Nervous about hormones!

[Naturally Blonde]

If losing penile function would seriously keep you from taking HRT then tbh maybe you need to reassess what transitioning means to you... it's kind of a serious step to take if you don't feel very strongly about it.

I agree, some people want to be on both sides of the fence!

[JohnnieRamona]

Let me be clear- I'd MUCH rather be a woman with a limp estrogen-ized penis than a man with a fully functional one. But would I prefer to still be able to use my penis to penetrate my partner after I transition? Hells yeah!

Beyond that, it's like Julia Serano said once- people are going to have to get used to the idea that some women have penises and some men have vaginas. There are LOTS of really valid reasons a person might not choose to (or want to) get bottom surgery.

[Naturally Blonde]

Let me be clear- I'd MUCH rather be a woman with a limp estrogen-ized penis than a man with a fully functional one. But would I prefer to still be able to use my penis to penetrate my partner after I transition? Hells yeah!
Beyond that, it's like Julia Serano said once- people are going to have to get used to the idea that some women have penises and some men have vaginas. There are LOTS of really valid reasons a person might not choose to (or want to) get bottom surgery.

Yuk! I personally hated having penetrative sex with a female and I hate the thingy. Maybe I'm different but I really don't want to be a man or have sex as a man with a woman! I didn't enjoy it at all.

[kim58]

While I can certainly appreciate your conundrum the rewards of starting on hrt in the long run will far exceed your need of wanting both your cake and to be able to eat it too. That is unless you really value your tool and if that's the case your really should rethink your decision. 

[michelle]

I haven't gone on hormones yet, but I have really been giving some thought about it and being on medicare seeing what is paid for and what isn't.    For the most part being 65 years old I don't care if my penis functions or not.    When it comes to sex its on its own.    I am more concerned about how hormones will effect the rest of my health because I have diabetes 2, moderately high blood sugar, and problems with cholesterol.     And my mother died of breast cancer.    My penis is already responsible for bringing six kids into this world and that is enough for me.    Besides at 65 I can't see bringing any more children into this world because I want to be there to at least get them through their first 18 years of life and through high school.   I have 9 more years to go to get the last one through school now.      If you really worry about having kids then bank some sperm away before you take hormones.   

Before you take hormones just decide what is important to you and find away to take care of it.    I pretty much have learned through a lot of trial and lots of error that I have to be who I am,  because that's the path the others in my life are following for themselves.     But I also know that becoming more of a woman does not mean that I can run away from my current commitments and responsibilities and loose myself in the female world.     I just figure if all people in my life see is that I am effeminate and see me acting as such that they will accept me for what I am and life will go on.

[MagicKitty]

You can't escape it, so why not embrace it?

A song told me that over half a year ago. I heard the song, understood the song and its connection to me, and I decided to embrace it. Is this going to go away... no. Well what can I do about it? So I decided to start hormones.

[Dale]

Aniya, you started this thread..........where did you go??

[aniya]

Aniya, you started this thread..........where did you go??

I've been slaving away at work and finally caught up with everyone's replies. Wish I could reply to everyone but for the most part value some of the responses I got.

[Dawn Heart]

Aniya,

My greatest concerns about HRT are allergic reaction, sudden or drastic changes in mental / emotional states, possibility of stroke / heart problems, and other documented negative effects. I could care less if my equipment works or not because I have no desire to procreate. I posted about my concerns here at Susan's (mainly about allergic reactions) and got some productive, helpful answers.

I'm just taking this slowly, one day at a time, and waiting to see where therapy leads me once it starts.  I hope my post has been helpful for you.

[aniya]

Aniya,

My greatest concerns about HRT are allergic reaction, sudden or drastic changes in mental / emotional states, possibility of stroke / heart problems, and other documented negative effects. I could care less if my equipment works or not because I have no desire to procreate. I posted about my concerns here at Susan's (mainly about allergic reactions) and got some productive, helpful answers.

I'm just taking this slowly, one day at a time, and waiting to see where therapy leads me once it starts.  I hope my post has been helpful for you.

The possibility of stroke, heart problems, and blood clots are also a huge concern for me since I read on some of these happening to a couple people. I also like to enjoy a cocktail on the weekend so I'm concerned about damaging my liver also.

[kelly_aus]

The possibility of stroke, heart problems, and blood clots are also a huge concern for me since I read on some of these happening to a couple people. I also like to enjoy a cocktail on the weekend so I'm concerned about damaging my liver also.

The risks are overstated - unless you are a smoker. Does it happen? Yes, but not all that often. As far as liver damage goes, I drink most weekends and have yet to have a Liver test that comes back with anything but normal.

With your posts, I'm honestly wondering if hormones are for you at all, as you seem to be looking for any excuse to not take them. Haviing been on them for 14 months or so now, I can honestly say I'm glad I did and will never stop.

[Sarah Louise]

As with all medications, you weigh the benefits vs the side effects (risks) and make a decision if it is right for you.

[aniya]

With your posts, I'm honestly wondering if hormones are for you at all, as you seem to be looking for any excuse to not take them.

I don't understand how my concerns are coming off as excuses to not take them? I haven't even seen an Endo yet, about to finish sessions with my therapist. I'm sure everyone here had concerns before starting. Decided to post here for clarity and advice, not to make excuses.

[Tanya]

Hi Aniya,

the liver damage and blood clots can be pretty much eliminated if you do NOT take oral estrogen but opt for transdermal or injectable, that way it does not have to pass through the liver.  Todays forms of estrogen are much advanced and cause minimal side effects.  Stay away from older versions such as premarin. 
In terms of your equipment working.  It all depends what you are looking for.  Mine still works, but its different, dare I say better - takes longer though.  If you do start down the road of hrt, you can stop if it does not agree with you.  Depending on how long you stay on it, the boobs will stay but unless you continue on it for more than a year, the Testosterone will come back.
Good luck with your decision.
Tanya

[aniya]

Hi Aniya,

the liver damage and blood clots can be pretty much eliminated if you do NOT take oral estrogen but opt for transdermal or injectable, that way it does not have to pass through the liver.  Todays forms of estrogen are much advanced and cause minimal side effects.  Stay away from older versions such as premarin. 
In terms of your equipment working.  It all depends what you are looking for.  Mine still works, but its different, dare I say better - takes longer though.  If you do start down the road of hrt, you can stop if it does not agree with you.  Depending on how long you stay on it, the boobs will stay but unless you continue on it for more than a year, the Testosterone will come back.
Good luck with your decision.
Tanya

Thank you Tanya, very helpful!