Raloxifene for HGH-Induced Gyno

[Wild_Man]

Hi all,

I ran 3IU of HGH every day for 3 months and gave myself minor gyno. I know it was from the HGH because I wasn’t on anything else. There wasn’t much tissue growth, only a little. But my nipples became hard, sensitive, and itchy. They get soft here and there but they’re hard most of the day.

I stopped taking the HGH 4 months ago and nothing has changed. So I just got some Raloxifene (60mg x 30 pills) and I’m going to give it a try.

My question is, since the HGH likely binded to the prolactin receptors on my breast tissue, will a SERM that blocks estrogen binding really help? I can see Ralox working for E2-induced gyno from a testosterone cycle but this was caused directly by HGH. Let me know your thoughts and recommendations.

 

[Jerajera]

I doubt anyone here would have the answer to that, it would be mostly speculation at best. I would just run the Ralox if you're sure it's actually Ralox, and see what happens.

I'm also not sure there's such a thing as 100% GH-induced gyno. Just because you weren't taking anything else doesn't mean E2 or/and Prolactin wasn't responsible to some degree, you still had your natty E2 levels. If indeed GH contributed to gyno, I doubt it's completely independent from all the other hormones typically involved in developing it.

I'd say just run the Ralox at the typically recommended dosage (I think the protocol is 60mg/day for a while then 30mg/day) and keep your fingers crossed.

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Gynecomastia can be caused by increased IGF-1 in men with genetic predisposition.

A Longitudinal Study of Growth, Sex Steroids and Insulin-like Growth Factor I in boys with Physiological Gynecomastia


Physiological gynecomastia is common in pubertal boys and appears to be associated with increased levels of insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and pubertal growth, but not with a shift in the balance between estrogen and testosterone, a new study suggests.

The findings were published online August 19 in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism by Mikkel G Mieritz, MD, a PhD student working in the department of growth and reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and colleagues.

In their discussion, Mieritz and colleagues note that IGF-1 together with estrogen is essential for the growth of breast tissue, and it appears that the effect of growth hormone on breast growth is mediated through IGF-1. "The stimulatory effect of IGF-1 on breast formation was synergized by [estradiol], which was also elevated in boys with gynecomastia in our study. However, serum testosterone was similarly elevated, leaving the estradiol/testosterone ratio unaltered."

http://press.endocrine.org/doi/10.1210/jc.2015-2836

 

[Nelson Vergel]

Based on the search results, here are the key points about using raloxifene for gynecomastia:

1. Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that has been studied as a potential treatment for gynecomastia, particularly in cases where it is caused by hormonal imbalances[2][3].

2. Some studies have shown promising results using raloxifene for gynecomastia, with one reporting a 50% or greater reduction in breast size in 86-93% of patients treated[8].

3. The typical dose of raloxifene used for gynecomastia treatment is 60 mg daily for 3-9 months[3][6].

4. Raloxifene works by selectively blocking estrogen receptors in breast tissue while acting as an estrogen agonist in bone tissue. This allows it to potentially reduce breast enlargement without negatively impacting bone density[11].

5. Compared to other medications like tamoxifen, raloxifene may have a more favorable side effect profile for treating gynecomastia[3][8].

6. However, the use of raloxifene for gynecomastia is still considered off-label, as it is not FDA-approved specifically for this purpose[2][8].

7. Potential side effects of raloxifene include hot flashes, leg cramps, and a small increased risk of blood clots[5][6].

8. More high-quality clinical studies are still needed to fully establish the efficacy and safety of raloxifene for gynecomastia treatment, especially in adolescents[8].

9. Other treatment options for gynecomastia include watchful waiting (as many cases resolve on their own), other medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, and surgery in severe or persistent cases[1][7].

10. The choice of treatment depends on factors like the severity of gynecomastia, its underlying cause, the patient's age, and potential side effects of different therapies[1][8].

In summary, while raloxifene shows promise as a treatment for gynecomastia in some studies, more research is needed to definitively establish its role. Patients should discuss the potential benefits and risks with their healthcare provider when considering raloxifene or other treatments for gynecomastia.

Citations:
[1] Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure Steps
[2] Raloxifene Gyno Success | Gynecomastia San Antonio
[3] Gynecomastia - Sharp - Annals of Breast Surgery
[4] Gynecomastia: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options for Men
[5] Raloxifene Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD
[6] Raloxifene
[7] Enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic
[8] Gynecomastia: A systematic review of pharmacological treatments
[9] Raloxifene (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names - Mayo Clinic
[10] Raloxifene: MedlinePlus Drug Information
[11] Raloxifene: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action | DrugBank Online
[12] https://www.healio.com/news/endocrinology/20120325/treating-a-patient-with-gynecomastia
[13] https://www.hospitaldaluz.pt/lisboa/en/health-dictionary/gynecomastia