I read that breast enlargement is a side effect of andro gel. Has anyone had this side effect? Is it common or rare to have breast enlargement on andro gel? This terrifies me. I don't want my tumors get bigger on andro gel.
And how come with the shots your breast are supposed to shrink a little? (Though, I hadn't notice while on shots my tumors shrinking) Is it because it's a different type of T?
I believe it is just the conversion of any excess T to E. Since the product is marketed to cismen, if they have a dose that is too high (especially in the case of bodybuilders who might abuse it), breast growth can be a side effect. As long as we as transmen remain in the healthy male range, it shouldn't be an issue. Androgel is essentially the exact same stuff as the shots - the method of delivery into the blood is just different (through skin absorption rather than direct injection).
Thank you.
I am on Androgel and have not experienced this. My cis male relative, however, experienced this because he was essentially overdoing on T. The T turned to E and he developed significant breast tissue. If you follow the directions, you'll be fine.
Thanks.
Androgel, with other synthetic or animal androgens cannot emulate the human testosterone fully. Humans are the only animals with permanent breast mounds. The other mammals have "bags". The human testosterone has a breast suppressor quality in its molecule and that binds to the receptors in a certain way in the breasts, inhibiting their growth. If a man takes androgel or the other androgens too much, the pituitary gland will detect this and will excrete a hormone telling the testes to shut down production of testosterone. The pituitary regulates a lot of the hormones in your body.
The same is true to men my age when the production of T decreases in their 50's. Gynocomastia is prevalent here. A lot of these fellows are larger than what I try to accomplish. If you already have breasts, the androgens you are taking will not increase what is already there. There are warnings not to apply these topicals directly to the chest, including the estrogels.
Joelene
Thanks.
I have been on Androgel for over 4 years and no growth. I have had top surgery, but nothing has grown back or anything.
That's great to hear. Glad nothing grew or grew back.