Hi All,
Been having some issues (not insignificant ones) recently with my eyes. The specialists do not know specifically what the cause may be. They have however stated that stress and possibly even hormonal imbalances could be a factor.
They cannot say for sure, and thankfully , I am making good progress but it would appear this is a problem I am going to have to learn to live with to some degree or other.
So I thought I would ask the question here, as it's the one place I know I can ask other people on hormones if they have had any issues with their eyes whilst being on hormones? and whether or not they have been indicated as a contributing factor to the problem?
If you do not want to reply via this thread, please feel free to pm me.
Thanks all
Rachel
You'd have to describe what the problem is for anyone to even take a wild guess. For instance, you could be "greying out" as I call it if your HRT includes Spiro, which lowers blood pressure. Stand too quickly, and hey, blind... for a moment.
Have you ever tested your prolactin levels. My Endo requested that test for my initial bloodworms and I had elevated levels pre HRT and since estradiol can cause an increase of prolactin he wanted to monitor that. High prolactin can be a sign of a prolactinoma which could impair your vision:
Prolactinoma is a condition in which a noncancerous tumor (adenoma) of the pituitary gland in your brain overproduces the hormone prolactin. The major effect is decreased levels of some sex hormones — estrogen in women and testosterone in men.
Although prolactinoma isn't life-threatening, it can impair your vision, cause infertility and produce other effects. Prolactinoma is the most common type of hormone-producing tumor that can develop in your pituitary gland.
Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prolactinoma/basics/definition/con-20028094
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I have had changes in focus and astigmatism when I started estrogen and when I discontinued it. So far Estradiol hasn't made much difference in my vision but it's only been about 8 months so my vision could still change.
If the issue is with tear production/dry eyes that can be a side effect of estrogen. Oil gland produces less oil for tear film.
This can be addressed through a topical testosterone eye drop. (Affects only the eye, not blood levels if e and t).
If they think it is related to HRT and hormone levels, maybe ask about testosterone drops.
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More then likely hormone imbalances
Hi All,
Thank you all for your replies, I didn't get any notifications to your posts (will have to check my settings) so apologies for my late response. The more information I can gather the better, my impression is that the doctors looking after me have not had a trans patient before (that they were aware of) and seeing as they mentioned possible hormone issues, I could let them know if I have heard of this happening to other people.
My bloods were ok last time they were tested, I normally get quite a comprehensive set of bloods done which include prolactin etc..
It's a condition called retinopathy. Basically, the layers of my retina get pockets of fluid between them and distort my vision. It needs careful monitoring and prompt attention, should it become severe. Currently settling down again, and my vision is back to normal but it can re-occur.It happend to me once before back in 2012. The last time it happened , the doctors asked me some questions but said they didn't know what caused it and concentrated on managing the symptoms.
I am now being treated elsewhere and the specialist's are more proactive. I have had countless tests for all types of things ..infections etc., even chest xrays.. and countless eye tests.
They are scheduling even more detailed eye tests soon in an attempt to get to the bottom of it.
Thanks again
Rachel
I'm glad you have a diagnosis now.