Has anyone, while using HRT, experienced any moments of big fatigue? It really concerns me, because there are times when I feel incredible, and I feel like I'm so sure about this path, and everything, and it excites me, and gets my heart racing. But then there are times when I feel very tired, and a bit worn out (I think it's the spiro) and I get so nervous, because my desires go down, and I feel less inspired, and willing to dress up and go all out. I don't know. Just some confusing emotions, and it scares me :/. I can at least say that the happier moments seem to be more frequent as time goes on.

Hop everyone is having a wonderful day <3 - Katie

It may just be your body adjusting to the HRT. I remember when I started, it took a little while for things to settle in. I dealt with fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats and all of that fun stuff. But, after about six months, it settled down. But, everyone is different.

You're on one month of HRT and already look like that (your avatar)?  I'm jealous You look fantastic!

I have read that the Spironolactone can cause that.  It's normal.

Another thing to consider is nutrition.  How you eat can have a large impact on how you feel.  It's just another thing to consider.

As far as hormones go, they can definitely be a source of fatigue. Could be a change in metabolism as a result, or could just be the hormones in general. And spiro can lower blood-pressure, which was an issue for me until I lowered my dose a bit and took it before bed. Otherwise it made me drowsy during the day. Progesterone can also cause fatigue depending on the type. Lower testosterone levels can also be the culprit, or a combination of the above.

And being a woman can be tiring in general, especially dealing with men or keeping up your appearance.

That can be the anti-androgens more than the estrogens causing that. Have you considered just taking estrogen and using that to suppress testosterone?

You can find more information by searching youtube on "TRANSGENDER WORKSHOP - PART 1 of 5"
Or facebook "GENDER RESEARCH for ALL GENDERS"

xx
sami

Quote from: SamKelley on January 24, 2016, 03:01:20 AM
That can be the anti-androgens more than the estrogens causing that. Have you considered just taking estrogen and using that to suppress testosterone?

The difficulty with that is that it can need much higher amounts of estrogen to suppress the T, which may not be as safe. I suppose there's only one way to find out though.

It would be wonderful if people spoke to their Doctors!

Quote from: Laura_Squirrel on January 24, 2016, 01:47:20 AM
It may just be your body adjusting to the HRT. I remember when I started, it took a little while for things to settle in. I dealt with fatigue, hot flashes, night sweats and all of that fun stuff. But, after about six months, it settled down. But, everyone is different.

Oh okay! I know everyone is different, but it helps to know that it was 6 months from you. I'm sorry it took so long though. :/ Did the fatigue and draining ever make you doubt your transition?

Quote from: StillAnonymous on January 24, 2016, 01:57:17 AM
You're on one month of HRT and already look like that (your avatar)?  I'm jealous You look fantastic!

I have read that the Spironolactone can cause that.  It's normal.

Another thing to consider is nutrition.  How you eat can have a large impact on how you feel.  It's just another thing to consider.

Awww you're making me blush ^_^ I only look like that with my wig and makeup. My friend taught me how to do makeup well, and I guess I got lucky with some nice clothes. However, I unfortunately am not able to be full time yet, and it will be a while. :/

Nutrition is definitely something I could work on. I am noticing that, while on HRT, I feel much worse from eating a lot of food. Haha. It makes me feel discouraged, bloated, and somewhat sad.

Quote from: Ashey on January 24, 2016, 02:08:03 AM
As far as hormones go, they can definitely be a source of fatigue. Could be a change in metabolism as a result, or could just be the hormones in general. And spiro can lower blood-pressure, which was an issue for me until I lowered my dose a bit and took it before bed. Otherwise it made me drowsy during the day. Progesterone can also cause fatigue depending on the type. Lower testosterone levels can also be the culprit, or a combination of the above.

And being a woman can be tiring in general, especially dealing with men or keeping up your appearance.

Thank you for the advice. ^_^ I've definitely read that the spiro can do that. Maybe I just need to balance it out with a better nutrition and sleep schedule. Small price to pay. Haha

Quote from: SamKelley on January 24, 2016, 03:01:20 AM
That can be the anti-androgens more than the estrogens causing that. Have you considered just taking estrogen and using that to suppress testosterone?

You can find more information by searching youtube on "TRANSGENDER WORKSHOP - PART 1 of 5"
Or facebook "GENDER RESEARCH for ALL GENDERS"

xx
sami

Oh I don't think I'll do that without my endo's permission.

Quote from: Cindy on January 24, 2016, 03:44:48 AM
It would be wonderful if people spoke to their Doctors!

Oh right, sorry. :/ Sometimes I feel like the questions aren't vital enough to call her, but maybe I'm wrong! I am seeing her on Monday.

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on January 24, 2016, 03:50:13 AM

Quote from: Cindy on January 24, 2016, 03:44:48 AM
It would be wonderful if people spoke to their Doctors!

Oh right, sorry. :/ Sometimes I feel like the questions aren't vital enough to call her, but maybe I'm wrong! I am seeing her on Monday.

I could be wrong but I'm relatively sure the doctor comment wasn't directed toward you.  The questions in your original post were legitimate requests to share experiences.

[ramble]
In another thread you asked what I meant by "noises."  Since I do not see myself socially transitioning, the noises were the constant thoughts and desires to present a more feminine image.  I don't mind these desires, but when I got on HRT the desire (noise) moved into the background.  Where I had been wearing a bra with breast enhancers for the 3 months previous to going on HRT the desire to do that disappeared.  I can see how that change in desire can be interpreted as doubting  the need to transition.

If I wasn't as old as I am and perfectly happy identifying as male, grandpa, husband etc... and had my "desires" diminish with HRT I would be asking the same question.  Over the years the desire has come and gone for me and I recognize that even when the desire is gone that it is temporary and is still at the root of who I am.

Years ago when the desires would subside I would be confused, even embarrassed by what had recently transpired and I would toss in the trash items I may have purchased.  Around 18 years ago I decided it was ridiculous to toss things and instead I tossed out my male briefs.  I accepted that the desires would be back and decided that items acquired would be the new normal even between times of peak desire.
[/ramble]

Hopefully some of my rambling made sense.  Even though we have different final goals we share much of the same confusion and emotions.  I anticipate your shift in "desire" is temporary.  I wish you clarity and joy as you proceed forward.

Quote from: Cindy on January 24, 2016, 03:44:48 AM
It would be wonderful if people spoke to their Doctors!

I'm 100% with you Cindy only ever in consultation with our doctors. However we can inform ourselves also so we can have intelligent conversations with our doctors and be sure about what we're putting into our bodies. The research on gender treatment is evolving, and in my experience doctors don't necessarily keep themselves up to date.

Lack of sex hormones, not enough E and T can cause fatigue. It is important to take enough E to compensate for the loss of T, some need more, some need less, regardless of levels measured.

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance from Spiro can also cause tiredness. It is important to drink enough water and eat enough salt as these are excreted from your body at a faster rate on this medication.

Some find the addition of progesterone to help them with energy as it rests their mind.

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on January 24, 2016, 03:49:09 AM
Oh okay! I know everyone is different, but it helps to know that it was 6 months from you. I'm sorry it took so long though. :/ Did the fatigue and draining ever make you doubt your transition?

Nope. The only thing that I ever had my doubts about was GRS. That's when I decided to get an orchi done instead. Although, I will admit that the 8 months that I spent waiting on my letter from my therapist when I got this ball rolling years ago was super aggravating and depressing. Then, there was the whole ordeal with finasteride screwing me up, mentally. I was really glad to be rid of that stuff once I figured out that it was the problem all along. But, that's a whole other story in itself.

Some days I can make it the whole day without a nap, other days I feel so drained I end up a nap during lunch. I'm very happy with the results of the E combined with this awesome sauce, so I can live with the fatigue.

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on January 24, 2016, 01:40:00 AM
Has anyone, while using HRT, experienced any moments of big fatigue?

Quote from: Cindy on January 24, 2016, 03:44:48 AM
It would be wonderful if people spoke to their Doctors!

Firstly, I agree with Cindy! Ask you doctor.

FWIW, I experienced excessive fatigue just after switching from patches to deep subcutaneous injections. My spiro had not changed at all and I'd been on it for 3 months already (started HRT in Aug 2015). I spoke with my doctor about it. At this time, that excessive fatigue has gone away, so now I'm back to my typical fatigue.    But ask your doc.

Quote from: Cindy on January 24, 2016, 03:44:48 AM
It would be wonderful if people spoke to their Doctors!

True, but sometimes it's nice to know you're not alone too.

Quote from: WendyA on January 24, 2016, 05:28:21 AM
Oh right, sorry. :/ Sometimes I feel like the questions aren't vital enough to call her, but maybe I'm wrong! I am seeing her on Monday.


I could be wrong but I'm relatively sure the doctor comment wasn't directed toward you.  The questions in your original post were legitimate requests to share experiences.

[ramble]
In another thread you asked what I meant by "noises."  Since I do not see myself socially transitioning, the noises were the constant thoughts and desires to present a more feminine image.  I don't mind these desires, but when I got on HRT the desire (noise) moved into the background.  Where I had been wearing a bra with breast enhancers for the 3 months previous to going on HRT the desire to do that disappeared.  I can see how that change in desire can be interpreted as doubting  the need to transition.

If I wasn't as old as I am and perfectly happy identifying as male, grandpa, husband etc... and had my "desires" diminish with HRT I would be asking the same question.  Over the years the desire has come and gone for me and I recognize that even when the desire is gone that it is temporary and is still at the root of who I am.

Years ago when the desires would subside I would be confused, even embarrassed by what had recently transpired and I would toss in the trash items I may have purchased.  Around 18 years ago I decided it was ridiculous to toss things and instead I tossed out my male briefs.  I accepted that the desires would be back and decided that items acquired would be the new normal even between times of peak desire.
[/ramble]

Hopefully some of my rambling made sense.  Even though we have different final goals we share much of the same confusion and emotions.  I anticipate your shift in "desire" is temporary.  I wish you clarity and joy as you proceed forward.

Awww thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm just a tad confused on what aspect. Do you mean that you are now living socially as a husband/grandfather, and that you are happy with it? Do you believe your desires to transition were not a genuine need? Regardless, I really appreciate your input.

Quote from: Emileeeee on January 24, 2016, 01:25:35 PM
Some days I can make it the whole day without a nap, other days I feel so drained I end up a nap during lunch. I'm very happy with the results of the E combined with this awesome sauce, so I can live with the fatigue.

I know wha you mean. :/ I usually feel better after having a nap for the day, but I wish I could just wake up more. I am also on Zoloft, which can cause a decrease in libido. Maybe that's it.

///

Thank you all so much for your answers so far.

For me, I noticed the addition of progesterone to estrogen gave me MORE energy. Perhaps estrogen increases tiredness by opposing androgen.

Iniitally i found myself needing more sleep and i think as your body adjusts to new chemistry, that sort of makes sense. After about month 4-5 though i had more energy than before. I still crash at times and need more sleep but my awake hours are more energetic.

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on January 24, 2016, 03:26:41 PM
Awww thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm just a tad confused on what aspect. Do you mean that you are now living socially as a husband/grandfather, and that you are happy with it?

Yes I am happy with it.

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on January 24, 2016, 03:26:41 PMDo you believe your desires to transition were not a genuine need? Regardless, I really appreciate your input.

I am a bit of an odd duck since I do not have a desire to socially transition.  I do have a desire to develop breasts. I feel better on E. If I remain on HRT long term a possible orchi might be an option.  At this point though I plan to present as male for the foreseeable future.  To talk further about this just hijacks your thread and I do not wish for that to happen.  Maybe at some point in the future I'll start a thread or jump into the conversation in more depth in a more appropriate thread.  Also the future is malleable and I may feel differently down the line.

Peace!