So I just got my first testosterone injection today, which is actually kind of bad timing I realized, since tomorrow I'm going on a 6 day vacation which is basically every year getting together at a beach house and getting wasted every day, to put it bluntly. I was looking forward to that and just letting go, but now I'm concerned. My doctor didn't actually mention anything about alcohol and risks, but she did talk about smoking.

So while googling stuff about smoking risks while transitioning, I came across a few things about limiting alcohol intake. I can't seem to find much at all though after specifically searching, and a lot of the things are about being on estrogen and not testosterone. The concern I've garnered from this is that the liver will be stressed from both alcohol and T, which is bad. The consent form mentioned "possible worsening of damage to the liver from other causes" as a risk but my doctor noted that this is actually no longer thought to be a problem. I've also been taking milk thistle for months to help with my liver, and still am.

Since it's sooo soon after getting the injection, I'm wondering if it's less of a problem right now as opposed to further down the line. Does anyone have any experiences or information to share?

I think liver damage from testosterone is much less a concern with bio-identical T taken non-orally (i.e. injections). Double check with EXPERTS, please. Be safe. Hopefully, someone else will be able to give you more info.

When taking these hormones non-orally, they are generally considered much more gentle on the liver because the medication doesn't metabolize through the digestive system. IM injections release the dose slowly into the bloodstream over several weeks and sublingual sends it direct in just as long as it takes to absorb through the mucous membrane, so they bypass the liver. It will still be more harsh on your body than if you weren't taking the hormones at all, but you should be okay to have a couple drinks here and there so long as you don't over do it. As always, it's probably a good idea to communicate with your doctor, especially early on.

Ah, I see, that's good to hear. I'll try to get in touch with my doctor ASAP but the clinic is closed for today and also closed on weekends. Thanks for the info.

Hey. I've been on T three years. I drink beer on weekends and my liver is totally fine. My Dr knows I drink beer and she never said anything about not drinking while on T.

Never heard of it being a problem for anyone on injections.

I notice I can drink like a fish now compared to pre HRT, so something may be said for moderation if you experience the same increased tolerance to alcohol. Just because it's harder to get drunk doesn't mean it isn't impacting the liver.

Hm ok. So what about this? I've read that drinking alcohol converts testosterone to estrogen, or something of the like. Has anyone heard of someone's transition being slowed or nullified because of alcohol? Or had this happen to them?

I've never heard of that happening before.  Where did you read that?

Quote from: who on May 20, 2017, 09:14:13 PM
Hm ok. So what about this? I've read that drinking alcohol converts testosterone to estrogen, or something of the like. Has anyone heard of someone's transition being slowed or nullified because of alcohol? Or had this happen to them?

Well that is BS!

There is a danger with alcohol and testosterone and you read about it everyday. Testosterone tends to make men more 'aggressive' or risk taking. Alcohol and lower inhibitions on risky behaviour is a dangerous combination. Gaols are full of men who combined them, as are rehab wards. Enjoy your life and your freedom and being you. Don't ruin it with too much booze.

I saw it mentioned with no sources in a ->-bleeped-<- thread, and then read an article about it. Though, the article was no doubt geared towards cis-men.

Well I do hope it is BS! I'll try to stay out of trouble I've always been a laid back dopey drunk and I hope T doesn't change that.

Thanks for the input and info!