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Hormones – side effects[Read WARNING on first post]
a lil help please!!!!
can anyone tell me the details ofd what to expect when i start my hormone treatments?
im currently investigating jus how i start all this as i have decided that this is for me, however the info is somewhat confusing at the moment. In particular, i would like to know what side effect i can expect?Great info , and thanks to all, ive sen an endo and im starting next week so wish me luck, kisses to you all, Amy
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Quote:WARNING
TrannyRadio is not a medical forum and any comments you may read in TR forums are only the opinions of the member posting. You should not assume that a posting on TR implies any verification or independent review and whilst the advice is honestly offered it is made without knowledge of your particular medical conditions. You should always seek professional medical advice before taking any action that might affect your health. -
7 Replies
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Amy,
Be very, very sure of what you are about to do.
First go and see an endocrinologist, you will not regret it. If you do not know one contact the Gender Centre in Sydney.
The effects you can expect will be gradual but after a time permanent. These will include breast enlargement, atrophy of the testis, shrinking of the penis, loss of sexual function, shift in mental attitude which could involve depression, slowing in growth of body and facial hair. If you are taking oral medication get your liver and kidney function checked regularly.
As you see from the above you will be physically altered, so before you get sick with flu or common illness go and talk all this over with your GP. You will not be able to hide the facts once you start so be honest with him now.
Take care Joanne_1
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Amy, I would like to say that I agree with Joanne. After being on HRT for a month now, I have already had a huge mood swing which would have gone into a downward spiral to depression if I didn’t do something about it for starters. As she said, talk to an endocrinologist about your situation and your thoughts too. Make a list of your questions too so that when you do go and talk to the doctor you will remember what you want to know, your nerves may overpower you when you go into the room and then you’ll forget half the things that you want to know.
Just remember this also, “take your time and do it right”.
Peta A.
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Quote:Amy,
Be very, very sure of what you are about to do.
I couldn’t agree more…
Quote:The effects you can expect will be gradual but after a time permanent. These will include breast enlargement, atrophy of the testis, shrinking of the penis, loss of sexual function, shift in mental attitude which could involve depression, slowing in growth of body and facial hair. If you are taking oral medication get your liver and kidney function checked regularly.Um… Shrinkage of the penis occurs through lack of use, not due to hormones. If you keep using it, it will not shrink in size, but of course the anti-androgens (particularly Androcur) can have a profound effect on sexual desires and performance.
Facial hair is not affected by feminising hormones, but growth rate can be slowed marginally by lowering of your Testosterone levels. Courseness of the hair that does grow will not be altered. There are 2 distinct types of hair Vellus hair and Terminal hair. Vellus hair follicles become Terminal hair follicles thanks to androgens, and the process is ireversable. Permanent removal of Terminal Hair is only possible using a method that destroys the follicle (eg, LASER/IPL/Electrolysis). Vellus hair on the other hand can be affected by anti-androgens, hair can become lighter and finer after prolonged treatment (in me was 6 months). Basically after 6 months of Spironolactone the darker hairs on my arms have become a lot lighter and finer (you can’t see most of them.) It has had no effect on Facial, Underarm, Chest, or Leg hair which is “terminal hair”. Switching to Androcur reversed the effects of Spironlactone, switching back again, had similar effects to the first experience (go figure!.)
Lethargy will occur with hormone levels too low (testosterone or estrogen), this can lead to depression.
Progesterone can lead to depression, and can cause large mood swings.
Apparently you are likely to eat more and therefore gain unwanted weight when starting on Estrogen. Exactly the opposite happened to me. I’ve lost nearly 30kg , 20kg of that since starting HRT.
Be prepared for uncontrollable crying and teary moments during the first 2-3 months of starting hormones and anytime increases in hormone levels are elevated.
Take care,
Shells
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Lucky I read through the forum before starting a new thread, congratulate me Amanda! I went to see my endo. today and he asked about my eating habits (which are rather healthy) and I said that I get a lot of cravings. I even commented that you could even think that I was pregnant with the way that they affect me. The reply that I got was that it is a very common side effect with HRT so another one to be aware of, particularly when you want to remain at size 8/10. These cravings are sometimes huge for me, sometimes lasting for days.
Peta A.
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There is a simple way to describe hrt, m t f, 1/2 your brain dies, the way to adjust your dosage is that if you can still reverse park a falcon , dosage too low, if you find yourself bursting into tears because tele tubbies are so cute, dosage too high, if you say your just ducking down the store for bread and milk and return in 5 hours with 2 pair of shoes a new dress and bag to match, you have nailed it. Perfect.
But seriously as suggested be careful, find a friend who is on hrt, bounce ideas around and get a feel for yourself.
I self medicate and i seen this endo in my town who put me on f#cking hi risk depressant for blocking “T” (cyproterone acetate) knowing from my referral i was on strong antidepressants.
Finesteride is a good one the melon head put me on before the cyproterone, finesteride doesnt cause depresion but it cancells out all the good that the antidepresants do, i had brain zapps, rage, nervous night sweats, the sun would come up and i looked like i had been sucked dry by a vampire.
I got fat 20kg+
Genitalia will shrink back to the size of when mummy used to let you play at the beach with no clothes on. You wont get accused of smuggling budgies that’s for sure.I don’t believe that light self medication to start will do any harm, just ask. There are mainly only 3-4 meds in each avenue of pills anyway, they all side effect, just pick the best value.
My gp is better than my old endo hands down.
Any way if you wat to chat about the moans give me a oye!
emailittomadiline@yahoo.com.au -
There are a number of good , bad and interesting side effects. You may get some, all or none of them. They effect your whole body from hair to weight, to eyes and mood. . Remember ask questions just do not belive what others tell you without checking. Asking on TR is a good step, the people come from a wide range of backgrounds and deal with this everyday.
Try the following;
Read the HRT posts on TRhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_%28male-to-female%29
In general search wikipedia but remember has stated “Wikipedia is written collaboratively by largely anonymous internet users who write without pay” Its a good start but only a guide.
Goggle the names of the various hormones. Try the makers web sites; all Hormones come with information sheets, which list the side effects. Ask someone already on hormones to give you copies, they get one in each box! Currenty I have about 30 of the thngs, there like rabbits.
Also try;
http://home.earthlink.net/~miche1/hormones.html#estradiol-valerate
http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/personal/glbt.aspPlus theres 100’s other sites, maybe one day someone will do some reserch and post a complete list on TR
PS for sensitive nipples try ice packs and wear very light and lose tops.
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thanks to all for your guidance and insight, ive taken the plunge and now awaiting the explosion of emotions that all seem to concur on , lol, the things we do for being ourselves, kisses to you all Amy
