Tribbulus terrestris is an herb used as a nutritional supplement for its reported benefits to human health. Manufacturers promote tribulus terrestris as a supplement to improve sexual function in men and enhance testosterone production, muscle recovery and exercise performance. However, one of the side effects of increased testosterone production is gynecomastia, or an increase in the size of male mammary glands, forming breast tissue in men. If you are considering using tribulus terrestris as a nutritional or performance enhancing supplement, talk with your doctor about the potential side effects, including gynecomastia.
Tribulus And Testosterone
According to the book, "Anabolic Primer," research is mixed regarding the effectiveness of tribulus terrestris in increasing testosterone levels in humans. A 2007 study published by the "Official Journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology " reported that tribulus terrestris can increase serum testosterone levels in male rats. However, another study published in 2005 in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" found that tribulus terrestris fails to have an effect on testosterone in men. More research is needed to assess the exact effects of tribulus terrestris on testosterone in men.
Gynecomastia and Testosterone
Despite the conflicting evidence regarding the ability of tribulus terrestris to influence testosterone levels, an increase in testosterone levels in men increases the risk of developing gynecomastia. According to the book, "Human Anatomy and Physiology," when serum testosterone levels are artificially elevated, such as when taking steroids or herbal supplements that increase testosterone production, the excess testosterone that your body does not require is converted into both estrogen, which can cause male breast tissue enlargement, and dihydrotestosterone.
Tribulus and Gynecomastia
In a 2004 study published in the health journal "Breast," researchers found a positive correlation between the use of tribulus terrestris and the onset of gynecomastia in men. According to "Natural Medications for Psychiatric Disorders," tribulus terrestris supplementation can increase dehydroepiandrosterone levels. High amounts of DHEA in your bloodstream can cause several side effects, including gynecomastia in men.
Other Considerations
Along with the potential of developing gynecomastia, tribulus terrestris may also increase your risk for prostate cancer and hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, although more research is needed to verify these claims. Also, stopping tribulus supplementation does not necessarily improve symptoms of gynecomastia. In many cases, treatment for gynecomastia can include hormone therapy, but severe cases may require surgery. If you think you are developing gynecomastia from tribulus terrestris supplementation, talk with your doctor about your treatment options.
References
- "Anabolic Primer"; Phil Embleton and Gerard Thorne; 1998
- "Breast"; Gynaecomastia and the Plant Product "Tribulis Terrestris"; J.K. Jameel, et al.; October 2004
- "Official Journal of the Brazilian Society of Urology"; Free Serum Testosterone Level in Male Rats Treated with Tribulus Alatus Extracts; W.H. El-Tantawy, et al.; July-August 2007
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; The Aphrodisiac Herb Tribulus Terrestris Does Not Influence the Androgen Production in Young Men; V.K. Neychev and V.I. Mitev; October 2005
- "Human Anatomy and Physiology"; Elaine N. Marieb; 2004
- "Natural Medications for Psychiatric Disorders"; David Mischoulon and Jerrold F. Rosenbaum; 2008
