anti-estrogens

[lorax]

Hi all!

I'm actually non-binary faab but I decided it would be better to post in here because it's something that you guys probably have a higher likelihood of having firsthand experience with anti-estrogens than the NB folk. (if you're NB, I welcome your advice as well, and pretty much anyone too if you know anything).

I have poly-cystic ovary syndrome and it's extremely likely that I have PMDD (which is like PMS but times 1,000). I've been researching anti-estrogens as ways to stop the menstrual cycle without going on testosterone (my mom won't let me go on T). I think that there are several anti-estrogens that stop menses entirely and are used as treatments for really bad PMDD or PMS, but have significantly less masculinizing effects. I think that I may be able to get prescribed on one of these if there are fewer serious side effects/permanent changes than T.

Also, I've tried several other treatments, such as birth control pills and mood stabilizers. None have worked, and several types of YAZ have caused major depressive episodes.

Thank you for any suggestions/advice/experiences/wisdom/knowledge you are able to share!

-Lorax <|:)

[aleon515]

I know of FAAB people who are put on anti-estrogens for breast cancer. The problem is that is going to push you into premature (presumably) and very fast menopause. You have to decide if that would be a desirable outcome. It's possible perhaps to lower your levels. I think this is a discussion for a endocrinologist though.

--Jay

[Bran]

Honestly anti-estrogens usually have a lot more side effects than T. (Like jay said, they're usually used as chemotherapy for cancer.)  But they don't give you T-specific changes and they're not irreversible.

If you're just looking to stop your periods, and you don't have a personal aversion to female hormones-- have you tried taking oral contraceptives continuously?  Might not be a good idea with the mood stuff, but it works, and lots of women get less mood swings without the cycling on and off. You might also think about the vaginal ring or the Mirena iud. They're estrogen based, but basically just a local effect. They have minimal impact on blood levels or mood, just prevent ovulation.

[makipu]

Hi, are antiestrogens the same as the hormone blockers I heard about? 

[lorax]

aleon515: I don't mind the thought of never having a period again, honestly. I am never going to have biological children, and aside from the various emotional issues around periods, it's a hastle to have to deal with it. I can deal with hot flashes and loss of bone density if it means that I get the other half of every month back. I know that there are a lot more side effects, but I really don't care as long as they're not likely to mess things up further. Unfortunately, I don't have an endocrinologist, and my psychiatrist has not really been helpful and thinks that it's a "phase".

Bran: Well, at this point, I don't mind side effects as long as I'm not effectively bipolar. I've only tried birth control with the placebo pills at the end, but I've had breakthrough bleeding and those disrupted my mood even more.

As for the ring, how does that work? do you just...pop it in? Does it work if you're a virgin? Do they eliminate pms/pmdd symptoms?

Makipu: as far as I know, yes.

[Bran]

. . . As for the ring, how does that work? do you just...pop it in? Does it work if you're a virgin? Do they eliminate pms/pmdd symptoms?

Pretty much, yes.  it's a thin flexible silicone ring which has some hormones in it.  You fold it up and insert it in the vagina (sorry about the trigger term, but specifics are important here. . .) and it slips up near the cervix.  You can leave it in for 4 weeks and replace it with a new one immediately, or do three weeks on/one weekoff.  It should stop PMDD, because you're not cycling.  It's smaller than a tampon to go in, so it will work fine even for most folks who've never had sex.  The intact hymen is basically a myth, anyway.

[lorax]

hmmm...sounds interesting, thanks for that tip! I will check it out. <|:)