FTM and "that time of the month"

[distantprince]

So, uh, here's the deal. I'm AFAB but identify as male. I don't take T yet so that means I still get periods. Not only are they irregular so I never know when to expect them, they usually last all 7 days, and make me extremely dysphoric. I don't use tampons because for me it's pretty uncomfortable, though I haven't really had much experience, and I can't get a divacup or anything like that. I don't have trouble with leaking, I'm usually good about that, but I have no idea how to deal with the dysphoria. Even when I can dull the pain, I can't make the dysphoria go away because to me this shouldn't be happening because I shouldn't have a uterus but I still do. I usually don't even call them periods, either referring to it as shark week or imagining I'm the hero and my enemy stabbed me but I have to pretend like nothing is wrong. I've contemplated birth control but

• It would take me forever to get it.
• I don't really want to stuff more estrogen into my system.

So, does anyone have any tips on how I can combat the near crippling dysphoria during this time?

[Mariah]

Hi distantprince, welcome to Susan's. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

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[mm]

distantprince,  I am the same pre t, mine are fairly regular and I get clamps about a day before the bleeding starts which lets me know what is coming.  I use tampons which I think is the best way for me.  I never liked pads, for the mess between your legs all the time.  The cups are ways too much handling of your parts to get them in and out plus seems it could be messy.  Tampon hide the fact you are bleeding as no guy ever has bleeding he can't control. I call them my monthly don't like the word "period".  I don't want to take hormones to control them so just accept them until I can start t.

[Valwen]

Not specific to that particular problem but in general the best way to deal with dysphoria is to go with distractions, focus on work when your there, keep a good tv show around to keep your mind occupied when your not, and try hard not to think about it. I wish I could be more help but hell I go through depression powered dysphoria episodes regularly over lots of things, weight, voice, neck, face, exc. Mirrors are the enemy.

on the other note of the thread, I knew a trans guy a while ago who referred to that time of the month as, Estrogen Poisoning or Monthly Estrogen Poisoning.

--Serena

[Daniel95]

I've been in that place and as much as You hate those parts You gotta do the best to keep 'em in good health. I'd recommend working out and keeping on to a specific diet. I.e.:no processed food, sugar, flour and more dairy, fish, vegetables.