Is a complete hormonal workup by an endocrinologist required prior to surgery?
No — in the vast majority of gynecomastia patients hormonal tests reveal normal levels of testosterone and estrogen. That being said, the patient’s history of the problem may indicate that abnormal hormone levels may be present (eg sudden development of gynecomastia in a healthy 20-something male) and that hormonal evaluation is necessary. The other possible causes such as illegal drugs (marijuana, body-building steroids), side effects of prescribed medications, adrenal tumor, pituitary tumor, testicular tumor, etc must also be evaluated. I will never refuse to have complete hormonal testing performed prior to surgery if the patient requests it. However, in most instances, all the tests will come back as normal.
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- Is a complete hormonal workup by an endocrinologist required prior to surgery?
