Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi

I started on HRT about 2 weeks ago.

A couple of things that I have noticed mentally -

1.  It is hard to describe, but my thinking seems smoother, sharper. My thoughts are not so choppy and scattered. I noticed this after only a couple of days and it is still holding true.

2. No physical anxiety at all this last week and depression is way way down. I really welcome that.

It made a big difference, fast, which really surprised me.

Maybe it is just psychological, like a placebo effect, but it sure makes me curious. 

I am more present, and connected to things going on around me. I feel more alive.

Just wondering what other's thoughts and experiences were when starting hormones. Or am I just crazy?

I noted the emotional changes more than some of the other mental changes. But several months into the process I am convinced that my mental systems are, for the most part, working better than before.

The major mental/emotional changes I've noticed since starting HRT are:
• I find females less attractive than before.
• I've lost nearly all interest in violent video games.
• I tear up more easily during emotional parts in movies.
• I'm less angry and more patient with people.
• My short term memory has improved slightly.
I'm not sure if any of that really falls under what you meant by "HRT effect on  thinking", but it's all I can come up with as my actual thought processes are pretty much the same as they've always been. I think most peoples' thinking patterns are pretty well cemented by their early to mid 20's.

Quote from: Ayaname on September 01, 2010, 08:43:41 PM
The major mental/emotional changes I've noticed since starting HRT are:
• I find females less attractive than before.
• I've lost nearly all interest in violent video games.
• I tear up more easily during emotional parts in movies.
• I'm less angry and more patient with people.
• My short term memory has improved slightly.
I'm not sure if any of that really falls under what you meant by "HRT effect on  thinking", but it's all I can come up with as my actual thought processes are pretty much the same as they've always been. I think most peoples' thinking patterns are pretty well cemented by their early to mid 20's.

Just curious, how long have you been on HRT and is your lessened desire for women been accompanied by an increasing interest in men?

Quote from: Ayaname on September 01, 2010, 08:43:41 PM
The major mental/emotional changes I've noticed since starting HRT are:
• I find females less attractive than before.
• I've lost nearly all interest in violent video games.
• I tear up more easily during emotional parts in movies.
• I'm less angry and more patient with people.
• My short term memory has improved slightly.
I'm not sure if any of that really falls under what you meant by "HRT effect on  thinking", but it's all I can come up with as my actual thought processes are pretty much the same as they've always been. I think most peoples' thinking patterns are pretty well cemented by their early to mid 20's.

Well now I'm worried about short-term memory loss when I start T D:. That's the only effective means of studying I have (last minute).

Interestingly I have had the opposite, I desire women more and more. They just smell so much better. I just want to kiss, and cuddle and stroke and.....yeah different to before.  I feel like I could drown in a womans arms now and I frequently do. My interest in men has decreased. I've been on hormones about 7 months.

I too seem to have lost the desire to play vid games. I think this is because I don't need the escapism anymore.

Quote from: Melody on September 01, 2010, 10:09:56 PM
Just curious, how long have you been on HRT and is your lessened desire for women been accompanied by an increasing interest in men?

I've been on hormones for almost a year and yes, my interest in men has increased a little bit. I was actually 100% blind to male attractiveness before transitioning. I literally only knew celebs like Brad Pitt were attractive because it's common knowledge. I never would have known had I never been told. Now there is the occasional guy that catches my eye, but it's still pretty rare.

Quote from: Meepit on September 01, 2010, 10:20:11 PM
Well now I'm worried about short-term memory loss when I start T D:. That's the only effective means of studying I have (last minute).

I wouldn't worry. My memory may have nothing to do with the actual hormones. For all I know it could just be that I'm more in touch with myself now or some other psychological effect of transitioning. I've been less easily stressed since transitioning too and stress can be pretty hard on short term memory. I'm sure your memory will be fine.

Quote from: Ayaname on September 02, 2010, 12:09:55 AM
I wouldn't worry. My memory may have nothing to do with the actual hormones. For all I know it could just be that I'm more in touch with myself now or some other psychological effect of transitioning. I've been less easily stressed since transitioning too and stress can be pretty hard on short term memory. I'm sure your memory will be fine.

You've made a decent point there  :) I feel better now thanks.

QuoteI'm not sure if any of that really falls under what you meant by "HRT effect on  thinking", but it's all I can come up with as my actual thought processes are pretty much the same as they've always been. I think most peoples' thinking patterns are pretty well cemented by their early to mid 20's.

QuoteI noted the emotional changes more than some of the other mental changes. But several months into the process I am convinced that my mental systems are, for the most part, working better than before.

I have not noticed any signifcant emotional changes yet.

And I don't think my thinking patterns per say have changed

It is more like my thinking just seems sharper, less strained. Clearer.  I have better concentration.

Which all could really just be attributed to the decrease in anxiety and depression...which could just be because I am so happy to have started on hormones.

In any case I am feeling really good about myself. Which is a cool change!