I am just curious as to the possible personality changes...
T wont change your personality, it just might change how you experience certain emotions. But if someone is changing personality wise via hormones, it's probably for two reasons.
1. They're just coming out of their shell and being who they really are.
2. They're going through a phase where they're trying to prove themselves. Much like how teenage boys get really competitive during puberty(and heck, even beyond that.)
So basically, you might feel more comfortable with your body. You might feel happier than you were on estrogen because of the physical changes. General temperament? The only way you're probably going to see an increase in anger is if you are taking beyond the normal amount that a genetic male would have.
THe only personality changes I have experienced are that I feel great! And that I am more confident than I have ever been in my life.
Well that's good to hear. I'm already confident in public, but I'm worried about T flattening out my emotions, if that makes any sense. Like I heard people say how it makes you unemotional. I like how I'm intense and have strong feelings about things, so I don't want to lose that. I have some angst too (like sorrowful, but in a deep, dark, brooding way; not weepy and "girly"), which serves as some inspiration for the books I write, so I'd like to not lose that either. I feel if I lose all of that, I really will turn into someone else. I sometimes get weepy though, and would love to stop *that*. So--yeah--lots of things to hope for, huh? I guess we'll find out.
Quote from: Basiliximab on January 13, 2010, 06:20:58 PM
Well that's good to hear. I'm already confident in public, but I'm worried about T flattening out my emotions, if that makes any sense. Like I heard people say how it makes you unemotional. I like how I'm intense and have strong feelings about things, so I don't want to lose that. I have some angst too (like sorrowful, but in a deep, dark, brooding way; not weepy and "girly"), which serves as some inspiration for the books I write, so I'd like to not lose that either. I feel if I lose all of that, I really will turn into someone else. I sometimes get weepy though, and would love to stop *that*. So--yeah--lots of things to hope for, huh? I guess we'll find out.
It might make it harder to release your emotions in a different way, like excess crying is linked to a high estrogen level. I can't speak for the intensity of emotion as I'm not on it just yet, but there are a lot of genetic guys I know who cry more than I do for instance.
I can't multitask as easily as before. More easily distracted by sound.
I was never overly emotional before but am calmer and more zen now. More a roll with the punches guy.
I am also calmer because I lost all of my anxiety. I am also more assertive, and more likely to call BS when I hear it.
I don't really think my core personality has changed, I'm just finally allowed to BE ME.
Jay
I was told that my behavior changed quite a bit on estrogen in ways I didn't notice (I did notice some). I think I saw the same on others too.
I think it changes you because, for example people here say they think about sex more with T, it changes somehow. Being calmer would affect your behavior and so on. There are probably a lot of things you just wouldn't notice.
I don't really SEX notice anything new SEX about my personality or way of SEX thinking. Maybe it's SEX all made up.
;)
But seriously, that thing about not being able to cry, that's true. The sex drive is legendary as well...I dont know if this all counts as a "personality change" but I do have trouble sitting through a normal work day now, because random thoughts of "I am horny" will pop in and rip apart any big thought processes I've had.
Quote from: Christian >.> on January 14, 2010, 01:22:06 AM
I don't really SEX notice anything new SEX about my personality or way of SEX thinking. Maybe it's SEX all made up.
;)
But seriously, that thing about not being able to cry, that's true. The sex drive is legendary as well...I dont know if this all counts as a "personality change" but I do have trouble sitting through a normal work day now, because random thoughts of "I am horny" will pop in and rip apart any big thought processes I've had.
I fear for myself when I get on T and the horniness kicks in. It was bad during puberty as is.
Happier. more relaxed. more in tune w/the real me. yep I dont cry but I didn't cry that much b4 T either ??? ??? :-\ :-\ so I dunno. it takes alot to make me cry & it takes alot to piss me off 2. :D :D :D
Quote from: Christian >.> on January 14, 2010, 01:22:06 AM
I don't really SEX notice anything new SEX about my personality or way of SEX thinking. Maybe it's SEX all made up.
;)
But seriously, that thing about not being able to cry, that's true. The sex drive is legendary as well...I dont know if this all counts as a "personality change" but I do have trouble sitting through a normal work day now, because random thoughts of "I am horny" will pop in and rip apart any big thought processes I've had.
That actually makes me worried. I'm like that now, it shreds my focus like a woodchipper. :-\
I'm a lot happier and more relaxed. I don't get angry as easily, nor do I stay angry for as long as I used to. But when I do get angry I have to watch myself because I'm much more likely to blurt out something I may regret later. :D I wouldn't say I'm more aggressive, but I am definitely more assertive.
And it's not just the psychological effect of being able to be myself. There is definitely a physiological component to it. It's kind of like having your wisdom teeth out. There is a pressure that has been lifted that I wasn't even aware of until it was gone.
I was on the fence about T for a long time, but now that I know how I feel with it vs. how I felt without it, you will have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands before I'll give it up.
Quote from: Lachlann on January 14, 2010, 01:26:58 AM
I fear for myself when I get on T and the horniness kicks in. It was bad during puberty as is.
I did too because I was already very horny. Not too bad, LOL. Can actually be more fun. I'd say more but it would risk TMI, LOL.
Jay
I am dreading the hightened sex drive :P I'm already ridiculous. The boyfriend is doomed. The no-crying thing will be awesome, anger...frustration...fear...hello waterworks. Drives me crazy
Quote from: sneakersjay on January 15, 2010, 07:09:41 AM
I did too because I was already very horny. Not too bad, LOL. Can actually be more fun. I'd say more but it would risk TMI, LOL.
Jay
Hahaha. Well mine's kind of died a bit so maybe it wont be that bad.
Quote from: Jeatyn on January 15, 2010, 07:18:43 AM
I am dreading the hightened sex drive :P I'm already ridiculous. The boyfriend is doomed. The no-crying thing will be awesome, anger...frustration...fear...hello waterworks. Drives me crazy
I know exactly what you mean. Waterworks no matter what.
Quote from: Jeatyn on January 15, 2010, 07:18:43 AM
I am dreading the hightened sex drive :P I'm already ridiculous. The boyfriend is doomed. The no-crying thing will be awesome, anger...frustration...fear...hello waterworks. Drives me crazy
This! All the time! Uhg, I depise it. I just cry, cry, cry. It's ridiculous! >:(
I love how one day it just hit me that I hadn't cried at all in weeks, no matter how bad things got. There were a couple moments that I said to myself,' Myself, why aren't you bawling? You usually do...'
Quote from: Christian >.> on January 14, 2010, 01:22:06 AM
I don't really SEX notice anything new SEX about my personality or way of SEX thinking. Maybe it's SEX all made up.
;)
But seriously, that thing about not being able to cry, that's true. The sex drive is legendary as well...I dont know if this all counts as a "personality change" but I do have trouble sitting through a normal work day now, because random thoughts of "I am horny" will pop in and rip apart any big thought processes I've had.
haha, my boyfriend read that and said he should probably put some testosterone in my food to up my sex drive a bit :D
We have another alternative though ^^
Quote from: Christian >.> on January 14, 2010, 01:22:06 AM
I don't really SEX notice anything new SEX about my personality or way of SEX thinking. Maybe it's SEX all made up.
Well that's often. quite often...
*adds name to list of guys who already have trouble concentrating because of hornyness, pre-t*
(I don't know why I post in these threads)
Quote from: Nero on January 13, 2010, 07:33:26 PM
I can't multitask as easily as before. More easily distracted by sound.
Weird... I've noticed that in myself, but never really attributed it to the T. I haven't noticed any major changes in my personality, but definitely do find it harder to express emotion. Keep in mind, though, that prior to T I would cry at pretty well anything, so it's actually a welcome change. My emotions don't feel flattened, they're just more difficult to express outwardly.
SD
It's been a month, and I don't feel any different.
A little more active/productive sure. I've completed more art in the past month than I've completed in the 6 months prior to it. And I have a touch more energy. But beyond that...
I hear about the increased libido you guys have, but mine hasn't, it's dropped if anything.
I hear about the increased appetite ('specially for proteins) you guys have, but mine hasn't, if anything, it's dropped.
I'm no more assertive, no more aggressive, no more anything.
The "a bit more energy" + "a bit more art" is all I've gotten.
Not that that's not appreciated!! As a fibromyalgic person I'm way happy for every little bit of extra energy!
But... I just... wanted/half-expected "more" than that.
(physical changes feel really small/slow too....)
Meh. I'm gonna email my endo and go "so.. what were the results of that bloodtest?" I think...
I think you just need patience :)
that might just be it.. but it's still hard.. yaknow...
Very interesting to hear some other guys reports on changes.
One of the biggest things that worried me when I began taking T was losing my emotions. I am very emotional and having been on anti depressants for years and having all feelings numbed I was embracing the whole resurgence of 'feelings'. I need not have worried as my emotions are perhaps more heightened than they were before. Very strange. I can only think that it's due to having come off all the drugs I had been on before.
Confidence has increased.
Now I pass full time I hold my head up more and smile way more than I did. ;D
I am more intolerant and impatient, but I was like that prior to taking anti depressants so I figure that is probably my personality!!!
I can parallel park my car quicker and easier than I did before! :D
multi tasking is not as easy.
I think about sex alot, but I am also making up time after not feeling like it for years on anti depressants! ;D
I have been accused of being aggressive but that statement has been made by those who perhaps are not as keen on my transition. They liked me the way I was before. On medication. Laid back. Easy going. Wouldn't stand up for myself. I believe that aggression can be confused with assertiveness and since I am now more assertive which perhaps is not popular, it is therefore easier putting a negative spin on it and calling it aggression.
In general I think that I am a much happier person, more at ease with myself, and more comfortable in the world.
Quote from: Miniar on January 17, 2010, 08:08:38 AM
that might just be it.. but it's still hard.. yaknow...
It sucks, doesn't it? Waiting for so long just to have hormones finally and then they actually takes ages to do their stuff? "Work faster!!!!! grrrrrrrr" :/
I am trying to think what differences I had just after a month. I don't think there was much to be honest. My voice was changing a bit, more hair, but then I am hairy anyway. I got loads of spots and generally felt quite greasy.
Its easy to say, but I think you shouldn't worry too much. You will change, you cannot take T and not have some changes happening. I know a guy who has been on T for over two years. I have more facial hair than he does, I have only been taking it since march last year. I know another who has very little due to his fair skin he has been on T for couple of years too. We are all different and transition at different speeds.
I have heard that exercise speeds up how T functions in the body. I am sure someone with more knowledge on this will be able to say more. I find exercise hard going due to arthritis in my knee joints especially. It's in other joints too, but knees rule out so much.
:)
Quote from: Alec on January 17, 2010, 08:34:41 AM
I have heard that exercise speeds up how T functions in the body. I am sure someone with more knowledge on this will be able to say more. I find exercise hard going due to arthritis in my knee joints especially. It's in other joints too, but knees rule out so much.
:)
One of my psychiatrist following me told me the same thing (but for estrogen).
Apparently it helps the metabolism make it work faster. Up your metabolism, break down old compounds stored in the bed, break down old fats, help create the new fat pattern and also since you are boosting your metabolism, make the effects happen in the rest of the body (hairs, brain..)
Miniar,
I really wouldn't worry. I was exactly the same, expecting my sex drive and appetite to increase and was then very confused when they both dropped through the floor. As a guy who had a pretty high sex drive (minimum one wank per day as well as pretty regular/daily sex) and appetite pre-T, it was very strange to worry about those increasing... and then for it to actually drop instead.
Now I am just over five months on T and since five months hit, all I can think about is sex. Literally all the time. My appetite for food has also now increased and another thing I've recently noticed is that I can no longer skip breakfast without feeling insanely queasy.
I wonder how much the speed of changes differ depending on what age you begin your transition? Is it slower the younger you are and faster if you are older? Or is the age irrelevant.
Quote from: Alec on January 18, 2010, 06:51:57 PM
I wonder how much the speed of changes differ depending on what age you begin your transition? Is it slower the younger you are and faster if you are older? Or is the age irrelevant.
I'm pretty sure for the most part it is the other way around, the younger you are the faster the changes occur. Obviously this is not the rule, there are always exceptions, I'm just saying that I think that is what the majority seems to be.