Is this possible?

[Jackson Max]

Does anyone know if it’s possible to get addicted to hormone pills, I know if really sensitive in every way and I feel like I could be obsessed with anything easily 

[Carolyn Marie]

Jackson, there is no evidence that hormones are physically addictive..  They are a substance that everyone has in their body, and are essential to good health.   But a psychological need for them is possible, as it is with almost any medicine or substance.  If you begin to feel like you can't be happy, or that something bad will happen to your body if you stop taking cross-sex hormones or blockers, then I suppose you could develop a dependence on them. 

 

No one is prescribed cross-sex hormones or blockers without first talking to a doctor.  The doctor, and your therapist, should spend whatever time is required to make sure you understand the benefits of HRT as well as the risks.  Your question is a good one, and one you should definitely ask your care-givers.

 

HUGS

 

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

As a recovering Alcohol / Pill addict myself who has been on HRT for nearly 10 years (and sober 9 months before I began) I will say that addiction is not likely at all.  The feelings that you get while on HRT do not correspond to what we get from our drugs of choice when we are using.  True, that my cravings for my DOC did stop after taking HRT.  I have been on the same dose for 9.5 years and have no cravings for taking more than my prescribed dosage, in fact I have a clarity that lets me see the differences in what I am doing. I will suggest that if you are abusing any medicines or drugs that you be clean for six months to a year before beginning HRT, but this is something between you and your medical team.  Your fear of developing this sort of thing tells this old recovering drunk that you will need some serious work with your therapy team before taking hormones so work on what you can today,, HRT is more than one day from now, this off your calendar.

[StephieGurl]

I have never heard of it,

[Charlize]

I am an alcoholic addict in recovery and while i doubt i am addicted to the hormones i've been using for 10 years.  I am certainly happier but that is much different than addiction.  I started  hormones after therapy and under the supervision and care of a knowledgeable medical team.  Post surgery i no longer produce the hormones i need for health.  

I don't think i am addicted to my hormone any more than i am for the food that sustains life.  I am speaking for myself here.  As Vicky noted please seek medical help and therapy before using any hormone treatment.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[StephieGurl]

Addicted probably not. Dependency maybe. I do not know what would happen if you abruptly stop hrt. Like would there be withdrawal symptoms. 

[Charlize]

Post surgery when sex hormones are absent the lack would eventually be fatal.  Sex hormones are absolutely necessary for health.  Definitely not like a drug withdraw.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[VickySGV]

1 hour ago, StephieGurl said:

I do not know what would happen if you abruptly stop hrt.

 

I had to because of a blood clot in my leg a few years ago.  I had also had to stop them two weeks before my GCS surgery.  It does cause some emotional upset and can make you irritable and short tempered, and maybe give crying jags for a bit.  It does not cause other withdrawal symptoms.  This all from experience of both removal of HRT and three days in a hospital from withdrawal from alcohol and pill addiction. 

[StephieGurl]

Vicky, now that I thought about I had to stop two weeks before neck surgery, and didn't really notice any difference. I was almost at the two year mark. But when I heard I would have to stop, it was stopping it that was so upsetting it was that my neck surgery had to be postponed for what was 3 weeks.

 

But I was thinking long term. When a ciswoman runs down on estrogen they go into menopause, why would it be any different with us transgender women?