Has anyone tried HRT and realised it was wrong for them? And what did wrong feel like

[Andrea J]

I have heard people saying that HRT can be a really good indicator of if transition is right for you and though I have read many descriptions of what it feels like for people who transitioned, I haven’t read a description from someone who realised it was wrong. How would HRT make you feel if it's wrong for you? Yes, it would feel right or it would feel wrong but what is that?

[Frances]

I have heard people saying that HRT can be a really good indicator of if transition is right for you and though I have read many descriptions of what if feels like for people who transitioned, I haven’t read a description from someone who realised it was wrong. How would HRT make you feel if it's wrong for you? Yes, it would feel right or it would feel wrong but what is that?

I know people for whom it did not feel right. The reduction of libido diminished their need or want to transition. Usually, these people leave the trans forums and communities. Others did not like the feminization that occured: loss of strength, fat redistribution, etc. Some even freaked out when they started growing breasts. The fantasy was attractive, but not the reality.

For trans people, any change, however small, is welcomed.

[MsRenee]

At a time yrs ago I thought about it. but I love the way my body is and looks. I realy didnt want to transition and go thru the lifetime of treatments So I just use what I was given and go from there. Truely happy with my choice.
Renee

[Jorja]

Yes, I have know several that found that HRT is not for them. As Frances said, “The reduction of libido diminished their need or want to transition. They did not like the feminization that occurred: loss of strength, fat redistribution, etc. Some even freaked out when they started growing breasts. The fantasy was attractive, but not the reality”.

There is only one way to determine if HRT is for you or not. Try it. It won’t take all that long one way or another. There should be plenty of time before any permanent changes take place in your body.

[Marleena]

I don't know anybody that found HRT is not for them. In my case it was welcome to stop the GID I was experiencing.

Anybody that is diagnosed as TS and has gone through the proper TS health care channels should know what to expect in advance. I can still see some backing out due to their family circumstances and body changes though, it might not be right for everybody. I just don't understand how they could manage the GID without it. Seeing a gender therapist and following the TS health care guidelines should keep it to a minimum I would think. Self diagnosis and self medicating without a doctors care would see a much higher rate of dissatisfaction and this is to be expected.

[Andrea J]

I have heard MTF's saying that pre HRT, the Testosterone in their system had unpleasant mental effects like a kind of constant mental buzzing that went away when they started HRT. So I wonder if Testosterone can give a buzzing if it's wrong for one person, then would oestrogen also do something like give a buzzing if it's wrong for another person? Or doesn’t that happen with oestrogen?

[pickles]

Your mood gets worse instead of better (t-blockers in guy guys can cause depression.)
You don't like the changes that happen to your body.
etc...

[Inna]

Scientifically, at least as the latest research predicts, there are differences in TS brains as suppose to the rest of TG community. Those who are transsexuals are born with neuro-wiring within the hypothalamic area of the brain identical to that of a natal woman, versus those who are very feminine a TG but whose brain coding reflects male structure.
Introducing HRT to the latter brain creates confusion and sense of feeling out of self, due to now Estrogen rich environment flowing through a cognitive of a male. The opposite happens to the transsexual woman, her life time of confusion and feeling NOT her self is put to rest when Estrogen starts to flow through WOMANS brain.

Yes, light form of HRT is used to determine the really hard to diagnose cases.

[Aprilrain]

Your mood gets worse instead of better (t-blockers in guy guys can cause depression.)
You don't like the changes that happen to your body.
etc...

Cyproterone (T blocker) gave me pretty severe depression, once i stopped taking it my mood improved and my T stayed at below normal female levels. I was still taking medroxyprogesterone which also causes depression in some individuals once I stopped taking that the depression went away entirely, as did my libido, but my T started to come back a little so I started taking it again. Estradiol by its self just calms me down but right now i need some kind of T blocker and progesterone seems to be the easiest with minimum side effects.

[Andrea J]

Introducing HRT to the latter brain creates confusion and sense of feeling out of self, due to now Estrogen rich environment flowing through a cognitive of a male. The opposite happens to the transsexual woman, her life time of confusion and feeling NOT her self is put to rest when Estrogen starts to flow through WOMANS brain.

This is interesting as I have read about non TS CD'rs using HRT for many months to grow breasts, I can't hep wondering if they had to endure this 'confusion and sense of feeling out of self' that whole time or perhaps they were just lucky. Or perhaps their brain was partially female anyway.


Yes, light form of HRT is used to determine the really hard to diagnose cases.

I wonder if plant oestrogens would have the same effect as light HRT and could be used as a test?

[Kathryn Martin]

It is never a good idea to play around with your body chemistry. While I am aware that hormone therapy is used sometimes for diagnostic purposes I am of the view that that should never be done. The danger of a self fulfilling prophecy is immense and can lead to disastrous results.

Hormone therapy also comes with significant side effects physiologically. You will suppress testosterone, change your body habitus, grow breasts and if not indicated result in permanent results which you will then have to live with for the rest of your life. Hormones are not a designer drug. While you can get minimal effects with phytoestrogen from plant material (such as a flax seed oil) it is not ever recommended without medical supervision. It is truly dangerous to mess around with your body chemistry and should only be undertaken in the clearest of cases.

[Saffron]

I'm just curious, those who get depressed once HRT started, did you feel depressed at the same level before in your life?


It is truly dangerous to mess around with your body chemistry and should only be undertaken in the clearest of cases.

And always under medical supervision.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

It is a risk/reward equation...body chemistry is a big deal

Some things are unknowable until you try them... perhaps a good bar you could set for yourself could be more about feeling like you have no choice or that you need to try them as opposed to thinking you may like trying them

[Mistybtm]

I have been on E patch and Spiro twice A day for three weeks now and I have felt A great calmness has come over me. I have been told that the changes may be ill-reversible after 6 months to A year if any due accrue (varies depending individual results) I have done A lot of research on this long before I started and recommend this to anyone considering HRT. will i change my mind and stop only time will tell, as of right now I would say no. Will I go all the way with SRS I have no intention of doing this at the moment. The results I am looking for is A more feminine appearance with breast development which could take up to 5 years again all depends on the individual. I am hoping that is not the case for me but only time will tell. I have been using herbs (PM) for the past few years with some result's in breast growth but not enough to my liking. The reason for the real E. I am bi and lean toward men more than woman with E the scale could tip even further I have been told, which is fine with me.

[Bree-asaurus]

It is a risk/reward equation...body chemistry is a big deal

Some things are unknowable until you try them... perhaps a good bar you could set for yourself could be more about feeling like you have no choice or that you need to try them as opposed to thinking you may like trying them

I agree with Kaitlyn. Try HRT because you almost HAVE to in order to stay sane or survive. Don't try HRT because you think it might be fun or to test the waters.

[sandra-leigh]

Scientifically, at least as the latest research predicts, there are differences in TS brains as suppose to the rest of TG community. Those who are transsexuals are born with neuro-wiring within the hypothalamic area of the brain identical to that of a natal woman, versus those who are very feminine a TG but whose brain coding reflects male structure.

The studies so far also suggest the possibility of a mix of brain structures. In such cases, it could take time to reach a new equilibrium.

Lower need or desire to transition is not a problem in itself. If HRT calms down one's GID to the point where one can attain a happy balance without SRS, then it is worth it.

Neither Spiro nor Cypro triggered depression or worsened it for me, but finasteride seems to worsen what I am going through, seeming to take me from "I'm depressed but hopeful that things will get better" to "I'm depressed and things feel hopeless". Difficult for me to say, though, as depression can move in cycles and I might just have been moving through that anyhow.

[Andrea J]

It is never a good idea to play around with your body chemistry. While I am aware that hormone therapy is used sometimes for diagnostic purposes I am of the view that that should never be done. The danger of a self fulfilling prophecy is immense and can lead to disastrous results.

Thanks for your answer. I was wondering though what you meant by a self fulfilling prophecy?

[Bree-asaurus]

Thanks for your answer. I was wondering though what you meant by a self fulfilling prophecy?

If you're really not transsexual but you think you might be, so you try HRT and it doesn't make you feel bad, you might use that as "proof" that you are transsexual.

[Kathryn Martin]

There are quite a number of men who have driven their fantasy of being a woman to a point where they eventually try hormones for "diagnostic purposes". Side effects take hold and then they discover that they are actually not women. The results can be disastrous. There is a reason that standards of care are in place to ensure certain criteria are met before hormones are prescribed. Hormones do not make you a woman.


Thanks for your answer. I was wondering though what you meant by a self fulfilling prophecy?

[rachael.davis]

I had a bad morning last year http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?159303-Doubt&highlight=
made me stop, think, and go oh yeah, this is where I am supposed to be

[Stephenie S]

MtF hormone therapy is extremely dangerous. Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, heart attack, stroke, cancer, what's your pleasure?

Those who actually do transition take hormones not because they WANT to, they take hormones because they HAVE to.

Stephenie

[STACY B]

Killer thread ,, I was just thinking how many people think they are trans an are realy just covering up another mental problem ?

[Nigella]

A trans person does not need hormones either M2F or F2M to know they are trans, hormones are a means to an end, the only way to realign the body with the mind, a way to correct natures mistake.

IMHO if you need to take hormones to be sure, then you are not sure and are risking too much.

[Andrea J]

There are quite a number of men who have driven their fantasy of being a woman to a point where they eventually try hormones for "diagnostic purposes". Side effects take hold and then they discover that they are actually not women. The results can be disastrous.

I was wondering what disastrous side effects you meant as I understand that things like blood clots from HRT are not THAT common.

[Frances]

I was wondering what disastrous side effects you meant as I understand that things like blood clots from HRT are not THAT common.

Two of my friends had clots. One had a pulmonary embolism and the other phlebitis in the leg.

[Alicew]

A trans person does not need hormones either M2F or F2M to know they are trans, hormones are a means to an end, the only way to realign the body with the mind, a way to correct natures mistake.

IMHO if you need to take hormones to be sure, then you are not sure and are risking too much.

Yet again great words of wisdom from nigella .
Still taking baby steps down the road to self discovery myself the thought had crossed my mind over the years about HRT but first id like to find out the real me then with possible medical help bring her out to aline what my body should look like ,as with all medication theres possible side effects lord i know i get mouth ulcers constantly from my anti inflamitories and had to stop my methotrexate to stop my athritis due to liver damage so im well aware of side effects, but to me atleast they wouldnt worry me if the outcome is a happier me eventually.

[Stephenie S]

I was wondering what disastrous side effects you meant as I understand that things like blood clots from HRT are not THAT common.

Well tra-la-la. Lets all dance through the flowers and sing.

I said it, Nigella said it, Frances said it. Male to female hormone therapy is dangerous. You can DIE from it. Transitioners take hormone therapy because they HAVE to, not because they want to. Please don't take this lightly!

Why is this such a difficult concept?

S

[Aprilrain]

I my opinion the possible side effects associated with HRT are of no consequence to those of us for whom suicide was the next best option.

[Frances]

I my opinion the possible side effects associated with HRT are of no consequence to those of us for whom suicide was the next best option.

That's true, and everyone agrees but is Andrea at that point?

[Tammy V]

I am in a local Yahoo group with members from across the sprectrum of the TG community. One of the members "tried" HRT for a few weeks and said she did not like the effects. Another was transitioning for over a year "on and off" and seemed to have a lot of depression and dark moods but I don't know if it was from HRT or not. She is now back off HRT because of personal reasons but I suspect it really wasn't working well for her chemistry.

Myself, I took Spiro for about 3 months before starting full HRT and I felt such a redcution of anxiety from supressing T that I was able to quit a prescribed anti anxiety drug I had been taking for 7 years. My first 3 months or more of HRT I felt like I was on a high and after that it has become the "new normal" but I have gone from being a dark, negative person who never felt I would live much longer, or even cared to, to someone who is excited about life and has a postive outlook. I really feel like life is great now and is going to get better and I feel estrogen has provided a huge relief to my well being and made me feel good inside for the first time since childhood. I don't see how I could quit now for anything and if I was forced to I do not want to think about how it would make me feel.

[catlady]

Hello All, I have been on HRT for almost 2 years under my DRs supervision and have been pleased with the changes in my body. i have missed the libido loss but being single i am ok with that. i am almost 68 and have crossed dressed most of my life. i have been in counceling on and off for over 20 years and have come to realize that my brain is more ts than tg and have come to believe that if i could have, i would have SRS. i am happy with my femenine emotions and enjoy the emotional and physical femeninity that HRT has given me. i do wish i had the wisdom and courage to start this process 20 or so years ago when i was younger. i personally feel this is the right path for me in my life and am glad i had the courage to finally talk to my understanding Dr 2 years ago. he has been very supportive and i could not be more pleased. Donna

[melissaK]

I've known what I was since jr high. My mental problems all come from fighting that knowledge. HRT felt right from day one. Still feels right. It's hope. I'm growing more comfortable being me.

[LisaMallon]

I'm only 2 months into E, no blockers yet. Obviously age comes into play here and a (deliberately) cautious approach is sensible (as is daily aspirin).

Effects from my point of view, none. But others say I am more relaxed and nicer and my face has changed a bit. So go figure.

I sometimes think I am more relaxed and feeling better.

I am actually thinking about the future, in the past I always expected to die soon.
I've kept myself alive by taking on commitments, like my dog (Jo). I cant die because I have to look after him, but I had no reason in myself to live.

But I'd like to be a teacher or lecturer now.

I don't know ask me in a another few months.

[noeleena]

Hi,

Hormones to me are for life not a wont, & a very low dose rate at that, at age 10 i knew what i was & allways have, & no changes in who i am. i did not transtion , what to or what from. nore did i have any Psychologacal problems so hormones (added ) had no effect in how i think or bearing on myself as a person.

As iv said before my own homones did what i needed, & the added E just helped my bodys endocrine system some more, yes a few outer miner details took place,

One point i would make is added hormones for myself had they been at a higher dose rate would they have made a difference, thats something i looked at as i was able to up or lower my meds i would have to say no. knowing how your body reacts to meds was something i knew about & thats from many years of background, in self moniteing . as many have little or no effect on myself, so over all im happy with how every thing has gone,

...noeleena...

[Andrea J]

Well tra-la-la. Lets all dance through the flowers and sing.

I said it, Nigella said it, Frances said it. Male to female hormone therapy is dangerous. You can DIE from it. Transitioners take hormone therapy because they HAVE to, not because they want to. Please don't take this lightly!

Why is this such a difficult concept?

Okay okay, I get it. It's just confusing as I have read different views on other forums.


My first 3 months or more of HRT I felt like I was on a high and after that it has become the "new normal".

A 'high' has become the new normal? Just wow!

[KellyJameson]

Hormones do not affect my identity but very much affect my emotional state of mind and for me testosterone was a killer because it caused extreme anxiety where my brother started taking it at thirteen and still does and he is as calm with it as I am without it, we have an opposite reaction to it.

Our bodies are also opposite where I have slender bones and have a difficult time keeping weight on he is stocky and overweight and being overweight exacerbates the problems of needing more testosterone.

Two people with similar medical histories that went in completely different directions.

My brother is as sure he is a man as I am that I am not so in my opinion hormones are separate from gender identity but very much affect certain psychological experiences like depression and anxiety.

He is sterile but absolutely identifies as male without hesitation and is very comfortable with his life.