I have gynecomastia, should I wear a bra?

Answer 1

Yes if it makes you feel more comfortable...

Answer 2

Living With Gynecomastia

Answer 3

http://www.gynecomastia.org/

The condition is relatively common in adolescent boys, and 90% of the time symptoms disappear in a matter of months, or, as adolescence wanes, a few years later. But the remaining 10% are burdened with a social handicap that causes a deep and complex shame, and puts one's relationship with one's body at risk.
There are several potential causes:
puberty
steroid abuse (***** ****)
obesity
marijuana use (this is in question)
tumors
genetic disorders
chronic liver disease
side effects of many medications
castration
Klinefelter Syndrome
Gilbert's Syndrome
aging
The Remedy

In cases of obesity, weight loss can alter the gynecomastic condition, but for many it will not eliminate it. For all other causes, surgery is the only known physical remedy. Once the physical encumbrance is lifted, psychological scars still need to be addressed. One must come to terms with one's body, accept it, and heal the wounds from the past.

Psychological Issues

Gynecomastia can be emotionally devastating. Feelings of shame, embarrassment and humiliation are common. One does not feel masculine in a society where masculinity is exalted. Self-hate threads itself through all aspects of the individual's life, creating an insidious web of powerlessness. A man or boy with gynecomastia struggles with anxiety over such simple acts as taking off his shirt at the beach.

For many men, the best solution is surgery. That accomplishes step one of the healing. Step two is psychological redress. From childhood taunting to a lifetime of hating his chest, the hurt feelings will not go away with the fact of breast reduction alone.

Men who have developed gynecomastia later in life from steroid abuse or some other cause may have little to no psychological distress. However, for some in this situation, it can leave them feeling out of control of their body or emasculated in some matter. Hopefully, corrective surgery will resolve these feelings, for some it will not and therapy will needed to relieve the distress.

It is important to recognize the scars on the inside. This is difficult work because it means coming to terms with one's body and past. Acknowledging the pain, moving into a new relationship with one's body and changing how he thinks the world sees him is the key to healing and freedom.

Men often have a very difficult time talking about their breasts to anyone, but it is the first step toward relief. Realizing that they are not alone is a powerful antidote for the shame and a beginning toward healing.
Living with Gynecomastia

There are many men who are unable or unwilling to have surgery because of religious, health, personal or financial reasons, and some men that celebrate and cherish their breasts. However they get there, they are living with Gynecomastia. This section is about their efforts and journeys to come to terms with themselves and their bodies.

Here is a letter from a man with it: http://www.gynecomastia.org/content/letters/01060801.shtml

The following is the steps I've taken against gyno. Its been somewhat effective, but I hope that the gyno. will resolve a bit more:

This is a "sort-of" solution for mild gyno. from puberty. It involves lowering estrogen levels if high estrogen levels are the problem.

I don't think that this method would be effective for severe gyno. But if you have mild gyno(point chest with fat nipples) from puberty this may help you out some.

First of all, I'm NOT a doctor. I'm just someone who suffers from gyno. You should do your own research and talk to a (knowledgeable) doctor about adjusting hormone levels and exercising.

1) First and most important get into shape. Fat encourages higher levels of estrogen and estrogen encourages fat and water retention.

- I recommend lots of cardio (running, stair-master, cross-trainer*). This will tone up your body and help reduce the excess body fat that contribute to the problem. 40-60 minutes every other day.

- Also I recommend weight lifting. Don't just focus on the chest, a well rounded work out is necessary for healthy muscle and joint development.

2) An anti-estrogen like Chrysin may lower estrogen levels. Chyrsin is legal but is NOT intended to cure any diseases(*** remember I'm not a doctor ***).

- So far its alleviated some of the puffiness of my gyno. I suspect it won't make all the hard material go away but in conjunction with working out (I lost 45 lbs and toned up) I'd say its now somewhat acceptable.

- There are bunches of anti-estrogenic products out there. Many are probably not effective. You'll have to research on your own and find one that's legit.

3) Eat healthy, don't drink too much alcohol, etc., etc.

My nipples are smaller than they were (I hope that they reduce a little more, though) plus I now have great definition There's still hard breast tissue but the large size of my pectoral muscles help mask the gyno.

I have not found health-risks with taking anti-estrogens BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY DON'T EXIST.

***Adolescents should not mess with their hormone levels. There's too much going on in that time of your life.***

I hope this helps somebody cuz I know what a pain in the *** gynecomastia is.

Answer 4

If you think the condition is embarrssing how do you think you are going to feel if you get caught wearing a Bra?

Answer 5

If your breasts are hurting you, then yes a bra will help. You may also want to check out this group.

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/male-breasts/

Answer 6

Only if it bothers you to run. If you want to hide it though buy a minimizing band.

Answer 7

do what makes you most comfortable, but i would suggest you bind them. also, you could see a plastic surgeon