Hi All - Gynecomastia

[LennyM]

Hi everyone, so a bit of background from me. 40 year old male, always been a social drinker until covid hit then I started drinking a bit more. Just before covid in 2019 I went to the docs as I generally felt rubbish, tired and some abdominal pain and had full blood panels inc LFTs and all was clear. Went back for a follow up 6 months later and all clear again.

Fast forward 3 years and I was probably drinking 5 nights out of 7; not huge quantities but around 3 - 4 ciders and a glass of wine a night. Not an excuse, but my personal life was fairly hard at the time. My wife got really ill and I had to pick up the pieces to maintain the family, which caused me to drink most nights just to regain control I think.

I realised I was drinking too much last Xmas when I found myself trying to plan most days around having a drink at some point, so I've stopped completely. I have some abdominal pain again, and in the last few days I can feel a hard mass under one of my nipples. Dr Google now says that I have gynecomastia due to my liver failing and putting out Oestrogen. Tongue in cheek I know, and I also realise there may be 100 other reasons for it rather than the worst case scenario.

I'm booked in for a medical appointment the week after next, where bloods will be done. I'm just wondering if anyone has had this, and it didn't end up being the worst case scenario, or if you did have it was it a sole symptom or accompanied by others? I'm really keen to get a grip of my life now and not rely on drinking to have a good time or for use as support. Good luck to everyone on here too.

[Audiking]

Hi Lenny, welcome to the group I hope you get the advice you need.

[LennyM in reply to Audiking]

Thanks mate, hopefully the docs appt and bloods can explain more too.

[Tp807]

I have quite visible gynecomastia since diagnosis. I don't know if that's because of weight loss that it's more noticeable but the doctor believes the diuretics may be the cause. They aren't overly concerned by it at all as a problem itself. For me it is more of an annoyance than anything and I have taken to taping them down so they aren't so pert. The doctor reckons it will go away with a reduction in diuretics. As for breast cancer or anything like that, if that is what you are worrying about, I imagine make breast area is checked in the exact same way as a woman's and your nurse / GP may be able to allay your fears. Good luck

[Maison2023]

just a thought ,my husband has had lumps on his chest under nipple , he has liver disease but its spiroloctane water tablets that cause the lump both times he had been perscribed it . Our surgery and our consultant both said the same .

[Tp807 in reply to Maison2023]

Yes, same medication i have (among many other lol) - it is well known for it.

[medownunder]

The cause is alcohol, quite simply drinking reduces testosterone and increase oestrogen (female hormone) and causes the male body to exhibit some female traits, yes really, breasts are one such 'reward'. Alcohol has a LOT to answer for.. good news is, stop drinking and some of it can be undone, especially age 40. Worst case scenario requires some minor procedure (akin to liposuction) to remove the fat build up. FYI I have the condition, many males do even ones who don't drink, suffice to say my pecks were replaced by gynomastia, Don't fret, just quit drinking (far more important for your health) as much worse health problems can occur leading to liver transplant or worse. good luck. speak with your dr.

[LennyM]

So, I went to the docs and had bloods done. Most were within normal range, apart from GGT at 70. The Dr did say that it may take a while for the levels to drop after drinking for so long and frequently.

Would all my other levels be all over the place if something more significant was going on? The doc didn't seem overly concerned, they just want me back in a few months to test again.

I haven't had a drink in 6 weeks, so long may it continue! I hope you all have a great weekend!

[deanw41]

I grew tits when I was on Spiro (water tablet) for ascites. Started as what what felt gristle under my nipples. I was a rounded A cup.

[Morkmindy]

I'm very bloated with Spiro feel so fat round arms legs bust but wrists skinny so awful especially as never been overweight in my life it's enough drive you to drink I do eat now but not enough for amount weight iv gained got be medication I'm also on fusemide makes no difference to ankles feet so I give up