The effects of estrogen [Read WARNING on first post]

[Anonymous]

Hi, I hope to expand this section as a general health section in hormones.

There is so much out there it is not funny, so I am limiting this section to estrogen in the male body or lack of estrogen in the male body for those who are hormone replacement.
I would like to cover the lack of testosterone in the male body as well.

This is a information forum so those who are on hormone replacement can be aware what the lack of or over supply, certain hormones can do. What some like myself are doing is unnatural biologically even though our minds are differently tuned.
I feel that we must still address our ongoing health. We must be aware of what can happen over a period of time and take preventive measures of what we are doing.
We can enjoy our feminine or part feminised bodies, longer and in health.
Each reply will be referenced so can can refer to it further. Not all doctors will tell you everything, know everything or forget to tell you this or that. Doctors are human as well. So if you are aware you can discuss any concerning details with them.
I will also have remedies non-perscription where possible
This is for general health and well being not cosmetic

Georgette

[Anonymous]

Estradiol
In non-pregnant women, estradiol is the most commonly measured type of estrogen. Its levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle, and drop to low but constant levels after menopause. Increased levels of estradiol in woman indicate an increased risk of breast or endometrial cancer.14,15 Low levels may increase the risk for bone fractures.

A recent study from the Netherlands found a clear association between estradiol levels and vertebral fractures in elderly women. Women with the lowest levels of estradiol had more than a twofold greater risk of incident vertebral fractures, independent of bone mineral density. Women with low estradiol combined with high sex hormone binding globulin concentrations had a 7.8 times higher risk of incident vertebral fracture. Researchers found no clear association between testosterone and vertebral fracture risk in women.16

Men produce estradiol in much smaller amounts than do women. For men, estradiol is an indicator of hypothalamic and pituitary function. Increased levels of estradiol, along with decreased levels of testosterone, may accompany diminished sex drive and difficulty with urination. In men, estradiol and testosterone levels should be tested together.

In men, estrogen deficiency is implicated in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. A study from Denmark examined a group of men diagnosed with osteoporosis. It found that none of the cases was attributable to hypogonadism (low testosterone), while 38% of men had undetectable levels of estradiol. Investigators concluded, “estrogen deficiency is much more prevalent than androgen deficiency in primary male osteoporosis,” and future “screening tests for osteoporosis in men should therefore include assessment of serum estradiol.”17

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=3962&query=adrenal%20gland&hiword=ADRENALIN%20ADRENALS%20ADRENO%20GLANDA%20GLANDIN%20GLANDIS%20GLANDS%20GLANS%20adrenal%20gland%20

Life Extension

[Anonymous]

A decline in testosterone as a result of hormone replacement awareness

Importance of Testosterone in Men
In men, testosterone production is stimulated by luteinizing hormone, which is produced by the pituitary gland. Luteinizing hormone stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Testosterone levels normally decline with age, dropping to approximately 65% of young adult levels by age 75.7 This drop in testosterone is partially responsible for the significant physiological changes seen in aging men. In fact, low levels of testosterone are associated with numerous adverse health conditions, including diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle tone, increased abdominal fat, low bone density, depression, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease.

The studies described below underscore the value of maintaining youthful free testosterone levels:

• Depression. The relationship between depression and testosterone was assessed in 856 men between the ages of 50 and 89. The study results showed depression was significantly correlated with lower levels of bioavailable (free) testosterone levels, leading the researchers to suggest, “testosterone treatment might improve depressed mood in older men who have low levels of bioavailable testosterone.”8

• Type II diabetes. A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found a link between type II diabetes and decreased testosterone levels in men. According to S. Dhindsa and colleagues, 33% of study subjects with type II diabetes had low testosterone levels. This deficiency, referred to as hypogonadism, was the result of pituitary gland malfunction. This study was the first to link hypogonadism with type II diabetes.9

• Atherosclerosis and heart disease. The relationship between coronary artery disease and testosterone levels was investigated in men aged 40-60 with and without atherosclerosis. Investigators in Poland found a significant association between diminished testosterone and decreases in insulin sensitivity and HDL. The study authors concluded that low levels of total testosterone often appear with features of metabolic syndrome, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.10

• Alzheimer’s disease. A study from the University of Texas found that elderly hypogonadal males with newly diagnosed Alzheimer’s re-sponded favorably to testosterone replacement therapy. Following treatment with intramuscular testosterone (200 mg every two weeks for one year), patients showed improvements in the Initial Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale cognitive subscale as well as the Mini Mental Status Examination. The placebo-treated group “deteriorated gradually.” The investigators concluded that testosterone “could indeed improve cognition, including visual-spatial skills in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.”11

http://search.lef.org/cgi-src-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=0&page_id=3962&query=adrenal%20gland&hiword=ADRENALIN%20ADRENALS%20ADRENO%20GLANDA%20GLANDIN%20GLANDIS%20GLANDS%20GLANS%20adrenal%20gland%20

Life extension

[Adrian]

Quote:

The studies described below underscore the value of maintaining youthful free testosterone levels:

Whilst I don’t claim to have the answers – I do advise some caution in interpreting the outcomes of medical trials. I have worked in the medical industry for many years and most trials you read in published papers are interesting but far from conclusive. The claim that studies show benefit in maintaining normal testosterone is probably not founded.

For instance:
• Depression. The relationship between depression and testosterone was assessed in 856 men between the ages of 50 and 89. The study results showed depression was significantly correlated with lower levels of bioavailable (free) testosterone levels………

Was low testosterone the source of the depression – or is it just a side effect of the dissorder causing depression? A big difference – and the researchers don’t know – they just suggest testosterone might help.

• Type II diabetes. A recent study …found a link between type II diabetes and decreased testosterone levels in men.

Diabetes is a popular topic for research because there is so much of it about. Studies show that there is a strong link between people with diabetes and sleep apnea.
Does this mean sleep apnea causes diabetes?
Probably no more likely than testosterone causes diabetes.
You may make the disease better by treating the secondary syptoms – but that doesn’t mean if you have low testosterone you are more likely to get diabetes. Lots more trials have to be done before that conclusion can be drawn.

And so on….

Please be cautious before assuming that the observation of low testosterone in patients with some disease is the same as finding that low testosterone causes the disease.

(And look in the small print to try and find out who was sponsoring the clinical trial – that is often quite interesting!)

[Anonymous]

Amanda wrote
“I do advise some caution in interpreting the outcomes of medical trials. “

Extremely true. The drug companies do medical trials to push their products. They will ignore negative out comes and submit positive out comes to the FDA for aproval.
There is a lot of this going on. Look at the SPLENDA legal situation.
Just google it

I just goole “FDA fails” and come up with this as number 1

FDA Fails to Protect Americans from Dangerous Drugs and Unsafe … 27 Jun 2006 … FDA Fails to Protect Americans from Dangerous Drugs and Unsafe Foods Agency Captured by Industries It Should Be Regulating …
http://www.cspinet.org/new/200606271.html – 24k – Cached – Similar pages

Do not forget that there are many drugs that are banned ie Britian & USA and readily available in AU
Doctors getting benefits from drug companies to push their products is well known.

Drug companies will pull the eyes over the consumer to promote products. I remember one site saying, Dr Mercola, I think, that said certain drugs will benefit in reducing disease X by, lets say 20% but several cups of natural veges a day will reduce the disease by 40%
Drug compaines cannot patient natural products. There is no money in it for them. They are not going to promote veges.

I am just making awareness of concerns and possible leads to solutions. It is for the reader to continue on to verify it further and hopefully add their input. I am not taking this information from any site. For me it should have fair grounding.

You have got to look after yourself against the might of double crossing drug companies, crooked government agencies and a lot of doctors [not all]. That is where I hope to bring you awareness and direction to possible solutions.

Georgette

[Anonymous]

Hi, I am just making everyone aware that there are a few products on the market that can inhibit prescription estrogen to those on HRT.
Like phytoestrogens for example. As we are mostly aware phytpoestrogens are non steroidal and are weaker that prescription estrogens.
Phytoestrogens and estradiol, compete for the same cellular receptors as the molecular configuration is similar. If there is some domination of phytoestrogen and/or similar structured molecules your precription estradiol will have lesser effects. To what degree depends on your exposure to certain products and certain foods

Some vitamin/herbal supplements, flax seed, soya beans, tofu , sesame seed, multigrain bread etc etc
Xenoestrogens The group that has uninteneded estrogen effects like PVC, insectcides, lubricants, food perseritive E320, Food coloring E127 etc etc

Will obviously compete with HRT to some degree

Mind you in small quanties it is probably really nothing to worry about, but it may be surprising where these similar structured estrogenic molecules may turn up. The jury is still out to effects. I will probably be inclined to side the lesser group as the larger group who says there are no effects are probably supported by the manufacturers

My aim is to make greater awareness that there are some foods and products that we use that have a reasonable concentration of weaker estrogens out there.

So if your are a binge drinker of soft drinks that contain food coloring E127 that I would probably suggest you look further into it.
I know there are other problem associated with these products that you might want look into, like hormonal messenger disruptions.

Just making awareness

Georgette

[Anonymous]

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/19/Moms-Exposure-to-Chemicals-May-Affect-Her-Sons-Masculinity.aspx

Can These Household Chemicals Crush Your Son’s Masculinity?
Posted by: Dr. Mercola
December 19 2009 | 136,774 views

Elevated levels of two plastic-softening chemicals in pregnant women’s urine are linked to less-masculine play behavior by their sons several years later, according to a study published in the International Journal of Andrology. Phthalates, which are used in everything from vinyl floors to plastic tubing and soaps and lotions, are pervasive in the environment and have increasingly become associated with changes in development of the male brain as well as with genital defects, metabolic abnormalities and reduced testosterone in babies and adults.
A team of U.S. and British researchers posed a standard play questionnaire to the parents of 145 preschool-age children. Then they ranked the types of play on a scale from most masculine (such as play fighting or using trucks) to most feminine.

An effect was identified among the sons of women with higher concentrations of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in their prenatal urine. On average, those boys scored 8 percent further away from the masculine end of the scale than other boys.

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Phthalates are one of several groups of chemicals that have the power to disrupt the endocrine system, both in animals and humans. Nicknamed “gender-benders,” these chemicals are causing the males in many species to become feminized.

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http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/12/29/The-7-Foods-Experts-Wont-Eat.aspx

The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Acidity — a prominent characteristic of tomatoes — causes BPA to leach into your food.

[Anonymous]

Quote:

I am on full hormone replacement and I just get the feeling that my mind thoughts are feminising more as well.
Before hormones I could read a map, know exactly where I am going and if I did a mis-turn I could correct it easily.
Now I tend to get a little confused when driving, like a girl thing.
My information processing abilities, like mathematical have also declined
Conversily dealing with stress, memorising faces and wording etc has improved.
I would like to invite those on full hormone replacement to coment on their experiences. Am I imagining ?
Georgette

Hi Jeorjette….
Thank you for providing so much useful information !
I’ve been on HRT for exactly one year now. Years ago my “male” pride would defend my map-reading abilities. The truth is I have always been bad with maps…..but now I am even worse …lol !!
I can recongise land marks….as long as I can find them ! Its a bit hard to gauge, but I am so much more peaceful generally speaking.
I get quite emotional towards the end of each month for some days and I end up going through a box of tissues.
I have never been attracted to men but I saw this well built guy without a shirt and I found myself fantasising about him.
This was something quite different to anything I had experienced before in that I was turned on by his “Maleness” which is something quite foriegn to me. Still, I can’t ever imagine myself being with a guy !
Anyway, I have read many times how HRT “re-wires” the brain and so I guess these things are bound to happen.
I certainly don’t believe they are imagined in any way !

Monique

[Anonymous]

Hi ..
I v been on h r t now for 5 years . yet i find many have had different changes than me in a lot of ways . because i am a andro . many did not happen to me ,. so we are all different . even with h r t . & that too can depened on the meds . & if we are on other meds as well .

As to who is doing the tests that will depend on whos payroll they are on . & in a lot of cases the G p s dont know . let alon know if the meds are in fact good . & that will not suit every one .the recepters are different for every one as i know . & thats over 37 years of being with Jos who has been on meds . & some dont work . & others are just plan distrutive. so allways be sure of what you are taking as they can cause other problems & big time . & that takes years for the body to repair its self if the damage is repairable . with out surgery . again i know …
& the peace of paper the the phamasuticls put out dont tell the whole truth . so you need to find out all the facts . before taking any meds .

…noeleena…

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone. I’ve been on hormones now for six months. To answer the question in the original posting in this thread, I feel and think better than ever before. Stressful situations are handled with ease and my brain power I feel is brilliant too. To be honest, no complaints at all, even my map reading is just as good, if not better than before also. That gets proven every couple of weeks when I get a new job on my garbage run!

Peta A.

[Anonymous]

Hi J
Darl i agree 100% with your description of thinking, Grey and white.
I study human behavior a lot as an interest.

I have been on the moans for about 6-7 months now. I started seeing the endo in Gosford that knew Zip about mtf change so i studied it myself.
My dr is so cool, we chat on and if my reasoning is logical and safe he scripts me what i want.

I can’t take spironolactone as it gives me the jitters, so im on biculatamide and estrofem, im popping the estro like tic tacs at present.
My chemist was concerned but i reminded him that i can’t get cancer of the uterus because hello! i aint got one.
There are a few other side effects to be ware of, like i can no longer drive a car backwards, park, or drive with the seat back.
Since hormones im off the antidepressants which were treating my hate of the world and i am a lot more tolerant and caring.

I forget bigger words, i fill the blanks in sentences with “thingy” and “you know”, my mathematics is good (same).

The big test was though, i used to be a pro bike racer and thought i had to give it up because i couldn’t think or drive as good, but i went for a demonstration day and my eye, hand reaction and skill has not decreased.
I used to be angry and vengeful on the track to win, now i like to win so I don’t get dirty, my in brain name calling has gone from you mongrel to “oh you bitch”, and im a lot more reserved.

I have put on weight and lost muscle, im the perfect weight for 6foot6, its a shame im only 5foot6 .

No more body building 1kg spaghetti bolognaise meals, its salad and mushrooms instead.

A good example is Nong Toom from Thailand and most well known in beautiful boxer the movie.
I won’t post my meds dosage as every one is different but for an idea feel free to email me.

Best wishes and happy hormone’ing. (thingy) 😆

Maddy Sparks xoxo

[Anonymous]

Quote:

I can’t take spironolactone as it gives me the jitters, so im on biculatamide and estrofem, im popping the estro like tic tacs at present.

I’m on Spiro, but also popping estro like tictacs and have been for nearly 2.5 years now.

Quote:

There are a few other side effects to be ware of, like i can no longer drive a car backwards, park, or drive with the seat back.

No effects like this.

Quote:

Since hormones im off the antidepressants which were treating my hate of the world and i am a lot more tolerant and caring.

Same.

Quote:

I forget bigger words, i fill the blanks in sentences with “thingy” and “you know”, my mathematics is good (same).

I’m the opposite, I have started redeveloping my vocablary now. Mathematics have become clear like when I was a child again. I can do mental arithmatic (including long division) in my head again..

Quote:

The big test was though, i used to be a pro bike racer and thought i had to give it up because i couldn’t think or drive as good, but i went for a demonstration day and my eye, hand reaction and skill has not decreased.
I used to be angry and vengeful on the track to win, now i like to win so I don’t get dirty, my in brain name calling has gone from you mongrel to “oh you bitch”, and im a lot more reserved.

Me too… I don’t ride my R1 on the track anymore because I have no need to go prove myself. Same with my truck, I take it out to keep it oiled, and that’s it.

Shells

[Anonymous]

Hi All,
I’ve been on hormone for about 3 months now. And i find that i’m more calm and don’t get angry quite easily. When i had a fight, well with my dad, i feel sad instead of angry (maybe abit of tears in the toilet). I guess hormone makes me a better person. A person that i really want to be

[Anonymous]

I’ve added this question in here because this is the closest thread I could find. I feel that as what I’m experiencing at the moment is entirely new to me then the chances are that it is due to HRT.

Physical effects of HRT are clear cut. I haven’t noticed (after ten months) any changes to performance in maths, English, car parking, temper or any of the things that are classically associated with one gender or the other.

What I am experiencing is an overwhelming sensation of “femaleness”. What do I mean by femaleness? Well that’s where the problem lies for me. There is nothing tangible that I can say to you, “This represents my femaleness”. I said this to my GF and she was pretty surprised that I was suddenly unable to come up with any vaguely comprehensible explanation. She did ask me to just say the first five words that came into my head when I tried to express this sensation. Words like joy, warmth, compassion, softness and strength, silk and iron came to mind. I’ve also offered to have her baby (This is of course ridiculous; I’m too old).

Has anyone else experienced something like this after being on HRT? You are certain that there is some form of feminising of your id happening but although it’s a strong sensation the words are hard to find?

BTW, my GF brought me down to Earth by saying that my need for spelling out what I’m feeling exactly is so male. She says with something so personal I only need to say what I feel, not to explain it. Being female has a lot going for it!

[Anonymous]

Let’s see. Noticeable non physical changes because of HRT?

I did not handle the emotional changes well. But, I have come through all that. I would get angry really quickly and sometimes I didn’t even notice, but those around me did. It almost cost me a few friendships, but, as good friends are, they understood it was a difficult time. A lot of things seemed to fall apart at the same time so I doubt it was all the fault of the hormones – but thy certainly didn’t help.

I can still reverse a trailer, read a map (I did have a directional issue for a little while), laugh at jokes. I have a bigger issue with my weight. It used to be fairly consistent but now it is all over the place. I have problems remembering peoples names (always was an issue – now it’s worse).

I cry – whether it’s because of the hormones or just because I feel it’s ok now….. I am a lot calmer and centered. I also prioritise issues in my life – I no longer get angry with other drivers or if I’m running late. I can accept the things which are not my fault or outside my control.

I like the term – femaleness. I know what you mean by that Felicity. It is a general feeling that you can’t put your finger on yet it does feel different. I don’t find it overwhelming, but I am aware of it at various times. Just a feeling of realisation that you are, well, female. I don’t know for the reason for it, but I suspect it is because (for me) I don’t have the “male” facade to live up to anymore and can just be the natural me. I don’t have to pretend any more. I can shop for what I want, I can look how I want, people don’t point and giggle any more, I do realise the reflection of the woman I catch in the window is me and I have permission to care and look after others and not be regarded as a weirdo. AND, perhaps most importantly, I am not on a continual mission to “validate” who I am or to “prove” myself.

I just am.