Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knew of a good resource for HRT side effects. I specifically interested in the psychological effects of HRT. I suffer from an anxiety disorder and I'm curious how HRT will affect it.

I've searched the net and found results, but the results are scattered. One website will say one thing while another website will say another. Sometimes I feel like I'm not getting totally accurate information.

Thanks

Hi Audrey, welcome to tzone.

We're a good resource for knowledge of HRT and all of its wonderous effects. No two bodies react in the same way and that will explain the seemingly conflicting advice that you've turned up on other websites.

Next, we need to lok at HRT itself. There are many different hormonal preparations at our disposal which complicates the situation somewhat.

Your approach is phrased in fairly general terms so I can't discern the nature of your anxiety disorder, and in turn, I can't predict the outcome of any particular treatment.

I had to work a lot of it out for myself and risked self-medication about three years ago. It was a big risk, but I found that within a few weeks, the depression from which I'd been suffering for twenty years suddenly vanished.

That doesn't mean you will be so lucky, but I hope it gives you some encouragement to investigate further.

Stick with us; there are more than a few with experience who are willing to share their advice with you.

Reenie

cross-sex hrt is not designed for transgender people - even if it works

so all the data is based on trial and error the knowledge surrounding its use is still young

people vary in how they feel

there is often an initial euphoria due to the relief in starting it - breast tenderness then follows

then some experience migraine headaches, night sweats, mood swings, some just feel 'ropey' with it

the lowered libido can have a psychological effect on people that have a high sex drive and still enjoy sex with their 'weapon'

suddenly they dont feel like it so much and wonder what the heck are they gunna do now

thats part of transitioning - some regret taking it and wish they had just had a boob job that is easily reversed instead - NO HRT necessary

hope this helps

bottom line is its a big step that you should take with a friendly doctor on board as HRT can also kill - it has been known to - although very rare

although HRT can raise cancer risks and stroke risks in genetic females - it is therefore likely to increase this in trans females too - or is it - as i said still V early days

_________________
Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)