Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Karen on January 29, 2019, 05:26:07 PM

Title: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: Karen on January 29, 2019, 05:26:07 PM
Hi everyone. 

I have been taking Cyproterone for about 6 months now.   I have also been experiencing periods of hightened anxiety and periods of depression.   

I wonder if this is contributing to the heightened stress...?   

It seemed to be good in the beginning...and I still love the fact that my mind is clear and lack of arousal...and the fact I am losing muscle mass. 

Second, does any one have experience with going from Cyproterone alone to adding Estrogen?  And what was your experience emotionally?

Hugs

Karen


No dosages please
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: GordonG on January 29, 2019, 07:15:45 PM
I was on Spiro alone for about 3 months and I didn't like what it was doing to me. I added very low dose of E and am a lot better off with it. I have no experience with cyproterone however.
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: Dena on January 29, 2019, 08:41:50 PM
I haven't used the drug however I found a list of side effects (https://chealth.canoe.com/drug/getdrug/cyproterone). While anxiety isn't spelled out, there are several symptoms that could be described as anxiety. It would be best if you discussed these symptoms with your doctor to ensure what you're dealing with isn't harmful.
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: Karen on February 02, 2019, 08:18:57 AM
Thanks.

I appreciate your thoughts and experience.   

Any other thought and experience would be appreciated.   I am mustering up the courage to start Estrogen.   I so need to feel happier and more content.   And I am very worried about outing myself (but less and less) and not losing more weight. 

Thanks

Karen
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: ConfusedSarah on February 11, 2019, 05:40:17 PM
Hi Karen,

I've been on cyproterone for nearly 2 years. It is highly effective and you shouldn't need large doses at all. I would work your doctor to reduce the doses as much as possible and the side effects. I think there is some possibility of mental health impacts using it. With that said it does depend on your circumstances and the individual.

Good Luck!
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: Karen on February 11, 2019, 05:51:04 PM
Found the problem.    Very low vitamin D. 

Started taking vitamin D and Estrogen!

Feeling great!

Karen
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: PurplePelican on February 11, 2019, 07:47:52 PM
Cypro gave me severe depression on several occasions that required me taking a break from it. It also nuked my T level to zero, which is not a great idea. Vitamin D supplements did not help, as I was not at all deficient.

I've since discontinued it and have moved to an E only protocol which I have found to be the preferable option. It's also highly likely that my cypro usage is the cause of the meningioma I've since been DX'ed with.
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: pamelatransuk on February 12, 2019, 03:45:11 AM
Karen

I am so happy for you on both counts.

It must be so relieving to have found the problem and that you are now feeling great!

Hugs

Pamela  xx
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: KayXo on February 17, 2019, 12:25:59 PM
Taking an anti-androgen alone will result in low T and is similar to what menopausal women and old men go through. You need either enough estrogen or testosterone to feel well. Adding estrogen helped because you have enough sex hormones in your body again. :)
Title: Re: HRT anti-androgen (Cyproterone) alone vs adding estrogen
Post by: Karen on February 19, 2019, 09:37:37 AM
Thanks!

I can't get over how much better I feel...after a couple of weeks.  Is this just the placebo effect?

I don't want to go back and am no longer afraid of body changes.

I cant remember a time feeling this good.  Calmer, get upset and can drop it quickly, happier, etc. 

Hugs

Karen