3. Pharmaceuticals
There are other medications, other than anabolic steroids, that can cause the growth of gynecomastia in men. Pharmaceutical medications can affect the endocrine system, reducing the amount of testosterone while increasing the presence of estrogen in the body.
If you’re taking any of the following drugs, and experiencing signs of gynecomastia, speak to your doctor about adjusting your treatment to a less aggressive class of medications that don’t cause gynecomastia side effects.
Anti-anxiety medications, such as alprazolam, (Xanax,) diazepam, (Valium,) and other benzodiazepines.
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Nortriptyline, (Pamelor,) Amitriptyline, and Protriptyline, (Vivactil.)
Anti-androgens for the treatment of prostate cancer and BPH, (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia,) such as finasteride, (Propecia and Proscar,) and spironolactone (Aldactone).
HIV and AIDS medications, such as Efavirenz, (Sustiva,) used in highly active antiretroviral therapy, (HAART.)
Cancer treatment drugs used in chemotherapy.
Antibiotics.
Cardiovascular medications, such as calcium channel blockers.
Ulcer and gastric drugs, such as cimetidine, (Tagamet HB,) and metoclopramide, (Reglan.)