Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

No libido increase on T?


Fynn

Recommended Posts

Hey everyone,

 

This is my first time posting in this forum, so as a quick introduction I'm Fynn, 18 and I'm almost 6 months on T.

I'll just be sharing my experience here in hopes someone else wants to share theirs or give advice I guess.

 

So to get to the point, before starting T, I've never felt the need to masturbate, bc I was also never really aroused. I don't have massive dysphoria, I don't even know if I want bottom surgery. Idk where I was going with this, but I thought the whole thing was bc I was feeling uncomfortable in my body and didn't want to touch it. I just thought I had suppressed any desires so as not needing to deal with my body. I also never wanted/want to experiment and touch myself, and not ever being in the mood didn't help that.

 

Before starting T, I had a talk with my endocrinologist, it went well and he made clear, as I already feared, that my libido would really increase. So I prepared myself for that, and even thought maybe that's good bc then I am finally forced to deal with my body and maybe it isn't so bad after all.

 

Now, after almost 6 months, I feel exactly the same, kinda disappointed and at the same time relieved that nothing happened (other changes like my voice happen as they should). Like before, I don't really get aroused, although I did/do sometimes watch porn. 

 

Now I'm just confused and wondering whether it's normal that I have like no libido (would I be asexual then?) or if I'm still repressing something.

 

Thanks and see y'all, Fynn

 

Link to comment

Hi, Fynn! Welcome.

 

Unless your doctor says otherwise, a low libido is not dangerous. You don't have to worry about it. On the other hand, you could, potentially, be anxious enough that you're artificially lowering your libido. That would be okay, too.

 

Also, you may be asexual. if you are, that's fine, too. And it doesn't mean you're not trans. Gender and orientation aren't the same thing. You could be ace trans masc, or you could be unlabeled right now and for as long as it takes you to explore your feelings, until you wish to apply a label.

 

Labels are shorthand, but they're often not helpful at all. For instance, the only people whose business it really is what your orientation might be, is dating partners. And if you say "I'm asexual" it could mean a lot of different things to different people. It's so much easier in the long run to explain everything from where you're at. "I believe I might be asexual but then again I've only been on T for six months and I'm still figuring this out." So much more informative. Labels take less time to use, but if the information is important to share with someone, then it can be shared in detail.

Link to comment

Hi, @Fynn. As a trans asexual man, I can offer my own experience on testosterone.

 

This may not help you if you are not on medications, but I have been on heavy duty medications since I was a young child, and I am still on a variety of medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Some of these medications have been known to lower libido significantly, so I’m not sure whether I’ve never had much of a natural libido or it is mostly a side effect. Either way, I have never wanted to actually have sex with another person, which is why I consider myself asexual. And after I started testosterone, I did not notice a change in my sex drive, which I thought was a bit odd myself.

 

Recently though, I was taken off of my antidepressant and put on a different one. And suddenly my libido was through the roof. The new antidepressant didn’t work in the least, though, so I am now back on the old one. And my sex drive is back down to almost zero.

 

Honestly, I am disappointed and frustrated with my lack of arousal now, but I still have not acquired a desire to be sexually active. 

 

Like I said, this may not be applicable to your situation, but I guess I’m just trying to say that many factors may be in play with regard to libido. And dysphoria could be one reason, but it might not be the whole picture.

 

And if you do happen to be on the asexual spectrum, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s a natural way of being for many people. You don’t have to nail down a label for yourself if you don’t want to or can’t at the moment.

 

 

Link to comment

Hey!

 

I am also a trans man on the asexual spectrum. I'm demisexual, but I had a pretty high libido before. I think my libido may have increased a small amount but not much. I agree with previous posts that you may want to look into asexuality as an identity. I just want to show that there is a spectrum within asexuality and that even if you do start to have a libido it wouldn't negate that identity. Wanting sex and wanting sex with someone are very different. If you do start to have a libido there are different things that can help, but I don't think we're allowed to get into details here haha. 

 

It's also okay if your libido doesn't change on T. Everyone has a slightly different experience with it. I'd imagine you have to have blood work done every few months to check hormone levels and other things so as long as your testosterone levels are within an acceptable range (which also varies) you should be fine. I know health care systems are very different there, but do you have a portal where you can see the results of your lab work? If so, I know looking as how your T levels change over time is helpful when you start to have concerns like this.

Link to comment
On 1/18/2021 at 4:01 AM, DonkeySocks said:

Hi, Fynn! Welcome.

 

Unless your doctor says otherwise, a low libido is not dangerous. You don't have to worry about it. On the other hand, you could, potentially, be anxious enough that you're artificially lowering your libido. That would be okay, too.

 

Also, you may be asexual. if you are, that's fine, too. And it doesn't mean you're not trans. Gender and orientation aren't the same thing. You could be ace trans masc, or you could be unlabeled right now and for as long as it takes you to explore your feelings, until you wish to apply a label.

 

Labels are shorthand, but they're often not helpful at all. For instance, the only people whose business it really is what your orientation might be, is dating partners. And if you say "I'm asexual" it could mean a lot of different things to different people. It's so much easier in the long run to explain everything from where you're at. "I believe I might be asexual but then again I've only been on T for six months and I'm still figuring this out." So much more informative. Labels take less time to use, but if the information is important to share with someone, then it can be shared in detail.

Hey, thanks for the answer! I have an appointment with my endocrinologist at the end of the month anyway, so I'll just ask him. And I agree with you on the labels, I like not having to label everything and I think it just gives oneself more freedom.

Link to comment
12 hours ago, TrIIIy said:

Hi, @Fynn. As a trans asexual man, I can offer my own experience on testosterone.

 

This may not help you if you are not on medications, but I have been on heavy duty medications since I was a young child, and I am still on a variety of medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics. Some of these medications have been known to lower libido significantly, so I’m not sure whether I’ve never had much of a natural libido or it is mostly a side effect. Either way, I have never wanted to actually have sex with another person, which is why I consider myself asexual. And after I started testosterone, I did not notice a change in my sex drive, which I thought was a bit odd myself.

 

Recently though, I was taken off of my antidepressant and put on a different one. And suddenly my libido was through the roof. The new antidepressant didn’t work in the least, though, so I am now back on the old one. And my sex drive is back down to almost zero.

 

Honestly, I am disappointed and frustrated with my lack of arousal now, but I still have not acquired a desire to be sexually active. 

 

Like I said, this may not be applicable to your situation, but I guess I’m just trying to say that many factors may be in play with regard to libido. And dysphoria could be one reason, but it might not be the whole picture.

 

And if you do happen to be on the asexual spectrum, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It’s a natural way of being for many people. You don’t have to nail down a label for yourself if you don’t want to or can’t at the moment.

 

 

Yeah no, that doesnt apply to me but thank you for sharing anyways, I appreciate it!

Link to comment
11 hours ago, SL said:

Hey!

 

I am also a trans man on the asexual spectrum. I'm demisexual, but I had a pretty high libido before. I think my libido may have increased a small amount but not much. I agree with previous posts that you may want to look into asexuality as an identity. I just want to show that there is a spectrum within asexuality and that even if you do start to have a libido it wouldn't negate that identity. Wanting sex and wanting sex with someone are very different. If you do start to have a libido there are different things that can help, but I don't think we're allowed to get into details here haha. 

 

It's also okay if your libido doesn't change on T. Everyone has a slightly different experience with it. I'd imagine you have to have blood work done every few months to check hormone levels and other things so as long as your testosterone levels are within an acceptable range (which also varies) you should be fine. I know health care systems are very different there, but do you have a portal where you can see the results of your lab work? If so, I know looking as how your T levels change over time is helpful when you start to have concerns like this.

Hey, yea I can just say the same I replied to @DonkeySocks and I won't label myself just yet, we'll see! 

I think my endo will check my hormone levels next time I'm there, but otherwise you don't really get blood work done all that often.

Link to comment

I wonder why that is. I had to get it done before starting T, after one month on T, and every 3 months after that for the first year I think. I'd much prefer to do it your way though haha.

Link to comment
On 1/19/2021 at 11:03 PM, SL said:

I wonder why that is. I had to get it done before starting T, after one month on T, and every 3 months after that for the first year I think. I'd much prefer to do it your way though haha.

I'm from Germany so I guess it's different everywhere but I also wouldn't have a problem with more frequent blood tests haha. Also here almost everyone starts with a testosterone gel for the first 6 months, don't you immediately get injections? 

Link to comment

It depends on the doctor. My doctor doesn't like people to do transdermal methods until at least a year in unless they have a special reason. I pass out when I get shots and when other people get shots, but evidently that's not a good enough reason haha. I think a special case would be if you have liver or kidney issues, but I don't remember. He says he prefers doing shots at least the first year because it's easier to ensure how much your body absorbs or control doses which can make it easier to predict when changes will occur or something like that. There are some people in the US who never have to do injections though. 

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   2 Members, 0 Anonymous, 102 Guests (See full list)

    • Evelyn J
    • Miss Cormac
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,942
    • Most Online
      8,356

    taxicab
    Newest Member
    taxicab
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Amyjay
      Amyjay
      (58 years old)
    2. bettyjean
      bettyjean
    3. Breanna
      Breanna
      (52 years old)
    4. Emily Ayla
      Emily Ayla
    5. JET182
      JET182
  • Posts

    • Susan R
      Love it! This is great news. We need more of this to combat the excessive hate-filled rhetoric and misinformation. 👍
    • Susan R
      The experience was the same for me @April Marie. I slept much deeper and I woke up each morning feeling so much more restful sleeping with forms solidly in place. For me, wearing breast forms at night started when before I was a teenager. I had no access up to modern breast forms and certainly no way to buy mastectomy bras back then. I wore a basic bra my mom had put in a donation box and two pairs of soft cotton socks. I have some crazy memories of things I did in my youth to combat my GD but regardless, these makeshift concoctions helped me work through it all.   All My Best, Susan R🌷
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Colorado isn't exactly a Republican place, and won't become one anytime soon.  I think those folks might be better off not spending their time playing Don Quixote.    We certainly have our share of California "refugees" moving into where I live, so I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing Coloradans too.  I suspect the trend over the next few years will see the blue areas getting more blue and the red areas getting more red as anybody who can relocate tries to find a place where they fit better.   
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Well, at least it'll be a place some folks could choose.  Options are a good thing.
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      My family would have gobbled that jar up in a minute or two.  When we do have pickled herring, its usually for Christmas.  I didn't grow up with that particular dish, but I grew up in a Greek family so I like just about any kind of fish if I can get it.  However, ocean fish and freshwater fish taste so different.  We usually have more catfish and tilapia to eat than anything else.    What I can't quite get used to is the tons of cabbage my GF insists on eating.  When you live with a Russian, there is always cabbage soup.  Always.  When I first moved in with her, breakfast was "shchi" for soup and either bread or "kasha" which is a bowl of boiled buckwheat with butter and salt.  Those dishes can be made in any number of ways, some are better than others.  In the winter, it can even be salty and sour like kraut.  Not exactly sauerkraut, but packed in tubs with vinegar and salt so it keeps partially for the winter.  But I drew the line when the cabbage soup included pieces of fried snake one day.  😆
    • Ashley0616
      Good evening to you as well @Mmindy   That is awesome that you have support from her side. My dad has communicated with me once and that was because he was forced to. His new wife wanted to spend time with my kids. He hated me so much he was in the process of taking my rights away as a parent to my two boys. He was talking to a lawyer and I called him out on it. I don't love him at all. I'll respect him because I wouldn't be here without him but I wished I had another father. My uncles don't talk to me and unfriended me on Facebook. Almost all cousins except for two are still Facebook friends but they don't give me any support. My mom said she won't support me with that but she has said that she loves me. I have nieces and nephews that are still Facebook friends but they have yet to talk to me. I have one sister that supports me out of three. The other's disrespect me by deadnaming me. They have never called me their sister. I think for them they think it's still a phase. They don't ask questions about me being trans. I have to bring it up and on the look of their faces they don't look comfortable about it. 
    • Mmindy
      Good evening @Ashley0616,   I just got offline with HP tech support trying to get my printer tool box icon locked to my tool bar. This is one of the most important features of my printer that I like because it keeps track of ink, paper, and scanned documents. I'm diffidently not a computer geek.   I'll catch up with the other bookmarks next week. We leave to go home for the Easter Holiday with our families. Saturday with her side, and Sunday with my side. What's odd about that is I'm out to more of her side and they're reluctantly supportive. My side on the other hand are less supportive, and my sister just under me in age will not acknowledge my being there. She will be constantly moving to keep from dealing with me. I'm dead to her.   Hugs,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋  
    • Ashley0616
      I used to follow baseball and the team I would cheer for is Boston Red Sox. My favorite player was Papi. He was an awesome guy and even held a child during the National Anthem. I haven't watched baseball for a long time. It just died off to me. 
    • Ashley0616
      That stinks that nothing transferred, and no bookmarks were saved! 
    • Ashley0616
      I'm doing patches for now but I think soon I'll go to shots because it's hard to alternate when you are doing two xx patches at once. Unless she gives me Estradiol and progesterone
    • Sally Stone
      Go Cleveland Guardians!  I love baseball and I loved playing it when I was younger.  
    • Sally Stone
      My view is we are "dependent" on government, because as a society, we are too lazy to stay actively involved. So, we let politicians do our bidding for us.  I think we'd be in a better place government wise if we policed the actions of our politicians.  We elected them; they work for us.  Sadly, we are allowing them to run amok.  We are where we are because we have chosen to let politicians make all decisions without us.  Remember "by the people, for the people?" That was the intent of our democracy.  Today, however, it is "by the politicians, for the politicians," the people be damned. 
    • Mmindy
      "Play Ball! Batter Up!" is the closing line of the National Anthem as far as I'm concerned. It's the call of the Home Plate Umpire and signals the start of the game. I grew up in the TV and Radio broadcast of the St. Louis Cardinals. Harry Caray, Jack Buck, Tim McCarver, and Mike Shannon, were the voices on my transistor radio. KMOX 1120 AM pushing 50,000 watts of Class A clear-channel non-directional signal. It could be picked up all across MO, IL, IN to the East. KS, OK, CO to the West. IA, MN to the North, and KY, TN, AR to the South. There has always been a rivalry against the Chicago Cubs, in the National League. As for the American League, I have to pull for the Kansas City Royals. I've also been a Little League Umpire, and fan of everything the Little League stands for. Going to Williamsport, PA and seeing the Little League World Series is in my top 10 things to do on my bucket list.   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • Mmindy
      Good evening everyone,   I don't think my mother ever cooked a meal that I didn't like. We also had a kitchen where mom fixed the food, dad filled your plate, and you eat it. It wasn't until our baby brother was born that we could have Pop-Tarts for snacks. Before that all snacks had to meet mom's approval, and in her opinion wouldn't prevent you from eating supper.   Well my day started off on a good note, but has become frustrating because my IT person didn't transfer my saved videos I use for teaching. Then I found out that they didn't save any of my book marks for websites I use frequently.   Best wishes, stay motivated,   Mindy🌈🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋
    • MaeBe
      The number is relative to method of deliver, the time of the dose, and when the blood is drawn. However, I do want to keep away from DVT and other potential issues. I assume I may be getting backed down from my current dose, but my doc told me to stick with the higher dose, so? I also wonder if this has anything to do the my breast growth and mental changes that have been happening over the past few years, like I have some estrogen sensitivity so a little goes a long way or something? I don't have enough data to postulate, but who knows!   With weekly, subcutaneous, shots you expect to see big swings of serum level estradiol from shot to peak to trough. My doctor is interested in mid-week testing (for E and T levels only), which would be post-peak blood serum levels but they will be higher than trough. Most, if not all, resources I've seen online is to measure at trough (which I might do just to do it next time) along with a SHBG, LH, and other metrics.   This is from transfemscience.org for Estradiol valerate in oil, which is very spiky compared to some other estradiol combinations. It's also for intramuscular, which will have a slower uptake and is usually dosed in higher volume due to the slower absorption rate from muscles. They don't have subcutaneous numbers, which I would expect to see similar spikes but higher levels at similar doses due to the relatively higher absorption rate direct from fat.   Are you doing pills, shots, or patches? And when you do get your levels checked are you getting that done when your levels are lowest or some other time?
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...