If someone mentions ‘gynecomastia steroids’, chances are they’re talking about anabolic steroids.
One of the main concerns when using these steroids is the development of gynecomastia. For someone as conscious of esthetics as bodybuilders, gynecomastia is particularly problematic.
Although these steroids can help build muscle, they also cause hormonal imbalances. These imbalances can eventually give rise to gynecomastia.
What is Gyno/Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia (often abbreviated to ‘gyno’) is the development of excess breast gland tissue in men. Though there are a variety of contributing factors, it usually boils down to an imbalance in hormones. This imbalance is generally between estrogen and testosterone.
Gyno can lead to the development of excess breast gland tissue around and behind the nipple. Though it is a harmless condition, it can cause significant embarrassment and psychological distress, and almost all men suffering from it prioritize seeking treatment.
It’s important not to confuse gynecomastia with pseudogynecomastia. This second condition is ‘pseudo’ because it’s not actually the real deal; it’s the build-up of chest fat.
This may superficially resemble gynecomastia and still cause “man boobs”, but due to the fact that it’s merely fat, it can usually be resolved through lifestyle changes.
Note that it is quite common for those with gynecomastia to also have excess chest fat. If this is the case, both issues will be resolved during a gyno surgery.
Gynecomastia in Bodybuilders
It’s not easy to put a precise figure on the number of bodybuilders who suffer from gyno. But the fact is that it is a condition from which bodybuilders are more likely to suffer.
A medical study found that, between the years of 1980 and 2013, 1,574 bodybuilders underwent surgery to correct instances of gynecomastia.
Gynecomastia, then, is frequently encountered by bodybuilders – particularly those who use anabolic steroids.
Why Do Bodybuilders Get Gynecomastia?
As previously mentioned, the most common reason for gynecomastia in bodybuilders is the use of anabolic steroids. One of the most popular kinds of steroid used by bodybuilders are those derived from testosterone.
You may be wondering why testosterone (a hormone produced in the testes that drives primarily male-associated characteristics) can lead to female sexual characteristics.
The reason for this is because too much testosterone results in the body attempting to redress the balance. It does this by converting testosterone into estrogen, via the use of an enzyme called aromatase.
How Can I Prevent Gynecomastia While on Steroids?
To offset the overproduction of testosterone and the tendency of the body to aromatize it, many bodybuilders pair their use of anabolic steroids with the use of an estrogen blocker or aromatase inhibitor. This prevents testosterone being converted into estrogen.
Be sure to consult a doctor prior to making any medical decisions.
Gynecomastia Steroids Treatment
If you catch gynecomastia early, it is possible for it to be reversed. This is good news for bodybuilders who are taking anabolic steroids, as the steroids are almost certainly the cause.
Reversing the development of gynecomastia, then, is as easy as simply discontinuing the use of steroids.
It may also be possible to continue steroid use, but it must be paired with an estrogen blocker or aromatase inhibitor in order to ensure there is no hormonal imbalance.
This is assuming, however, that you catch it early enough. If the gynecomastia has already reached grade 2 or higher, then lifestyle changes and discontinuing substance use will most likely no longer prevent or reverse gynecomastia.
In this case, the only recourses available are surgical, typically either involving the excision of breast gland tissue, liposuction, or a combination of both.
Gynecomastia Exercise Routine
Exercise can be somewhat effective in mitigating or hiding a case of gynecomastia, but it’s unfortunately really only masking the problem without addressing the underlying causes.
Gynecomastia is usually, at its root, a condition occasioned by hormonal imbalance, and no amount of flys or push-ups are going to change that.
However, in mild cases, the development of chest muscle along with keeping body fat low can hide grade 1 gynecomastia. The best exercises for this are:
Swimming
A great cardio workout that works all muscles in your body because of the resistance of the water. Swimming promotes overall weight loss and muscle toning, both of which can help hide small amounts of breast tissue.
HIIT
HIIT stands for ‘high-intensity interval training’, and it’s great for boosting weight loss and muscle growth. Though it doesn’t contribute directly to building chest muscle, it is good for ensuring low body fat.
Push-Ups
A fantastic, basic exercise that doesn’t just work the chest, but the triceps and your core.
Standing Cable Flys
Great for working the chest and arms. Can help to build your pecs and hide breast tissue.
Dumbbell Pullovers
This is another great exercise that puts in some work on the abs alongside your chest and arms.
Bench Presses
Whatever flavor of bench press you do, they’re all good for building chest muscle and tightening up the chest in general.
Reverse Cable Pull
Related to the fly, this cable pull works your upper back muscles in addition to the chest.
Note again that none of these exercises will help eliminate gynecomastia, but may help obscure it.
Gynecomastia Steroids Treatment
Exercise is all well and good, but at some point you’re going to have to address the core problem. Exactly what treatments you can pursue depend on what stage of gynecomastia you have.
Stage 1 Gynecomastia Treatments for Bodybuilders
If you’ve caught it this early, you’re in luck. It’s possible to reverse gynecomastia at this stage using some of the methods we’ve already outlined (discontinuing use of steroids or using estrogen blockers/aromatase inhibitors).
In addition, some off-label medications can be used to treat gynecomastia. These tend to be primarily used for breast cancer, but can be of use in reversing the development of breast gland tissue or dissipating it altogether.
Some non-surgical treatments, such as coolsculpting can help with taking down any build-up of fat tissue on the chest.
Furthermore, if any other substances are being abused (alcohol, for instance, or marijuana), discontinuing the use of these substances may prevent the condition from worsening.
Finally, some underlying conditions, such as kidney/liver disease or testicular dysfunctions, are linked to gynecomastia. Treating these conditions may also resolve gynecomastia.
Stages 2-4 Gynecomastia Treatments for Bodybuilders
Surgical treatments are the only recourse at this stage. In order to ensure that all excess breast gland is completely removed and that there is no chance of a recurrence, it’s usually recommended that gynecomastia sufferers have surgery.
This procedure involves the removal of the excess breast gland tissue, and sometimes the excess skin.
This surgery is often paired with liposuction, which removes any excess chest fat. It is the most effective way to ensure the complete removal of all offending tissue from the chest.
Can I Work Out After Gynecomastia Surgery?
It’s best to only engage in light exercise (walking or hiking) for at least 2-3 weeks after gynecomastia surgery, in order to give the chest time to properly heal. Anything more than this can exacerbate the still-healing tissue, and is not recommended.
In fact, many doctors estimate that it takes a good eight weeks for surgical wounds to completely heal, and so anything other than light exercise should be avoided during this time.
It goes without saying, of course, that weightlifting and strenuous gym exercise place too much strain on your body during this period. It is therefore not recommended that you go to the gym at all for at least two months (unless you’re just taking part if light workouts).
Learn More | Gynecomastia Surgery Recovery
What Is a Good Gynecomastia Diet for Bodybuilders?
Diet in of itself cannot cause or reverse gynecomastia. However, it’s probably a good idea to ensure your diet is rich in zinc (promotes testosterone production), unsaturated fats, anti-inflammatories (can stop breast swelling) and vitamin D.
Good sources of these include seafood, lean (unprocessed) meats, leafy greens, fresh fruit juices, mushrooms, trout and other freshwater fish, avocado, and healthier oils (coconut, olive).
For those who don’t want to micro-manage their diets, it’s a good rule of thumb to avoid processed foods, sugary snacks/drinks and refined carbs like white bread/rice.
Stick to wholemeal/brown sources of complex carbs, stock up on fresh fruit and greens, and stick to lean meats and fish (and avoid gyno causing foods). Chances are, you’ll find that your diet is naturally rich in the vitamins and minerals you need to combat gynecomastia.
Does Gynecomastia Interfere with Bodybuilding?
No – and in fact, there have been several successful male bodybuilders who suffered from the condition.
Bodybuilding greats like Lee Haney, Franco Columbu and Ronnie Coleman all allegedly suffered from gynecomastia. Due to the huge amounts of muscle each of these men built up, however, the underlying gyno was barely noticeable.
Steroid Gynecomastia Recap
Gynecomastia in bodybuilders is not all that uncommon, as we’ve seen – and it’s largely due to the use of anabolic steroids.
Such an easily traceable cause, does mean some pretty straightforward fixes. However, early cases can be reversed with sensible lifestyle choices.
Even if the condition does progress further, there are options – including, as many award-winning bodybuilders have done, simply powering through it.
Whatever you decide to do, it’s important to remember that gynecomastia is a condition that is treatable, one way or another.