Susan's Place Transgender Resources

General Discussions => Health => Topic started by: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 03:01:49 PM

Title: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 03:01:49 PM
A while back I was injured and required stiches, (nothing serious) but during the process I passed out due to low blood pressure. Having recently started hrt I was curious if this was a side effect. But after checking my vitals history I can clearly see a trend where my normal resting heartbeat is below average. I don't know if the physician was a ware of my trans status as I was not presenting female because of the activities I was doing when injured. I only found out that a cardiologist was consulted after discharge from the er. There was no questions of medications and I'm due for another endocrinologist visit in a week. Is there any chance this could cause my Dr to take me off hrt? I've got a taste and can't go back. I really want to kick this dreadful feeling.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 23, 2018, 03:18:39 PM
@Sarahthenerd
In my non-expert and non-medical opinion I don't believe that you would be taken off of HRT unless there is some really strange blood test result or a symptom that your Doctors are concerned about.

At this point, you obviously need professional medical opinions and follow your doctors direction... 
Please keep us updated regarding this.   You should not worry about things that you can not control.... I know, I know... easier said than done.

Hugs, and well wishes
Danielle


Quote from: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 03:01:49 PM
A while back I was injured and required stiches, (nothing serious) but during the process I passed out due to low blood pressure. Having recently started hrt I was curious if this was a side effect. But after checking my vitals history I can clearly see a trend where my normal resting heartbeat is below average. I don't know if the physician was a ware of my trans status as I was not presenting female because of the activities I was doing when injured. I only found out that a cardiologist was consulted after discharge from the er. There was no questions of medications and I'm due for another endocrinologist visit in a week. Is there any chance this could cause my Dr to take me off hrt? I've got a taste and can't go back. I really want to kick this dreadful feeling.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 03:27:21 PM
Thanks Danielle, yea it's hard to stop thinking about this. I'm due for more blood work. so there anxiety from that too. Seems to be the norm for me lately.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Northern Star Girl on August 23, 2018, 05:08:20 PM
Quote from: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 03:27:21 PM
Thanks Danielle, yea it's hard to stop thinking about this. I'm due for more blood work. so there anxiety from that too. Seems to be the norm for me lately.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

@Sarahthenerd

I just recently posted some of my thoughts about WORRY and CONCERN on my "positivity" thread... please check it out, the thoughts there might be of help to you.

      "Positive Mindset... put away negativity" (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,238255.0.html)

Hugs,
Danielle
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 05:18:21 PM
Thanks ill make sure to check that thread out.

Was going to write a bunch why I feel like this. Maybe ill save it for a better day, after my next appointment :)

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: PurplePelican on August 23, 2018, 06:09:18 PM
Are you taking spiro as an anti-androgen? If so, that's likely the cause, as it will lower BP - it's kinda what it was designed for.

Speak to your endo, they will get this sorted.
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Hikari on August 23, 2018, 06:59:39 PM
I had blood pressure issues on spiro that have caused me to pass out a few times, if your liver is in good shape alternatives like bicalutamide might be more appropriate. I would discuss your options openly with your endo and not hide any details about your ER trip.
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Quinn on August 23, 2018, 08:48:29 PM
I was on spiro for about three weeks and had nothing but problems, some of the problems is I passed out a few times for no reason. It wasn't for long but there was no warning either, scared my about driving and it happening. I stopped spiro at that point and have not had those issues since. Im on a estrogen Hrt only its slower but it works for me with the sideeffects

Quinn
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarahthenerd on August 23, 2018, 09:07:46 PM
This was a one time thing so far, definitely the first time I couldn't handle a few stiches. Only been 2.5 months on  both Spiro and estrogen. No other unwanted side effects other than the  incessant need for urination. I'll be going over this with my endo for sure. And definitely hoping for good news.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Dani on August 24, 2018, 09:51:25 PM
My Primary Care Physician has recently come across a study recommending no cross hormone treatment for anyone over 65 years of age. I am 69. Also, I have had a low voltage EKG since I was age 40, when I had my first EKG. Conventional opinion seems to feel that I should not be breathing at all. I must be doing a good job of faking that.  :D

I now have an Endocrinologist who has no problem with prescribing me Estradiol, even at my age. Medical opinions vary among practitioners. Even if some have concerns, there are many others who have no problems prescribing Estradiol.

I am now looking for a more reasonable Primary Care Physician. 
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Lucca on August 24, 2018, 10:41:55 PM
Quote from: Dani on August 24, 2018, 09:51:25 PM
My Primary Care Physician has recently come across a study recommending no cross hormone treatment for anyone over 65 years of age. I am 69. Also, I have had a low voltage EKG since I was age 40, when I had my first EKG. Conventional opinion seems to feel that I should not be breathing at all. I must be doing a good job of faking that.  :D

I now have an Endocrinologist who has no problem with prescribing me Estradiol, even at my age. Medical opinions vary among practitioners. Even if some have concerns, there are many others who have no problems prescribing Estradiol.

I am now looking for a more reasonable Primary Care Physician.

So... What, is someone who's been on cross-gender hormones for 40 years supposed to be taken off of them at 65 according to this study  ????
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Dani on August 25, 2018, 06:31:08 AM
Quote from: Lucca on August 24, 2018, 10:41:55 PM
So... What, is someone who's been on cross-gender hormones for 40 years supposed to be taken off of them at 65 according to this study  ????

What many of these "studies" do not consider is that for many of us with transgender issues, being on the proper hormone treatment is life saving. How many of us have have suicide ideation or even an attempt, not to mention those who have actually died because of suicide?

These "studies" just look at specific risks and try to quantify that risk, such as heart attacks or blood clots. For myself, I know the risks and I accept them. I must be doing something right as I outlived all my brothers and sisters and more importantly, I am healthy and doing just fine. I do not need to be treated by any medical practitioner who does not take into consideration my entire health profile.

Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Lucca on August 25, 2018, 07:10:38 AM
Yeah, no kidding. Besides, aren't the risks mostly just that HRT gives you the same health problems as a cisgender person of your target gender?

Plus, any trans person who's been on HRT has very likely had their birth gonads removed, and won't produce very much sex hormones on their own. Would this study have someone like that switch to taking HRT of their assigned birth gender?

I can't truly say without looking at the study myself, but it sounds bonkers.
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Donica on August 25, 2018, 09:52:06 AM
Quote from: Dani on August 25, 2018, 06:31:08 AM
What many of these "studies" do not consider is that for many of us with transgender issues, being on the proper hormone treatment is life saving. How many of us have have suicide ideation or even an attempt, not to mention those who have actually died because of suicide?

These "studies" just look at specific risks and try to quantify that risk, such as heart attacks or blood clots. For myself, I know the risks and I accept them. I must be doing something right as I outlived all my brothers and sisters and more importantly, I am healthy and doing just fine. I do not need to be treated by any medical practitioner who does not take into consideration my entire health profile.



I have to agree with you Dani. Same here too. I feel better now than I ever did before HRT. These group studies seem to overlook that fact that a small percentage of the group will develop health issues without ever taking HRT. Premenopausal cis women are at far less risk than cis males of the same age.

Sarah, I don't think your Endo will take you off HRT. At least not estradiol. I would guess they would suggest an orchiectomy to get you off of Spiro if you continue to have issues. Since you have mentioned in your first post "I've got a taste and can't go back", this could be a good option for you. But first, TELL YOUR ENDO EVERYTHING and please don't leave anything out. They can keep you healthy but you have to be honest with them.

Please give us an update after your next visit with your Endo. There are a few of us that would really like to know the outcome.

Hugs,
Donica.
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarahthenerd on August 28, 2018, 12:15:06 PM
Thanks all,

I'm about half way to 70, and I don't plan to have the same equipment by then. So estrogen will most likely be a requirement. And want as few surgeries as possible, so its all or nothing. If there more effective or safer(specific to my situation) I'm not opposed.

I definitely pan to talk about this with my endo. I'm relatively healthy other wise, although I should pay a little more attention to my diet.

I think a may just do a three month hrt update and may also include a follow up to this thread because of the close timing.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarah1979 on September 04, 2018, 06:12:55 PM
Out of curiosity, are you particularly active in endurance sports? I know my resting heart rate is about 40, mainly because I run 3 times a week at over 5 miles each time.
Title: Re: Worried I may be taken off hrt
Post by: Sarahthenerd on September 05, 2018, 07:35:06 PM
Quote from: Sarah1979 on September 04, 2018, 06:12:55 PM
Out of curiosity, are you particularly active in endurance sports? I know my resting heart rate is about 40, mainly because I run 3 times a week at over 5 miles each time.
Not particularly into sports. But I walk often and have been known to climb a mountain on occasion. I live so close to some very popular "hills." Conquered a couple so far just since starting hrt. I'm fairly active in the driveway too working on whatever rust bucket is rolled(or pushed) my way. Probably equivalent in way to a marathon. It was actually one of those rust buckets that caused the injury that started all this. I guess you could say I use the carp out of my body for various non health reasons, and exercise is basically a side effect.

Sent from my P00A using Tapatalk