Is this normal? (Shark week talk)

[maksim]

So I'm just over 2 months on T. I've had two pretty stereotypical shark weeks since I started, with the first happening a week after my first injection and the next happening about 6 weeks later, which is normal for me. The first was normal, and the second was very light but lasted longer.

However, two weeks after my last one, I've started another heavy, VERY painful one. I had symptoms of PMS, but I just attributed them to my usual mood swings and possibly sickness because I was NOT expecting this.
I haven't read about anyone getting shark weeks two weeks apart at 2 months on T. I know it's still too early to be hoping for it to go away, but this is just... weird and really uncomfortable. I'm upset and dysphoric, and I don't want this to start happening every 2 weeks for another 2 months.

Has anyone else had to deal with this? What do I do?

[Kylo]

You can ask for progesterone pills from a doctor temporarily until T takes over, like Norithisterone. It has the effect of controlling periods or eliminating them.

Or get one of those shots that prevent periods.

[maksim]

You can ask for progesterone pills from a doctor temporarily until T takes over, like Norithisterone. It has the effect of controlling periods or eliminating them.

Or get one of those shots that prevent periods.

I took progesterone for a while and it made my anger issues and my ability to handle my emotions even worse, so I don't see that as an option, but thanks for the input! I'll talk to my doctor about the shots, if those are available.

[Dena]

You should also ask your doctor about your levels. If your dosage is still being ramped up, there may not be enough T in your system to end shark week. It might take a few more months before the proper dosage is determined that will end shark week once and for all.

[maksim]

You should also ask your doctor about your levels. If your dosage is still being ramped up, there may not be enough T in your system to end shark week. It might take a few more months before the proper dosage is determined that will end shark week once and for all.

My levels were in the low cis male range at 3 weeks, so I bet they're a bit higher now but I don't see my doctor for another 2 months. She may up my dosage depending on how my levels are, but I really don't know. I don't know how much she'd appreciate me rescheduling AGAIN either. I'll just talk to her and see what she thinks, I may just have to deal with it. Hopefully it's just a one time thing.

[JayBlue]

So I'm just over 2 months on T. I've had two pretty stereotypical shark weeks since I started, with the first happening a week after my first injection and the next happening about 6 weeks later, which is normal for me. The first was normal, and the second was very light but lasted longer.

However, two weeks after my last one, I've started another heavy, VERY painful one. I had symptoms of PMS, but I just attributed them to my usual mood swings and possibly sickness because I was NOT expecting this.
I haven't read about anyone getting shark weeks two weeks apart at 2 months on T. I know it's still too early to be hoping for it to go away, but this is just... weird and really uncomfortable. I'm upset and dysphoric, and I don't want this to start happening every 2 weeks for another 2 months.

Has anyone else had to deal with this? What do I do?

Can relate- Before starting T, my shark weeks were only coming like every 3 months, and I was hoping that because I had just had one about a month before starting T that maybe I would get lucky and not have another one.   A few days after starting T, shark week came and it was heavy and horrifically painful.  Then about 3 weeks later, my doc increased T, and then guess what.. the very night I started the increased dosage, shark week started again. I felt like my body was mocking me in some way. The 2nd one was shorter and not near as painful though.

The doctor wasn't too concerned about it, but said if the severe pain continues, then to call her. I won't get my levels checked until I've been on T for 3 months, and I'm only a little over a month in. 

[mm]

Get a message to Dr about what is happening, it is very possible that she could want you to come in or may say lets see what happens for the next 3-4 weeks.  Yout Dr can best answer your question, everyone is different.

[maksim]

Thanks for all the advice,  I talked to my doctor and she suggested Depo-Provera.
Apparently the "progesterone" I'd taken when I was younger was actually progesterone AND estrogen, in which the estrogen caused my moods to be more unstable.
My doctor addressed this issue and said while there may be an initial mood effect, it will eventually help stabilize my mood swings more.

[Alexthecat]

I did depo-provera for years before T and it is great at stopping periods. I stopped taking it when I started T and haven't had a period yet.

[James80]

I have a Mirena IUD, which almost stopped shark week, but not quite. For me, testosterone closes the gap. If my levels drop (my ability to get meds has been inconsistent), then...spotting. The IUD helped a lot with my moods and some of the dysphoria before I could begin transitioning/get on testosterone. Insertion is painful and stressful, but the IUD lasts several years. I'm hoping to keep this one until I'm able to get a hysterectomy, but that may be a stretch.