Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: RidingTheTigerFEMME on October 04, 2014, 12:37:17 AM Return to Full Version

Title: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: RidingTheTigerFEMME on October 04, 2014, 12:37:17 AM
Hi,

I started transitioning a little over three weeks ago, and feel wonderful aside from totally losing my libido. My first blood test after starting revealed just how effective dutasteride is: only 3 mg/dL, which is less than the normal female range of 4-22 mg/dL! (In men the normal range is 30-85.)

Though I'm happy to go without sex, I have a FWB who is a successful businessman and visits once a month. I enjoy pampering him and don't want to not feel like having sex now that being female is no longer a fantasy!

I read that DHEA helps women with low libido, and is able to temporarily raised testosterone slightly. In men who already have plenty of T, it generally converts to estradiol. It's considered the parent of both male and female hormones, and helps raise whatever you're deficient in.

I bought a sublingual spray and tried it earlier today. And lo and behold, I started getting very wet and horny reading some emails my lover sent recently!

Score! :) Not only do I have a way to restore my libido, I feel great knowing I respond hormonally as a cis woman would.

Has anyone else tried it?

Michelle

Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: BreezyB on October 04, 2014, 12:49:00 AM
Hi Michelle,

I haven't tried this, but I do know my libido is practically non existent after starting spiro. I'd be interested to learn more about what this is and any side affects or effects we may not want, like increased T  :icon_cry2: that would be terrible. Thanks for sharing though, I shall go and investigate now

Bree
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: KayXo on October 04, 2014, 08:38:06 AM
I'm post-op, taking E and P, have PLENTY of libido and can be quite sexual. My T is very low. I think if one takes enough E (and possibly P), libido shouldn't be compromised and is positively affected by either hormone. The side-effects of T, IMHO, are not worth it!
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: kelly_aus on October 04, 2014, 08:45:28 AM
Quote from: KayXo on October 04, 2014, 08:38:06 AM
I'm post-op, taking E and P, have PLENTY of libido and can be quite sexual. My T is very low. I think if one takes enough E (and possibly P), libido shouldn't be compromised and is positively affected by either hormone. The side-effects of T, IMHO, are not worth it!

I'm medically non-op, my T level is low and my E level is reasonable.. Plenty of libido here.
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: BreezyB on October 04, 2014, 08:55:27 AM
So what am I missing? Oh that's right, a sex drive lol

But seriously, I noticed it go only weeks after starting spiro. Just had levels checked so will get the results next week, maybe I have no T at all, eeekk that would be a problem
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: Rachel on October 05, 2014, 08:06:38 AM
I take a lot of supplements. DHEA is one of them which I added a month ago. I did not notice any change. I keep a spreadsheet and share it with my PA.

My sex drive is different on HRT. I am always ready now but do not feel I need to have sex. When I have sex I am emotionally connected and it is a freeing experience. Sex is on a much deeper level.

I definitely need foreplay now :)
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: KayXo on October 05, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
Quote from: BreezyB on October 04, 2014, 08:55:27 AM
So what am I missing? Oh that's right, a sex drive lol

But seriously, I noticed it go only weeks after starting spiro. Just had levels checked so will get the results next week, maybe I have no T at all, eeekk that would be a problem

E (and P) can affect libido in a positive way TOO, I don't think you absolutely need T to have a sex drive and I very much doubt that you have no T affecting your body.

Quote from: Cynthia Michelle on October 05, 2014, 08:06:38 AM
I definitely need foreplay now :)

Same here.
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: BreezyB on October 05, 2014, 06:43:43 PM
Quote from: KayXo on October 05, 2014, 12:39:14 PM
E (and P) can affect libido in a positive way TOO, I don't think you absolutely need T to have a sex drive and I very much doubt that you have no T affecting your body.


I agree totally KayXo, I think it's just more that I don't NEED sex anymore, much like Cynthia said, if it was called for I can still be intimate, but it's on a much deeper level now. I noticed a huge difference starting HRT, but completely a positive change.

Does anyone have links to any clinical studies which have been done on DHEA? I'm interested to see any side affects as well as how beneficial it is
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: KayXo on October 05, 2014, 08:11:50 PM
Quote from: BreezyB on October 05, 2014, 06:43:43 PM
Does anyone have links to any clinical studies which have been done on DHEA? I'm interested to see any side affects as well as how beneficial it is

Personally, I would be worried from the potential increase in T (and DHT) from taking DHEA and increased masculinization. But, to each their own. ;) Everyone reacts differently.
Title: Re: DHEA really helps with libido!
Post by: BreezyB on October 05, 2014, 08:27:39 PM
That's what I've been reading, I mean what it can actually do is increase T and DHT in the body. Well that's what I'm trying to limit and I could only imagine this would be another factor when trying to keep things in the normal female levels. I think I'm happy with my libido as it is at the moment, after all I'm single so hardly need it  ;)