Weed While On Hrt

[Guest ErikaRose]

Great! Another thing I need to give up! Good, this could actually help me quit, not right away, but soon! Thanks for all the input! Didn't realize it increased T production, I could of sworn it was the complete opposite! ><

<3

Erika

[Guest Sally G.]

I have been a chronic pot smoker (weekly and often daily) for over twenty years.

I have just started HRT (anti-androgen(AA) only at this stage).

At my first appointment my Endo took a blood sample to analyse my T levels. When I went for my second appointment he stated he was surprised by my low T (normal male range 18-24; normal female range 2-3) My T reading was 6 or 8. The Endo said there were four common reasons for a low T level, I cannot remember what the first three were (they did not apply to me), but the last one was marijuana use. In natal males long-term or chronic marijuana use significantly lowers T levels.

My endo also stated that marijuana use can inhibit the effectiveness of E. I have not got to the bottom of this yet but some cannibinoids compete with and displace E from estrogen receptors. I need access to my medical file to get a better feel for the exact process my endo alluded to. (I will update if I get additional information)

One of the consequences of long-term pot use lowering my T is that I have very little male-pattern baldness as a 48 year-old (it is an ill wind...)

I have stopped using pot at my endo's request. He will monitor my ongoing T levels because as the effects of pot on my endocrine system dissapate it is likely he will need to increase my current very low dose of AA to keep my T in the female range.

Aroha

Sally G.

[Guest Vixen Amber]

I just gotta say. There is a lot of advice here that is rather shameful in the way it is offered. When you intentionally make things up like "oh it increases testosterone" just to scare people off that is just bad. When in reality is it far better for some people who need it than popping pills from big pharma with the nasty side effects. I was told by my doctor and my therapist that smoking marijuana would not be a issue. Sure there is the legal issue but like some people said, cross-dressing and being gay was once illegal so should we just blindly follow laws? People if it really did increase T levels don't you think that people would be a bit more aggressive on it? Instead of parroting the rules from 1939 lets use our god given brains and decide for ourselves. If you don't want to smoke that's fine. No one is forcing you. However to use scare tactics likens you to Anslinger, the guy who helped make it illegal through blatant lies and propaganda. I smoke because it calms me and helps me forgot the awful things that happened. It also helps mine pain and my eating. I won't eat sometimes and this helps. Sure inhaling smoke of any means isn't the healthiest but to compare it to the two legal things in this country with far more deaths is just naive. Tobacco and alcohol have killed more people than weed ever has or will.

[Michelle 2010]

I just gotta say. There is a lot of advice here that is rather shameful in the way it is offered. When you intentionally make things up like "oh it increases testosterone" just to scare people off that is just bad. When in reality is it far better for some people who need it than popping pills from big pharma with the nasty side effects. I was told by my doctor and my therapist that smoking marijuana would not be a issue. Sure there is the legal issue but like some people said, cross-dressing and being gay was once illegal so should we just blindly follow laws? People if it really did increase T levels don't you think that people would be a bit more aggressive on it? Instead of parroting the rules from 1939 lets use our god given brains and decide for ourselves. If you don't want to smoke that's fine. No one is forcing you. However to use scare tactics likens you to Anslinger, the guy who helped make it illegal through blatant lies and propaganda. I smoke because it calms me and helps me forgot the awful things that happened. It also helps mine pain and my eating. I won't eat sometimes and this helps. Sure inhaling smoke of any means isn't the healthiest but to compare it to the two legal things in this country with far more deaths is just naive. Tobacco and alcohol have killed more people than weed ever has or will.

My goodness, this post reminds me of back in the day when I thought I not only knew WHAT people were doing but WHY as well... When i stopped using substances my ability to interpret other people's INTENT and MOTIVES gradually dissipated, kind of like, well...,smoke.

Today I tend to take things and people at face value and think the best of them. So if a mod (or just about anyone) presents information on a topic that may not be accurate, i accept that an honest mistake has been made. Here at Laura's Playground people can trust that the mods are sincere in their desire to be helpful and supportive and to not lay out a place setting of outright lies designed to mislead or manipulate fellow members of our forum. Personally, it sounds to me like you are generalizing from some past bad experience you had and PROJECTING your own issues on a mod who had good intent. I could ramble on about how chronic marijuana usage distorts perceptions if not testosterone; however, I am not a mind reader so i have no idea whether such comments would apply to you. I can take at face value that the personal comments you made required you to draw a conclusion regarding INTENT that you have no way of supporting with facts.

{Incidently, the pot issue seems to be inconclusive and perhaps not harmful to testosterone or a depressor according to studies I quickly googled up}.

Best wishes

Michelle

[Guest Vixen Amber]

I just gotta say. There is a lot of advice here that is rather shameful in the way it is offered. When you intentionally make things up like "oh it increases testosterone" just to scare people off that is just bad. When in reality is it far better for some people who need it than popping pills from big pharma with the nasty side effects. I was told by my doctor and my therapist that smoking marijuana would not be a issue. Sure there is the legal issue but like some people said, cross-dressing and being gay was once illegal so should we just blindly follow laws? People if it really did increase T levels don't you think that people would be a bit more aggressive on it? Instead of parroting the rules from 1939 lets use our god given brains and decide for ourselves. If you don't want to smoke that's fine. No one is forcing you. However to use scare tactics likens you to Anslinger, the guy who helped make it illegal through blatant lies and propaganda. I smoke because it calms me and helps me forgot the awful things that happened. It also helps mine pain and my eating. I won't eat sometimes and this helps. Sure inhaling smoke of any means isn't the healthiest but to compare it to the two legal things in this country with far more deaths is just naive. Tobacco and alcohol have killed more people than weed ever has or will.

My goodness, this post reminds me of back in the day when I thought I not only knew WHAT people were doing but WHY as well... When i stopped using substances my ability to interpret other people's INTENT and MOTIVES gradually dissipated, kind of like, well...,smoke.

Today I tend to take things and people at face value and think the best of them. So if a mod (or just about anyone) presents information on a topic that may not be accurate, i accept that an honest mistake has been made. Here at Laura's Playground people can trust that the mods are sincere in their desire to be helpful and supportive and to not lay out a place setting of outright lies designed to mislead or manipulate fellow members of our forum. Personally, it sounds to me like you are generalizing from some past bad experience you had and PROJECTING your own issues on a mod who had good intent. I could ramble on about how chronic marijuana usage distorts perceptions if not testosterone; however, I am not a mind reader so i have no idea whether such comments would apply to you. I can take at face value that the personal comments you made required you to draw a conclusion regarding INTENT that you have no way of supporting with facts.

{Incidently, the pot issue seems to be inconclusive and perhaps not harmful to testosterone or a depressor according to studies I quickly googled up}.

Best wishes

Michelle

Distorting issues is never good intent. As for the mind reader bit, you sure seemed it enough when you said that so I don't see what you are getting at. Good day to you too.

[Guest (Lightsider)]

Anytime you use a drug to avoid dealing with reality you will in the end compound the problems you already face. Far too many times I have heard people say they drink or smoke marijuana or abuse prescription drugs to escape the pain they are experiencing. That is sad. It is because the person has not learned proper coping skills that one leans on or abuses these drugs.

I had a roommate that had some serious problems with drug abuse and claimed it was because of chronic pain and gid. Her problems were so bad that she would take a months supply of painkillers within 10 days.

In the end...when the fog clears your problems will remain and in some cases get worse. It is my personal opinion that endorsing the use of marijuana is tantamount to self medicating.

I for one with all the problems I have do not need to add marijuana to the mix...

[Guest Ashlyee]

I smoke about twice a day, if I didn't I'd be a thin like 80lbs at 5'6" which would look terrible. I don't normally feel hunger, it's a problem I've always had, and smoking a little each day has greatly helped with that. I also do heavy cardio daily and am considered healthy today. I think a lot of people look down on it because it's easier to point at the studies of excessive usage instead of the findings if used responsibly.

[Michelle 2010]

Hi Ashley

I see this is your first post here at Laura's. Perhaps you would like to stop by the Introductions section and say Hi to all. You will receive a warm welcome there. Look forward to everyone getting to know you.

Best wishes

Michelle

[Guest Juniper Blue]

I would ask your friend WHY she is using weed? If it is frequently, I would ask if there is something that she is trying to escape or numb emotionally.

Also, Google: Marijuana + Endocrine System. There are definitely hormonal effects and there are some good articles on this out there. There is a good one titled: Endocrine Effects of Marijuana - by Todd T. Brown, MD and Adrian S. Dobs, MD, MHS. I unfortunately, do not have the web address for that.

Smoking in general is bad news ... we all know that. Perhaps, if your friend does not wish to stop smoking weed, she can at least invest in a vaporizer to reduce her risks of lung cancer and related problems from regular smoking.

Hope this helps,

- J

[Guest Carrie7676]

OMG I am so glad I don't smoke after reading Donna Jeans post! I do have a dear dear friend that does smoke that awful smelling stuff and she has been on HRT for years now, I guess that explains that! well I'm sending her this thread and hope it helps lol

oxoxoxoxo

Carrie

[Guest Owl]

Esperanza,

As for the benzodiazapines the problem there is that estrogen potentiates them (causes them to be more effective) so dosages are screwed up as your hormone levels change and you can overdose without realizing it.

They gave me a benzo at the hospital- I was quite gone, believe me. Why on earth would someone take these recreationally? They're awful. Out of curiosity, are women given lower doses?

[VickySGV]

Doseage of any medication is at the discretion of the prescribing MD in accordance with the health of the patient, and the doctors professional judgment. Here in Laura's we do not allow doseages or recommendations to be posted since we are not medically trained or qualified, and we are here to keep people from harming themselves with incompetent information, and drugs that are not being taken under medical supervision among our other goals.

[Guest Owl]

Actually, Vicky, I'm bringing up an important point. I was overdosed. If this was do to the fact I have "M" in my ID, then this is an issue that needs to be discussed for everyone's safety. Clearly I wasn't asking "hey, how much benzo should I take. Rather, I was asking if this is something as t-women we need to be aware of.

In my case I was just stoned but benzodiazepines depress your nervous system. Taking to much can kill you.

Our health is our responsibilities. Doctors prescribe and in a hospital setting nurses dispense but we need to be able to spot errors.

[samii sam.:)]

Okay beep this everyone there is a whole bucket load of "I feel" and "I think" but not a lot of I know so here's a few things I know from my experiences. A short back story I grow up in a drug den I've known the illegal side of life my whole life I ended up doing everything I said I wouldn't (drugs of every kinda but herrion) seeing how much damage they do to "weak" people I will use that term very loosely to not offended just a reminder this is also from my own self evaluations of the low and high points in my life and actually 9 times out 10 I am talking about myself and what I have seen around around me and what I have personally felt. I will never tell someone they "HAVE" to quit because that never works trust me I still smoke pot most days. Used to use most other drugs frequently but I personally walked away from it all for my own reasons and my own self worth but on the matter of (hrt) with pot/weed/buds I have been on (hrt) for the last 18 months and I have smoked the whole time during and have also done many other things here's what I personally have noticed within myself internally and psychically. Weed- when smoking becomes heavy (mtf) (hrt) I see a noticeable regression in transition both psychically and mentally but when moderation is applied IE: Not smoking till night time just for sleep and the fact that when coming off weed you lose your appetite and ability to want to eat or eat without gagging on it and throwing up and everybody needs to eat and sleep. There is no noticeable backwards steps and previous step back begin to re-correct themself.

I have smoked pot heavily since I was 14 I am now 20 in a few months no issues starting (hrt) and um underspin it if you do spin the tobacco is defiantly harmful there's no arguing that.

Now the fun list

Cocaine- um mood swings increased on come down more than the norm for coming off and mentally sound after a good rest.

Speed/meth- I personally have never handle myself well on the stuff mentally you end up and over processing and over thinking wreak social distorters can be enhanced like crazy. I haven't done it enough to know its effects physically while hrt and the mental stuff comes with or without hrt

Acid/lsd/2ci/(other chemical trips) one hell of a scary drug either way and is the only ones which effects aren't changed. (breaks a person down to the core fundamentals of who they are and then rebuilds) massive endorphin high. If taken regularly can completely throw out the mental side of your transition IE: Voice training and body language and voice control. Getting stuck in a trip is less common than you think at worst you retain your new perspective on life till someone points out the illogical side but in a way that makes you question you perspective use trips wisely and with someone experienced as well or just don't.

Ecstasy pills/party pills: They are combination drugs they normally have a combination of any other drug and contents can be discovered I cant tell you how to avoid referring people to a drug information site but they have names for a reason.

Mdma: Eh? I personally haven't noticed much other than hyper emotional which is the same either side of (hrt).

Crack/ice: I don't like this one I did it once and never again considering I am more then willing to do anything I have mention over this drug.

Codeine and zanx and other prescription drugs people use recreationally I'm sorry I can not be of any help I don't like to take things with big words even when I'm supposed to....

I hope this post may be of some help um I know drugs are illegal everyone does that doesn't Change anything people who already doing drugs don't care that I is illegal and most believe pot is less harmful publicly(fights/crime/aggression) which is true I guess who wants to fight when your a couch potato "too much effort"

But on a personal level moderation is key if you chose to resume smoking/drinking/taking/ingesting after researching their affects relating to hrt.

A few things that have let this discussion fail from being helpful prior um personal opinion there's a fine line between looking out for someone and being bias like wise with Misguiding and trying to look out for their best interests.

Just a few finishing dot points to remember.

.drugs its a choice so don't tell us it's illegal we know its also counterproductive to argue over a moral debate when that's not what this is for its about information that others may find use from our own person knowledge and experience.

.no daily drug user gets clean over night its a long battle between you and your demons.

.I am not saying which drugs are safe far from it like I said at the start this is mostly from my personal experience and knowledge and never expect the same effects between person to person that goes without saying for drugs I am talking about what I said i have experienced or noticed because I am a doctor and I'm not your local dealer giving you the stuff saying what it is.

. And um I noticed there was comment about weed being unnatural um its a plant can be grown in a hydroponic set up or out doors from a seed or cutting like any other plant in sorry burst your bubble but if there's unnatural stuff on it or mixed only then do you not know what is in it btw weed and weed plants are decriminalised where I live you can grow your own running the risk of a fine untill you get in trouble more twice I have grown a few times myself both ways and yeah.... Samii

[MaryEllen]

Hello Samii,

Thank you for sharing this information with us. Hopefully, it will deter others from going down the drug path.

MaryEllen

[Charlize]

Doing drugs at any time is inherently dangerous. While on HRT is is even more so. Getting therapy is a safer and better way of finding peace with transition. Drugs often promise peace and clarity but too often deliver turmoil and a head demanding more and more. One ends up chasing an illusion instead of learning to live in a beautiful reality.

Hugs,

Charlize

[samii sam.:)]

I'm sorry at the end there I miss typed and I want to make it clear I am not a doctor sorry I cant seem to find an edit option...

[Sakura]

Okay beep this everyone there is a whole bucket load of "I feel" and "I think" but not a lot of I know so here's a few things I know from my experiences. A short back story I grow up in a drug den I've known the illegal side of life my whole life I ended up doing everything I said I wouldn't (drugs of every kinda but herrion) seeing how much damage they do to "weak" people I will use that term very loosely to not offended just a reminder this is also from my own self evaluations of the low and high points in my life and actually 9 times out 10 I am talking about myself and what I have seen around around me and what I have personally felt. I will never tell someone they "HAVE" to quit because that never works trust me I still smoke pot most days. Used to use most other drugs frequently but I personally walked away from it all for my own reasons and my own self worth but on the matter of (hrt) with pot/weed/buds I have been on (hrt) for the last 18 months and I have smoked the whole time during and have also done many other things here's what I personally have noticed within myself internally and psychically. Weed- when smoking becomes heavy (mtf) (hrt) I see a noticeable regression in transition both psychically and mentally but when moderation is applied IE: Not smoking till night time just for sleep and the fact that when coming off weed you lose your appetite and ability to want to eat or eat without gagging on it and throwing up and everybody needs to eat and sleep. There is no noticeable backwards steps and previous step back begin to re-correct themself.

I have smoked pot heavily since I was 14 I am now 20 in a few months no issues starting (hrt) and um underspin it if you do spin the tobacco is defiantly harmful there's no arguing that.

Now the fun list

Cocaine- um mood swings increased on come down more than the norm for coming off and mentally sound after a good rest.

Speed/meth- I personally have never handle myself well on the stuff mentally you end up and over processing and over thinking wreak social distorters can be enhanced like crazy. I haven't done it enough to know its effects physically while hrt and the mental stuff comes with or without hrt

Acid/lsd/2ci/(other chemical trips) one hell of a scary drug either way and is the only ones which effects aren't changed. (breaks a person down to the core fundamentals of who they are and then rebuilds) massive endorphin high. If taken regularly can completely throw out the mental side of your transition IE: Voice training and body language and voice control. Getting stuck in a trip is less common than you think at worst you retain your new perspective on life till someone points out the illogical side but in a way that makes you question you perspective use trips wisely and with someone experienced as well or just don't.

Ecstasy pills/party pills: They are combination drugs they normally have a combination of any other drug and contents can be discovered I cant tell you how to avoid referring people to a drug information site but they have names for a reason.

Mdma: Eh? I personally haven't noticed much other than hyper emotional which is the same either side of (hrt).

Crack/ice: I don't like this one I did it once and never again considering I am more then willing to do anything I have mention over this drug.

Codeine and zanx and other prescription drugs people use recreationally I'm sorry I can not be of any help I don't like to take things with big words even when I'm supposed to....

I hope this post may be of some help um I know drugs are illegal everyone does that doesn't Change anything people who already doing drugs don't care that I is illegal and most believe pot is less harmful publicly(fights/crime/aggression) which is true I guess who wants to fight when your a couch potato "too much effort"

But on a personal level moderation is key if you chose to resume smoking/drinking/taking/ingesting after researching their affects relating to hrt.

A few things that have let this discussion fail from being helpful prior um personal opinion there's a fine line between looking out for someone and being bias like wise with Misguiding and trying to look out for their best interests.

Just a few finishing dot points to remember.

.drugs its a choice so don't tell us it's illegal we know its also counterproductive to argue over a moral debate when that's not what this is for its about information that others may find use from our own person knowledge and experience.

.no daily drug user gets clean over night its a long battle between you and your demons.

.I am not saying which drugs are safe far from it like I said at the start this is mostly from my personal experience and knowledge and never expect the same effects between person to person that goes without saying for drugs I am talking about what I said i have experienced or noticed because I am a doctor and I'm not your local dealer giving you the stuff saying what it is.

. And um I noticed there was comment about weed being unnatural um its a plant can be grown in a hydroponic set up or out doors from a seed or cutting like any other plant in sorry burst your bubble but if there's unnatural stuff on it or mixed only then do you not know what is in it btw weed and weed plants are decriminalised where I live you can grow your own running the risk of a fine untill you get in trouble more twice I have grown a few times myself both ways and yeah.... Samii

I don't knock any one for their choices in life nor do I stand in judgment . I have smoked pot I have done Rx pills LSD ecstacy.

I have no problem with some one smoking pot , given how many other drugs there are out there . I consider it extremely tame if done in moderation. Problem is after a while no one does drugs in moderation and it eventually becomes an addiction an addiction that leads to other addictions of more serious drugs. I have buried more than a few friends and family due to drug overdoses . Most drugs out side of marijuana use cause extreme damage to your body.

Cocain wreaks hell on your cardivascular system leading to congestive heart failure as blood vessles begin to colapse under the strain . High blood pressure while High leads to siezer stroke heart attack and premature aging .

Meth, in prolonged exposure leads to brain damage causes complete cardio vascular colapse . rots your teeth damages you lungs kidneys and liver and hyper advances aging. I have never used meth and have a very strong hatered of the drug , as many of my family do use meth and it is literally like watching them rot from the inside out. My uncle richard is 46 years old and was once considered to be one of the sexiest men in my home town.. at 46 he looks like he is 80+ and is dieing from kidney and liver failure and he has only been doing meth for like 5 years.

LSD, Causes brain damage in prolonged exposure , while the drug is typically not attributed to death its self. Tripping due to its imparment of ones grip on reality can cause people to fail to see common dangers that lead to injury or even death. there have been studies that show that sever mental break down can occure increasing the chance of suicide.

Ecstasy/mdma( more or less the same thing ) Causes damage to the heart kidneys liver and central nervous system with prolonged use or over dose.

Crak has many of the same health effects as Meth .

There is no such thing as a safe drug and if you can you are better off just not doing them or seeking help to quit, Even pot is not with out its risk , smoking pot the simple act of burning it releases CO2 diectly into your system , which much like smoking cigarrets causes high blood pressure dmage to your lungs and premature aging . Long term smoking speeds up mental degeneration as one ages. Many of my family that have been long term pot smokers can tell you stories that happened 10 years ago, but can't tell you what they did last week.

As for pots effect on hrt . there have been no studies done on it and most any info would likely be conjecture . Though I can say I started taking hrt at 14 years old That is also roughly the time i started smoking pot.... and i turned out just fine.

PS I have not done anything harder than tylenol since I was 19

[Guest]

Drug addiction usually causes the transitioner to lament about how they cannot bear the high cost of surgeries. If they had not spent their money on the "party animal" drug and alcohol lifestyle the transitioning costs would be pocket change.

I speak as someone post op living on hormones for the rest of my life, with a thirty year addiction to drugs and alcohol recovering in AA. I'm past the statues of limitations on all that which is great! I've never participated in that as a woman and gratefully so. I just wish I could have back the money I spent for the 224.125 pounds of pot I smoked. That was just the tip of the drug iceberg.

Do your thing! Forgive me if I'm not supportive of your information.

[StephanieVikingGirl]

An interesting topic,

I am rather open about my use of marijuana for medical purposes. I have moderate osteo arthritis in both knees, and marijuana is my pain management drug of choice. I also use it as an entheogen for religious purposes occasionally, which is kinda an off label use, but one with a long history (and pre-history). However, I will point out that my use of cannabis is quite moderate. I use it once after work, and again at bedtime (a few puffs is plenty sufficient). I used to have a very high government clearance, and found it easy to maintain since I never do illegal stuff, and I still don't. I get my doctor's recommendation for marijuana from the same health center that I get my HRT prescriptions, and so I have the comfort in knowing that my endo is completely okay with my medical cannabis use. I consider moderate cannabis use to be just another part of my health oriented lifestyle, along with drinking wine with dinner. Moderation is the key of course, and truthfully I am a lightweight when it comes to wine, and weed; so a little bit goes a long way for me. Just to be clear, I don't encourage illegal drug use, and truthfully I don't think that I would be able to bring myself to use weed if it wasn't legal for me to do so. I am kinda squeaky clean, except for speeding occasionally in my sports car on the back roads. Thanks for reading.

hugs,

Stephanie