Combatting HRT Induced Fatigue

[LadyoftheRockies]

Greetings all! I know there are a few posts about this but it would seem that I don't have access to them as I am a noob to this site.

I'm wondering if any of you have found an effective and healthy (not caffeine) way of combatting the fatigue caused by starting HRT. I am a full time architecture student with a full time job and I cannot continue with this level of fatigue and continue to produce work up to my own demanding standards. Currently, I am sadly relying on good ol' coffee, but I am trying to not drink it as I know it inhibits my development.

Currently sleeping 9 hours per night on average, taking a multivitamin, vitamin d (5000iu), low dose of spiro, and estradiol (sublingual twice a day). Started e 2 weeks ago, spiro 3 weeks ago.

Thank you so much for your input and assistance with this pestilential issue.

-Z

[Hikari]

I got a bit tired when I started Bicalutamide but that went away within 2 weeks. In any case I start my day usually with a hour long walk or so, followed by breakfast then a shower and I feel pretty energized after that. I do usually have a glass of tea with breakfast but, I doubt it is the caffeine that is energizing me.

I would get checked out if HRT is fatiguing you consistently, in my experience it was only a bit and then I quickly adjusted. You never know, it could be caused by something else, so it is always worth getting looked at.

[Alaia]

Typically, I feel energetic and get the most done on days when I'm well rested and started out by exercising after waking up.

[Jennygirl]

HRT should not be making you tired- sounds like a side effect from oral hormones?

[Asniceasme]

I was informed by my doctor just today, that one of the side effects of HRT is a reduction in our energy levels...but it could still be something else too.

[alexis.j]

Well, for me, the tiredness lasted a week or two after starting HRT. Then things stabilized,  but heavy physical labour is a problem now...

[Beverly]

Much of a man's higher metabolism and energy comes from high levels of T. As these drop on HRT your metabolism slows and your body needs to adapt and it takes time. IMO coffee is a necessity especially in the afternoon.

I also found I had to change my diet. Heavy meats such as beef and pork were cut down and replaced with smaller portions of fish and chicken. Vegetable intake increased to give a slow release of energy through the day. For instance I have just had a bowl of rice noodles with green and yellow peppers and half a chicken breast in szechan sauce and that is lunch. It is enough because a big meal draws blood to the digestive system and makes you feel heavy and tired and lethargic.

HRT should not be making you tired- sounds like a side effect from oral hormones?

I know you are something of a evangelist for injectables, but not everything can be blamed on oral hormones. Nonetheless, around here, I one day expect to see famine, ebola and a declining economy blamed on oral meds. 

[Brenda E]

Are we talking about the same tiredness here?

If it's feeling sleepy, then that's not supposed to happen with hormones.

If it's feeling weaker than before, having less energy, then that's a typical side effect; things that once you could manage easily (running a couple of miles) suddenly seem rather more tiring and difficult.

Are you eating properly?  Getting the nutrition and energy you need?

My solution - and dentists will be horrified by this - is to eat more candy.  I've found that during those times I'm just feeling physically exhausted, a jolt of quick energy is exactly what I need.  (Yeah, I'm going to have to find a better way to deal with it than eating candy, but it is delicious.)

[LadyoftheRockies]

Thank you all for your input. So far, the jury is out.

To clear up some questions:
I eat well, balanced protein oriented diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits. I prefer chicken but will occasionally have beef or pork. Usually lunch consists of a salad with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a lean protein. I do tend to have large proportions, so I will try to cut back on the size.

I have noticed that my energy level has little to do with my activity, though my bike ride to and from school every other day does seem to keep me more alert.

I have been using fruit as a little boost to my blood sugar levels (sorry, not going to start eating candy).

I take my estradiol sublingually, split into two doses in the day. I make less than the poverty line so injectables are not really possible.

I have a bloodwork appointment in a week or so, so we'll see where the heck my levels are. I may just not have enough estradiol as I have read that a deficiency can cause fatigue.

Thank you all for your input!

Side note: two weeks in and two of my partners have mentioned that I should consider wearing a sports bra due to my rapid development! I personally don't see it but will trust their judgement if anyone else mentions it.

[f_Anna_tastic]

Hrt had been tremendously exhausting for me, it's been like I'm a teenager again and all I want to do is eat and sleep.

It's been very hard juggling a full time role at work and dealing with the transition.

I took a photo of myself 365 days apart and was amazed by the difference, looking at that it's not surprise I've been tired.

Also the anti androgens I take are known to have side effects of tiredness. I'm going to see about adjusting the when I next see my endocrinologist

[yokosoko]

What about diet & Sleep patterns? I dont know if it has any effect on HRT, but making some dietary adjustments can make a big difference! I used to be soooo lethargic, but since I cut out Dairy & Gluten and amped up on superfoods (kale, goji berries, Cacao (especially cacao) i'm more awake and sharper than ever! Also try adjusting your sleep patterns to 10pm - 5/6am. Sounds weird but our bodies were originally designed to rise and drop with the sun. Modern technology has changed that, and we've somewhat adapted, but some people are more sensitive than others. HRT might just be making you more sensitive to these things?

I dont know if it will work, but all I can say is these things really really improved my quality of life, and they may help with your fatique. Worst case, you'll just be living healthier, nothing wrong with that 🙂 (FYI, took me about 2 weeks to start to notice changes. Now i'm addicted to that sleep schedule)

[Jennygirl]

I know you are something of a evangelist for injectables, but not everything can be blamed on oral hormones. Nonetheless, around here, I one day expect to see famine, ebola and a declining economy blamed on oral meds. 

I do think injectables are much better than pills, but pellet implants are what I get evangelical about 😉

[Beverly]

I do think injectables are much better than pills, but pellet implants are what I get evangelical about

My apologies for the error ...

[Eva Marie]

I was worn out for the first couple of weeks after starting a full strength dose of HRT. Now, 10 months later I have no stamina and no strength and I am ready for bedtime around 9pm so it's a different kind of fatigue. I jump up out of bed typically around 4 or 5 in the morning now and I never was able to do THAT before due to being depressed.

[LadyoftheRockies]

I'll have to give the sleep thing a try! Problem is that I just got home from work (10pm now), but will probably be quitting my very hetero normative job in jewelry sales to work at Apple! I am also a full time architecture student so that makes the sleep thing a little harder, but not nearly impossible!

[Kyra553]

I've actually had the reversed effect on HRT. I feel more awake and energized. Like now I can sleep five hours and just wake-up ready to go. Before I could just sleep all day if I wanted to. But when I get tired I get really tired now; almost to the point of passing out.  I guess the body is still trying to figure out whats going on inside.