Well I won't be getting my next Depo shot. PLEASE READ!!!!!

[Tyler90210]

OK so I'm sure by now most people are aware of my questions about chest size and Depo Provera.  Well I'd like to let you all know that I have NOT had an increase in breast tissue.  So why is my chest bigger do you ask?  Well it is because I...am...(wait for it) drum roll please...da da daaaa -> LACTATING!!! 

Yep today I was reading about some of the side effects and just happened to stumble across someone mentioning lactation as a side effect.  And you know how you just sometimes get a feeling about something, well I just thought "uh oh".  And when I squeezed on them out came some fluid that soaked through my thermal shirt.  I then preceded to run around my kitchen, living room, and dining room both laughing and having a panic attack complete with flailing of my hands more then any effeminate gay man I have ever seen.  I laughed because you gotta admit, it is pretty funny.

Now about ten hours later the fluid has turned from clear to milk.    However I don't think I'll be switching to my own milk in my cereal any time soon. 

Now as you know I am the eternal optimist I have to at least be happy that the increase in size in most likely due to the milk that is currently seeping from my nipples and not extra breast tissue.  HOWEVER the lactation means that my estrogen levels must be through the roof.    Also it seems that it is reversing the little masculizing affects my super low dose of T cream (for something non-trans related) did.  My face that got nice and angular, well now it just looks fat. 

OH I'm actually NOT dysphoric about this because I do know that some men can lactate.  I have even heard about male body builders who lactate because they take took much T and they end up having it converted to estrogen.

*sigh* Any way I wanted to let everyone here know about this for two reasons.
1) Some FtMs do start on Depo to stop their periods before they can start T.  I would recommend against that, but hey that's just me.
2) I would like some help with this.  What should I do?  Should I go to see an endo?  Would they give me a big dose of T to counter act the estrogen?  Should I tell them I'm trans?  Would that make them be more likely to have them prescribe me something to counter the estrogen?  Any other advice?

Btw I did try to make this post somewhat humorous so you can laugh about this.  I am.  I think I have to. 

Thank you.

[xAndrewx]

Man I am soooo sorry though I think if I had milk shooting out of my chest I'd be laughing hysterically and crying at the same time. No advice though sorry. Hope they sort it out 

[Tyler90210]

Man I am soooo sorry though I think if I had milk shooting out of my chest I'd be laughing hysterically and crying at the same time. No advice though sorry. Hope they sort it out 

That was my EXACT reaction laughing and crying at the same time. 

[kyril]

Unfortunately I'm not sure there's a whole lot an endo can do, but they might be able to give you something to suppress lactation. I would highly recommend going to one, explaining the problem, and explaining that you're trans; you should definitely be aware that lactation can be accompanied by breast tissue growth.

Women who give birth but don't intend to breastfeed are often advised to wear a tight sports bra to help stop the lactation and prevent breasts from expanding and causing skin sag. If you're binding, I'd say the binder would do that job fine, but if not, I'd recommend finding a tight sports bra (and even if you're binding, consider wearing a sports bra at night).

[Tyler90210]

Unfortunately I'm not sure there's a whole lot an endo can do, but they might be able to give you something to suppress lactation. I would highly recommend going to one, explaining the problem, and explaining that you're trans; you should definitely be aware that lactation can be accompanied by breast tissue growth.

Women who give birth but don't intend to breastfeed are often advised to wear a tight sports bra to help stop the lactation and prevent breasts from expanding and causing skin sag. If you're binding, I'd say the binder would do that job fine, but if not, I'd recommend finding a tight sports bra (and even if you're binding, consider wearing a sports bra at night).

"you should definitely be aware that lactation can be accompanied by breast tissue growth"
I didn't know that.    Do you happen to know how much growth is normal?  Also do you think it would be a stupid idea to get a breast pump and pump them once, just to see what it's like.  I have no intention of ever being pregnant or breast feeding but IDK I kinda have always wondered what a breast pump feels like.    Sorry if that's TMI I just don't want to empty them and have them fill up much bigger.

Also does the breast tissue that grows from lactation go away after lactation?  I always thought it did, hence the jokes on TV shows where the husband sighs and says, looking at a picture of his wife, "Yeah those were the breast feeding days."

[zombiesarepeaceful]

Personally, I wouldn't touch depo or any erm....hormone...birth...thingy....with a ten foot pole pre-t. To do that would mean acknowledging the way I was born, which never happened, so yeah. I'm very stubborn though. See an endo, asap.

[kyril]

"you should definitely be aware that lactation can be accompanied by breast tissue growth"
I didn't know that.    Do you happen to know how much growth is normal?  Also do you think it would be a stupid idea to get a breast pump and pump them once, just to see what it's like.  I have no intention of ever being pregnant or breast feeding but IDK I kinda have always wondered what a breast pump feels like.    Sorry if that's TMI I just don't want to empty them and have them fill up much bigger.

Also does the breast tissue that grows from lactation go away after lactation?  I always thought it did, hence the jokes on TV shows where the husband sighs and says, looking at a picture of his wife, "Yeah those were the breast feeding days."

Growth varies a lot, it's unpredictable. It doesn't really go away - breasts after breastfeeding tend to be much saggier than they were before, but still significantly bigger. They're large and full during breastfeeding because they're full of milk, and then that goes away and the skin doesn't contract completely.

I wouldn't pump, if I were you. Milk production/supply is controlled by milk demand; if you leave them alone, don't stimulate them, keep them compressed, and don't express any milk, you can probably expect them to dry up within a matter of a week or two, but any additional stimulation (especially pumping/expressing milk) will tell them to keep producing more for longer.

[Raven]

If you leave your nipples alone and well not cause any more milk to come out it should go away on its own, speaking from personal exp (I have an kid and I will admit I did breastfeed her for an very short time, stopped when my dysphoria got extremly bad). Yes try wearing sport bras if you don't bind or you can try taking a hot shower as for some reason the steam from a hot shower tends to dry up breastmilk. I tried depo before, never again either it caused me to have an period that litterly lasted for six months and I was very miserable. I know sounds unbelievable, but period lasting for months at a time can happen unfortuntaly..

[Adio]

What kyril said.  Wear a supportive, but not overly tight, sports bra.  Binding generally does not help (although I suppose you could try).  Do not pump; the milk will keep coming back.  If you need to relieve some discomfort, a warm shower is a good idea.  That, and gently expressing a little bit of milk will help.

This last bit is going to sound weird, but it actually works.  Even hospitals use it for those that don't want to breastfeed after giving birth.  Get a whole head of cabbage and put some of the leaves in the fridge.  After the leaves have cooled down, cover your breasts (I don't mean to offend, but it's easier to be specific here) with them and put back on the sports bra.  Cabbage dries up breast milk.  Change out the leaves when they wilt or about every 30 minutes.

I would definitely see your doctor about this.  I don't know what they'd prescribe you, if anything, but this is a side effect that needs some attention.  Unless you want to come out, it probably won't be necessary and I highly doubt it would change the method of treatment.

[Radar]

Although it's wise for you to go on birth control since you're sexually active it sounds like Depo doesn't treat you kindly. You should definitely tell your doctor and see if you can get on something else.

If I ever started lactating I'd freak out horribly and probably tear them off. Anyway, there are other BC options out there who usually have less concerning side effects. Of course all medications can have risks and side effects so YMMV.

[LordKAT]

Hot showers or heat in general doesn't help and even encourages milk production. Try cool/cold compresses which is a part of why the cabbage thing works if not totally why.

[Adio]

Hot showers or heat in general doesn't help and even encourages milk production. Try cool/cold compresses which is a part of why the cabbage thing works if not totally why.

Hot showers is a tip I learned a couple weeks ago in school (maternal nursing class).  I thought it seemed a little off, but I told myself, what do I know?  lol  Cool compresses makes more sense to me.

[Jeatyn]

oh wow I was so annoyed when my doctor forced me to come off depo after they realised it was making my bones brittle because ANYTHING was better than periods....but lactating too? This is one messed up form of birth control. It screwed up my fertility to the point of doctors telling me I would never be able to get pregnant without IVF too.  Apparently they were wrong seeing as I'm pregnant now but my bits are still damaged....I was just...uh....lucky? I have strongly recommended people stay away from depo because of my experiences and this is another reason I can give now.

[Squirrel698]

Wow, I'm sorry to hear that.  I personally wouldn't take any sort of female hormone. My body produces enough of that junk all ready.

I think you should be honest with whatever doctor you are seeing.   It is a good way to help them do their job in the best way possible.  Which is to help you medical, mentally and emotionally.  The medical profession at least in my case is very professional about transgender issues.

I personally don't see an Endo.  I see a regular family doctor who happens to have an interest and knowledge of hormones and how they work.  It was a better choice for both me and my insurance.  He prescribes my T and I've never had a problem getting it.  I found his number on-line. 

[Alexmakenoise]

I'm surprised they still prescribe depo, considering that the effects of one shot last for at least 3 months and can cause all kinds of harmful side effects.  I agree that seeing an endo would be a good idea.  Or just a doctor you're comfortable with.  Would it be an option contact the doctor who gave you the depo about this?