Gyno and Bodybuilding: How to Handle Excess Breast Tissue

If you take part in bodybuilding, you might worry about developing gynecomastia.

For those devoted to physique sports, gynecomastia is particularly troubling because the discipline emphasizes visual appearance. Many competitors use anabolic steroids to accelerate muscle gains, which can disturb hormonal balance and trigger gynecomastia.

This article explains everything a bodybuilder should know about gynecomastia.

What is gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is the formation of breast tissue in men. It produces a swollen, puffy, breast-like look around the chest and nipple region. While it’s generally not harmful physically, it can cause emotional and social distress for affected individuals.

Research indicates gynecomastia most often arises from an increased ratio of circulating estrogens to androgens (1).

In early stages, gynecomastia can sometimes be reversed. If it persists, however, the growth of nonfat glandular tissue around the nipple typically becomes permanent unless surgically removed.

It’s important to note that gynecomastia specifically denotes glandular tissue enlargement around the nipple and can be mistaken for fat accumulation in the chest.

Although extra fat in the chest can accompany gynecomastia, the condition itself is not caused by excess adipose tissue. Men of all fitness levels and body-fat percentages can develop gynecomastia.

Summary: Gynecomastia is the benign growth of breast gland tissue in men. If it becomes established, surgery is required to correct it.

What are the symptoms of gynecomastia?

Medical sources describe gynecomastia symptoms as enlargement of breast tissue around the pectoral and nipple area, typically with a firm, symmetric, rubbery mass radiating concentrically from the nipple.

This change reflects benign proliferation of glandular breast tissue (2).

As noted, gynecomastia can coexist with fat deposition in the chest, but excess fat is not a defining feature of the condition.

Summary: Key signs of gynecomastia include rubbery glandular tissue around the nipple and increased glandular breast tissue.

How common is gynecomastia in bodybuilders?

It’s hard to determine the exact prevalence of gynecomastia among bodybuilders, but it’s certainly not rare.

One analysis found that from 1980 to 2013 in the U.S., 1,574 bodybuilders underwent surgery for gynecomastia (3).

Other research estimates that roughly 30–40% of males in the general population experience gynecomastia at some point (2).

Overall, gynecomastia is neither unique nor uncommon among male bodybuilders, especially those who use anabolic agents.

Summary: Gynecomastia frequently affects bodybuilders, though precise rates are difficult to establish.

What causes gynecomastia in bodybuilders?

Numerous factors can cause gynecomastia, including certain prescription medications (4).

In bodybuilders, gynecomastia most commonly results from anabolic steroid use, particularly exogenous testosterone derivatives. The body’s metabolism of these hormones can lead to downstream effects that prompt gynecomastia.

One breakdown product of testosterone metabolism is estradiol, an estrogen that encourages development of typically female secondary sexual characteristics.

When estradiol levels are elevated in men, breast tissue can grow and enlarge.

Certain prescription drugs and some over-the-counter supplements can also contribute, though not everyone will experience these adverse effects.

Summary: In bodybuilders, gynecomastia is mainly a complication associated with anabolic steroid use.

Are there exercises that reduce gynecomastia?

Exercise is sometimes proposed as a way to treat gynecomastia, but it’s largely ineffective for gynecomastia caused by glandular tissue proliferation, which is common after steroid use.

True clinical gynecomastia involves glandular growth that cannot be eliminated through dieting or training and typically requires medical treatment.

Gynecomastia is a medical issue rather than a sign of poor fitness, so while exercise has many benefits, it’s not a specific cure for glandular gynecomastia.

That said, excess chest fat can mimic gynecomastia. In those cases, reducing overall body fat via a calorie deficit can improve appearance. Exercise can support weight loss by increasing energy expenditure alongside dietary changes.

Building the pectoral muscles can also create a firmer chest look if body fat is low, but many bodybuilders with gynecomastia already have significant chest musculature.

Summary: Exercise does not resolve clinical gynecomastia.

Are there supplements that reduce gynecomastia?

Numerous supplements claim to prevent or reduce gynecomastia by enhancing estrogen metabolism.

Commonly promoted supplements include:

• indole-3-carbinol
• white button mushroom extract
• mucuna pruriens
• choline
• vitamin E

However, robust peer-reviewed evidence supporting these products for steroid-induced gynecomastia is minimal.

In the U.S., the FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as prescription medications, and many marketing claims lack strong scientific backing.

Always speak with your healthcare provider before using supplements, especially if you’re attempting to manage a medical condition.

Summary: There are no FDA-approved supplements proven to treat gynecomastia.

How is gynecomastia treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and the extent of breast development.

For steroid-induced gynecomastia, anti-estrogen medications such as tamoxifen can lower estradiol activity and may be effective in early stages (1).

However, once glandular gynecomastia is established, only surgical excision of the tissue will fully reverse the condition.

Surgery should be performed by a qualified surgeon and typically involves removal of glandular tissue and liposuction of excess fat when indicated.

Surgical outcomes are generally favorable in bodybuilders: studies report around 98% satisfaction with cosmetic results (5).

Because steroid-related gynecomastia is not life-threatening, the primary objective of treatment is achieving a satisfactory aesthetic outcome for the patient.

Remember that gynecomastia is one of several possible adverse effects of anabolic steroids; other health consequences may be more serious.

Summary: Early gynecomastia can sometimes be managed with medications; mature, glandular gynecomastia requires surgical removal.

Are there bodybuilders with gynecomastia who succeeded?

Gynecomastia can provoke considerable emotional distress, especially in athletes focused on their look.

Fortunately, surgical solutions are effective and widely used.

Several high-profile bodybuilders have managed gynecomastia while achieving top competitive success.

For instance, Lee Haney, the 1987 Mr. Olympia, had noticeable gynecomastia yet reached the sport’s summit.

Franco Columbu, the 1981 Mr. Olympia, also experienced significant gynecomastia during his career.

More recently, Ronnie Coleman — one of bodybuilding’s greatest champions — had prominent gynecomastia visible near his left nipple in some close-up images.

When competitors reach the very low body-fat levels required for contests, gynecomastia may present more as swollen nipples than as marked breast enlargement.

Given the strong efficacy of surgical correction, gynecomastia need not prevent success in bodybuilding.

Summary: Numerous successful bodybuilders have contended with visible gynecomastia.

The bottom line

Gynecomastia is a common condition that affects many men. In bodybuilders, it’s often a consequence of anabolic steroid use.

While not life-threatening, gynecomastia can cause significant psychological and emotional strain in a sport centered on appearance.

Fully developed clinical gynecomastia requires surgery to remove glandular and fatty tissue, and these procedures have high success and satisfaction rates.

The condition is inconvenient and sometimes upsetting, but it doesn’t prevent success in bodybuilding — many renowned competitors have coped with it and performed at elite levels.

If you’re worried about gynecomastia, consult a medical professional. The condition is common and treatable, and there are non-surgical resources to explore as well, such as gynecomastia treatment without surgery. Also consider learning how your physique relates to different male body types when planning aesthetic goals.