Steroids – Side Effects

One of the side-effects of steroids in men is the development of gynecomastia. These steroids- side effects include:

• Swollen glandular tissue in the breast
• Tenderness of the breast
• Discharge from the nipples
• Swelling of the nipples

                                                                 Lose Man Boobs 

It is estimated that up to 50% of athletes who use Anabolic Steroids and Androgens go on to develop Gynecomastia. So what are steroids?

Anabolic Steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone which is a male growth hormone. So you would automatically think that extra testosterone would help to quickly develop a manly chest, wouldn’t you? After all, one of the basic causes of gynecomastia is low testosterone production! It is certain that many guys pumping iron have thought processes along these lines and simply do not know that one of the side effects of steroid use is the development of enlarged male breasts. On a personal note, as a Fitness Instructor, I have witnessed the development of ‘man boobs’ on individuals who I knew to be using substances.

So, what happens when a man embarks on the anabolic steroid route? Well, he will notice strength and mass gains, certainly but, in time, the body reacts to this testosterone boost. A process called 'aromatisation' starts to take place whereby the extra testosterone molecules are changed into feminising hormones, specifically estrogen. For more information on how to combat steroid side effects go to...  

‘The Chest Coach Program’

or read on...

These higher levels of the feminising hormone estrogen will lurk quietly in the background. As soon as the athlete stops his steroid cycle…bang! The higher level of estrogen uses the window afforded by the body to make its move. The body cannot begin it’s normal testosterone production immediately[although it does eventually do so]. Therefore, if you have developed breast tissue that is glandular and not muscular, what is the prognosis? Often the unwanted tissue will go away of it’s own accord but if it doesn’t then some sort of remedial action is necessary.

By the way, there are estrogen blockers that help bodybuilders to avoid gynecomastia but how sensible is it to keep pumping substances into your system? Anyway, these ‘blockers’ will not cure gynecomastia once contracted.

Surgery is chosen by many bodybuilders to cure their breast enlargement and they seem to be willing to cheerfully part with $4500 to $8500. However, there are other, natural ways of helping yourself if you want to get rid of this most embarrassing of the side effects of steroids. For instance, look at...

The system developed by Cliff Manchaster. This is a safe, natural approach to the problem and is definitely worth a look.

Bruce Barker.