Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 07:36:13 PM

Title: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 07:36:13 PM
Hi girls,
Getting a little nervous about endo tomorrow. Did  anyone have any ill-effects starting hrt initially getting it in their system? I have heard getting extremely tired and fatiqued. Any truth to that? Please share your experience. My wife will be home soon and she has expressed concern as well.
Anu help will be appreciated.
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Natalie on August 05, 2014, 07:47:08 PM
I suggest you ask your endocrinologist about the side effects of the medications he is going to be giving to you.
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jessica Merriman on August 05, 2014, 07:52:09 PM
I only experienced fatigue after starting Progesterone. For me Spiro and "E" was like a Porsche running on the best fuel in the world. Just prepare for emotions which can get a little out of hand at times. Several people here have helped me out when they hit hard. It is an emotional roller coaster at least for me personally. Your results may of course vary.  :)
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 08:02:38 PM
Thanks Jessica
I'm just a little nervous (doctors) lol
Knowing me, I won't get any sleep tonight being excited to get started!
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jessica Merriman on August 05, 2014, 08:04:36 PM
I just want you to be prepared in case you don't walk out with a script the first appointment, OK? Some doctors want blood testing first and then prescribe on the second visit. Just don't get down IF that happens. It is a ride that is for sure. Your life will never be the same.  :)
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: TessaMarie on August 05, 2014, 08:15:27 PM
First:  What Natalie said is essential: 
Quote from: Natalie on August 05, 2014, 07:47:08 PMI suggest you ask your endocrinologist about the side effects of the medications he is going to be giving to you.

My own personal experience (yours may be different):

I had no ill-effects at all from Finasteride, Estradiol or Prometrium, quite the opposite.  Finasteride calmed my mind tremendously by eliminating any involuntary erections.  Estradiol wiped out my obsession about & compulsion with wearing female clothing 2 days after I started it.  Progesterone removed my depression 5 days after starting it.  I am now 6 months + 1 day depression-free after 30+ years of often crippling depression.

I did freak out a little over one of the side-effects of Spironolactone.  I was not expecting to feel pain as my testicles shrank.  After stopping it for a few weeks, I restarted on a lower dose because I did actually need the T-lowering benefits of it.

I started Finasteride in early May 2013, E & Spiro in mid-June 2013, and P near the end of Jan 2014.

Personally, I am faring very well on the bio-identical (rather than synthetic) hormone medication I am taking.  My emotional & mental well-being are much, much better since starting HRT.

I wish you every success tomorrow  :)

Be well,

Tessa
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jessica Merriman on August 05, 2014, 08:27:50 PM
Quote from: TessaMarie on August 05, 2014, 08:15:27 PM
  I was not expecting to feel pain as my testicles shrank. 

Good catch Tessa! I forgot that one. Ouch. :o
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 08:35:24 PM
Well I guess that's one way to know its working. Is it a dull pain or like a kick there?
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jill F on August 05, 2014, 08:37:52 PM
Warning: HRT may cause uncontrollable smiling, happiness, compassion, empathy and general awesomeness.

Your mileage may vary.  Void where prohibited.  Under 18 not admitted without parent. 

Look, a squirrel!
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jessica Merriman on August 05, 2014, 08:38:46 PM
Quote from: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 08:35:24 PM
Is it a dull pain or like a kick there?

Mostly dull, but it has it's moments! ;D

Just wait until your "girls" start developing. Itchy, achy and if you run into a door or something..look at the pretty stars! ^-^
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jessica Merriman on August 05, 2014, 08:40:24 PM
Quote from: Jill F on August 05, 2014, 08:37:52 PM
Warning: HRT may cause uncontrollable smiling, happiness, compassion, empathy and general awesomeness.

Your mileage may vary.  Void where prohibited.  Under 18 not admitted without parent. 

Look, a squirrel!
Don't worry, that's just Jill. HRT made her a little, um, different!  ::) Personally I think she has a continuous I.V. of "E" at all times. ;D
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: peky on August 05, 2014, 08:40:58 PM
crying at the drop of hat.....
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jill F on August 05, 2014, 08:49:52 PM
Quote from: peky on August 05, 2014, 08:40:58 PM
crying at the drop of hat.....

Please don't drop your hat!
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: antonia on August 05, 2014, 08:57:14 PM
Ditto, same with Androcur (Cyproterone Acetate)

Quote from: Jessica Merriman on August 05, 2014, 08:27:50 PM
Good catch Tessa! I forgot that one. Ouch. :o
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 09:05:07 PM
I like your "side effects" Jill lol count me in
I hope it helps my depression, I too have struggled with that my whole life
Pain in the nuts?? Worth it!
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jill F on August 05, 2014, 10:31:35 PM
Quote from: MelanieH74 on August 05, 2014, 09:05:07 PM
I like your "side effects" Jill lol count me in
I hope it helps my depression, I too have struggled with that my whole life
Pain in the nuts?? Worth it!

I hope it helps your depression too.   I got off of lexapro, buspar, klonopin and valium as soon as I got on a full dose of HRT and I was fine. 

I feel like a million bucks now that I had my orchiectomy and I don't take a single pill for anything now.  I suppose I could go back on my ADD meds if I wanted an attention span, but I don't like taking drugs unless absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Just Shelly on August 05, 2014, 10:41:10 PM
Yes, your penis will shrink and your breasts get bigger. Just the strangest thing!! I never expected that!!  :o ;) ;) ;D
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Tori on August 06, 2014, 04:48:14 AM
Squirrel? Where?
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jenny07 on August 06, 2014, 04:56:00 AM
I was all achy for a couple of weeks when I started E.
It soon passed and then the smile emerged.

It's hard to control and my doctor is doing her best to fix it.

J
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Naturally Blonde on August 06, 2014, 06:24:08 AM
Side effects for me have been excess belly fat.
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: MelanieH74 on August 06, 2014, 06:33:38 AM
Thanks to everyone for sharing your experiences. This really helps! Just got my boys off  to school. I shared some of your experiences with my wife and its helping her too.
I can't wait til 1 o'clock. I'm about to bust!
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: MelanieH74 on August 06, 2014, 06:56:25 AM
Come on 1o'clock !
Title: Re: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Dee Marshall on August 06, 2014, 07:19:31 AM
Quote from: Tori on August 06, 2014, 04:48:14 AM
Squirrel? Where?
Oh, that's just Laura. Pay no attention.
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: galaxy on August 06, 2014, 07:20:56 AM
If you have asthma or any allergies estrogens could be reinforce this effects. I was after a lot of years nearly free of complaints - with the HRT it came all back.
Title: Re: any side effect to be aware of starting HRT?
Post by: Jill F on August 06, 2014, 03:06:07 PM
Quote from: Tori on August 06, 2014, 04:48:14 AM
Squirrel? Where?
I don't know, but he clearly must have taken my nuts.  ;D