Feminizing HRT and Antidepressents

[Heather Nicole]

Something I've been wondering about, especially since, I would assume, there's probably a lot of trans who either are, or have been, on an antidepressent.

 

The effects of antidepressents (and I'm especially thinking SSRIs, just in case it matters) are commonly described as reducing a person's emotional range. So the lows aren't as low, but that also reduces the highs. Kind of a bit of a muting or dampening effect.

 

But the descriptions I hear of the emotional effects of feminizing HRT sound to me like the exact opposite of antidepressents: An increase in emotional range. Higher highs and lower lows.

 

So if you're on an antidepressant and go on feminizing HRT, is that kinda like setting up an air conditioner and a space heater in the same room, pointing them at each other and letting them go at it, cancelling each other out? Or is there more nuance to it and their effects are a bit more apples/oranges?

[Bri2020]

I've been on AD before and yes, that's what I experienced. SSRIs aren't exactly "mood stabilizers" like traditional meds for bipolar but I do think they play a similar game.

I wouldn't say my emotions are higher and lower since HRT but rather I am more open/in touch to the experience of the emotions.  I've generally been much happier on HRT. Yes I have times where I cry but usually it's not from sadness like you get from being depressed.  And the crying/emotional state is very short lived.

Remember, cis women who make their own hormones take antidepressants too. 

One of the most commonly report effects and reasons stated in medical lit for putting transgender people on HRT is it alleviates a lot of mental health issues that weren't responding to other interventions/drugs.  Rationale is the incongruence was the problem causing depression. 

[MiraM]

I was on Sertraline (Zoloft) before starting HRT, and I am still taking it 3 years later.  Before HRT, it helped, but I was still suffering major depression and other issues.  Along with depression, I also have C-PTSD and was also diagnosed with BPD, and have difficulty with emotion regulation.  After going on HRT, my mind did calm down and with the anti-depressants and a couple of years of DBT therapy, my emotions are in check for the first time in my life.  I don't think the HRT and the anti-depressants are fighting it out.  I think they work together to make me able to function.

[CD Rachel]

@Heather Nicole I am so gad that you asked this question. I have been on an SSNRI in the past and am now on an SSRI. I have been concerned about starting HRT while on this medication. I hope that I can eventually get off of the SSRI but it is comforting to know that it should be OK to start HRT even if I am still on the anti depressants.

 

Rachel

 

 

[Charlize]

I do not think the two medications should have issues.  Both men and women use antidepressants.  That being said it is an issue you should bring up with your doctor.  We are not professionals here and what may be fine for some might create issues for others.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Shawnster]

I'm on a wide variety os pyscmeds due to my PTSD.... when i finally get to start HRT, do you think that might change? I'm really hoping to loose that "T" agression!!! I'm hoping for a softer, calmer mindset.... am i asking too much????

[Jackie C.]

Probably not. I'm much less... everything on HRT. Basically the difference in running your car on diesel vs. unleaded (my car is a 1992 Saturn SL1 Sedan, diesel would be bad for her engine). We're all different though so it'll be a process as your HRT takes effect and you're evaluated by whomever prescribes you the psych meds.

 

Hugs!