Post-orchiectomy

[Richenda]

Hi girls,

Can anyone give me advice on what to expect post-orchiectomy? I'm having the procedure in a fortnight. What may I expect physically / hormonally? I'm assuming I will cease all anti androgens (horrible things imho) and only a low dose of estrogen with perhaps some calcium?

much love,

x

[Randi]

I've never had an orchiectomy, but I was diagnosed with hypogonadism nearly ten years ago.  Back then my testosterone levels were 150 ng/dL.  That's about half of the normal low range for T (300-100 n/dL).  Now without any HRT, my T levels are not even detectable.  I think what happened to me is similar to what you will experience.

Here's what my symptoms were:  Low energy, even after a good night's sleep if I sat down in a comfortable chair in the late afternoon, I would doze off quickly.  I wasn't really depressed, but wasn't excited or interested in much else either.
In short, I felt about 10-20 years older than my actual age.

Well, I took testosterone injections for a couple of years, but that sort of backfired.  My body evidently has an abundance of the enzyme aromatase.  Aromatase converts testosterone to estradiol.  We all know what estradiol does.

After your orchiectomy you will need either estrogen or testosterone for most of your remaining life.  I hope you will be content being a woman, because you will find it very difficult to remain male after that surgery.  In my case taking testosterone only made me a big strong woman with big strong boobs.  (I measure 52" across the bust).

Best wishes,
Randi

[Richenda]

Hi Randi,

That's helpful to read. I take it you had testosterone injections because you were not transitioning MtF at the time? Or, if you were, why take T? Do you know if energy levels rise if you continue to take estrogen afterwards? I've been on anti androgens and estrogen for nearly 2 years now so I'm hoping the body is adjusting female but your message about energy levels is a bit worrying.

Removing testicles has essentially the same hormonal effect as full SRS I believe? I mean, just because there is a penis which either is or isn't reshaped at this stage into a vagina, the testicles are where the majority of the male body's hormonal activity takes place?

A non-specialist doctor whom I was seeing about something unrelated told me this week it may leave me depressed which worried me slightly.

Chen x

[Randi]

I had my dysphoria well under control and was simply treating the hypogonadism as recommended by the doctor.

My sense of "well being" improved under T.  Perhaps I was depressed before. 

The T kicked my dysphoria into high gear, and the aromatization of T into E2 started my breasts growing.  I started HRT with Estrogel and then estradiol valerate injections.

Being on estradiol virtually eliminates my dysphoria.  Being on T, increases it.  I feel like I don't really have a choice. The paradox here is that after 10 years my body is very feminine.  With my dysphoria almost eliminated, I don't feel any great thrill with my new body.  It just seems "normal".  I guess that's what was needed.

I find I still need an occasional shot of T to keep my energy level up.

My experience is very atypical.  My mother took DES - diethylstilbestrol when pregnant with me.  In my mid-fifties before any HRT my estradiol was above the male range, and below the female range.  My T was half of the low end of the male range.  I'm pretty sure your experience will be different than mine.

I take it you had testosterone injections because you were not transitioning MtF at the time? \

[Lady Sarah]

I had mine done on December 23, 1994. I felt great afterwards. Lowering my estrogen made my boobs shrink, and so my doc increased them to what I was taking before. Your T levels will gradually drop off.

I was having low energy and some depression before the orchiectomy. Within a week, the depression was gone, and my energy levels went way up.

There was a 1 inch incision that required 3 stitches (the surgeon really had to fight to pull them down to remove them), and those stitches were removed in a week.

[BeverlyAnn]

Hi girls,

Can anyone give me advice on what to expect post-orchiectomy? I'm having the procedure in a fortnight. What may I expect physically / hormonally? I'm assuming I will cease all anti androgens (horrible things imho) and only a low dose of estrogen with perhaps some calcium?

much love,

x

I had an orchiectomy on April 26 and started HRT on June 2.  I had horrible hot flashes after a couple of weeks but the estrogen has stopped those.  I haven't noticed any change in energy, just in emotions.  Since you're already on estrogen I would think the only results you would see will be from stopping the AA's depending on what you're taking.

[Tessa James]

Hey Richenda,

I am about three months post orchiectomy and it was just great.  When I first started transition it was not in my plans but life has curves, yes?

It took less than an hour and I had a local anesthesia block and heavy sedation so I felt and remember nothing but going into the surgical suite.  I am a big baby so took plenty of meds and healed well.  I was glad to be rid of the spiro, the side effects like dehydration and the fear something could set me back.  I was back to regular activity soon but cautioned to take it easy for weeks.

I was and remain thrilled by the permanence this provides.  I remain on the same level of estradiol patches as before and, as previously noted, that's likely needed for my life going forward.

Unless you have the scrotal sack excised we do have an empty pouch that shrinks up a bit over time.  I like the feel of more space and freedom down below.  I understand you also plan for SRS/GCS down the road so keeping the sack for surgical use makes sense. 

Other than the personal freedom, space and sense of permanence I have felt emotionally pretty much the same as before and that follows three years of HRT.  Physically I have had no appreciable changes in my sensitivity or ability to orgasm and be intimate.  Life is better and I am happy girl who may consider further GCS but in no hurry.

[Richenda]

Hi Tessa,

Thank you so much for this. For some reason I didn't see your reply until now: sorry.

That's really helpful and encouraging advice. I go under the knife tomorrow

x

[spx_1112]

I've not had it yet.  Considering it. Any insight and experiences would be appreciated.  Hugs Shannon

[Richenda]

Hi folks, I've posted about my experiences here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=212657.new;topicseen#new

(I know Shannon you've seen that so it's for anyone else coming to this who hasn't.)

All-in-all it has been a fantastic experience so far. I cannot fault PAI nor the Piyavate hospital. My only thought is that I would probably next time have a friend with me, or maybe employ a nurse, for when you're out of hospital. It's little things like walking down to 7-11 to get some supplies.

[Lady Sarah]

Hi folks, I've posted about my experiences here: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=212657.new;topicseen#new

(I know Shannon you've seen that so it's for anyone else coming to this who hasn't.)

All-in-all it has been a fantastic experience so far. I cannot fault PAI nor the Piyavate hospital. My only thought is that I would probably next time have a friend with me, or maybe employ a nurse, for when you're out of hospital. It's little things like walking down to 7-11 to get some supplies.

I was walking to the store the next day, and it felt great. Of course, the testes were causing pain when I had them. Just not having the pain felt great.

[Richenda]

Yes, just could have done without carrying a 6 litre water flacon