I talked with my mom today, she's worried about me hurting myself in the future because apparently testosterone usage can cause heart conditions or a weakened heart. My doctor said I dont have to worry about risk of blood clots or heart condition unless I have a family history of it, and I'll likely know if I experience DVT, and will go to the doctor right away. My blood is check on a three month basis so far, to monitor my condition.

I knew there would be at least some risk, but I'd like to believe Im doing well and will continue to, and that there isnt as much risk as the hype will be not as much as one would be left to believe. Im thinking of regularly taking fish oils again to help with that.

Moms are going to worry! 

Hugs, Devlyn

There are risks to everything. If you're receiving regular bloodwork to check on your levels (cholesterol and all that included), maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding poor lifestyle choices and staying relatively active, you'll likely be fine.
Though your risk for heart related concerns may be slightly elevated overall you'll face the same issues as a natal male, essentially.

On the flipside, women (cis and trans) are at a much higher risk for breast cancer. That's no less troubling. Do you think telling your mom that would get her to start T? No.
She's well within the parameters of normal parental concern but I think she may be inflating the issue in her head a bit.

There's concern over T from the reputation of people taking it for bodybuilding - when you increase the mass of your body much higher than it was ever intended, it can put just the same amount of stress on the heart as being obese does, since the same size heart is having to pump more blood around a much bigger body. Unless you intend on doing that, the risks aren't that great.

There's a possibility of polycythemia, which is why they screen hemaocrit periodically, which increases risk of blood clot and vascular issues, but not that much if you have a good diet/your veins aren't clogged with gunk from smoking or eating badly... and if you look after yourself blood pressure related problems shouldn't be worse on T.

You don't have any more risk for heart troubles then if you were born in a male body. I really wouldn't sweat it. Just make sure you maintain a healthy lifestyle and you'll be fine. However, this is the suggestion for literally every humane being that ages. Exercise, eat right, keep stress down and get a enough sleep. That's all you can do.

Something missing from the conversation. Men tend to have more serious health problems because they may avoid seeing a doctor for twenty years or more. They feel because nothing is bothering them, there is no reason to see a doctor. Women on the other hand tend to visit a doctor for reproductive care on a regular bases so any issues can be detected and treated before they become serious.

When you receive T, you will be seeing a doctor on a regular bases so the things that contributes to heart issues can be detected and treated. I suspect with regular checkups, the life expectancy between men and women would be near equal.

Men in general have a greater risk than women for heart related ailments. So as a man, you are at a greater risk for heart related ailments.

As long as you're getting regular lab work done that includes the whole battery of tests to check for things that might be affected by T, I think you're fine. Especially if like Stone Magnum said, you're making conscious decisions about your lifestyle. If I remember right, you're on the skinnier side? So as long as you're eating right and staying active, and getting seen by a doctor at least annually, your risks are well controlled.

Quote from: WolfNightV4X1 on April 11, 2017, 01:04:38 PM
I talked with my mom today, she's worried about me hurting myself in the future because apparently testosterone usage can cause heart conditions or a weakened heart. My doctor said I dont have to worry about risk of blood clots or heart condition unless I have a family history of it, and I'll likely know if I experience DVT, and will go to the doctor right away. My blood is check on a three month basis so far, to monitor my condition.

I knew there would be at least some risk, but I'd like to believe Im doing well and will continue to, and that there isnt as much risk as the hype will be not as much as one would be left to believe. Im thinking of regularly taking fish oils again to help with that.

I'd listen to your doctor. As far as I've ever heard it's based on your family history/genetic predisposition or alternatively your lifestyle. Personally it's one of the things that has made me put off going on T, is that men on my mother's side of the family tend to be genetically predisposed to heart attacks at a young age despite a healthy lifestyle. But if you're not predisposed and are generally a healthy person (you don't smoke, don't drink a lot, don't eat a lot of junk, have good cardio health), your chances are slim and you likely have little to worry about.

That said, it would be cool if there was more statistical information available on trans health for folks on and off HRT.

Quote from: Kylo on April 11, 2017, 04:05:46 PM
There's concern over T from the reputation of people taking it for bodybuilding - when you increase the mass of your body much higher than it was ever intended, it can put just the same amount of stress on the heart as being obese does, since the same size heart is having to pump more blood around a much bigger body. Unless you intend on doing that, the risks aren't that great.

There's a possibility of polycythemia, which is why they screen hemaocrit periodically, which increases risk of blood clot and vascular issues, but not that much if you have a good diet/your veins aren't clogged with gunk from smoking or eating badly... and if you look after yourself blood pressure related problems shouldn't be worse on T.

She mustve gotten her facts from bodybuilders who used T, even though I find heart conditions as a common concern, I cant find anything about T causing "a weakened heart". I'm not a bodybuilder, have not intended to get a significant amount of muscle weight, and am mainly just lean and very toned in muscle. I really dont think it'd be enough for my heart to overcompensate in that structure. I'll definitely relay that finding to her if I get the chance, thank you.

Quote from: Berserk on April 16, 2017, 09:45:08 PM
I'd listen to your doctor. As far as I've ever heard it's based on your family history/genetic predisposition or alternatively your lifestyle. Personally it's one of the things that has made me put off going on T, is that men on my mother's side of the family tend to be genetically predisposed to heart attacks at a young age despite a healthy lifestyle. But if you're not predisposed and are generally a healthy person (you don't smoke, don't drink a lot, don't eat a lot of junk, have good cardio health), your chances are slim and you likely have little to worry about.

That said, it would be cool if there was more statistical information available on trans health for folks on and off HRT.

There might be a slim chance of heart problems in my family, mainly blood pressure, and it might be ideal if I keep taking supplements, exercise, eat healthier and cut back junk (probably my worst flaw, Im not the worst but I have a sweet tooth).

TBH I think she's trying to come up with factual physical evidence this harms me because she's more worried about my soul being damned. She's always been a paranoid health nut about eating healthy too so she wants to make sure I do healthy things and live a long life. Like Devlyn said...mom things.




Do you think use of T can also cause paresthesia?

People that don't want you to transition will always say stuff to make you doubt yourself. It comes down to what would make you the most happy. If you were to die tomorrow would you have been happier living as you are now or transitioning?