I mentioned this as a side-note in my other post, but I wanted to open it up to guys that might not have read it.
Although still undiagnosed, I suffer from mental health issues that seem cyclical in nature, and before taking T, I noticed that my mood would be a lot better right before my period, during it, and a few days after, and then my depression would usually return. It seemed to follow some fluctuation in my hormone levels, sort of like PMS but not exactly, though doctors told me many times that it's impossible to test for hormone levels at any given time during the month.
Now I'm 9 months on T, and I stopped having my period about 4 months ago, but I still seem to suffer from these ups and downs, and I can't help wondering if hormonal fluctuations have something to do with it.
Is it possible that there's still a lot of estrogen and progesterone in my body? Do you think that, with more time on T, my female hormonal levels will decrease to a cis guy's range or close at least?
Or is my period stopping evidence that my E levels are already as low as they should be, and that maybe my depression has nothing to do with hormones?
I know most of you guys aren't doctors and even if you were, you couldn't say because you can't test me, but anecdotal advice would still be appreciated. Thanks!
Hi! I'm not on T personally, but I've read a lot about it, mostly from trans guys taking T themselves.
One relatively common complaint is mood swings towards the end of an injection cycle, but I think I read in your other post that you're on gel.
Gel keeps your T levels steady, so a hormonal imbalance related to it is unlikely.
It's entirely possible that you have a mental health issue outside of the realm of gender, and it would be good to get that checked out by a therapist!
I've read from trans guys who have had bipolar or depression since before starting T (that of which was not caused by gender dysphoria) often still have it after they start. To me, it sounds like you've got something that a therapist needs to check up on. Remember, transition isn't the solution to every single problem you face! It's a huge help, but there are still some problems unrelated to gender dysphoria that some people face even after taking T.
There are also intermittent (excuse the P-word) period-like times where you'll feel cramps, and possibly have the mood fluctuations without anything actually happening. That's relatively common, too, and if you suffer from the cramps and the fluctuations are similar to how they were before T (with your mood elevating before, during and a few days after your periods) you may need an adjustment in your dosage.
Hope I helped! I may have gotten some information wrong, but this is just what I've gathered from my readings.
Yes, if the bleeding has stopped, that's at least some indications your levels are not sufficient for female function and therefore things like PMS and E-drop related anxiety. But there is a way to find out - mention it to your doctor and ask them to add this to the regular hormone tests I assume they will be taking while you adjust to T.