Hormones questions: Blockers or estrogen

[jaybutterfly]

Ok so it seems to be getting to the point where Im going to need to at least try some form of hormone alteration to see how I feel. Im no longer sleeping because my dysphoria has skyrocketed and Im going back to the doctors since my anti depressants can no longer keep my feelings about my body in check.

At the moment though, Ive not got plans to go whole hog with surgery as I have some things I want to do first, and Im still saving for sperm storage if I cant find a partner to have a child with soon.

I was going to ask since Im struggling to get hold of information.

1. If I took blockers, Im aware I might get a slight feminising effect, but would this effect my sperm quality in the meantime while I save for sperm storage? Could I come off them and my sperm quality improve?

2. Alternatively, could I take a low level estrogen supplement to feminise my body slightly and alter my moods/see how I feel on them, without drastic fertility impairment/obvious changes to my body initially?

I ask this because until Im out properly I want to see what works for me

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

I was on HRT (Spiro + E) for about 3 or 4 months when I decided to freeze my sperm. There was no problem but they did ask me to come back so they had two samples just in case. Everyone is different of course.

If you know you will be freezing sperm within the next couple of months, I don't *think* starting HRT now will impact that. I'm no doctor though, that's just my personal experience. Good luck. <3

[Harley Quinn]

It take a while before you have fertility issues on HRT.  You'll have a good 6 months on average where you can go off them for a couple weeks and be producing sperm.  There is a chance of infertility after 6 months...  but then again you would have to take a look at the AA's that you're getting prescribed.  That will make a difference.  However, low dose shouldn't be an issue. 

[Janes Groove]

Could I take a low level estrogen supplement to feminise my body slightly and alter my moods/see how I feel on them, without drastic, obvious changes to my body?

The answer is YMMV. People react to Estrogen therapy differently.  There is scientific data that backs up my claim.

With me I started out on and remain on a low dose and "Oh Mama!!!!" After 3 months, it's pretty obvious I'm a trans woman (that means aggressive breast growth, among other quite pleasant changes.)  I swear. That stuff is like Miracle-Gro!  People I've known pre-transition actually ask me if I'm transitioning.  Right out of the blue.  Of course the fact that I dress and act like a girl all the time and go out of my way to incorporate pink and blue accessories into my coordinates doesn't hurt.

[AnonyMs]

I believe its best to start in estrogen as that's the one that will make you feel good, and isn't learning that the point at the start? AA's not so much.

I'm pretty sure you won't be able to find out how it will affect fertility except by trying it. I'm not aware of any studies, and bear in mind some people have problems even without HRT. Its basically a risk and you can't quantify it.

[luna nyan]

E will drop T levels, but usually allows sperm production to persist (albeit at a lower level) for a while (how long YMMV).  And E will give you and idea fairly early on exactly whether HRT really will help you or not.

Just don't count on anything as response to treatment is highly variable.

[KayXo]

As E reduces FSH and FSH controls spermatogenesis, sperm production should be impaired. This depends on how much E is taken.