Mental "Flat" spot on HRT

[Karren J]

I am now a little over a month on HRT, I can testify to the effectiveness of Spiro as I am running to the washroom constantly now. I can't say I've noticed any physical appearance changes, but this seems to be a normal experience given the low dose I'm on and I expect this to change as the dosage increases and time goes by. What has surprised me is my mental state, the best way I've thought of to describe it is to call it "flat". I'm comfortable and things are good but the longing and the physical tightness in my chest I used to get when I was confronted by my mental triggers is gone. I haven't felt the lows or the highs I used to have, everything is just middle of the road "flat". On an intellectual level it makes a kind of sense as my body has been given what it was crying out for, estrogen and that has put me in balance.

Is this a common experience? has anyone else gotten into a flat spot after starting HRT?

[Zooey]

I definitely experienced a "flat spot" in my emotions, but it may not be the one you're talking about. For my first two months of HRT, my spiro dose was good (testosterone was basically zero) but my estrogen was too low. The best way I can describe my mood during that period was "super duper extra mellow". Then I had my dosage adjusted, and I remembered how good it felt to get pissed off at idiots. :)

[Debb]

I am two weeks into HRT myself (well, ten days really). Just yesterday I posted on my blog that I was beginning to feel well, peaceful. I guess "flat" works, but peaceful is a better fit for me. I am also starting slow on both the blocker and the estrogen patch.

I've said that I see "her" more easily now, when I'm in guy mode, looking in the mirror.

[Jorja]

So now, is this "flat spot" caused by the estrogen or is it because Spiro is blocking the testosterone?

[Karren J]

That's a good question, it could just as easily be the spiro, I'm not too far from the next endo visit so I'll bring it up then. This is just something I didn't expect, no change to the fact I am happy.

[Eringirl]

Same response for me. Though I described it as being less agitated and more calm, greater ability to focus.

Erin

[Barbara Ella]

I definitely lost the edge and became more relaxed shortly after starting.

[Karolyn]

I am not a psychiatrist, but it sounds to me that your state is actually created on your own rather than from the hormones, like a placebo effect. I have seen many people talking about it, and my personal experience kind of confirms it.

I felt so happy when I started HRT, my mind was so free of thinking what it wanted, with no shame of any kind. That changed the way I interacted with people, but as you describe it, I was not having any lows and highs anymore, it was just an "above average" feeling that kept constant. The was no reason to feel low, as the dysphoria was mostly gone. There was no real high, as everything felt like a high. When I started to get emotional changes was at about 4 months HRT (I was on low dose for 3 months), but your mileage may vary.

In all cases, it sounds like you are on a good path, the lows are gone, that is the best part :)