012 - sadly even as newly weds we've had no action in that department (so to speak) also owing to hubbies restlessness and sleep deprived nights we can't even share a room. It's a bit of an odd marriage - I tuck him in at night then retire to my own room with a book and hot chocolate. We still have an amazing love filled marriage - just none of the messy stuff ......... LOL. :D

Like I say we've discussed this with all the specialists, it was discussed during transplant assessment but as he's not on the list the prospect seems a long way away. Lots of cuddles, hand holding and lovely closeness is brilliant.

All the best to you both, Katie xx

Brett11 profile image
Brett11

The spiro gave me man boobs. Hurt like anything. Changed my diuretics and they went away. They always test my testosterone levels. If it gets too low, they will inject me with testosterone. I’ve not needed that yet though.

Cheers,

Brett

in reply toBrett11

yeh i have high oestrogen don't know testosterone levels will ask doc.

robhood profile image
robhood

Yes same with me had painful nipples and swollen lumps under the nipples...and zero erections....definitely due to Spiron...I stopped taking it of my own accord and the Docs,after examining me said i was right to have stopped it and then took me off all meds...saying i was OK !! but the erection problems continue! So i'm going soon for a visit to see if it's hormonal related...it's a common problem apparently but few talk about this side of the disease..I have learned that people who wish to change gender are often prescribed Spironlactone in massive quantities to develop their breasts !! Here in Italy at least !! don't know back in Blighty !!

Brett11 profile image
Brett11 in reply torobhood

All my man bits still work, I just can’t be bothered with them. Definitely cirrhosis related.

Cheers,

Brett

in reply toBrett11

Same here aswell thankfully i have an understanding wife,unless we have an arguement she tends to bring it up,not the up i would like.

in reply torobhood

thanks for that,i am on spiro,flusurmide and amiloride,have to take as i swell up badly,certainly brings you down sometimes but then i say well im still here.

Brett11 profile image
Brett11 in reply to

Stop the spiro and up the fruso lol. Ask your doctor first of course!

Hi

I have had the same enlarged man boobs, loss of all body hair as well.

Post transplant the hair is coming back and the consultant said the boobs will reduce, but it take a long time,

Post opp I have lost a lot of weight, but still far off being a male model!

To be honest I would be embarrassed to go swimming.

Still feeling a lot better so its a price I have to pay willingly

in reply to

agree the fact we are still here is good enough.

Huggy7614 profile image
Huggy7614

Oh those sore nipples....how do women cope during breast feeding!! Am on spiro and have developed a very nice pair thank you!! Just so wish I hadn’t!! Everything else ok (apart from the liver function stuff!!)

Poobear69 profile image
Poobear69

It’s crazy eh? I’ve spoken to many guys in post clinic and lots report the same. It is, my consultant has told me, very common. I had the reverse happen?

Pammy2009 profile image
Pammy2009

Hi..Kinda related my partner has diabetes and occasionally struggles to maintain an erection. I never had brought it up E.G. after a row. We cuddle up and fall asleep with me wrapped around him. I love him to bits and aint shallow to throw it back at him.

georig profile image
georig

I have not suffered from the breast problem however I have NALFD Cirrossis and diabetes type 2.

I am 57 years old and have in the last two years went from being a sexually active male to not being able or interested in sex.

This has been particularly difficult for my wife as she finds it difficult to understand why I have no interest at all.

It's a horrible disease and I have been hospitalised since boxing Day with a kidney and liver infection.

No one should be embarrassed it unfortunately is a part of the illness.

Wishing everyone a healthy 2019.

GrandmaDylan profile image
GrandmaDylan in reply togeorig

Hope you're soon on the mend and out of hospital

georig profile image
georig in reply toGrandmaDylan

Thanks

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