When it comes to wanting to grow breasts, phyto-estrogens are the go-to herbs: PM, FG, RC, etc. Anti-androgens are usually added later to enhance the effect.
From what I've learned about the various hormonal pathways in the human endocrine system, it would seem that anti-androgens alone would have the same effect. By reducing the amount of testosterone in the male body (with Spearmint leaf, for example), the body automatically increases the production of estradiol via aromatization.
Is there some reason why an AA-only program would not be a good idea? If so, what is the downside? Simply slower breast growth?
Has anyone taken an AA-only approach to breast growth/feminization.
Clara
I'll get much softer skin and puffy nipples if I stay on just saw palmetto, but there's nothing permanent or noticable. Yes, your estrogen increases if you decrease your testosterone, but it isn't that much. You may see some effects if there's something else going on. Remember that you're lacking a female endocrine system, namely ovaries, so your ambient estrogen level is still really limited compared to biological females without taking something estrogenic in. That said, the average US male is exposed to several different estrogenic chemicals in their daily lives, so it's possible they could take the place of an estrogenic herb or medication and allow development only on the AA.
Hi Clara,
I have wondered the same myself. If I had known there were herbal A.A. during my teen years, I would have definitely given them a try to take the edge off my libidio and such. As Epicene has discussed, even with a lowered level of testosterone, bio-males are still lacking with producing the amount of estrogen needed for breast development.
I think AA-only programs do have merit but probably not for NBE growth. Instead, I think it's a good program for bio-males who want to test the waters for how they respond to the herbal route without incurring significant physical feminization.
Epicene, I like your username.
In a way I think epicene is a better description of my gender identity than androgynous.
Thanks, Epicene and Flamesabers. Your response makes sense. Of course, a big source of natural estrogen in males is from fat tissue. I suppose that helps explain gynecomasia's prevalence among overweight men.
I've been lowering my PM dosage right along these past couple of months, replacing it with the AAs Spearmint and Pygeum. I've noticed very little change in mental state or body changes in shifting away from PM. There does seem to be an acceleration of scalp hair growth that can be explained by my attacking DHT with Pygeum. Indications of breast growth in the way of soreness have stayed relatively constant.
I'm going to try dropping the PM to just 500 mg/day for awhile to see if this pattern is maintained or not. If my breast growth slows or stops while other benefits (reduced body hair, mental calmness) remain, I'd be okay with that. I seem to be very sensitive to PM, so a lower dose may be all I need to continue to grow or, at least, maintain current gains.
Clara