Hey everyone,

So, I've been on and off T for many years [almost 9 now!] and currently I am off for health reasons. Basically, I have always had a bit of a problem with urinary leakage/incontinence, however, it started getting worse when I went back on T back in September 2016. I got off of it maybe 4 or 5 months ago for that reason and, while I thought I was okay, I have recently been feeling pretty dysphoric, low energy, etc. I also have been noticing that I look different then when I did on T, and that is upsetting me.

Now, I am not one to focus on external appearance much. But, I don't like that my body seems to be a little more feminine, mostly in my facial structure. I feel like I am getting "ma'amed" a lot out in public, despite having facial hair?? and this is freaking me out.

I have been in transition for 10+ years, and I tried to build a life for myself where I could live as a man. However, I just feel...weird off of T. The incontinence was terrible though.

I am on a medication for it, now, and I am wondering if anyone else had a similar problem and went back on successfully? I am thinking about asking my provider about the gel again when I go to my appointment on September 27th. I don't know if I can deal with the whole monthly cycle thing, feeling so low energy, low sex drive, etc. I feel asexual and I don't really like it.

Anyone else have these experiences?

Thanks,
Liam

I have never heard of this being an issue, apart from in older folks who are statistically more prone to urinary incontinence anyway.

I have heard of people stopping T for various reasons and going back on. Generally, no one reports issues. T is a harsher hormone than estrogen, and it works more quickly in the body and has faster visual effects. Body fat redistribution (which would result in facial structure changes) are one of the few changes on T that will not stay if you go off of it, so every time you go off for a length of time, that is something you would have to contend with.

I would raise your concerns to your doctor and discuss what the best method of dosing is for you. If you struggled in the past with dose cycling, then gel is probably the best option for you. It is generally a pricier option than shots though, so you may need to look into which brands are covered by your insurance (if you have it), coupons on GoodRx, or getting a compounded prescription.

I am pre-t and trying to get into bodybuilding

If I begin testosterone will I just add muscle or will my existing muscles develop like a male going through puberty, as I have dysphoria about my strength and muscle size. I hope to get around 40-45cm arm muscles, so I am never mistaken for the wrong gender, as I get depressed when I get called a girl or lady.

Also, will I have the strength of an average male, as I believe I am weak, because of gender dysphoria.