Starting to have Problems with HRT ...

[Gwen]

I'm hoping someone can share their wisdom, experience, ideas for surviving this process. I started HRT 7 weeks ago with oral estradiol and Spiro. My doctor cut my Spiro dose in half several weeks ago when I started to have anxiety. Then I switched to a weekly estradiol patch 9 days ago for health reasons. But the anxiety has become a big problem for me. I had acute anxiety last evening, all night and into this morning. I need to add that I've had good days too, okay days, and periods of wonderfulness, but overall I feel the process is starting to wear me down. I don't even want to consider giving up, but it's recently crossed my mind. 

 

My thoughts on a sunny morning.

 

Gwen

[Jani]

Gwen can you target why you might be anxious?  I'm on patches but no longer take spiro.  Make sure you stay hydrated a I think the loss of moisture can cause body stress.  Are you concerned about the changes that HRT may bring?  I don't recall if you are out full time or not.  I found the time I was between gender presentation to be the most anxious moments for me.   I hope you find peace.

 

Jani

[Gwen]

45 minutes ago, Jani said:

Gwen can you target why you might be anxious?  I'm on patches but no longer take spiro.  Make sure you stay hydrated a I think the loss of moisture can cause body stress.  Are you concerned about the changes that HRT may bring?  I don't recall if you are out full time or not.  I found the time I was between gender presentation to be the most anxious moments for me.   I hope you find peace.

 

Jani

Thanks for you input, Jani. My symptoms are all physical, mostly centered in my chest. They seem to start several hours after I take the Spiro each day. I've taken lots of meds in my life and have a good read on my body. I'm handling the social aspects of transitioning well and have come out to the important people in my life. My male clothes have all been donated and I'm working on how Gwen wants to look and live. This area was going well until the anxiety arrived. I'm hoping my endo can tweak something. It's a beautiful day here and I'd love some peace. Nothing like it

 

Hugs

Gwen

[Carolyn Marie]

Gwen, I was on Spiro for several years and don't recall any problems with anxiety.  That, of course,  doesn't mean much since everyone's reactions to meds is different.  A couple of web sites I checked don't list anxiety as one of the known side effects.

 

I would just urge you to talk about this to your doctor, and tell him/her exactly what you're experiencing.  We aren't doctors here and can't offer more than anecdotes.  I certainly hope you feel better.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Jani]

Spiro can cause stomach cramps and remember the stomach is located fairly high in the abdomen.  I agree with I Carolyn that a discussion with your doctor is called for with pain like this.   Your gall bladder is in the chest and it can cause a pretty intense pain too.  

 

I hope you can get relief soon.

Jani