Energy Levels

[Mindy More]

I thought this would be the right place to post this question, but just to be clear, I'm not saying an orchiectomy and SRS are the same thing.  You can skip the back story below if you want to get to heart of the matter:

So getting to my situation, after about 15 months on hormones.....I had an orchiectomy on May 16.  My T levels, on a high dose of anti-androgens, were not getting down low enough, and as per my endo's advice, and my own wishes,  I decided to have the procedure, as I was sure (am still) about my transition and my eventual SRS.

Recovery went well, and I was functioning after a few days, and putting some miles on my Puma's in NYC just 10 days post-op.

Also, I had my blood levels checked a few weeks after and I was a picture of perfect trans health according to my endo.
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What I am dealing with is LOW energy levels.  I take a lot of caffeine to get through the day, and even then, I'm in bed by 9:30.

Does the body ever adjust?

I am assuming for the most part, that everyone who has had SRS, already had their hormone situation managed so that the difference was not great before/after.  Your T levels would already be that of a natal woman, and not having testicles wouldn't make a big difference for you.

Still, I thought this would be the right place to post this question, because an orchiectomy/SRS is absolute, and those in this category can give a testimony that falls in a different category than chemical castration.

Lastly, just wanted to say, no regrets!!

[cruise4burgers]

Are you still taking the anti androgens? Stopping those altogether (I remained on a low dies after orchidectony for three years) resulted in higher energy and the T levels didn't come back. Didn't notice a lack of energy from the orchidectony though, just noticed a gain after dropping androcur.

[LordKAT]

Many things can affect your energy including iron levels and sleep patterns. It would be worth bringing up at your next doctor appointment.

[Mindy More]

Are you still taking the anti androgens? Stopping those altogether (I remained on a low dies after orchidectony for three years) resulted in higher energy and the T levels didn't come back. Didn't notice a lack of energy from the orchidectony though, just noticed a gain after dropping androcur.

Have stopped anti-androgens, after the orchie.  Was on spiro, vs androcur, but it didn't drop me to these post-op levels.  My T is at 17 ng/dl. 

[Mindy More]

Many things can affect your energy including iron levels and sleep patterns. It would be worth bringing up at your next doctor appointment.

Good points. You jogged my memory to talk to a doctor about my iron levels.  They were recorded as very high a few months ago, but we disregarded it as a handling error.  I think they may actually be high.

[Jenna Marie]

I was *exhausted* for the first 3 months after GRS, and probably tired easily for at least another six months after that. I think that was mostly post-surgical recovery, though; it felt like my body was putting most of its resources towards healing. (I also got sick more easily during that time.) I'd expect that that time frame would be longer than for a less invasive surgery, but that a month or so post-orchi you might still be in the same sort of recovery period.

[Elainagirl59]

Your Dr might also find your Vitamin D levels are low.

[Mindy More]

I was *exhausted* for the first 3 months after GRS, and probably tired easily for at least another six months after that. I think that was mostly post-surgical recovery, though; it felt like my body was putting most of its resources towards healing. (I also got sick more easily during that time.) I'd expect that that time frame would be longer than for a less invasive surgery, but that a month or so post-orchi you might still be in the same sort of recovery period.

That does help to hear, although sorry to hear about your post surgical recovery.  Part of me thinks there's more at play, could be my vitamin D levels....could also be that I've just come off a month vacation and I'm having to pick up where I left off.

[Sophiabutterfly09]

Don't forget! A B vitamin complex is hugely beneficial  I had my orchiectomy three and a half years ago, they have been very helpful. Nothing wrong with some dark roast coffee, Vitamin D as well.