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HRT Short Trial

Started by Vanora, December 20, 2011, 07:24:41 AM

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Vanora

I've spent a few months with a therapist and concluded that I want to spend more time living as a woman. But I'm still not sure how far it will go.

I'm wondering if a short doctor supervised trial period of up to 3 months would help make this clearer. That's not enough time to make permanent physical changes. But is it enough time to provide some significant clues to how far this whole thing might progress? I have heard that this is being tried more commonly as part of gender exploration.

I realize many here are 100% sure of their path. But I also know that many aren't. And I am wondering what role HRT played in that ultimate clarification and how long it took. I'm also curious about stories of people who tried it and didn't like it and didn't progress further into womanhood.
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Padma

I've been on hormones nearly 3 months now. A few weeks into this, I felt as if I'd been holding myself up out of myself for my whole life, and I'd finally sat down and relaxed.

Taking hormones is the only way to find out what it feels like to change your hormones, but it's not (as you say) a lifetime's decision, you can try it and see how it feels. Some psychiatrists (and sadly, not enough) are indeed behind this as a way to determine whether someone is experiencing GD or not.
Womandrogyneâ„¢
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Beth Andrea

I'm thinking if one goes into transition (specifically the HRT part) "full speed ahead", the psychiatrist can be convinced of one's sincerity...but if HRT doesn't agree with your needs, you can always stop it. Consult with your endo first, because there may have to be a "weaning off" period.

But yes, the patient always has the right to refuse treatment (except in the case of certain mental issues, if the patient is deemed "not competent" to make those decisions him/herself.)
...I think for most of us it is a futile effort to try and put this genie back in the bottle once she has tasted freedom...

--read in a Tessa James post 1/16/2017
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Vanora

Quote from: Vanora on December 20, 2011, 07:24:41 AM
I've spent a few months with a therapist and concluded that I want to spend more time living as a woman. But I'm still not sure how far it will go.

I'm wondering if a short doctor supervised trial period of up to 3 months would help make this clearer. That's not enough time to make permanent physical changes. But is it enough time to provide some significant clues to how far this whole thing might progress? I have heard that this is being tried more commonly as part of gender exploration.

I realize many here are 100% sure of their path. But I also know that many aren't. And I am wondering what role HRT played in that ultimate clarification and how long it took. I'm also curious about stories of people who tried it and didn't like it and didn't progress further into womanhood.

That's what I'm thinking and I'm considering trying for a few months.  And it seems like it could help clarify some things.
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stldrmgrl

Quote from: Beverley on December 20, 2011, 06:37:31 PM
There are some that feel that hormones are diagnostic of transexualism. I do not know if they are right, but the theory goes that is you give oestrogen (for example) to someone wanting MTF then if they relax they are TS whereas if they are not truly TS then they get anxiety/panic attacks. Apparently the idea is that if you have a female brain it will accept oestrogen, if you have a male brain it will not. The effects are supposed to be apparent within a day or two.

Can anyone else throw any light on this and whether it is valid?

Beverley

Perhaps invalid.  I am trans, I have been on hormones and blockers for five months now and love the way it makes me feel overall.  However, specific to your listing of symptoms as a result of, I do not comply; I have frequent panic attacks and quite a bit of anxiety.

Prior to HRT, I had anxiety issues but never panic attacks.  The panic attacks are recent, primarily developing within my fourth month on HRT; though as a possible culprit, my dosage was increased within my third month and as a result, I felt quite uncomfortable.  After a few weeks on this new dose, I consulted my endocrinologist and we agreed to drop the dose of estradiol back to the original, leaving the spironolactone at the higher dose.  Since this, I have noticed myself becoming more calm and both the anxiety and panic attacks are subsiding.

Nonetheless, symptoms/emotions are not exclusive to a single diagnosis, in my opinion.
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Joelene9

  It's been over a year on HRT.  My provider quartered the original dose of Spiro 2 months ago.  Some of the anxiety I had a year ago and the heavier beard growth are returning.  The testes has grown as well in this time, no discernable lumps.  I do not like this!  I do not want to return to being "Joe Nasty"!  I will get a new T and E level tests after the holidays to see what is happening.  A higher than normal male level of T at my age may be indicative of something more serious. 
  It may take 3 months to a year to determine that the hormones will confirm that you are transgender, if this would indicate that.  This took me 2 1/2 months.  You will have to be honest with yourself.  There will be mood types that you have not experienced before.  You will have to bear these things awhile to see that you can bear them the rest of your life.  The fertility as a male could decrease to permanent sterility after 8 months on HRT. 
  Joelene
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Beth Andrea

Quote from: Beverley on December 20, 2011, 06:37:31 PM
There are some that feel that hormones are diagnostic of transexualism. I do not know if they are right, but the theory goes that is you give oestrogen (for example) to someone wanting MTF then if they relax they are TS whereas if they are not truly TS then they get anxiety/panic attacks. Apparently the idea is that if you have a female brain it will accept oestrogen, if you have a male brain it will not. The effects are supposed to be apparent within a day or two.

Can anyone else throw any light on this and whether it is valid?

Beverley

Regarding my own experience...I've always had low testosterone levels (less than 200), but one of the therapies for my depression was androderm patches (which increase T levels).

The first time I tried them, I endured the new-found anxiety for about 3 days...the next time (about a month later), I lasted a whole day. The last time, it was about 4 hours.

Extreme anxiety, panic, it felt like a poison to me. After the first time, I started wondering if estrogen would be better. Not on real stuff yet, but the menopause supplements work wonders for me. Well, maybe not "wonders", but well enough to know that I must have E.

I've tried to go off the supps a couple of times, that usually lasts about 2 days before I get panicky.

Once you've tried E, you won't be going back (if your TG).

imho
...I think for most of us it is a futile effort to try and put this genie back in the bottle once she has tasted freedom...

--read in a Tessa James post 1/16/2017
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Catherine Sarah


Hi Vanora
Quote from: Vanora on December 20, 2011, 07:24:41 AM
And I am wondering what role HRT played in that ultimate clarification and how long it took. I'm also curious about stories of people who tried it and didn't like it and didn't progress further into womanhood.

I've only just started HRT, and as such, am sailing into uncharted waters. However, in answer to your question about ultimate clarification; once I made the decision to transition some months ago, I have had many moments of clarification that not only was this the right and proper decision, but, profound insights into what and where my journey will take me. I have a very clear understanding and deep desire to remarry as a wife and if possible to raise adopted children.

If you would have told me that I would be desiring this outcome, two years ago; I would have had you certified as insane and had you locked away for your own benefit. Yet today, after making the decision to transition, instead of "kicking tyres" is now such a reality. I'm interested in knowing how HRT will further define this feeling.

Hope this has shed some enlightenment
Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine




If you're in Australia and are subject to Domestic Violence or Violence against Women, call 1800-RESPECT (1800-737-7328) for assistance.
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Vanora

This is all interesting and "real world!"  I'm still kicking tires but I'm seriously considering a trial period.  It looks like there isn't a lot of downside to a short term trial and it might but is not guaranteed to answer a lot of questions. I have a gut feel that HRT would calm me down but I'm not sure yet.
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JessicaH

Good luck! I'm in my 13th month of a "short trial period."  No way in hell would I give it up now. 
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Vanora

Quote from: JessicaH on December 21, 2011, 01:10:23 PM
Good luck! I'm in my 13th month of a "short trial period."  No way in hell would I give it up now.

That concept worries me a little as I feel like it could happen to me too  :)
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Vanora

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on December 21, 2011, 10:29:13 AM
Hi Vanora
I've only just started HRT, and as such, am sailing into uncharted waters. However, in answer to your question about ultimate clarification; once I made the decision to transition some months ago, I have had many moments of clarification that not only was this the right and proper decision, but, profound insights into what and where my journey will take me.

How long have you been on HRT?
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Catherine Sarah

Hi Verona,
Quote from: Vanora on December 22, 2011, 06:57:24 AM
How long have you been on HRT?

Three days. But "in the real world" I've been transitioning for 15 years. "Kicking tyres". You'll be pleasantly surprised how your whole demeanor changes, once you draw THAT line in the sand. The number of Ah-Har moments I've had since making that decision is nothing less than remarkable. I affirmed and validated Catherine's persona many years ago. And she has been working steadfastly in acquiescencing her rightfull place. Making that decision to stop kicking tyres and transition, was like giving her permission to acquire her position.

There are just so many aspects of my being that now resonate a true and wholesome acceptance of this decision; that previously either didn't react because of the years of suppression, or screamed dischord because of the inner conflict of not being totally congruent.

Whatever you do, don't be afraid to acknowledge your true innermost feelings. They are the most absolutely remarkable essence of your being and are righteously true.  Just look at what JessicaH said about her "short trial". The rest of her life is going to be one humongously long short trial. You could offer me any amount of money to stop what I'm doing now, and there is absolutely no way I would ever consider accepting it.

Quote from: Vanora on December 21, 2011, 01:24:41 PM
Good luck! I'm in my 13th month of a "short trial period."  No way in hell would I give it up now

That concept worries me a little as I feel like it could happen to me too  :)

One thing I will guarantee about the above quote. It is going to happen. The sooner you you let it, the sooner you'll find total freedom. My thoughts and feelings I've expressed here are not a result of 3 days HRT. They have come from 15 years kicking tyres. I have no idea what HRT will do to me, and I'm not overly concerned about it. As it's not the be all and end all. Just like GCS to me is not the be all and end all. They are but steps in a journey.

I'm a bit like you, at the moment. The thought that takes my breath away, is the thought of submitting to the man of my dreams. A concept that was totally foreign less than 12 months ago, now, makes me hyperventilate. How I'll achieve it, I have no idea, but I'll have a lot of fun and profound joy in the process.

Enjoy your short trial, and be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine




If you're in Australia and are subject to Domestic Violence or Violence against Women, call 1800-RESPECT (1800-737-7328) for assistance.
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fleshpull

I've been desiring a short trial of HRT of sorts to see if it really is for me or not. I'm on my 2nd therapist and both of them so far have felt that it is not something you just try out for a short time.
NOT out
NOT on hormones
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Vanora

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on December 22, 2011, 09:04:04 AM
Whatever you do, don't be afraid to acknowledge your true innermost feelings.

Thanks :)  That's what I'm trying to do.
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RhinoP

Honestly, I've always had an idea that people of question should try Anti-Androgen therapy first. It slows down balding and skin diseases, and if you're young enough, it slows down secondary sex traits - worst case scenario you might just look more attractive and less haggard than other males or females around you. The only downside is it seems as though it can make you infertile after awhile, with less ejaculation, but you know... downsides to everything.

Appearantly Michael Jackson took Anti-Androgens in his late teen years, after suffering horrible acne, balding, and oil production, and right after, he started looking like a sexy model (before his horrible surgeries.) Many male or females actually produce very low amounts of secondary sex Androgens anyway (the ones who don't have pituitary tumors, brain trauma, or Neanderthal-related [proven topic] genetics), and if your natal production is too high, it's actually a health risk, so Anti-Androgens can, depending on the type and dose, be healthier for you anyway. Something like that.

However, it is why things need to be sorted out in your head. HRT is like Plastic Surgery or anything else, you need to be sure that the choice adds up for every single thing in your life and will create positive reactions in everything you want it to, and that any negative reactions the choice may cause are things you don't care about. For example with me, I want a bit of FFS - the positives I want are that I want people to think I'm more physically beautiful and natally female, and the negatives that I don't give a dang about is if someone accuses me of being fake or sinful. Works out.
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stldrmgrl

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on December 22, 2011, 09:04:04 AM
You could offer me any amount of money to stop what I'm doing now, and there is absolutely no way I would ever consider accepting it.

I'd take the money, give them the reassurance I'm "stopping" and then invest the money in my transition  ;D
That should teach the person offering the money to mind their own business, yes?
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JessicaH

Quote from: R&T-Place on December 22, 2011, 09:08:07 PM
Honestly, I've always had an idea that people of question should try Anti-Androgen therapy first.

I totally disagree.  Just starving your system of androgens can throw you into deep depression along with debilitating lethargy and hot flashes that make it even harder to function or sleep. If you want plenty of first hand accounts about androgen deprivation, just do a little reading over at eunuch.org.
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Vanora

Quote from: JessicaH on December 23, 2011, 02:41:02 PM
I totally disagree.  Just starving your system of androgens can throw you into deep depression along with debilitating lethargy and hot flashes that make it even harder to function or sleep. If you want plenty of first hand accounts about androgen deprivation, just do a little reading over at eunuch.org.

It seems like starving the body of androgens might make sense for a short time just to see how much all the testosterone is effecting the brain with respect to transgender issues (i.e. some people may need less testosterone and some need less testosterone and more estrogen to feel normal.) However, it is not good as a long term therapy.  People tend to be lethargic and depressed and bone density drops off with lack of androgens and estrogen. I'm already past the point of no return on balding...
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