New guy. I have questions about lowering testosterone in men.

[Ed_C]

I'm 31 years old and male. I know I have to stay male, but I'd like to be as "non-masculine" as possible. I have a few questions about lowering testosterone.
First, is it even possible?
Second, if I could lower my testosterone to as little as possible, would it even do anything?
Finally, if I CAN lower my testosterone, what pills/vitamins/food will do so?
I don't care about any negative health-risks, as I can't possibly become any more unhealthy as I already am.
Thanks for any responses in advance.

[V M]

Hi Ed 

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V M

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. It's possible to lower your testosterone and for the most part, it would reduce the intensity of your transgender feelings. To do so, you need to be under a doctors care because the blockers need to be adjusted to the requirements of your body. A low dose isn't effective and a high dosage cause excessive side effects.

As for why you have to remain male, I don't know. We have members in their 60's and 70's who are transitioning so it's not an age issue. We have many people in your age group that are transitioning. If you would like to discuss this further, feel free to post additional questions in this thread.

[AnonyMs]

There's drugs to lower testosterone, such as spironolactone and a few others, usually taken in conjunction with estrogen. If you lower it and don't take estrogen you'll end up with osteoporosis, which is really bad. I don't think you'd like that.

You'd want to see a doctor and get blood tests to do it safely. Possibly bone scans as well.

Not sure what you're after, but some people here take a low dose of estrogen to minimize the physical effects.

[Ed_C]

Welcome to Susan's Place. It's possible to lower your testosterone and for the most part, it would reduce the intensity of your transgender feelings. To do so, you need to be under a doctors care because the blockers need to be adjusted to the requirements of your body. A low dose isn't effective and a high dosage cause excessive side effects.

As for why you have to remain male, I don't know. We have members in their 60's and 70's who are transitioning so it's not an age issue. We have many people in your age group that are transitioning. If you would like to discuss this further, feel free to post additional questions in this thread.

Thank you for your reply!
If I understand correctly, I'd need to speak to my doctor about this? Because if that's the case, then I'm out of luck. Long story short, I live in one of the most conservative counties in the one of the most conservative states in the country. I would literally fear for my safety if I told my doctor I wanted to transition.
I wish it were easier, because being male has nearly driven me to suicide on several occasions, and I have no one to talk to about it...

[Ed_C]

There's drugs to lower testosterone, such as spironolactone and a few others, usually taken in conjunction with estrogen. If you lower it and don't take estrogen you'll end up with osteoporosis, which is really bad. I don't think you'd like that.

You'd want to see a doctor and get blood tests to do it safely. Possibly bone scans as well.

Not sure what you're after, but some people here take a low dose of estrogen to minimize the physical effects.

Thank you for the reply!
I have no source of income, and very likely never will, so bone scans and blood tests are impossible for me. Plus, I don't trust my doctor enough to even discuss this with him.
Thanks for your time, anyway. At least I have a psychiatrist I can discuss all this with...

[AnonyMs]

I wish it were easier, because being male has nearly driven me to suicide on several occasions, and I have no one to talk to about it...

You're in the right place.

[Dena]

Yes, you need to see a doctor but don't know of any state in the United States I would feel uncomfortable seeking medical help. It might take a little looking to find a knowledgable doctor but they are out there. For starters, google "city name LGBT" and look for a center near you. The often have lists of doctors who are helpful. In addition, if you need a therapist and none are near you, I think we have the names of some who work over Skype. There is no reason for you to live in discomfort. I had my surgery in 1982 and have traveled around the United States in many so called red neck states and never had a bit of difficulty.

[AnonyMs]

You might find this interesting.

My low dose HRT experience (was 9 month low dose HRT)
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,130268.0.html

[bluepaint]

Im not sure what your situation is in not being able to discuss this with your doctor, which could be liable if they broke doctor/patient confidentiality but I can understand your concerns for your privacy nonetheless since there are situations that warrant being more cautious)!
As suggested, you can find resources through LBGT services, they are discreet and confidentiality is understood and respected, this way you can find medical support in prescribing and monitoring your T levels and also to discuss the why and wherefores of what your going through right now!  As far as lower T , there are blockers that are given to young trans to stop unwanted puberty until they move forward to sex hormones!  Osteoporosis is concern if you totally eliminate all sex hormones but women have a certain amount of testosterone, much lower than there male counterparts and lowering is safe but not eliminating them completely so female T levels might be something to shoot for? anyways, you need a medical professional that can best guide you! Blessing! Julie[emoji177]   


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[AnonyMs]

As far as lower T , there are blockers that are given to young trans to stop unwanted puberty until they move forward to sex hormones!  Osteoporosis is concern if you totally eliminate all sex hormones but women have a certain amount of testosterone, much lower than there male counterparts and lowering is safe but not eliminating them completely so female T levels might be something to shoot for?

I don't think that's quite correct. I believe women have relatively low testosterone, but compensate with estrogen which also protects against osteoporosis. If you only had low testosterone and no added estrogen you'd be at risk. There have been posts here with transwomen having osteoporosis.

Regarding young transwomen on blockers only, I don't understand why thats ok. I read a paper some years ago that said they did have lower bone density. At a guess its either different blockers, the relatively short time they are on blockers only, age, or they are at risk but don't have a choice.

[bluepaint]

I don't think that's quite correct. I believe women have relatively low testosterone, but compensate with estrogen which also protects against osteoporosis. If you only had low testosterone and no added estrogen you'd be at risk. There have been posts here with transwomen having osteoporosis.

Regarding young transwomen on blockers only, I don't understand why thats ok. I read a paper some years ago that said they did have lower bone density. At a guess its either different blockers, the relatively short time they are on blockers only, age, or they are at risk but don't have a choice.

as much as men can have osteoporosis also , their bone density is higher than in women so it takes much longer to deteriorate to equal that of women (who loose theirs much earlier) even if they suffer from hypogonadism (low testosterone). What I suggested is to keep enough T not to bring this on if its a concern and since he said he was only looking at lowering T, he might not want the effects that might present itself in taking estrogen at this point but interestingly enough, theres a study being done that is linking the estrogen that men have naturally in helping osteoporosis! So estrogen (in small quantity) is a viable idea also!   Blessings! Julie


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