Most people would think that gynecomastia or man boobs in weightlifters is not sexy. Seeing these so-called ‘bitch tits’ especially in male bodybuilders and weightlifters is unattractive since they definitely resemble the sagging, pinkish teats of your female canine pals. Female-like boobs in male weightlifters don’t go very well with their buff and toned physique. That’s the reason why many gym instructors, athletes, and body builders resort to a myriad of medications to nix gynecomastia. Some of these medications include growth hormones packed in prefilled syringes, anabolic steroids, thyroid preparations, insulin, and a wonder drug that every health buff can’t live without in their stash: Nolvadex.
Gynecomastia or man boobs in weightlifters and people with hormonal imbalances like those who have thyroid or adrenal gland conditions occur when aromatase, an important enzyme present in the male body converts testosterone into estrogen.
Every person has variable levels of testosterone, the dominant male hormone and estrogen, the dominant sex hormone for females. These chemicals that are naturally produced by the body are responsible for the development of certain human characteristic changes starting at puberty. Ideal levels of estrogen in females result in the enlargement of breasts, high-pitched voice, development of pubic hair on the axillary and genital area and it signals the start of menarche.
Testosterone in males does wonders for young boys’ booming voice, narrowing of hips, acne, and development of facial hair. Males have traces of estrogen in their system, and with the constant use of steroids, production of estrogen is enhanced; thereby causing man boobs in weightlifters and body builders.
Gynecomastia is always associated with heavy or constant use of steroids. The condition starts by the appearance of gradual swelling or the palpation of a minute lump underneath the nipples. If gynecomastia is not treated immediately, it can slowly grow into an unwanted tissue mass which cannot be corrected even with surgery. The increased level of estrogen in weightlifters and body builders may also cause water retention, making participants in weightlifting competitions looking smoothly toned and bloated.
Aside from having man boobs in weightlifters, estrogen is primarily important in fat storage. This is the reason why women have a higher percentage of body fat than men. But because body builders tend to have increased serum levels of estrogen accompanied by long-term steroid use, they add an estrogen retardant to their daily supplemental regimen to prevent excessive storage of body fat. Yet anti-estrogen drugs can cause chronic kidney failure with long-term use so you need to consult your doctor before taking any hormonal medications.
One of the most popular anti-estrogen preparations used by athletes and weightlifters is Tamoxifen citrate or Nolvadex. It works as an estrogen-antagonist and it binds to receptors specific to estrogen located all over the body. When receptors are coated by the molecules of the drug, estrogen cannot bind in the receptors anymore, thereby curbing the feminizing side effects of steroids like gyno.
At the end of the day, try to remember that usage of steroid preparations by body builders or weightlifters may be legal for most states but one of its adverse effects is immunosuppression. It’s no wonder why during off season, body builders tend to be more prone to flu and infection than toddlers and school-age kids. It’s not easy to have those killer biceps and washboard abs that every man dreams of. To hasten their body-sculpting process some have to use steroids. So if gynecomastia is the last thing on your mind right now, it’s best to still do everything the hard way: work out, jog, lift weights, eat healthy, and live healthy.
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