Endorphins and dysphoria

[AnamethatstartswithE]

So I'm an avid distance runner, and today I was able to go running for the first time in a week and a half due to an injury. It felt amazing, and my dysphoria went away to the point that I started to wonder why I'm so consumed with wanting to be female. I know this is similar to how the dysphoria can go away for a time after gratifying one's self. I was wondering how this phenomenon affects those who have transitioned. Does it matter how far along in the process you are? I wouldn't want to start transitioning and then run a marathon, and be like "why did I want boobs again?" Any insight would be appreciated.

[Lyndsey]

Wow
I'm not sure if you shouldn't wait it out. Time will tell you and only you can make that decision. I think you will know if you really need to transition as I knew my whole life and never looked back. I'm now post- op and very happy. I on the other hand waited way to long to do this. I wish that I had done it when I was young. Back then no one ever heard of it and if you did come out they would put you away in the funny farm. Or what held me up was I know that my father would have killed me for sure. Even my mother said that to me. Don't do it if you are not completely sure as it is not reversible.

Hope that helps
Lyndsey [emoji126]


Lyndsey Marie Burke

[sam1234]

Though running can release endorphins, it is also a natural treatment for depression. I lifted weights every day before I transitioned, and it never changed the way I felt about my body being not right. Perhaps the running is getting rid of the depression, the dysphoria. I don't know if it would change how you felt about the body you are currently in.

Besides talking to a counselor, keep a diary about how you feel from day to day, before and after running. Not just your emotions, but what you consider yourself to be. Male or female.

sam1234

[KathyLauren]

Dysphoria is defined as feeling bad about your gender identity not matching your body.  The key words are 'feeling bad'.  Endorphins make you feel good.  So it's not surprising that running makes the dysphoria go away for a while.

But it's only for a while.  They call it 'runner's high' because it is temporary, just like the effects of other drugs.  Once it wears off, you are back where you started. 

I'm not saying you shouldn't enjoy feeling good.  But recognize that it is temporary.  Once it wears off, you still have the real you to deal with.  So don't stop doing whatever you need to do to be yourself.