HRT and Fatigue

[DeidraDee63]

I think, I have read that a period of fatigue was part of HRT, I know everyone is different but if anyone on HRT has experienced fatigue, how soon did it start and how long did it last, for you. All advice or opinions will be very appreciated, thanks

[Angela Campbell]

I am only 3 months in but I had some early in ...maybe after 2 weeks or so. It sometimes shows up but isn't always there now. I still jump at the chance to take a nap.

[Jorja]

There are thousands of reasons for fatigue. Have you had blood tested lately? That is where I would start.

[gonegirl]

I started a thread on this very topic 4 or 5 months ago in Safe Haven. If you are TS and not a member of that forum you can apply to join.

[DebbieL]

Testosterone has a tendency to stimulate the adrenal glands. In Weight Watchers, men get 10 more "points" than women, because they tend to have higher metabolism, more lean muscle mass, and more upper body muscles.

Normally, HRT involves both a testostetrone blocker to drop the androgen levels, and estrogen. The combination will lower adrenal levels. You will often find that you have a lower heart rate.

Most transsexuals experience this as being more relaxed, calmer, and serene. If you are only experiencing it as being tired, that may be a warning sign. Make sure you go over ALL of your medications with your GP and any other doctors who are giving you medications. I have found that when I try to STOP transitioning, even without HRT, that I have a number of health problems. Because I've already had a stroke and 2 heart attacks (episodes actually), I have had to take medication to keep my blood pressure and my heart rate down. I also have to take Niacin and low dose aspirin for heart and to reduce hot flashes from the Niacin. When I started growing breasts and they were tender, and that night I had Niacin hot flashes, my wife started laughing hysterically. She said "Congratulations honey you get to go through puberty and menopause AT THE SAME TIME!!!".

When I told the heart doctor about the testosterone blocker (Spiro), he told me that was WONDERFUL and said "usually we don't give it to men because they hate the side effects, but since you don't have that problem, we might be able to reduce your heart rate medicine. He cut it by half, and I still frequently have a pulse in the low 40s.

My GP also cut my blood pressure medication by half as well, and even with half, my BP doesn't get above 130/70 and in the morning it's 90/60.

There have been periods when a combination of weight loss/diet have left me wanting to fall asleep earlier. On the other hand, it's a calm relaxed sleep rather than an strained and resisted sleep with waking up at 3 AM feeling suicidal (what happened when I tried to ABORT transition pre-HRT).

As I said, when I told all the doctors about my HRT, they were able to cut my doses significantly, and it's very likely that I won't need ANY of those medications as I continue HRT.

If you aren't taking any of those medications, and you tired. It may be that your body is getting rid of a LOT of built up stress. Try to structure your day so that you can go to bed an hour or two earlier in the evening. If you are really calm, you might even want to take a 10 minute nap in the afternoon, just sitting in a chair. If that's not an option, you may need to take more fluid, you may also want to do some exercise, like taking the stairs rather than an elevator - even 2-3 flights can be enough to get your heart rate, oxygen, and blood sugar levels to a more "normal" level.

You might even want to check your vitals periodically. There's an app for android that can take your pulse using the camera. You might also want to check your blood pressure when you are calm.

Keep in mind that the spiro is also shrinking your prostate, which means that you will drain your bladder more effectively. The down side of this is that it is easier to get dehydrated. Be careful with laxatives as well, as they can also help dehydrate you. Caffeine can also work as a diuretic. If you check your pulse and it's slow and weak (10-12 beats in 15 seconds), try drinking some juice or water, then check it about 30 minutes later. If it goes up, you need to watch your hydration.

The lower metabolism can also mean we need fewer calories, leading to weight gain. Be careful when dieting not to miss out on vitamins or under-eat to control your weight. Better to eat more fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and fish, than try to limit yourself to 1000 calories of starches and sugars.

[DeidraDee63]

Thank you for your replies and advice, I truly appreciate it. The past couple of weeks have been hectic with lots of Docs for myself and my wife with multiple testing, she had to have a biopsy (Thank God all is o.k., just got the news yesterday). The doctors increased my hormones and sadly we had a death in her family, so yes the stress level has been high now things may settle down.
I am currently under the observation or care of 4 Doctors since they figure I have some mosaic or variation of Kleinfelters, they took enough blood for a vampire convention last week but mainly routine and expect the usual results. I am lucky, for my age I really have only the osteoporosis issues and the problems from prenatal exposure to DES, which both are now being helped with the Estrogen. I guess I'm lucky I get puberty, menopause and medicare at the same time. Thank you all for your caring replies.

[Jorja]

I guess I'm lucky I get puberty, menopause and medicare at the same time.

LOL.... just the way it should be! :)

[Kathryn Martin]

I have been on hormone therapy for 2 years now and I have not experienced any fatigue. In fact quite the opposite.

[LeaP]

I'm also in the quite the opposite camp.

[Ariamythe]

In fact, low-dose HRT is commonly prescribed to post-menopausal women to combat fatigue, among other symptoms.

[StephanieC]

I have not noticed any difference. Perhaps in the beginning, but not now.

Of course, I'm accustomed to 6 hrs of sleep.

[DeidraDee63]

To everyone who replied, I thank you. Update, for what it is worth, all tests came back fine or normal both blood and MRI, only issues were severe osteoporosis. The only thing was very mild anemia and an estrogen level slightly higher then expected. They have added some vitamins and adjusted my pain meds, so time will tell. X-rays showed that the Estrogen is helping bone grow after only 3 months, so that is great news. Again thank you all for caring.