PMS

[Guest DianeATL]

PMS kicks my butt and it is becoming a regular thing around a full moon. I remember last month it was on the full moon and sure enough yesterday just a couple of days past full I was so sad and depressed. I spent most of Sunday on the couch with tears streaming down my face for no reason.

My boobs hurt, I eat like I am starving, and I dread electrolysis tomorrow because my pain tolerance goes to zero. The good news is that I am now recognizing the symptoms and know that I just have to hunker down for a day or two and it will be over. That knowledge keeps me from slipping deeper into depression.

I was surprised to learn that we cycle - how many here also experience cycles and how regular and intense are they?

[Guest]

When I was cycling Progesterone they were huge! I mean "if it breaths, I kill it" huge! My daughter and I had our first exactly at the same time (which prevented me from killing anything. Giggle.) Having had two wives previously I knew just what to do; Walgreens and Premsyn PMS! Yes, it's the industrial strength.

With much coercion I got her to take it, as did I, then we went to separate bedrooms for a while. About fifty minutes later I felt better and was doing dishes in the kitchen. My daughter came in and gave me a hug. "Mom, I'm sorry I was so mean, that stuff really works!"

On my next visit, I told my doctor that remarked that is quite normal for CIS or trans. No need to prescribe anything else if the Premsym works. Mydol doesn't even scratch the surface! Now it's standard fair for both of us. Ah, the joys of womanhood! Hug. JodyAnn

[VickySGV]

You could have set your calendar by me!! It really set in about my 6th month on HRT, but mine was the 14 day grouchies and grumpies, and then the 28 day really murderous hours. I had some female friends who would not get near me at some times of the month because my schedule and theirs were close enough that there could have been as much blood on the ice as there was at a hockey game.

[Guest DianeATL]

My doctor recommended progesterone cream to try to help my small nipples catch up with my boobs. I expect that has some impact too.

I remember the first time I had PMS I freaked, I didn't know why I was so out of control. Everything either made me want to cry or kill someone and cry while I was murdering them. My friends prescribed red wine and dark chocolate and then I understood what was happening. At first they were random but now seem to be becoming pretty regular around a full moon.

[Guest DianeATL]

You could have set your calendar by me!! It really set in about my 6th month on HRT, but mine was the 14 day grouchies and grumpies, and then the 28 day really murderous hours. I had some female friends who would not get near me at some times of the month because my schedule and theirs were close enough that there could have been as much blood on the ice as there was at a hockey game.

Yep I have synched up with some of my best girlfriends.

[Guest AllisonRae]

Ahh yes, way too familiar with it. The first cycle I had caught me off guard. Seems like it is the beginning of the month for me, so beware, lol

Hugs

Allie

[MarcieMarie12]

So when did that start, I am six months in and on daily Spiro and estridol pills. I have not had any PMS (yet).

[Guest]

Not all natal women get PMS, so you may be one of the blessed ones too. Trust that PMS is nothing to look forward to as a right of passage.

[Guest]

I am able to relate to monthly cycles.

My Endo. has told me this is not possible because cycles are "determined" by ovaries.

Don't care what they say. Stay away from me at the end of the 3rd week! Then again, I may just be a pregnant dog.

I think mine noticably started 12 months in on HT.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest DianeATL]

So when did that start, I am six months in and on daily Spiro and estridol pills. I have not had any PMS (yet).

I was probably 6 months to a year into HRT. There is no guarantee that it will happen but be aware that PMS can hit.

[Guest DianeATL]

I am able to relate to monthly cycles.

My Endo. has told me this is not possible because cycles are "determined" by ovaries.

Don't care what they say. Stay away from me at the end of the 3rd week! Then again, I may just be a pregnant dog.

I think mine noticably started 12 months in on HT.

Huggs,

Joann

Tell your Endo to hang out with me around a full moon and if he lives through it he will believe we get PMS.

I used to doubt stories I heard too thinking that without the plumbing it couldn't happen but my experience says PMS is real and it happens on some repeating cycle. I certainly would never ask to experience it.

[VickySGV]

When I go back on E here in a few days, my Endo has told me she wants me to keep a "mood" diary for a while and e-mail it to her along with my glucose readings. She admits that she is NOT SURE that we do not have cycles and thinks it could well be possible. This would be additional evidence that some of our hormone receptor cells in our brains were programed to get E as we were developing in our mother's wombs. She is experienced in natal female HRT, but I am her third MtF patient and she has an FtM patient right now. She volunteered to take TG patients, and have special training in doing it at the request of my HMO.

[Guest KerryUK]

Hmmmm, I must be unusual. I don't get them (unless I'm not aware if I do get them). I guess it could be because I'm on patches and so there is a constant supply of the HRT.

[Cyndee]

No PMS like symptoms here that I know of, now past 5 years of HRT, however the day or two before my injection has been well known for more crying and a bit more "moodiness".

I have not been prescribed progesterone.

C -

[Charlize]

I also have not noticed any problems. Perhaps because of my daily spray with keeps levels even and continuous.

Hugs,

Charlize

[Guest katea]

Wow! A lot of information learned. Does it seem to matter what method of HRT is used?

[Guest]

I am able to relate to monthly cycles.

My Endo. has told me this is not possible because cycles are "determined" by ovaries.

Don't care what they say. Stay away from me at the end of the 3rd week! Then again, I may just be a pregnant dog.

I think mine noticably started 12 months in on HT.

Huggs,

Joann

Ovaries, Shmovaries, the next time I decide to mimic another pregnancy by manipulating my hormones to lactate I want to send that doctor a nice fresh pint of my breast milk! LOL!!!

As you well know, I've had menopause hot flashes, night sweats, periods, PMS, lactating breasts (proving they are not moobs) and pseudocyesis pregnancy! Did I miss anything female? When I stress to girls to do their female research homework the results can be amazing. I started out as my own science project (shame on me) then I was fortunate to find two separate doctors that helped me experience it all safely. They are very progressive, your doctor may vary, so don't expect to run to the PCP with a gimmy, gimmy.

Joann, these are all old stories we have rehashed together, you have my public endorsement that you are a wonderful woman and that doctor needs some new information. Giggle. Way big hug! JodyAnn

[Guest]

Thanx JodyAnn.

I think we are both on the same page, Girl.

I am able to relate to monthly cycles.

My Endo. has told me this is not possible because cycles are "determined" by ovaries.

Don't care what they say. Stay away from me at the end of the 3rd week! Then again, I may just be a pregnant dog.

I think mine noticably started 12 months in on HT.

Huggs,

Joann

Tell your Endo to hang out with me around a full moon and if he lives through it he will believe we get PMS.

I used to doubt stories I heard too thinking that without the plumbing it couldn't happen but my experience says PMS is real and it happens on some repeating cycle. I certainly would never ask to experience it.

This is what I try to tell my Endo. as well.

Oh well. At least they have not kicked me out of their practice, yet.

Huggs,

Joann

Thanx JodyAnn.

I think we are both on the same page, Girl.

I am able to relate to monthly cycles.

My Endo. has told me this is not possible because cycles are "determined" by ovaries.

Don't care what they say. Stay away from me at the end of the 3rd week! Then again, I may just be a pregnant dog.

I think mine noticably started 12 months in on HT.

Huggs,

Joann

Tell your Endo to hang out with me around a full moon and if he lives through it he will believe we get PMS.

I used to doubt stories I heard too thinking that without the plumbing it couldn't happen but my experience says PMS is real and it happens on some repeating cycle. I certainly would never ask to experience it.

This is what I try to tell my Endo. as well.

Oh well. At least they have not kicked me out of their practice, yet.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest audrey michelle]

Oh my gosh i have never experienced it until last night but let me tell you it has been kicking my butt. It started out with my breasts hurting and then just all of a sudden started to feel like weepy out of nowhere. My gf made one comment which wasnt even a big deal just said the chicken i made was a little dry and that was the end of it. I was in tears and kept crying almost all night over things that werent a big deal like when she said i was being weepy in a playful manner that set me off too. :'-(

[Charlize]

Katea asked if this was due to the method of administration.  Last night i was chatting with a friend who gets a shot every 2 weeks.  She has not experienced this as an issue for the last 2 years of HRT.  So at least method isn't the only factor.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Guest audrey michelle]

Are there any tips for dealing with this? I still feel weepy today some and its taking its toll on me and im sure my gf too. Im also worried i might start the angry mood swing although i dont feel it yet and dont even know if i will. I just never went through this b4 and its really hitting me. Any advice is appreciated.

[Guest Clair Dufour]

Whether its the full moon or the lunar cycle is very debated as women have periods at different times of the month. Several things are known such as women in a close group get into sync with each other and men close to them are effected by them at an emotional level. How this effects various trans* people on HRT is a very good question and one that should be studied at an academic level. Emotions are often hard to remember and a big part of being trans*. The best thing is  to keep an honest diary to keep track of ones transition including physical measurements. This not only helps you but also your doctor and therapist get you the best outcome in the shortest time.

[Guest Kaylee]

I honestly didn't figure out the cycle thing until I saw a post online. I've only been tracking it for a few months (thanks to an android app). About 4 weeks, give or take a day. The biggest indicator for me is pain in my hips. It's excruciating for about 3 or 4 days. Beyond that, insane cravings and muscle/joint stiffness.

I'm moody, and cry all the time while watching TV and such, so that one is hard to track ha ha.

[Mia]

I don't know if this is a controversial question to ask or not, but is there any scientific evidence (as opposed to anecdotal interpretation) that these feelings are what could even be called PMS? I mean... we don't even have a menstrual cycle. I'm not denying what anyone here has been feeling, but I'm genuinely curious why we're calling it PMS. I'm not here to prove any points or argue, I'm just confused by the concept.

[Guest]

I had this discussion with my psychologue (gender therapist). She had a lot of trans* woman on hrt in all the years and also worked with models in the fashion industry before being a gender therapist. She was the one to talk to me about that. It was a kind of warning that PMS could happen. But, the way I understood it it's not PMS per say (obviously?) it's a mental phemonema that is more related to the brain reacting to E imbalance. It's similar to PMS but it's related to how our body react to hormones. She said that the brain contain a lot of E receptors and that if there's a imbalance with how many E reach the brain it can have PMS like effect. Basically she gave me basic warnings about wild mood swings and we talked about how to react if I have them.

 

of course i'm just paraphrasing (??) and it's not scientific. But if you have wild mood swing that feel like PMS it's basically PMS as the cis girls feels them but it's more of a medication related thing, a HRT phenomena.