HRT and possible side-effect concerns

[Guest Natalie64567]

Hello I am a MTF trans-sexual and am about to start HRT possibly in two months. I was reading up on hormone side-effects online and two particulars caught my eye. The first one says sterilitity is possible. I never heard of that happening to a male before; is that actually possible? I don't plan to have kids anytime soon but thats a little weird. The next one wasn't mention on the list of side-effects but I heard of it happening before is incontinence. That one does scare me. It isn't vey common is it? They said it was caused by the hormone they were taking.

[Guest Carla_Davis]

Hi Natalie,

Before starting HRT your Endocrinologist will explain some of the effects.

Most Endo's, if not all, will also have you sign an "Informed Consent Form" stating that they explained the possible results from HRT.

Some effects are reversible if you stop, but many are not.

Being sterile and also not being able to get an erection are some effects from HRT.

In addition, penile shrinkage and testes shrinkage are also effects of MtF HRT.

If for some reason that you think you may want children in the future, you may look into having your sperm saved for the future.

If you have more concerns, I strongly feel you should discuss it with your Endo before starting HRT.

Hugs,

Carla

[Guest sophia.gentry58]

Hi Natalie;

I hadn't heard of hormones causing incontinence so I can't help you there. All the research that I've read thus far doesn't mention that condition as a side effect. However, with respect to sterility, yes, that is one of the possible side effects that comes from being on HRT. Over time with consistent intake of the HRT you will most likely become sterile. Each person is different in how long exactly it takes before taking hormones over a long period of time is irrevocable as far as sterility is concerned. Even if some how after being on HRT could result in you being able to make babies, it would be prudent, if you are concerned about being able to father children later, to have your sperm put in storage. In this way you will not have gambled with such a significant issue, you'll be able to have the peace of mind that should you desire to have children later your chances will be more than a crap shoot.

Sophia

[Drea]

Sterility, at least starting sometime after being on hormones and while taking them, but also it can be permanent.

Don't know about the latter. Certainly spiro can make one have to pee more frequently.

Best to ask the doctor.

[Guest Kaylee234]

I've never heard of incontinence as a side effect. Impotence? Yes that can happen. Sterility most definitely though I wouldn't rely on HRT as birth control.

Other side effects are more pleasant, like men opening doors for you and calling you ma'am and such.

~ Kay

[Guest Megan_Lynn]

OMG some of the side effects are awful ..like softer skin, less body hair, breasts , felling at peace with ones self, felling better in ones skin and last but not least being seen as your true gender.. The horror of it all. Run for you life's...hehe...

Seriously in most people there is little to no side effects if taken correctly and you keep up with you blood checks. Possible side effects from spiro are having to pee alot and lowering of blood pressure. Estrogen can cause you to be come sterile and loose ability to have erections and worst but very rare side effect is the possibility of a blood clot and or deep vein thrombosis. For most people Hrt under doctors/endocrinologist care is perfectly safe.

[Guest Natalie64567]

I've never heard of incontinence as a side effect. Impotence? Yes that can happen. Sterility most definitely though I wouldn't rely on HRT as birth control.

Other side effects are more pleasant, like men opening doors for you and calling you ma'am and such.

~ Kay

Lol, yeah I am looking forward to the more pleasant side-effects.

OMG some of the side effects are awful ..like softer skin, less body hair, breasts , felling at peace with ones self, felling better in ones skin and last but not least being seen as your true gender.. The horror of it all. Run for you life's...hehe...

Seriously in most people there is little to no side effects if taken correctly and you keep up with you blood checks. Possible side effects from spiro are having to pee alot and lowering of blood pressure. Estrogen can cause you to be come sterile and loose ability to have erections and worst but very rare side effect is the possibility of a blood clot and or deep vein thrombosis. For most people Hrt under doctors/endocrinologist care is perfectly safe.

Thanks, you do make feel a little more at ease now

[VickySGV]

For about a day after surgery I was hoping my HRT or ANYTHING would loosen up my lower digestive tract!! No luck until day 4. If your friend had incontinence, she should not have been washing her meds down with prune juice!! There is a chance though that she was allergic to an inert part of the specific medication she was taking, in which case you get the pharmacist to get the medication from another manufacturer.

For fatherhood potential, banking your sperm for future use early in the HRT game is the best insurance that your genetic children can be born.

[Guest Melissa~]

I have heard incidental incontinence can develop. The atrophy

[Guest Melissa~]

Ger typing on the phone... Anyhow the atrophy of the prostate is profound in TS women taking ht long term. That's is the control muscle, though anecdotally post ops seem to have a higher rate of incontinence than pre-op.

[Guest Billie De]

Agree on the Sterility.. It use to be called Chemical Castration caused by the estrogen over time.

The Incontinence.. For me yes.. I still have bladder control but I do have the Occasional "Drip" It's not much but enough sometimes that it could be embarrassing.

Not sure if its from the Hormones or the Spiro or just from things shrinking so much.

I just wear a Panty Liner or a few sheets of TP padding (In an emergency). as a precaution so I am not embarrassed at the most in opportune times.

Make sure your Endo/Doc also does regular Exams on your Testes to make sure no mystery Lumps develop. I can't say mine was caused from the HRT but you don't want it to develop into Cancer and having to go trough this at the same time you're transitioning.. Makes for some interesting Conversations when you have to walk into your local Testes Specialist office full of men for a Biopsy.