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Feeling Really Scared

Started by RedheadWhovian, February 16, 2016, 01:56:41 AM

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RedheadWhovian

So I grew up with thoughts of being the opposite gender since about the age of 12. It used to be an arousal. I would always imagine myself as a girl, or becoming a girl for literally every time I'd masturbate. I went through a dark time recently, and I told my friend about my secret. I began to crossdress, and it felt amazing. But eventually, the satisfaction of the crossdressing wore off, and I realized it couldn't feel good because I just felt like a man in drag. I needed the real thing. So I was prescribed hormones, after thinking about it for a long time, and I'm almost 3 months on them today.

At first I felt great, though I guess it's possible the hormones did nothing at that point. Now, I feel absolutely awful, and it is terrifying me. I feel no enthusiasm for the transition anymore, or really much of anything. I feel tired, depressed and so clouded and confused. I'm so scared all of this was just some sexual thrill, and now the hormones have killed my sex drive, any desire is now gone, and I was wrong. I wanted it to be right, but how can it if it doesn't feel right right now? I always hear how trans women talk about hormones making them feel much better, and more like their true self. But almost three months in, and I feel so hollow and just awful. I'm so discouraged and scared right now. One woman told me that taking hormones weeds out the ones who are trans, and the ones who just want everything for a sexual thrill. Am I just the latter? I'm gonna cry. I feel so lost and afraid.

Deborah

Yes, it does reduce sex drive greatly.  To many of us that is a huge relief.  But we cannot really answer your real question as to why you feel as you do.  It could be as you fear or maybe it could be something else. 

I would suggest you talk to a professional counsellor who should be able to help with your questions.

Also, I believe there are adjustments to the hormones a Dr. Could make to recover some of the sex drive.  You should talk to them about that.


Sapere Aude
Love is not obedience, conformity, or submission. It is a counterfeit love that is contingent upon authority, punishment, or reward. True love is respect and admiration, compassion and kindness, freely given by a healthy, unafraid human being....  - Dan Barker

U.S. Army Retired
  •  

Cindy

Okay Hon,

Calm down. There is nothing to be frightened of.

The first three months or so on HRT are the time the therapists look at because we start to go through our psychological changes, develop more emotions and feel pretty out of sorts. There may be little physical changes - no your boobs don't explode into mountains!!

Our brains were bathed in T for so long and now the T has been removed and we are bathed in E. It is quite profound on our feelings! Even if we see no changes.

The fact that you are feeling quite emotional is part of our changes. As for the weeding out comment, that is bull of the highest order!

Yes our libido can drop a lot and we may need a bit of a rebalance by the endocrinologist, we may also need to find new ways to satisfy ourselves in masturbation. No there may not be an erection but the neo clit is still very sensitive, even if it hasn't been relocated by GCS.

Maybe start new fantasies! I found silly romantic books were a great turn on! "Feeling his heart pounding against my chest as we sweetly kissed." Oops time for a cold shower :laugh:

Talk to your therapist, this is all very normal Hon.

Cindy

  •  

Amanda_Combs

Don't feel discouraged.  Everything you said makes it sound like you need to see a therapist and talk about all this.  It sounds like you may have depression, or if what you're feeling is normal on hormones, then you are still far better off talking it out with a professional.  And don't worry so much about having everything figured out right now, just try to follow your feelings and be happy with yourself.
Higher, faster, further, more
  •  

Laura_7

*hugs*

It seems you are a not quite where a dose would make you feel more comfortable.

Usually people start out on a lower dose, also with anti androgen.

And unfortunately some docs are rather conservative concerning hormone levels.
Many endos as a rule of thumb strive for levels of 200 pg/ml or above.
Those levels might make you feel better.
Pregnant Cis people have levels of a few thousand without harm.
Most feared side effects according to studies come from swallowing pils, often non bioidentical, which can be avoided with bioidentical pills and sublingual use.
Sublingual use bypasses the liver with intake and enters the bloodstream faster. So spreading the daily dose in a few smaller doses throughout the day might make for more stable levels, which can also affect mood.
Just take that to your doc and talk with them about it. Often docs are not that experienced with transgender issues.

Many docs also look for levels of T below 60 ng/dl . If they drop to almost zero it might take away the will to being active, and it might affect orgasmic abilities. So a fine tuning here is also possible.

A third option could be bioidentical progesterone. It can help with breast growth, with form and rounding, and have some effect on mood.

Orgasms tend to be more feminine, taking longer and possibly spread throughout the body.
Quite a few people use toys like the lelo smart wand large, or magic wands.

And its possible interest shifts from being visual to liking stories. I'd say stick to nice and romantic ones :).

Its possible estrogen increases emotions, moodiness and intuition. Its part of the package. So you might know, try to brighten mood, live healthy like eating healthy and having regular exercises...
its possible now after three months doses were supposed to be raised anyways, as said many start out slow, and a raised dose could make you feel better, not in a state still in between.

Just talk it all through with your doc, or look for someone with experience in transgender issues.


hugs   
  •  

RedheadWhovian

Quote from: Deborah on February 16, 2016, 02:08:29 AM
Yes, it does reduce sex drive greatly.  To many of us that is a huge relief.  But we cannot really answer your real question as to why you feel as you do.  It could be as you fear or maybe it could be something else. 

I would suggest you talk to a professional counsellor who should be able to help with your questions.

Also, I believe there are adjustments to the hormones a Dr. Could make to recover some of the sex drive.  You should talk to them about that.


Sapere Aude

My therapist has at least heard some of it. She's given helpful advice, like letting me know I don't have to make a decision right now. She's also suggested that since I've been having people call me Katie for over 5 months now, and I'm used to a lot of it, that the thrill has simply worn off, and now I need to get used to simply living as a female. But I'm worried that there is more to it than that. D: My endo did hear about my depressive episodes, and she took my levels. I apparently had a fairly high T level still, and a vitamin D efficiency. She had me raise my dose of estradiol, and take a vitamin pill. It's been four days since that. Should I have noticed anything yet? I almost feel worse. :/

Quote from: Cindy on February 16, 2016, 02:12:14 AM
Okay Hon,

Calm down. There is nothing to be frightened of.

The first three months or so on HRT are the time the therapists look at because we start to go through our psychological changes, develop more emotions and feel pretty out of sorts. There may be little physical changes - no your boobs don't explode into mountains!!

Our brains were bathed in T for so long and now the T has been removed and we are bathed in E. It is quite profound on our feelings! Even if we see no changes.

The fact that you are feeling quite emotional is part of our changes. As for the weeding out comment, that is bull of the highest order!

Yes our libido can drop a lot and we may need a bit of a rebalance by the endocrinologist, we may also need to find new ways to satisfy ourselves in masturbation. No there may not be an erection but the neo clit is still very sensitive, even if it hasn't been relocated by GCS.

Maybe start new fantasies! I found silly romantic books were a great turn on! "Feeling his heart pounding against my chest as we sweetly kissed." Oops time for a cold shower :laugh:

Talk to your therapist, this is all very normal Hon.

Cindy



So the whole hormones weeding out the fakers is not true? D: So I shouldn't take the fact that I'm having such a negative reaction to them as a way of saying I should stop, and transitioning isn't right for me? Your other comments help as well, thank you. :) I can at least say that when I am happier in general, I seem to be happier about the transition. But I still feel the confusion.

Quote from: Amanda_Combs on February 16, 2016, 03:20:43 AM
Don't feel discouraged.  Everything you said makes it sound like you need to see a therapist and talk about all this.  It sounds like you may have depression, or if what you're feeling is normal on hormones, then you are still far better off talking it out with a professional.  And don't worry so much about having everything figured out right now, just try to follow your feelings and be happy with yourself.

This helps me, thank you! I have talked to my therapist a little bit about it. I'm so worried that when I do, she'll find a way of convincing me that my fears are right. Then I fear that since I'm afraid of that, it must be true. :/

Quote from: Laura_7 on February 16, 2016, 06:19:52 AM
*hugs*

It seems you are a not quite where a dose would make you feel more comfortable.

Usually people start out on a lower dose, also with anti androgen.

And unfortunately some docs are rather conservative concerning hormone levels.
Many endos as a rule of thumb strive for levels of 200 pg/ml or above.
Those levels might make you feel better.
Pregnant Cis people have levels of a few thousand without harm.
Most feared side effects according to studies come from swallowing pils, often non bioidentical, which can be avoided with bioidentical pills and sublingual use.
Sublingual use bypasses the liver with intake and enters the bloodstream faster. So spreading the daily dose in a few smaller doses throughout the day might make for more stable levels, which can also affect mood.
Just take that to your doc and talk with them about it. Often docs are not that experienced with transgender issues.

Many docs also look for levels of T below 60 ng/dl . If they drop to almost zero it might take away the will to being active, and it might affect orgasmic abilities. So a fine tuning here is also possible.

A third option could be bioidentical progesterone. It can help with breast growth, with form and rounding, and have some effect on mood.

Orgasms tend to be more feminine, taking longer and possibly spread throughout the body.
Quite a few people use toys like the lelo smart wand large, or magic wands.

And its possible interest shifts from being visual to liking stories. I'd say stick to nice and romantic ones :).

Its possible estrogen increases emotions, moodiness and intuition. Its part of the package. So you might know, try to brighten mood, live healthy like eating healthy and having regular exercises...
its possible now after three months doses were supposed to be raised anyways, as said many start out slow, and a raised dose could make you feel better, not in a state still in between.

Just talk it all through with your doc, or look for someone with experience in transgender issues.


hugs   

Thank you (hugs back) This helps me.

It is true that my endo took my levels last Sunday, and apparently my T levels were still on the high side: 150 I think. She told me to increase my estradiol dose, and I have for four days now. Should I have noticed anything yet? I feel almost worse. :/

Laura_7

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on February 16, 2016, 01:12:58 PM

It is true that my endo took my levels last Sunday, and apparently my T levels were still on the high side: 150 I think. She told me to increase my estradiol dose, and I have for four days now. Should I have noticed anything yet? I feel almost worse. :/

Give it some time.
150 is still high so it might come down some too.

Just do something against moodiness I'd say ... try do do a few things you like...
and you might do a few things that can bring you in contact with your female side...
cooking, gardening, being creative ... like sewing or painting ...


hugs
  •  

RedheadWhovian

Quote from: Laura_7 on February 16, 2016, 02:14:47 PM
Give it some time.
150 is still high so it might come down some too.

Just do something against moodiness I'd say ... try do do a few things you like...
and you might do a few things that can bring you in contact with your female side...
cooking, gardening, being creative ... like sewing or painting ...


hugs


That does sound like fun! I just wish I could muster up the energy to do it. :/ Plus I'm always too busy examining every single thing I do or feel to validate, or God forbid, devaluate my being transgender. :(

Laura_7

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on February 16, 2016, 03:02:25 PM
That does sound like fun! I just wish I could muster up the energy to do it. :/ Plus I'm always too busy examining every single thing I do or feel to validate, or God forbid, devaluate my being transgender. :(

Don't overthink.
I'd say grab a recipe and start cooking. :)
You can start with easy recipes.

Hashed eggs wth toasted bread is a good beginning :)

Or try pancakes ... they can be made neutral with only a bit of salt and sugar in the dough... and used like pittas, filled with vegetables and mustard or yoghurt ... very yummy ...

hugs
  •  

Maybebaby56

Quote from: RedheadWhovian on February 16, 2016, 01:56:41 AM
So I grew up with thoughts of being the opposite gender since about the age of 12. It used to be an arousal. I would always imagine myself as a girl, or becoming a girl for literally every time I'd masturbate. I went through a dark time recently, and I told my friend about my secret. I began to crossdress, and it felt amazing. But eventually, the satisfaction of the crossdressing wore off, and I realized it couldn't feel good because I just felt like a man in drag. I needed the real thing. So I was prescribed hormones, after thinking about it for a long time, and I'm almost 3 months on them today.

Hi Sweetie,

I just wanted to tell you everything you wrote here I could have written 40 years ago.  Unfortunately for me, I started HRT only seven months ago. You are way ahead of the game there :)

When I started HRT, I did not have the bad reaction you describe, but I can also tell you that within days of starting estrogen, my dysphoria started to disappear, my libido did disappear, and I felt very content, to the point where I started asking myself if really needed to transition. ("I'm cured!") However, I knew if I stopped the hormones, all those awful feelings of dysphoria would return.   The other thing I noticed was my interest in girly things - makeup, fashion, and all manner of nesting - never left me. Do you still enjoy feminine things, or is it a case of not being able to enjoy anything at all?  If it's the latter, I agree with others that have already posted - you may have a separate issue with depression that may not be related to transition.

Don't panic, dear.  Yes, I have heard of the "weeding out" theory of hormones, but I don't think that's clinically true. You're not in a 30-minute sitcom where everything gets resolved after a few good laughs.  This is real life, and sometimes things don't go as planned.  That's okay! You have all manner of options available to you, and your therapist will be able to help you sort them out.

With kindness,

Terri



"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives" - Annie Dillard
  •  

RedheadWhovian

Quote from: Laura_7 on February 16, 2016, 04:15:24 PM
Don't overthink.
I'd say grab a recipe and start cooking. :)
You can start with easy recipes.

Hashed eggs wth toasted bread is a good beginning :)

Or try pancakes ... they can be made neutral with only a bit of salt and sugar in the dough... and used like pittas, filled with vegetables and mustard or yoghurt ... very yummy ...

hugs

Okay, I will try. Thank you. Why does it feel like it won't make me feel more validated though. :(

Quote from: Maybebaby56 on February 16, 2016, 04:23:38 PM
Hi Sweetie,

I just wanted to tell you everything you wrote here I could have written 40 years ago.  Unfortunately for me, I started HRT only seven months ago. You are way ahead of the game there :)

When I started HRT, I did not have the bad reaction you describe, but I can also tell you that within days of starting estrogen, my dysphoria started to disappear, my libido did disappear, and I felt very content, to the point where I started asking myself if really needed to transition. ("I'm cured!") However, I knew if I stopped the hormones, all those awful feelings of dysphoria would return.   The other thing I noticed was my interest in girly things - makeup, fashion, and all manner of nesting - never left me. Do you still enjoy feminine things, or is it a case of not being able to enjoy anything at all?  If it's the latter, I agree with others that have already posted - you may have a separate issue with depression that may not be related to transition.

Don't panic, dear.  Yes, I have heard of the "weeding out" theory of hormones, but I don't think that's clinically true. You're not in a 30-minute sitcom where everything gets resolved after a few good laughs.  This is real life, and sometimes things don't go as planned.  That's okay! You have all manner of options available to you, and your therapist will be able to help you sort them out.

With kindness,

Terri





Thank you *hugs*

This helped me for sure. So maybe if I were to go off hormones, those feelings of desire and sexual turn on from being the opposite gender would return? I sort of had an interest in girly things. I really loved diving into that world, and learning makeup tips from my friend, and going shopping with her. But now, I barely have enthusiasm for anything. :/ My endo also thinks it's my vitamin D level. I've been prescribed a supplement to help with that. But if that were the case, why would it just now be a problem? :( I don't know. I keep getting worried about all of it. D:

Tessa James

I wrote to you about assumptions (not provable) and just finished this thread.  I wish we had more concrete answers but, you are a very bright person with a mind that is agile and capable of doubt, worry and much more.

Many of us know all too well about doubts, including the one that suggests "i am just fooling myself". But why would we do that?

It seems to me we just need look at the impact of no primary or secondary gain from that maneuver and it sorta melts away.  This has been a persistent part of your life and that speaks volumes to me.  There is also the non or less binary and gender fluid concepts to consider wherein we don't all clearly fit that one size fits all dress.  Hang on and thanks for sharing.
Open, out and evolving queer trans person forever with HRT support since March 13, 2013
  •  

stephaniec

3 months or 4 days is not enough time to figure things out. Your the only one that knows if you want transition or not. It takes time , how long in your life have you not been on estrogen. There is absolutely nothing wrong in not feeling you want to transition it's all up to you and how you see your life. I've been on HRT for 27 months  and have gotten to the point where I know this is what I need. You have plenty of time to think things over.
  •  

RedheadWhovian

Quote from: Tessa James on February 16, 2016, 05:15:00 PM
I wrote to you about assumptions (not provable) and just finished this thread.  I wish we had more concrete answers but, you are a very bright person with a mind that is agile and capable of doubt, worry and much more.

Many of us know all too well about doubts, including the one that suggests "i am just fooling myself". But why would we do that?

It seems to me we just need look at the impact of no primary or secondary gain from that maneuver and it sorta melts away.  This has been a persistent part of your life and that speaks volumes to me.  There is also the non or less binary and gender fluid concepts to consider wherein we don't all clearly fit that one size fits all dress.  Hang on and thanks for sharing.

Awww thanks, Tessa. I read your message, and it helped. I definitely agree that we're all different, and complicated. I wish I could get it through my thick skull that maybe just being a different trans girl than most is normal  and okay. But I can't say for sure that's what it is. :/

Quote from: stephaniec on February 16, 2016, 05:29:29 PM
3 months or 4 days is not enough time to figure things out. Your the only one that knows if you want transition or not. It takes time , how long in your life have you not been on estrogen. There is absolutely nothing wrong in not feeling you want to transition it's all up to you and how you see your life. I've been on HRT for 27 months  and have gotten to the point where I know this is what I need. You have plenty of time to think things over.

Thank you. I always hear about how three months in is a good indicator for how well hormones will make you feel, so I'm super scared. There is also the fact that I have a bad cough right now, and I got out of the flu a couple days ago. Maybe I still feel crummy cause of it?

stephaniec

The flu really messes my whole system up.
  •  

RedheadWhovian

Quote from: stephaniec on February 16, 2016, 06:07:38 PM
The flu really messes my whole system up.

I suppose some of it could be that then. I do have an awful cough :/