Life expectancy and hormones.

[Jamie D]

This person claims to have found numerous studies showing that people on hormone therapy live to be about 50 on average. If he ever links me to such studies, I'll post them here.

That would be nice, because I do not think any credible scientific studies exist to support that contention.

Agreeing with JLT1, above, I find bad science to be the Devil's workshop!

[Randi]

Let's clear up one thing here.

Yes, the testosterone and estradiol molecules are very similar.

Testosterone can convert to estradiol via the enzyme aromatase.  This is a one-way trip though.
There is absolutely no way any estrogen can convert to testosterone.  It's just not chemically and biologically possible.  Estradiol can convert to the less active estriol and back.

HRT dosages are NOT as simple as many transpeople think and paradoxically if you take too much it can actually have the reverse effect because estrogen and testosterone are chemically related and one the bodies defence mechanisms is to convert one into the other - which is why male anabolic steroid misusers often end up with impressive breasts!!!

[pebbles]

Yes I think the one thing to add here is that there is a world of difference between doing DIY HRT - which is VERY dangerous - and doing under proper medical supervision and monitoring.

I know you're thinking, well she would say that wouldn't she, but honestly, in the unlikely event that things do go wrong, wouldn't you rather find out before any damage was done?

HRT dosages are NOT as simple as many transpeople think and paradoxically if you take too much it can actually have the reverse effect because estrogen and testosterone are chemically related and one the bodies defence mechanisms is to convert one into the other - which is why male anabolic steroid misusers often end up with impressive breasts!!!

Your dosage is YOUR dosage - what works for you may kill someone else, or simply be completely ineffective.

So please do it properly folks, with medical supervision, and stay healthy.

Partly True, Excess testosterone, is converted into estrogen but not the other way around.


While I'm forbidden from endorsing DIY hrt, I will say the following.

I self medicated, But I'm not dead. I have no regrets.
Doing your research essential this is true in almost all pursuits.

[anjaq]

Emily - I was actually talking about more long term post-transition "age guessing", but yes of course, initially HRT certainly makes one look younger because of skin and fat changes. Especially for those who partially remain in the male social role - feminine features that are promoted by HRT are often read as being younger if they are looked at in people perceived as male.

[Tessa James]

You can choose to believe all manner of things and find corroboration from a study or two.  Dueling studies and opinions do not make your unique life worthwhile or long lasting.  Live well by your own standards and recognize that you can find support for HRT treatment and for staying where you are.

[Sarah Louise]

I've been on hormones half my life (I'm 69) I don't think it has shortened my life.

And I'm not the oldest member here.  Just make sure your doing hormones under a doctor's care.

[anjaq]

By the way just FYI - this sort of topic was NEVER a topic with any transpeople I talked with here in Germany. Is it possible that it is an american thing? Like UFOs and 2012 and some of the other things that we Euros find weird about the US?

[Tessa James]

We now specialize in fear and takeover maneuvers.  Yes, be afraid, very afraid, we have drones and bombs and OH puke!  We are the weird refuse other countries didn't want come back to bite you!