Stopping contraceptive pills and starting T

[Ritsuka]

Hey guys, I need your help.
I'm a pre-everything transguy from Brazil who is planning to get transition this year. I'm already scheduling my top surgery and I pretend to start T soon.
I took a lot of years to get the courage to make this decision, and I only posted here once.
Well, now I'm with a serious doubt: as a gay guy who was engaged in a relationship with a cis-guy, I started to take contraceptive pills since 2008. It's been a long time since I don't have sex at all, but I've never stopped to take pills. And no, I don't take them to stop menses, because I still got them for a week, I just take those pills because somehow I got used to it.
Back in time, I thought how much I disliked to take it, and how it decreased my libido and changed my emotional. I have oily skin and blackheads sometimes, but I never had serious acne issues.
Still, I'm a bit scared to stop this thing just because women complains about some side-effects, like headaches, problems with menses, emotional change and stuff, but, in other hand, I plan to take my first T-shot in one or two months because, if I have money, I will get hysterectomy at the same day of my top surgery.

tl;dr: Can I start T right after ending a cycle of estrogen pills, or or is recommended to stop it a time before starting T? And, if I stop those pills now (tomorrow is the day that is supposed to me to start another cycle...) after so many years taking it, what should I expect to feel?
Can some guys share some experiences with me? 

Thanks in advance for any response.

[Proton]

Hello!

I stopped taking pills a couple months before I started T, but that was because my doctor wanted to know what my hormone levels were like "naturally". I actually didn't feel much difference after I stopped, and I had been on contraceptives for about six or seven years, but that's probably varies a lot from person to person.

With that said, you should probably ask your doctor. They'll be able to tell you what you should do.

A propósito, eu também sou do Brasil!

[adrian]

Hey,

I'm not an expert on this topic, so please note that I don't know what would be better -- stopping now and getting on t in two months or stopping right as you start t. This is something a doctor should be able to answer, so please consult with one on this. You don't have to finish the cycle of birth control though, even if you start again tomorrow, since you're not looking for contraception, it doesn't really matter if you stop at any point as far as I know.

I was on contraceptives (pill, then Nuvaring) for over 20 years. I have endometriosis and always had severe cramping etc. Hormones were supposed to help with that, but in the end the cramps were so bad I decided I might as well stop and see what happens (that was just before I realized I was trans*). For me, nothing much happened. My mood didn't change (not that it was great to begin with), my body didn't change lots (fewer cramps, go figure). I know not everyone experiences it like this, but for me it was (fortunately) very anti-climactic . My body took about 4-6 month to adjust into a "normal" cycle again.

There probably wouldn't be any harm done by stopping the contraceptive now, but the question (that probably only a doctor can answer) is whether it would be easier on the body to just move from one artificial hormone to the next, without the natural cycle picking up again in between or not.

[Ritsuka]

Hello!

I stopped taking pills a couple months before I started T, but that was because my doctor wanted to know what my hormone levels were like "naturally". I actually didn't feel much difference after I stopped, and I had been on contraceptives for about six or seven years, but that's probably varies a lot from person to person.

With that said, you should probably ask your doctor. They'll be able to tell you what you should do.

A propósito, eu também sou do Brasil!

Hi Proton!
Actually, I don't have much money nor health insurance, so I will pay the doctor with some of my savings while I wait for the public health system from my country to get in touch with me. (something which can take some months to happen... and then after, some bureaucracy to join their transexual program...)
The doctor is quite expensive (a transguy from my city recommended him to me), so I can't get many appointments with him. 
But what you said about your doctor wanting to know "what my hormone levels were like "naturally"" made a lot of sense to me!
Well, I don't have to be afraid in stopping it. Sooner or later I would have to do it, and I've never like it from the start.
Maybe I will wait three months to get my appoinment with the doc, to not mess with the exams.

Legal ver que tem mais brasileiros postando aqui também! 

Hey,

I'm not an expert on this topic, so please note that I don't know what would be better -- stopping now and getting on t in two months or stopping right as you start t. This is something a doctor should be able to answer, so please consult with one on this. You don't have to finish the cycle of birth control though, even if you start again tomorrow, since you're not looking for contraception, it doesn't really matter if you stop at any point as far as I know.

I was on contraceptives (pill, then Nuvaring) for over 20 years. I have endometriosis and always had severe cramping etc. Hormones were supposed to help with that, but in the end the cramps were so bad I decided I might as well stop and see what happens (that was just before I realized I was trans*). For me, nothing much happened. My mood didn't change (not that it was great to begin with), my body didn't change lots (fewer cramps, go figure). I know not everyone experiences it like this, but for me it was (fortunately) very anti-climactic . My body took about 4-6 month to adjust into a "normal" cycle again.

There probably wouldn't be any harm done by stopping the contraceptive now, but the question (that probably only a doctor can answer) is whether it would be easier on the body to just move from one artificial hormone to the next, without the natural cycle picking up again in between or not.

Thanks for your answer as well, adrian!
I was typping my answer to Proton when yours came, so as you can see, I don't have much money to spend and I'm jobless now. (My mother will pay my surgery)
Maybe the doctor can answer me for free by e-mail.  But I'm kinda attempted to try to stop pills and see what happens, and at the same time afraid to feel bad things. As Proton said, I will need to take some blood tests, and maybe taking pills could alter the results.

[Skyler]

There are contraceptive pills available that will not affect your hormone levels, they do not contain estrogen but progesterone. Talk to your endocrinologist about it, having a baby on Testosterone is a VERY bad thing.

[Ritsuka]

There are contraceptive pills available that will not affect your hormone levels, they do not contain estrogen but progesterone. Talk to your endocrinologist about it, having a baby on Testosterone is a VERY bad thing.

The one I take has estrogen. I don't plan to have sex while I don't have hysterectomy, so getting pregnant won't be an issue for me. I will have an amount of money to solve my life, and I hope the surgeon's budget plus hospital costs and travel costs don't surpass my possibilities. To take top-surgery and hysterectomy at the same day would be a bless...

Or else, having sex always with protection. Fortunately or infortunately, I don't see sex happing in my life now...

[Daydreamer]

It's best to ask your doctor or endocrinologist. I was taking pills way several months before I started (I've had an on/off relationship with them for about two years and stopped taking them in October I think), and asked the same question (if there was a duration of time I should wait for everything to leave my system). You should be fine, but double check to play it safe.

[Bran]

Definitely do ask your doc.  They'll be able to answer this question much better than us.  But I don't see how it would be unsafe to stop the birth control pills and start T without a break.  But if you did that, you wouldn't know what side effects were from stopping the estrogen, and which were from starting T.  If it were me, I'd stop the birth control pills at least 2-3 months before starting T. 

I took oral contraceptives years ago, and they made my mood swings worse, my headaches better, my periods less painful, and my acne less of a problem.  T hasn't had too much effect on my mood, has definitely increased my sex drive, and has made my headaches and acne much worse, though both are still very treatable.  I'm only 7 weeks on T, so it's too early to really know what it will do to my period.

Like other people have said, though, it is important to remember that T isn't effective enough to count as birth control.  If you might want to have sex that could result in pregnancy, you will need another contraceptive plan.

[Ayden]

I stopped my birth control maybe 3 months before I started T. I could have stopped sooner, but I didn't want to run the risk of pregnancy since I am married and my husband and I are pretty active. My doctor wanted me to stop at least two months in advance to get my base hormone levels. I didn't have much by way of side effects coming off of it. I actually felt better within a week. I've noticed more problems when low T levels than I did with going off birth control. The only downside was that for a few days while my body started sorting itself out I was sleepy. Not too tired, but I yawned like crazy and I slept for about 12 hours one night.

[kimello]

This is so scary for me to read. I've been on the pill for a few months and when I was at my first doctors appointment I didn't mention it to her. I already did all of my blood exams and am expected to come back in a few days to get my prescription to get started on T. Now I am scared that if I mention to her I've been on the pill, and I will mention to her for safety, I'll have to wait longer to start T and that's is my worst nightmare. I think the pill that I take has estrogen in its composition. I know that could alter my natural levels on the blood test results. I'm so scared I'm already panicking and having bad anxiety. My life's been so hard lately, I wish I could put down in words. Having to wait longer to be on T would devastate me and I wouldn't know how to cope with the wait, giving that I have already waited SO much to finally start. What do I do? Is there really a chance I might have to wait more months just because I have been on the pill? Please, help!

[Ritsuka]

It's best to ask your doctor or endocrinologist. I was taking pills way several months before I started (I've had an on/off relationship with them for about two years and stopped taking them in October I think), and asked the same question (if there was a duration of time I should wait for everything to leave my system). You should be fine, but double check to play it safe.

I know I should ask to a doctor, but what was your doctor answer?

Definitely do ask your doc.  They'll be able to answer this question much better than us.  But I don't see how it would be unsafe to stop the birth control pills and start T without a break.  But if you did that, you wouldn't know what side effects were from stopping the estrogen, and which were from starting T.  If it were me, I'd stop the birth control pills at least 2-3 months before starting T. 

I took oral contraceptives years ago, and they made my mood swings worse, my headaches better, my periods less painful, and my acne less of a problem.  T hasn't had too much effect on my mood, has definitely increased my sex drive, and has made my headaches and acne much worse, though both are still very treatable.  I'm only 7 weeks on T, so it's too early to really know what it will do to my period.

Like other people have said, though, it is important to remember that T isn't effective enough to count as birth control.  If you might want to have sex that could result in pregnancy, you will need another contraceptive plan.

Well, I will try to stop pills for 2 months at least. I hope I don't get much side-effects from this. And, as you said, I must know which are the side-effects from stopping pills, and the side-effects from starting T.

About unwanted pregnancy, don't worry guys. I'm the most paranoid - EVER - person with this kind of subject. The simple idea of pregnancy causes me nightmares. When I was sexually active, I always took care of everything, even to not take medicines which could nullify the pills effect.

This is so scary for me to read. I've been on the pill for a few months and when I was at my first doctors appointment I didn't mention it to her. I already did all of my blood exams and am expected to come back in a few days to get my prescription to get started on T. Now I am scared that if I mention to her I've been on the pill, and I will mention to her for safety, I'll have to wait longer to start T and that's is my worst nightmare. I think the pill that I take has estrogen in its composition. I know that could alter my natural levels on the blood test results. I'm so scared I'm already panicking and having bad anxiety. My life's been so hard lately, I wish I could put down in words. Having to wait longer to be on T would devastate me and I wouldn't know how to cope with the wait, giving that I have already waited SO much to finally start. What do I do? Is there really a chance I might have to wait more months just because I have been on the pill? Please, help!

Omg, don't feel bad like this! As Bran said, he doesn't seem how it could be unsafe to do. But in your case, the only who can answer you is your doctor. Don't omit this to her, also, please, don't get this nervous. I really understand you about taking time to start. I'm almost 27, and I "realised" to be trans when I was almost 21. 

Hugs
-Ritsuka

[kimello]

This is so scary for me to read. I've been on the pill for a few months and when I was at my first doctors appointment I didn't mention it to her. I already did all of my blood exams and am expected to come back in a few days to get my prescription to get started on T. Now I am scared that if I mention to her I've been on the pill, and I will mention to her for safety, I'll have to wait longer to start T and that's is my worst nightmare. I think the pill that I take has estrogen in its composition. I know that could alter my natural levels on the blood test results. I'm so scared I'm already panicking and having bad anxiety. My life's been so hard lately, I wish I could put down in words. Having to wait longer to be on T would devastate me and I wouldn't know how to cope with the wait, giving that I have already waited SO much to finally start. What do I do? Is there really a chance I might have to wait more months just because I have been on the pill? Please, help!

Omg, don't feel bad like this! As Bran said, he doesn't seem how it could be unsafe to do. But in your case, the only who can answer you is your doctor. Don't omit this to her, also, please, don't get this nervous. I really understand you about taking time to start. I'm almost 27, and I "realised" to be trans when I was almost 21. 

Hugs
-Ritsuka

Thank you, Ritsuka. It's been a difficult process, as it definitely is for all of us, I'm trying to stay strong but my depression is so deep it frequently hampers me from staying hopeful and strong. It's been 5 years of profound misery and I am so tired of trying and battling to feel better. Sometimes it's hard for me to think straight. I have posted about this in two different places, but no replies so far. I'm emailing my endo right now, and hopefully she'll get back to me with good news. Congrats on your process and sticking to your path no matter what! Congrats on your strength and courage.

Lots of hugs and best wishes to you,

Kim.

[Ritsuka]

Thank you, Ritsuka. It's been a difficult process, as it definitely is for all of us, I'm trying to stay strong but my depression is so deep it frequently hampers me from staying hopeful and strong. It's been 5 years of profound misery and I am so tired of trying and battling to feel better. Sometimes it's hard for me to think straight. I have posted about this in two different places, but no replies so far. I'm emailing my endo right now, and hopefully she'll get back to me with good news. Congrats on your process and sticking to your path no matter what! Congrats on your strength and courage.

Lots of hugs and best wishes to you,

Kim.

Thanks, Kim! I'm still afraid (most by the hormonal side-effects and hormonal dependence till death, than to take surgeries. I always wanted to get rid of those intruders in my chest...), but I hope my fears disappear in the middle of proccess. My family and friends supports me, so I guess that's something.
I'm also a depressed person and, most of time, I'm unable to do even simple tasks, but I would sugest you that, no matter what your doctor says, try to find a physical activity (like going to gym, or sports), or intelectual activity (like reading or watching things you like), or even frivolous things like playing games (online or not) to keep your mind and/or body occupied. I know it's hard, but try it.
A physical activity, like going to gym, would help you with transition as well. That's what I plan for me. 

Eventually, I want to start a bilingual channel on YouTube and share it (plus some pics here) with you guys, because there isn't many brazilian FTM channels, neither the guys from my country show their results much. I want to do this because watching vlogs from foreign guys helped and inspired me a lot.

[kimello]

Thanks, Kim! I'm still afraid (most by the hormonal side-effects and hormonal dependence till death, than to take surgeries. I always wanted to get rid of those intruders in my chest...), but I hope my fears disappear in the middle of proccess. My family and friends supports me, so I guess that's something.
I'm also a depressed person and, most of time, I'm unable to do even simple tasks, but I would sugest you that, no matter what your doctor says, try to find a physical activity (like going to gym, or sports), or intelectual activity (like reading or watching things you like), or even frivolous things like playing games (online or not) to keep your mind and/or body occupied. I know it's hard, but try it.
A physical activity, like going to gym, would help you with transition as well. That's what I plan for me. 

Eventually, I want to start a bilingual channel on YouTube and share it (plus some pics here) with you guys, because there isn't many brazilian FTM channels, neither the guys from my country show their results much. I want to do this because watching vlogs from foreign guys helped and inspired me a lot.

Well, guess what! I'm Brazilian. And I agree with you, there aren't many Brazilian trans guys vlogging their experience on Youtube and that would be of great help to us and the brazilian community in general. I've actually been thinking the same thing. [Espero que seja tranquilo a gente se comunicar só um poquinho em português por aqui. sem importunar nenhuma regra ou ninguém. Se você quiser trocar idéias e experiências, eu posso te passar o meu e-mail por aqui e depois editar a mensagem e tirá-lo. Acho que a tem bastante experiência pra trocar. Mas fica a teu critério. Bom conhecer mais um brasileiro por aqui, você já é o segundo.]  As for keeping my mind busy, that is the hardest thing. I literally can't focus on anything. It is hard, but to me is close to impossible. I can't watch TV without feeling awful and wanting to lay on the ground and cry. I'm such a mess right now. I can't explain. And I actually started gym just last week! For the same reason as you want to start gym. In order to prepare my body and keep my mind busy, but also in order to release endorphin along with other hormones and make me feel calmer and slightly better.

Hugs,

Kim.

[Ritsuka]

Well, guess what! I'm Brazilian. And I agree with you, there aren't many Brazilian trans guys vlogging their experience on Youtube and that would be of great help to us and the brazilian community in general. I've actually been thinking the same thing. [Espero que seja tranquilo a gente se comunicar só um poquinho em português por aqui. sem importunar nenhuma regra ou ninguém. Se você quiser trocar idéias e experiências, eu posso te passar o meu e-mail por aqui e depois editar a mensagem e tirá-lo. Acho que a tem bastante experiência pra trocar. Mas fica a teu critério. Bom conhecer mais um brasileiro por aqui, você já é o segundo.]  As for keeping my mind busy, that is the hardest thing. I literally can't focus on anything. It is hard, but to me is close to impossible. I can't watch TV without feeling awful and wanting to lay on the ground and cry. I'm such a mess right now. I can't explain. And I actually started gym just last week! For the same reason as you want to start gym. In order to prepare my body and keep my mind busy, but also in order to release endorphin along with other hormones and make me feel calmer and slightly better.

Hugs,

Kim.

To be honest, I already started gym last year and dropped it after two months.  I tried to give a comeback in December, and after the Holidays and new year, a lot of bad things happened, plus laziness. Almost every single day I say to myself "I want to go back", but in the end, I don't. I even have a personal trainer friend to give me train & diet advices. I'm throwing my gym membership in the trash. >< I want to try again starting this week...

Best,
- Ritsu.