Gynecomastia represents the medical term for the growth of female breast tissues in the male body. This action occurs when the male is presented with an unusually high level of estrogen, particularly with the use of strong aromatizing androgens such as testosterone and Dianabol. The surplus estrogen can act upon receptors in the breast and excite the increase of mammary tissues. If left unchecked, this can lead to an actual noticeable and unpleasant tissue growth under the nipple area, in many cases taking on a very feminine exterior. To fight this side effect during steroid therapy, many people find it crucial to use some form of estrogen maintenance medication. This includes an estrogen antagonist such as Clomid or Nolvadex, which blocks estrogen from attaching to and activating receptors in the breast and other tissues, or an aromatase inhibitor such as Femara or Arimidex, which blocks the enzyme in charge for the alteration of androgens to estrogens. Aromatase inhibitors like this are currently the most effective options, but also the very expensive.
Мany consider a slightly elevated estrogen level may help the athlete achieve a more distinct muscle mass gain during a cycle. With this in mind many athletes and bodybuilders decide to use anti-estrogens only when it is necessary to block gynecomastia. It is of course still a good idea to always keep an anti-estrogen on-hand when injecting or taking an aromatizable steroid, so that it is readily accessible should trouble become obvious. Puffiness or swelling under the nipple is one of the first signs of pending gynecomastia, often followed by pain or soreness in this region. This is a clear indicator that some type of anti-estrogen is required. If the swelling progresses into small, marble like lumps, action absolutely must be taken right away to treat it. Otherwise, if the steroids are continued at this point without ancillary drug use, the user will likely be stuck with revolting tissue growth that can only be removed only with surgery.
It is also important to know that progestins seem to enhance the stimulatory effect of estrogens on mammary tissue growth. There appears to be a strong link between these two hormones here, such that gynecomastia might even be able to take place with the help of progestins, without extra estrogen levels being required. A low estrogen steroid like Deca can potentially cause gyno in several cases, again promoting the necessity to keep anti-estrogens close at hand if you are very responsive to this particular side effect.
