Potential HRT complications

[SamanthaMQ]

Hello all,

I am looking into starting my transition later this year, and after reading about the side-effects of HRT I'm a little worried.  Of course the natural stuff doesn't sound as scary, but two things did stand out to me.  I have a weight issue at the moment (although I'm working on it), and I'm already borderline diabetic.  Will taking hormones increase my weight and my chance to form full blown Diabetes? 

I know there's no medical opinion to be found here, but life experience by other people that have gone through this is just as good in my opinion.  I'm feeling discouraged and a bit frightened.

Samantha MQ

[Tessa James]

Hey Samantha I hope you will not be discouraged by the potential complications we face.  As you note we (true for me too) already have health issues that we must address for our quality of life.  Our very slightly increased risks for diabetes and weight gain are documented while this awareness gives us ample opportunity and incentives to make those needed life changes.  There are many issues and challenges we face to transition.  Only you can ultimately decide the overall value and importance to your happiness.  For many of us transition does not feel so much a choice as an imperative and progressive need to be our real selves.

Nothing like trying to get into that favorite new dress and the ongoing scrutiny women get for our appearance to encourage an active lifestyle and other healthy behaviors...?

[suzifrommd]

I have not experienced any weight gain on estradiol. I weigh about 15 lbs less than before, though that's probably muscle loss.

[Rejennyrated]

Short answer it could be a slight problem, but it is not a show stopper.

Slightly longer answer - Taking estrogen will tend to dispose you to put on weight and may therefore marginally increase your risk, but a good endocrinologist, coupled with some dietary advice and discipline on your part is capable of getting around the issue.

[SamanthaMQ]

Thank you all so much, that actually helps.  I wasn't going to let the risks derail my transition, they just had me worried about what it might cost me.

Samantha MQ

[iKate]

Hi Samantha,

I am a type 2 diabetic and I was also overweight and obese at one time too.

I found that I managed my health a lot better once I started HRT because they do my primary care.

When I started I was 195lb. Today I am 155lb or so. I am 5'6". I might lose a few pounds more but my weight is pretty good for me. I couldn't fit a size 10 jeans now size 6 fits comfortably. Couldn't fit large tops, now medium is a bit loose (except around the bust). I've had some soft tissue and muscle loss but I also lost fat.

I am on metformin in addition to HRT. My A1C before I started was ~7.7. Now it is down to below 6. Fasting plasma glucose is still a challenge for me but it's more around 110 mg/dL or so instead of 155 when I was first diagnosed. When I measure straight out of bed I am 70s to 90s. I can keep post-prandial 1 hour around 140 mg/dL, 2 hours I'm back down below 100. Occasionally I might have a spike but the days of being over 200 after every meal are long gone. I use a meter and I test myself even though I do not have to. Insurance pays for the strips thankfully.

I am not on insulin, just metformin and diet and exercise. I watch my carbs. Metformin isn't a bad drug to take. Its most common side effect is GI upset but for most people that goes away relatively quickly. Your doctor will usually start you on half dose then ramp you up in 2 weeks to a month. The thing is that since you detected diabetes early (you say you are "borderline" which means you're probably pre diabetic, which is basically a nice way of saying early stages of diabetes) you can attack it early and prevent a lifetime of complications. My uncle lost his eyesight and my other uncle died because they didn't take care of themselves. My grandma died at 53 because she basically ignored it. Don't let that happen to you!

I also had high blood pressure and high cholesterol but both of those are back to normal. Spiro works really well but the weight loss helped a lot. I might be off my other meds soon.

So, I found that going on HRT actually made my general health better. Whether that's from just taking care of myself better or the HRT itself, who knows. I would say incorporate a total wellness plan into your HRT regimen and make sure you see your primary doc regularly. He or she should do your HRT, preferably.

Hope this helps.

-iKate

[Laurette Mohr]

 I had my 5th month anniversary yesterday on HRT and have LOST 40lbs since starting. Not everyone gains weight.

[KellyTG]

I have to say that it will depend on your genetics and lifestyle. For the past two years I had been suffering from depression and ate burgers and fried chicken everyday. I gained a lot of weight and felt miserable. But, since late February I have lost 53 pounds by eating healthy and exercising. I have to say that it has been a struggle to stay disciplined because I want to revert to the old life style when I feel hungry. So, I had to ask myself what was important to me at this stage in my life.

Getting up every morning and walking two miles has become enjoyable. And, stretching/light yoga in the pm is rewarding as well. I think it all boils down to each individual deciding what is important and then establishing a plan to change some habits that has or might have gotten us into trouble as far as our health and wellbeing. I decided that I wanted HRT so bad that I would commit to whatever I had to do to be successful. After a while being healthy is so pleasurable it has complimented my HRT with a sense of accomplishment on two fronts. My depression has all but disappeared and I can finally focus on my transition. And, I understand I will have to continually work on maintaining a lifestyle that promotes better health and an acceptable weight.

Good luck to you and I am sure you will do just fine.

KellyTG

[JessicaH]

Keep in mind that diet and exercise will improve your insulin response and lower your fasting glucose levels which will raise your HGH levels and let you body respond better to hrt. If you are on Facebook, check out the group trans and fit.  Best of luck!

[SamanthaMQ]

Great advice everyone,

That is amazing Kelly, 53 pounds is an accomplishment no matter what your starting weight was.  I've been interested in starting Yoga.  Is there a diet that you like?  Or do you just prefer to eat healthy things as a rule?

Laurette, that is also wonderful that you have lost so much.  It is great to know that weight gain/loss isn't dictated by HRT, but by your own actions while on it.

iKate, your post was very informative and interesting to read.  My mother has Type II, and a lot of those numbers actually make sense to me.  I hope things continue to go well for you, and you get to go off your meds soon.

Again, thanks for all the lovely advice and anecdotes,

Samantha MQ