The testosterone thing

[CarlaWestin]

So, I've noticed that some of my male friends at work are getting testosterone shots to fix all of their medical misfortunes and tonight my wife mentioned that I might want the urologist to check my t levels. I ask why. She says, "For, you know."
Really? Wifey, DADT and CD hater, thinks t levels might be the cause of my problem?
So, I'm asking y'all, what's the truth about testosterone? I do understand that the levels decrease as we age and it's a natural occurrence. I'm 59 and in fabulous health. And, if lower t levels make me feel more feminine, that's just fine.

[PaulaQ]

Taking T will not reduce your desire to CD. Indeed, if you are TS, it is likely to make you feel much, much worse. It may have quite the opposite effect of the one your wife desires - you may actually be more prone to CD because it may increase your dysphoria.

[bimini1]

For me I have often been of the mind set that testosterone is what fueled my cd to begin with. Virginia Prince used to say her theory about some CDs, is not that they are homosexual or heterosexual, but hypersexual.

[Marcelle]

Hi Carla,

I had this conversation with my own GP (forced conversation at my age when it comes to the military medical system). This is what I took away:

Testosterone peaks during adolescence and early adulthood. As you get older, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1 percent a year after age 30. It is important to determine in older men if a low testosterone level is simply due to the decline of normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism - body stops producing testosterone due to injury/illness). Naturally declining t-levels will produce various symptoms in men (not all the same) such as (1) changes in sexual function; (2) changes in sleep patterns (insomnia); (3) physical changes (loss of bone density, bulk, weight gain, breast tenderness, body hair loss; (4) Emotional changes. My GP indicated that many of these symptoms can also be attributed to aging (i.e., t-levels are normal for your age) and while testosterone therapy has been shown to help those men suffering from hypogonadism less conclusive evidence can be found for naturally declining levels (age). All this to say . . . it is not a fountain of youth drug.

Hugs

Isha

[Kate Simmons]

I always love it when some one comes along with an idea of how to "fix" us. Did they ever consider we are who we are supposed to be and not "broken"? :)

[Krisi]

I am supposed to be using Androgel, a ub on testosterone replacement. I used it regularly for a year or so but lately I've been forgetting it. I can't tell the difference.

This is something you should discuss with your doctor.

[Andy66]

I think I read something a few months ago about a class action lawsuit against some pharmaceutical companies regarding side effects of testosterone drugs. I would research it carefully before using anything like that.

[Dianne S]

Taking T will not reduce your desire to CD.

This is probably true... when I started Spiro (which lowers T levels) my desire to dress actually dipped for a while.

[Sarasometimes]

I have mine checked and it is fine. I would like to chat more but I have a appointment for lowlights and a blowout and my legging are due to come out of the dryer. oh wait that appt. is tomorrow but you get my point.
I think the estrogen, testosterone imbalance occurs for us during gestation. Adjusting it after the blueprints are finalized wont do much, IMHO.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Carla, It sounds like wifey's wishful thinking.:hugs:

[DanielleLee]

Hi Carla, I would agree with what others have stated. I don't believe there is a correlation between the two. My T levels numbers were well within the normal range.

DanielleLee

[Cheryl James]

As I have gotten older I have begun to notice that my breasts, such as they are, have begun to get larger. I can easily fill an A cup with my own body rather that using breast forms. I like that! And, it does, probably, mean that my T level has gotten lower, but I am fit and feel good. So, as long as my overall health is not affected, if lower T level leads to larger breasts...bring it on!

[Debra Russell]

Paula is right on - believe it...........................Debra

[sterusjon]

I came to the conclusion a few years ago that I "ain't broke." I learned a long time ago that "if ain't broke, don't fix it." If you try to fix what "ain't broke" you are very likely to break something.

Stephanie

[Teresa]

Carla,
I don't think I need a shot at the moment ( Maybe need shooting , according to the wife !) my levels have yet to dip !
I'm not going to mess with what my body is doing at the moment !
As Stephanie says , " It if ain't broken don't fix it ! "

[Persephone]

I came to the conclusion a few years ago that I "ain't broke." I learned a long time ago that "if ain't broke, don't fix it." If you try to fix what "ain't broke" you are very likely to break something. Stephanie

Brilliantly said!

I do agree with Blue Orchid, your wife is hoping that you will change and be more "masculine."

But, as others have mentioned, there appears to be a likelihood that increasing your T levels will stimulate crossdressing rather than diminish it. And there are some recent studies that show that some, if not all, testosterone replacement therapies may shorten your lifespan!*

Hugs,
Persephone.

* I am not a medical doctor nor do I pretend to offer medical advice. Consult with your physician before any medical treatment or information of a medical nature.

[carahawkwind]

I saw this article a while back, about the longer life span of eunuchs:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/25/health/eunuchs-lifespan/index.html

I'm not suggesting anyone go get castrated, but Low-T might not necessarily be a bad thing for your health or life expectancy. Women tend to live longer than men as well.

[LilSissyStevie]

A couple of years ago I went to the doc to have my t levels checked because I had some of the symptoms of low t - low libido, tired all the time, declining strength, etc. The test showed that my t levels were actually on the high side of normal. Her diagnosis - you're old and probably lazy, too.

[Michelle Fox]

I can just speak from personal experience.

A couple of years ago I was showing signs of low T, but thought it was a thyroid problem more so than low T. The doctor tested testosterone level anyway. Sure enough, levels were really low. Doc put me on Androgel and shortly after my crossdressing came out of a 20 year hibernation. In retrospect, my CD activities were the most during my teen years and now I'm experiencing a second puberty so here I am, lost in the pink fog.

[Vikky]

Hi Carla

If my experience is anything to go by Paula has it about right. I had an MRI scan 18 months ago for an unrelated incident and the medics found I had a prolactinoma – a lump impacting on my pituitary gland which amongst other things was causing low T levels.

Treatment of the lump has caused it to reduce and raised my T levels with interesting (and positive) results in the lower regions – if you get my drift.

At about the same time my interest in CD rocketed from dormat/repressed since my teen years, to regular cross dressing whenever I can get some time in (on a DADT basis unfortunately).

So, in my view I think a raised T level can lead to increased interest in CDing, and I am sure I read a research article somewhere that suggested the same. My endo knows of my new interest in CDing but hasn’t shown any concern or interest in the effect.

At 67 years old I am quite happy with it! I hope this adds to an interesting discussion.

Vikky

[Jodi]

The principle medication given for enlarged prostate gland is proscar. Proscar is a t blocker (testosterone blocker). So, if someone is suffering from enlarged prostate gland, testosterone therapy can significantly exacerbate the prostate problem.

Jodi

[Lorileah]

I love going into the woods looking for snipe. If "T" levels really had anything to do with gender dysphoria, don't you all think it would part of a treatment regimen? The subject of eunuchs and such is purely speculative. Comparing life expectancies is very complicated. You have to factor a lot of things into the mix. Otherwise, don't you think that lowering T would be used as heart protection? That is why they say women live longer. less heart issues (that is changing by the way) so giving women estrogen post menopause or giving men T blockers seems like a bright idea for increasing longevity...and yet, it doesn't.

If you have the symptoms associated with low T and you and YOUR DOCTOR think it may benefit, then you do it. It has nothing to do with your TG tendencies. This always bothers me when non-medical people get ideas of how medical stuff works.

[franlee]

I always love it when some one comes along with an idea of how to "fix" us. Did they ever consider we are who we are supposed to be and not "broken"? :)
This is so true it leave nothing to add to it. Very good observation and well stated.

[CynthiaD]

I recently discussed this issue with my doctor, and he told me that testosterone treatments have been found to have some serious side effects, and didn't recommend that I even be tested. I didn't object, because I wouldn't want testosterone treatments anyway. If I were going to undergo hormone treatments, I'd much rather go the other direction.

[lingerieLiz]

It always amazes me that some doctor comes up with a solution for a few and now it is a cure all. If everyone could be cured one solution we wouldn't need anyone but Dr. Oz. Overtime my wife watches him we suddenly need to eat this and take that.

Remember the old joke about salads making you fat. It was observed that most salads are eaten by fat people so it had to be the salad. I did notice that at the salad bars people take a lot of greens and then they dump a couple thousand calories of dressing on it and say how great they did eating a salad.

[GretchenJ]

Hi Carla, I would agree with what others have stated. I don't believe there is a correlation between the two. My T levels numbers were well within the normal range.

DanielleLee

This is correct... I am currently taking T therapy as my levels were close to zero, my desire to CD has not been altered either when it was low and now that it is being treated. What is has done though is helping my depression

[Jenniferathome]

You were a cross dresser when your T levels were peaking, right?

[ReineD]

Do changes in testosterone levels affect desires to crossdress among CDers?

It doesn't seem as if there is a correlation. Non-crossdressers lose testosterone too, and they don't begin to crossdress as they age. It seems likely that testosterone might actually increase the desire to crossdress (among CDers), if there is also an increase in libido.

[Jenniferathome]

Totally agree Reine. I think this is just another misunderstanding about crossdressers. No different than we are gay. It seem stop explain something. Lower testosterone = lower man-ness therefore, cross dressing is possible That's bad math. I was a cross dresser when I was 7, 12, 18, 26, 37, ..... I think the real explanation is, as we age, we gain a confidence that allows us to cross dress more freely.

[Alaina R]

Far more than is professed on this board, CDing has a (very) significant sexual component for many CDers. More testosterone likely means increased sex drive which means more, not less, CDing. Beyond that, the current fixation on T levels is marketing hype designed to make a bunch of money treating a non-condition. Unfortunately, the side effects can be very serious; I know a guy who nearly died from a T therapy induced blood clot. At some point, all this T therapy crap is going to be restricted by the FDA to people who really have a medical condition that requires treatment rather than having a bunch of 60 years olds taking it because they aren't 20 anymore.

[Michelle (Oz)]

Early after the reveal with my wife she suggested t-therapy. I didn't feel broken and didn't want to be fixed but did raise it with my doctor although not in the context of CDing. Nope, side effects would outweigh any (doubtful) positive benefits.

Interesting too that my dad was prescribed estrogen in his 80's for testicular cancer to slow it down. Always complained that the hot flushes were going up his body rather than down to his cold feet.

[MelanieAnne]

In addition to the blood clots, another side effect of testerone is if you have a tiny undetected cancer, especially in the prostate, testerone supplements can accelerate the growth of any small undetected cancers. The lower levels of testerone in older men is partly responsible for the very slow growth of most prostate cancers.

[Beverley Sims]

If you feel good within yourself why upset the balance of nature.

[Launa]

Ah just say honey the doctor says my T levels are very high and wants to put me on Female HRT.......

[Sometimes Steffi]

I think the estrogen, testosterone imbalance occurs for us during gestation. Adjusting it after the blueprints are finalized wont do much, IMHO.


I agree with the gestation part. I think that sometime during gestation TGs suffered from Estrogen "poisoning" that affected the brain.

After all, how do you get an M or an F on your birth certificate? The octor looks at your parts; th doctor doesn't do a brain scan.



I do agree with Blue Orchid, your wife is hoping that you will change and be more "masculine."


I think you should please your wife and be more "masculine". I suggest that you mow the lawn or repair the car in a dress and heels.



Remember the old joke about salads making you fat. It was observed that most salads are eaten by fat people so it had to be the salad. I did notice that at the salad bars people take a lot of greens and then they dump a couple thousand calories of dressing on it and say how great they did eating a salad.


Did you hear about the study that concluded that children that play with Barbies live longer than children that don't!

But don't get your son to play with Barbies in the hope that he will live longer.

What they don't tell you is that most children who play with Barbies are girls, who naturally live longer than boys.

I'm a trained ststistician and was taught how to lie with statistics.

[MissTee]

About a year ago I was tested for low t because of issues with insomnia, difficulty concentrating, crazy mood swings and just plain tired all the time. Ended up T levels were fine, but I had sleep apnea. A month after being on a sleep machine and I felt so much better, but I still wore panties to bed.

[CarlaWestin]

Well, thank you all for your information and conclusions. Yes, I do think wifey wants to cure me but, I ain't broke. As far as increasing T level is concerned, if T stands for titty size, I'm all for it.

[Taylor186]

Did you hear about the study that concluded that children that play with Barbies live longer than children that don't!

But don't get your son to play with Barbies in the hope that he will live longer.

What they don't tell you is that most children who play with Barbies are girls, who naturally live longer than boys.

I'm a trained statistician and was taught how to lie with statistics.

Reminds me of that old quote popularized by Mark Twain, "there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."



As for the quote above that Proscar (finasteride), which I also take, lowers T levels at least one doctor studied this and says not true:


Although issues involving Propecia (finasteride) and testosterone are popular topics in general, one subject seemingly appears more frequently than others – does Propecia lower testosterone levels? Because of the way Propecia works inside the body, it’s not an unreasonable concern. Propecia, and finasteride in general, works by blocking the process that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone or DHT (the hormone that directly causes hair loss). Because this pathway seems to interfere or block testosterone, people tend to assume that Propecia actually lowers testosterone levels in the body. However, this is incorrect.

According to Coalition physician Dr. Robert M. Bernstein not only does Propecia not lower testosterone levels in the body, it actually increases them! Dr. Bernstein states that on average patients who take Propecia experience a 9% increase in serum (blood) levels of testosterone, meaning their body levels are generally elevated.

I found the above doctor-quote using a Google search so it must be true.

[sometimes_miss]

My own feelings about testosterone supplementation, is that it's more about a guy's belief of what makes him masculine than how women feel about us. Way too much of our thinking is focused on our penis, sexual virility, and physical masculinity than what women really see in us. Consider; 2/3 of women cannot orgasm from intercourse alone. Yet, every guy out there believes that every woman's greatest pleasure comes from his penis. Kind of tells you something doesn't it? From what I've heard, having a guy with constant erections who wants to hump her all the time is not exactly on the top of the list that women are looking for from an older guy who thinks that testosterone is the cure to make him sexier. Think: Tongue first. Women don't expect men to have rock hard erections that last for hours throughout our lives, and so far, the ones I've come across have been plenty happy to do everything else instead.

[Brenda456]

Last I read, taking testosterone was generally a marketing thing that is done to sell the drug. Taking testosterone is probably not beneficial and may be harmful.

[JayeLefaye]

Hi Carla, It sounds like wifey's wishful thinking.:hugs:

Yeap, I think that sums it up nicely....I can't answer from a medical viewpoint, but unless they get a teeny-tiny microscopic electrician to go inside my brain and do some serious rewiring, then all the meds in the world ain't gonna stop the CDing aspect of me.

Jaye

[Barbara Dugan]

I took Testosterone for some time because my levels were very low, I begin crossdressing when my levels were starting to drop, but I think it was because of the depression.
While on Testosterone my T levels never raised, as a matter of fact dropped to almost zero but my depression got better... and feeling good about myself and the body changes actually increased my crossdressing ...Actually I felt and looked so Fem like no other time

[TxCassie]

My T-levels have been low for some time now. My doctor had plan to put me on T-therapy but wanted to get my diabetes under control first. Mission accomplished. So, last week, I began my T-therapy. It's way to soon for any effects, but I can say, I do feel a bit better in a general sense. I don't think at 55yrs (as of last month), that the T-therapy will turn me into some macho-masculine sex stud. Nor do I think that it will have any effect on my dressing. I may not dress as much only because I sense I will have more energy and will be out of the house more. Then again, I may develop enough motivation to step out en femme. Who knows. Now, I as I may have mentioned before, I have had thoughts of wanting to transition. I do wonder how those thoughts may be effected if I begin to become more comfortable. My doctor is big on monitoring my stats, every 3 months, like clock work, so I don't feel he nor I will allow the T-therapy or any of the other meds I take affect me adversely. I am hoping with the increase of strength and motivation, I will head to the gym and that lead to other benefits. But I am pretty sure Cassie is hear to stay.

Cassie

[MonctonGirl]

If your wife is willing to have much more sex and much more dressing
- probably even sex with you dressed
...then go for the T test.

If she gets you into it, she'll need to help you cope with it.
Often, when the wife prompts a husband to boost T levels
( believing it will add more passion to their sex life )
and then resists the numerous advances made on her
the result is violence.

Why? Cuz the reason he stopped trying to have sex with her
is because half the time when he'd try, she'd say "not right now"
and she'd need to be in the right mood
and in the right place
and she could not have changed the sheets JUST that day
and she could not have had her hair done just that day
and she would need to know the dishes are done
and she would need to not feel fat in the outfit she is wearing ( even though it would come off )
and blah blah blah
so he just didn't bother anymore...and thus did not need to
produce as much testosterone. Imagine that.

Can't imagine why so many married men hook up with younger women.