Anybody know about horny goat weed?

[Night Haven]

Due to a god awful shrink who's actually made things worse and I can't get away from, I'm not yet on testosterone. That's another post.

Apparently the horny goat weed is supposed to increase testosterone levels in men while inhibiting estrogen, but does anybody know if it'll have the same effect for a body on the other end of the spectrum running on the other hormone?

Same question for stinging nettle.

I know supplements aren't going to come close to HRT, but my dysphoria's been so bad lately I need at least one thing that'll keep me from taking a knife to one of those tumors I can't yet get rid of. Even if the supplements provide a little boost, it'll be something. Better if they're enough to help build muscles.

[JamesG]

Doubtful. It's a gimmick to part money from angsty teenagers and apprehensive middle aged men.

[teeg]

Foods, supplements, etc., that claim to raise or lower hormone levels can be true, but never in amounts that will lead to anything substantial.

I'm confused if you're talking about literal tumors, or if your goal is to build muscle. It's difficult, but females with normal hormone levels can still become quite muscular compared to most guys - it'd just take extremely vigilant care for caloric intake and cutting alongside it.

HRT is not something you want to mess around with. Hormones are one of the basic building blocks for your body. However, if it's the path you feel you need to pursue it's not difficult to begin. My advice would be to find a good psychologist, preferably with experience in gender related work, and then find a good endocrinologist.

[PrincessDayna]

I am 98% sure by 'tumors' they mean 'breasts' :/ . Don't do all that! (Though dysphoria can be like that sadly emotionally)....def follow the above advice and find a therapist who specializes in gender dysphoria. Where are you located? Maybe we can help out....but dont play with hrt! That can kill u faster then sin.

[Night Haven]

I know... Though I was half-wondering if attempting to self medicate would at least get me on a faster route to HRT - but the psychiatrist I'm seeing now is, to be frank, a quack. Don't think I'm going to be getting anywhere with that past a scribbled note describing me as "mentally unstable and self-medicating" - two sessions and he already wants to diagnose me with half the DSM, based on my (negligent, manipulative) parents' gripes and the very limited view he's had into my interactions - that is, only the ones he's seen in his office.
 
I live in Virginia, near D.C. Unfortunately getting a new shrink doesn't seem to be easy - I'm under my parents' military insurance and not yet financially independent from them. Don't even have a driver's license.
It's apparently possible to get free insurance in some states, so I'm trying to find out about that.

[AnnieMay]

There a lot of over-the-counter herbs and other concoctions out there with all sorts of claims. Be careful. I think you are also right to question the competency and qualifications of any therapist. However, any good therapist is obliged to rule out other underlying mental or emotional conditions before diagnosing gender dysphoria and prescribing HRT, since some of the effects may not be reversible. There is a growing industry out there catering to gender dysphoria, and the profit motive is very strong.

[Jessica Merriman]

However, any good therapist is obliged to rule out other underlying mental or emotional conditions before diagnosing gender dysphoria and prescribing HRT, since some of the effects may not be reversible.

Yes, definitely!

The thing with "herbal" and over the counter products (at least in the U.S.) is they are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficiency. You never know the quality, effects, ingredients or safety. They can cause liver damage and many other health effects. Be patient and get on a prescribed HRT regimen for safety and effectiveness. Physician monitoring of your health is paramount to achieving the desired goal safely.