Hello all:
I just received the green light from my therapist to start HRT. I recently started a new antidepressant which has proven to be life changing. I'm still a little scared that the hormones might screw up my depression remission, so I was wondering if anyone else has been down this road, and what your experience was like. I'm not looking for medical advice (I'll ask my doctor for that), but for personal experience (and hopefully some reassurance)!
Thanks,
Joni


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I'm supposed to take a whole bunch of horrible medications intended to help make me more closely resemble a fully functioning human but I've actually found that HRT has, for whatever reason and through whatever mechanism, allowed me to really cut back on them. I have a noticeably easier time living with myself now.

Edit: Note - this change might be caused by the Estradiol and Spiro, but it might also be caused by the simple fact that I'm finally doing something that every part of me agrees with. Or it could all be a delusion. I'm leaning towards it being a combination of the first two.

Many of us report feeling much better once we were on HRT.  I never took any anti-depressants, but I did have a depressed mood all the time. People said that I never smiled. Now that I am taking Estradiol, I am just fine.

Polly questioned if this mood change is delusional. Although there is not many controlled studies on this topic, too many of us MTF have reported the loss of the depressed feeling that goes with gender dysphoria. We are willing to live life again. In my experience, my feelings are definitely not delusional. They are a real improvement in my quality of life. Keep in mind that while many of us experience this improvement, any of us may have other issues which still require anti-depressants. As the causes of our depression are removed from our life, many people find that less anti-depressants are needed.

Many studies would suggest estradiol is a powerful anti-depressant and this is because of its effects on many different neurotransmitters in the brain.

Quote from: Dani on February 28, 2018, 05:51:22 AM
Polly questioned if this mood change is delusional. Although there is not many controlled studies on this topic, too many of us MTF have reported the loss of the depressed feeling that goes with gender dysphoria.

I don't think it's delusional either.  It is a real thing.  I didn't even know I was depressed before but the difference between then and now is night and day.

In fact, after having done some reading, I believe I was depressed as I had many of the symptoms then that I no longer have now.  These included:
Hopelessness and suicidal ideation
Sadness
Extreme irritability and anger

Whether it's a direct result of HRT on the brain or a result of removing dysphoria doesn't really matter.  The effect is the same and in my case anyway nothing else, besides HRT, removed the dysphoria.




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Thank you everyone for your answers. In my case, I think I needed the antidepressants in order to get up the motivation to start HRT. All of your answers are very encouraging and I thank all of you.


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Quote from: KayXo on February 28, 2018, 06:01:19 AM
Many studies would suggest estradiol is a powerful anti-depressant and this is because of its effects on many different neurotransmitters in the brain.

Wow really? I've never really been on meds but thats a very interesting statement.
I should definatly take a look into that side effect o.o . . .
I have heard that taking ibuprofen regularly conflicts with HRT due to some kind if effect.
In regards to thia post though just do extensive research in meds and how they interact.
Not to mention body chimestry from individual to individual can affect intensities to reactions.
Best of luck though and may your happiness improve!