Blockers - please explain to a newbie

[Christine_Hart]

I read a comment from someone on an old thread about trying blockers because they "help the mind without altering the body like hormones". I've never really looked into the whole medical transition side of things but always, perhaps ignorantly, thought that physical changes were always inevitable when you started taking things. Can someone explain to me what blockers are, the effects the have and any side effects or issues with them.

[Deborah]

The blockers reduce the production of testosterone so it is no longer in your bloodstream and no longer available to link with testosterone receptors in the body or brain.

The side effects are as for low testosterone.


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[Christine_Hart]

I'm assuming you need to go to a doctor to get those prescribed? I looked at one medical page which mentioned soreness or swelling in the breast area. So there might be some physical change after all?
In terms of how they might affect you mentally, is there anything beyond a lowering of the normal male sex drive?

[Gertrude]

Without a dominant hormone I might assume that there will be negative consequences like osteoporosis. You should consult a doctor.


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[becky.rw]

I'm assuming you need to go to a doctor to get those prescribed? I looked at one medical page which mentioned soreness or swelling in the breast area. So there might be some physical change after all?
In terms of how they might affect you mentally, is there anything beyond a lowering of the normal male sex drive?

In most countries, you do need to go to doctor to get a prescription for an anti-androgen.

Mentally, testosterone in an enabler (not cause) of various aggressive or assertive emotions, as well as enabling the sex drive.    As I went on, and off of it three times before committing to it; my experience each time is that it acts as an on/off switch, not a linear more-T = more-angry.   Took me about two weeks after starting the AA for the switch to go off, and just a couple days for it to come back on.

I can't say whether that feature is specific to the wiring of my brain (which is, without doubt, disordered, and thus atypical), or whether its a universal property of how the receptors are activated in the brain.

So having my T now at zilch, and my estradiol still below female physiological levels, I can say I have zero libido, its nearly impossible to make me angry or agitated, I don't have nightly nightmares, I'm MUCH less prickly in public, and I'm also a bit less assertive.     I like to sleep more now, but that may be because sleep is finally a pleasant experience for the first time in 50yrs.


nb, my disordered brain and my transgendered state are different little problems, which are, fortunately, treatable with the same method.... KILL THE T!!!!  lol.

[purplewuggybird]

 
Really the only physical change with blockers is not continuing in puberty or further hormonal changes. It's like pressing pause for as long as you take it.


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[naa]

Assuming you mean Testosterone blockers.  I am not a doctor, take what I say with a wheelbarrow of salt.

The bad stuff..

The most common side effect of Spironolactone is high blood potassium, which can cause heart problems.
The most common side effect of Cyproterone Acetate is Liver damage, depression and tumors of the lining of the brain.
GnRH agonists are pretty much side effect free for most people as far as I'm aware.

Long term, taking blockers with no estrogen can cause bone density loss or osteoporosis.

The good stuff.  Or at least what I consider good.

Less body hair, lighter body hair, smoother skin, no more spontanious erections, lower sex drive, less greasy skin, genital shrinkage, slowing/stopping/reversing of hair loss on the top of your head.  Some people report feeling mentally calmer without testosterone too.

[DawnOday]

I'm assuming you need to go to a doctor to get those prescribed? I looked at one medical page which mentioned soreness or swelling in the breast area. So there might be some physical change after all?
In terms of how they might affect you mentally, is there anything beyond a lowering of the normal male sex drive?

It is more than just swelling. I have taken Spiro as a diuretic for 25 years for congestive heart failure and developed what the kids termed "man boobs" Now that I am on estrogen for almost two months the man boobs are becoming fuller and rounder in fact rather perky. I am nearing C cup territory. I have not realized any mental aspect . All the anger, dysphoria were present long before I started taking Spiro. Your results may vary.

[Mariah]

Blockers can definitely lower your T, but be careful about doing that for long because you can risk osteoporosis. It's possible it can help with you mentally with the affects of hormones. It's best to check with your doctor and see what is best for your situation. Hugs
Mariah