Effects of Estrogen Without Anti-Androgens

[Rosa]

I am curious about the effects of estrogen on men who already have very low testosterone. I know that many of the effects of HRT are due to the androgen suppressants, but since I have to take artificial T, I would like to know what the estrogen effects are, especially on bone, muscle, and emotions.  T is supposed to help me have a better sense of well being and help with depression - does estrogen do the same?  I also have severe osteoporosis (rare for a male) and think that estrogen would probably help with the calcium absorption.  I have the osteoporosis because I did not take my Testosterone, which prevented calcium absorption. 

Of course I will not do anything without checking with a doctor, but no transgender specialists are in my area and I would like to hear of personal experience so I will be better prepared for when I do talk with a doctor. 

[LordKAT]

estrogen helps with calcium absorption also. You can take other meds to aid it and make sure you are taking in enough calcium and Vitamin D daily. Vitamin D can not be stored in your body and must be taken daily.

[BunnyBee]

T is supposed to help me have a better sense of well being and help with depression - does estrogen do the same?

Not sure how it would work for you, but that is pretty much exactly what estrogen did for me.  I was taking anti-androgen concurrently though, so I guess it could have been either of them or both together.

Ironically, I think that means T made me depressed and feel horrible about life, lol.

[Rosa]

My doctor tells me that taking my T will help with depression and muscular weakness, but he does not know that I have gender issues.  Right now I try to just take a small amount of T, just to help with pain.