Since You Now Work With a Doctor That Treats Gynecomastia…

Hi Doctor,

I’ve seen you comment on the topic of propecia-related gynecomastia before but, what I’m wondering is, how often you see it in your practice. Would you say it’s as common as the sexual side effects? Moreso? Less so?

I’m a bit worried at the fact that you say you now work with a doctor in your practice who treats this. I don’t supposed you’d have need for it if it weren’t pretty prevalent.

I’m starting to experience MPB. I am 26 and my father lost his hair at a very young age. Unfortunately, my visit to the dermatologist was not ideal. I was very nervous and she did nothing to calm me down. Honestly, she spoke to me as if my being there was a waste of her time. “You’re 26, it’s not unusual at this age.”

I understand that but a little understanding wouldn’t have hurt. She only suggested Rogaine for me. She mentioned Propecia but did not prescribe it for me due to being “disturbed by recent studies.” Being an FDA approved medication I really think it should be the patient’s decision as long as the risks are clearly explained. My general practitioner does not seem to want to prescribe it for me, either.

Any information you can provide on these topics is appreciated. I’d like to try the medication but, if I keep hair but grow breasts…I’m not sure what I’ve gained.

I think you read into things a little bit when I mentioned I now work with a doctor that surgically treats gynecomastia. I acquired a dermatology practice where one of the doctors has built up a massive experience treating this problem over the years. Most gynecomastia is not related to Propecia use, as this is very rare in my experience. Gynecomastia occurs in many men at many ages.

If you don’t like how your dermatologist treated you, you should find another doctor. I’ve written much about the “recent studies” which are actually just biased interviews with 50+ men.