TLDR: You might want to consider doing some research, based on your current situation. E.g. if you’re on gel, see if injections might help. Also, blood work–don’t skip it! Personally, I’ve likely undergone such a drastic change due to the fact that being a psychonaut has made me significantly more perceptive and insightful.
You’ve made sure your hormone levels are actually at expected levels? It could be that your testosterone isn’t being suppressed. The only real way to be sure is a blood test. If levels are normal, it might just be taking its time. If not, you might want to try a different HRT solution.
I don’t know what you’re using, but if it’s injections, something’s up. Injections are highly reliable. If you’re not on a blocker, you might need one. Really picky stuff, HRT is.
As for me, though, I’ve got a bit of an unusual life situation which might explain the rapid, somewhat drastic psychological change.
I take a 2mg transdermal spray twice daily, with 50mg of bicalutamide. A noticeable bud developed within 2 weeks. This is normal. Mild euphoria is also present sometimes, which is also normal.
That’s not where it ends, though, and this is where my unusual life situation comes into play.
I am what is called a psychonaut. I use drugs for many reasons, including recreationally, but not out of desperation to feel better. I haven’t been truly depressed in a long time. It’s really just a fun thing to pass time–only a hobby, or something deeper, on occasion. I see it as a means of exploring the self, be it in the form of understanding my own thoughts, experiencing new tactile sensations, or seeing things that can’t be imagined. Every factor of existence, itself, as an art. Not only that, but I have an inherent desire to understand how the human body works.
It’s pretty self explanatory why this matters.
THC is the only substance I’ve used frequently since starting HRT. It seems to be amplifying the subtle changes happening to me chemically–it’s a megaphone. Makes sense, as it’s described as somewhat psychedelic. THC has started to become a significantly more euphoric experience in terms of thought and physicality. I’ve started to experience prominent phantom limbs in the form of boobs, which is new to me. I find myself reaching for them, feeling for them, and it feels euphoric to do so. I also try to feel them while sober. Besides feeling natural to do, I’ve also been told this is a way the body registers change. So, THC has gone from something that I use just for a boost, to providing deeper insight to my being–directly tying in to my HRT experience.
Like a microscope that looks in.
I’ve probably had such a night and day difference because I’ve been trained to understand myself as much as possible. Like I said, unusual. Still, my baseline just feels different, like a bunch of connections starting to develop, to allow me to experience more emotion and physical sensation. This isn’t unique to stoners. If this isn’t at least mildly present after 2+ months, something unusual might be happening. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a sign of ineffectiveness, but I’d still look into it.
But that’s it. Transdermal estradiol, and bicalutamide. I have no secrets. Sometimes, things that work in some people, don’t work in others. Spray could even end up ineffective for me, despite working at present (this is a reason why blood tests are so important). I just try to get as much accurate information and advice as possible, and go from there. HRT is a lot of patience, and a lot of determination.
Ending note: Being a psychonaut has made HRT remarkably easy to grasp. Isn’t being autistic great?
Oh, I’ve been in the closet for 11 years. I’ve had a LONG time to do my research. The problem is that the clinic I’m seeing is being overly cautious, and I don’t want to end-run them to DIY because I need them for lots of other things, some related and some not. They put me on 50mg spironolactone, which I guess did the job. Almost. T is at 70ng/dl. Since I’m in the US, cypro isn’t an option and the clinic is paranoid and told me they won’t prescribe anything with a side effect of “death” listed, even though you and I both know that’s infinitesimally small a chance and bigger for cis-women than us. So that means no bicalutamide.
I’m also unfortunately on 4mg oral estradiol tablets. They don’t want to make ANY changes until the 3 month mark, so my E2 is sitting at 70pg/ml. The clinic seems happy with this. I’m beside myself at how low it is. I have asked to move to intramuscular estradiol valerate at monotherapy dosages, but they keep pushing back. My age likely doesn’t help, though. I’m over the hill. And fairly lean, since I run marathons and cycle centuries. So there isn’t a lot of fat to redistribute, but I should still feel the pain and sensitivity. It’s frustrating.
honestly, spiro is an awful medication that should be totally unacceptable as an anti androgen. On top of that, I was able to get planned parenthood to prescribe injection monotherapy, and they’re much cheaper and quicker to work with than most other places. 70 ng/dl is way too high, to the point that you’re probably getting the worst of both worlds. I’d find new doctors if I were you.
fewest? it makes you constantly dehydrated and puts strain on your kidneys. My advice as someone who wasted 15 months getting fucked around by useless doctors is to plan your healthcare without them, and do whatever it takes to get doctors who will help you. You really cannot rely on them.
I’m on a really low dosage of spiro (25mg/day), so that might be why I haven’t felt it as badly.
But yeah, that’s basically what I did. My doctor is actually pretty okay (didn’t mind that I didn’t have the psychiatric diagnosis that you’re “supposed” to have (not a legal requirement)), but she definitely did underdose me, and I am awful at making appointments, so I’ve just increased my own dosage of E in line with what’s actually a reasonable amount.
I would say stick to that for now. It’s not that long of a wait. If they still refuse, though, then I’d honestly say pursue DIY. Sometimes, you know what’s best for you.
I was 3 months in before I realized something was definitely happening in that department. I started suddenly noticing every time I accidentally bumped the area with my arm etc. and the skin started feeling different.
I’m 7 weeks in to HRT and have no changes yet. How? How do you already have this feeling? I’m glad you’re euphoric. I’m just jealous.
TLDR: You might want to consider doing some research, based on your current situation. E.g. if you’re on gel, see if injections might help. Also, blood work–don’t skip it! Personally, I’ve likely undergone such a drastic change due to the fact that being a psychonaut has made me significantly more perceptive and insightful.
You’ve made sure your hormone levels are actually at expected levels? It could be that your testosterone isn’t being suppressed. The only real way to be sure is a blood test. If levels are normal, it might just be taking its time. If not, you might want to try a different HRT solution.
I don’t know what you’re using, but if it’s injections, something’s up. Injections are highly reliable. If you’re not on a blocker, you might need one. Really picky stuff, HRT is.
As for me, though, I’ve got a bit of an unusual life situation which might explain the rapid, somewhat drastic psychological change.
I take a 2mg transdermal spray twice daily, with 50mg of bicalutamide. A noticeable bud developed within 2 weeks. This is normal. Mild euphoria is also present sometimes, which is also normal.
That’s not where it ends, though, and this is where my unusual life situation comes into play.
I am what is called a psychonaut. I use drugs for many reasons, including recreationally, but not out of desperation to feel better. I haven’t been truly depressed in a long time. It’s really just a fun thing to pass time–only a hobby, or something deeper, on occasion. I see it as a means of exploring the self, be it in the form of understanding my own thoughts, experiencing new tactile sensations, or seeing things that can’t be imagined. Every factor of existence, itself, as an art. Not only that, but I have an inherent desire to understand how the human body works.
It’s pretty self explanatory why this matters.
THC is the only substance I’ve used frequently since starting HRT. It seems to be amplifying the subtle changes happening to me chemically–it’s a megaphone. Makes sense, as it’s described as somewhat psychedelic. THC has started to become a significantly more euphoric experience in terms of thought and physicality. I’ve started to experience prominent phantom limbs in the form of boobs, which is new to me. I find myself reaching for them, feeling for them, and it feels euphoric to do so. I also try to feel them while sober. Besides feeling natural to do, I’ve also been told this is a way the body registers change. So, THC has gone from something that I use just for a boost, to providing deeper insight to my being–directly tying in to my HRT experience.
Like a microscope that looks in.
I’ve probably had such a night and day difference because I’ve been trained to understand myself as much as possible. Like I said, unusual. Still, my baseline just feels different, like a bunch of connections starting to develop, to allow me to experience more emotion and physical sensation. This isn’t unique to stoners. If this isn’t at least mildly present after 2+ months, something unusual might be happening. I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily a sign of ineffectiveness, but I’d still look into it.
But that’s it. Transdermal estradiol, and bicalutamide. I have no secrets. Sometimes, things that work in some people, don’t work in others. Spray could even end up ineffective for me, despite working at present (this is a reason why blood tests are so important). I just try to get as much accurate information and advice as possible, and go from there. HRT is a lot of patience, and a lot of determination.
Ending note: Being a psychonaut has made HRT remarkably easy to grasp. Isn’t being autistic great?
Oh, I’ve been in the closet for 11 years. I’ve had a LONG time to do my research. The problem is that the clinic I’m seeing is being overly cautious, and I don’t want to end-run them to DIY because I need them for lots of other things, some related and some not. They put me on 50mg spironolactone, which I guess did the job. Almost. T is at 70ng/dl. Since I’m in the US, cypro isn’t an option and the clinic is paranoid and told me they won’t prescribe anything with a side effect of “death” listed, even though you and I both know that’s infinitesimally small a chance and bigger for cis-women than us. So that means no bicalutamide.
I’m also unfortunately on 4mg oral estradiol tablets. They don’t want to make ANY changes until the 3 month mark, so my E2 is sitting at 70pg/ml. The clinic seems happy with this. I’m beside myself at how low it is. I have asked to move to intramuscular estradiol valerate at monotherapy dosages, but they keep pushing back. My age likely doesn’t help, though. I’m over the hill. And fairly lean, since I run marathons and cycle centuries. So there isn’t a lot of fat to redistribute, but I should still feel the pain and sensitivity. It’s frustrating.
honestly, spiro is an awful medication that should be totally unacceptable as an anti androgen. On top of that, I was able to get planned parenthood to prescribe injection monotherapy, and they’re much cheaper and quicker to work with than most other places. 70 ng/dl is way too high, to the point that you’re probably getting the worst of both worlds. I’d find new doctors if I were you.
Is spiro really that bad?
I get that it’s the least effective among the choices but it also has the fewest side-effects, from my understanding…
Something to bring up w/ my doctor, I guess… I’ve been trying to reach them for a dosage increase anyway
fewest? it makes you constantly dehydrated and puts strain on your kidneys. My advice as someone who wasted 15 months getting fucked around by useless doctors is to plan your healthcare without them, and do whatever it takes to get doctors who will help you. You really cannot rely on them.
I’m on a really low dosage of spiro (25mg/day), so that might be why I haven’t felt it as badly.
But yeah, that’s basically what I did. My doctor is actually pretty okay (didn’t mind that I didn’t have the psychiatric diagnosis that you’re “supposed” to have (not a legal requirement)), but she definitely did underdose me, and I am awful at making appointments, so I’ve just increased my own dosage of E in line with what’s actually a reasonable amount.
that’s good, but those t levels really don’t need to be so high. that’s the benefit of monotherapy is that no anti androgen is necessary
I would say stick to that for now. It’s not that long of a wait. If they still refuse, though, then I’d honestly say pursue DIY. Sometimes, you know what’s best for you.
You gotta do what you gotta do.
I was 3 months in before I realized something was definitely happening in that department. I started suddenly noticing every time I accidentally bumped the area with my arm etc. and the skin started feeling different.
2 weeks and I already had it. I suppose I’m speedrunning it…