HRT test dirive?

[Joann]

Can you go on HRT temporarily to see what effects/ side effects it would have? If you grow boobs does it reverse after discontinuation? I recently started taking testosterone and because of my heavy drinking it was being converted to estrol ( estrogen). I felt calmer, softer, gentler and strangely sensual. I liked it. but on the other hand every time i had sex with my wife  (full contact)i was cranky and irritable all day. Also i dont like the smell of woman in estress. Almost makes me sick.
Im M2A i think...
thoughts.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Joann,

You can in a way take a HRT test drive, however depending on what effects and how long it takes to observe those effects/changes may depend on your patience. My Endo said something like 5-8 years to see the full effect of HRT on average. Some may take longer, some shorter.

Sort of thing you may run past a therapist first to see what forces are driving you in the first place.

What is generally the most common after effect of a retired HRT programme is the fat redistribution including breast development. So you may wish to take that into consideration.

Hope things work out for you.

Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[Joelene9]

  The boobs don't go away.  There are real tissue besides fat there.  They may shrink a little due to the fat redistribution when quitting HRT.  Ask the fellows my age with gynocomastia who have boobs larger than mine.  A lot of them out there over 55!  Test drives are not advisable.  Fooling with your endocrine system may cause permanent damage and undesirable side effects. 
  Estrus as in menses?  That smell aversion is normal for males and a lot of women.  Or, you are thinking the result of a climax?  The same!
  For you I would recommend a Dr. visit to check your hormone levels and adjust your T dosage.  It is a good idea to get off of the sauce as well.  Telling your doctor about your drinking will help here.  Drinking is one of the causes of erectile dysfunction and unhappy sex with one's spouse.  Drinking, smoking mojo, and taking illicit drugs will make things really worse when you try to transition. 
  Joelene

[Randi]

Four and a half years ago I started taking testosterone shots at age 57.

Testosterone converts to estradiol or E2, through the action of the aromatase enzyme, which resides mostly in adipose (fat) cells.

Within six months my nipples were constantly erect and my boobs started to grow.  Just like you I liked the effects and gradually cut back on the testosterone and started to use Oestrogel and later injectable Estradiol Valerate.

When I started testosterone replacement I thought it would make me more manly and I was prepared to live as a male for the rest of my life.

The high estrogen level brought out an intense desire to be female.  I now think it was always there but effectively suppressed.

In any case after six month to a year the boobs are permanent.   If you don't want your body permanently feminized you need to learn about aromatase inhibitors like Arimidex, cut back on your drinking and probably reduce your dosage of testosterone.

I'm very fortunate that my wife and daughter tolerate and accept my feminized body.  You may not be so lucky.

Randi 

[JoanneB]

If you pass through the Village of Boobs, you are no longer on a test drive. You purchased that horse long ago.

Low dose HRT is sometimes a way to achieve relief from GID. As with any medication there is always possible side effects. I resorted to it a few times in the past.

Self medicating with heavy drinking is cause enough to feel calmer. The high caloric intake can also lead to more fat being laid down which may lead to some form of E being produced by the T. (I forget the details.) 

Feeling calmer from taking T seems odd given the typical effects of T and other powerful steroids.