I am man, hear me roar....a nice side effect of HRT

[Kindle 8,667]

For anyone that missed it, my PCP tested my hormone levels awhile back and turns out I had low testosterone (normal is 20-80 and mine was 11) so I started testosterone replacement therapy. A few weeks after starting HRT, I was putting on my "fancy with the bling on the pockets, can't even wear underwear cause they're so tight" jeans to go to a Kentucky Derby party. Surprisingly, they weren't really that tight. And standing in front of the mirror, I noticed my collar bones were a little more prominent and my ribs were pokin out.

So the next Monday at work I stepped on the scale and it read 135. The lowest number I've ever seen and that was after a weekend of consuming mass quantities of bourbon and sugar disguised as mint julips along with fried chicken, potatoes, and don't forget about all the cupcakes. Must be a fluke I thought. So for the next few weeks I stepped on the scale each Monday and turns out no, it wasn't a fluke. Apparently my normal weight range has dropped from 140-142 to 135-137.

All I can think is its gotta be the testosterone because I'm not dong anything different than I have for the last year. As of last week, my testosterone level was up to 41, and there is a noticeable improvement in my mood and energy level. So between my endometrial ablation that resulted in cessation of menstruation, my complete loss of boobs and butt from WLS, and a boost in testosterone, I guess I've truly let loose my "inner man"..... And he's a much happier, skinnier version of the sad, exhausted woman I was just two months ago.

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@Kindle lmao...congrats!!!

[Valentina 2,642]

For anyone that missed it, my PCP tested my hormone levels awhile back and turns out I had low testosterone (normal is 20-80 and mine was 11) so I started testosterone replacement therapy. A few weeks after starting HRT, I was putting on my "fancy with the bling on the pockets, can't even wear underwear cause they're so tight" jeans to go to a Kentucky Derby party. Surprisingly, they weren't really that tight. And standing in front of the mirror, I noticed my collar bones were a little more prominent and my ribs were pokin out.

So the next Monday at work I stepped on the scale and it read 135. The lowest number I've ever seen and that was after a weekend of consuming mass quantities of bourbon and sugar disguised as mint julips along with fried chicken, potatoes, and don't forget about all the cupcakes. Must be a fluke I thought. So for the next few weeks I stepped on the scale each Monday and turns out no, it wasn't a fluke. Apparently my normal weight range has dropped from 140-142 to 135-137.

All I can think is its gotta be the testosterone because I'm not dong anything different than I have for the last year. As of last week, my testosterone level was up to 41, and there is a noticeable improvement in my mood and energy level. So between my endometrial ablation that resulted in cessation of menstruation, my complete loss of boobs and butt from WLS, and a boost in testosterone, I guess I've truly let loose my "inner man"..... And he's a much happier, skinnier version of the sad, exhausted woman I was just two months ago.

What the hell?. As long as "the two of you" are happy...

Oh no! Are you now going to have to choose the correct bathroom to use like our transgender folks? Oh, bother.

I really like the "happier" contribution of "his" to your persona. Yep, like that a lot.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

@@Kindle -- I'm so glad to hear you're feeling so much better. And the 135 number on the scales is great news, too.

I also want to say how impressive to me your self-care has been these last few years. You're a strong role model for many. Your transparency helps so much.

Thank you.

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

@@Kindle was there a reason it was checked? I'm not sure I've ever had mine checked. Glad it's making such a great difference!!

[Read2016 658]

@therealmeishere... I don't think they check in women as part of routine screening... I never had mine checked until I saw an endocrinologist, mine was elevated which was the reason for symptoms I was experience at the time....

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[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

how would I know if I need mine checked?

[Kindle 8,667]

@@Kindle was there a reason it was checked? !

Kind of a long story.....

At the suggestion of my therapist, I went in to talk about getting a prescription for wellbutrin. My depression was only getting worse. About two years earlier, My PCP's wife had been struggling with emotional issues....they actually thought she was bipolar. At some point they discovered she had really low testosterone. After consulting with specialists at the mayo clinic, they started her on HRT and she is a different person. All of her symptoms of depression and fatigue are gone. She's kind of become an expert on HRT at this point.

So hormone levels and their effects just happened to be something my PCP was familiar with. I basically lucked out, no one else would have thought to test. Like @ said, it's just not something they check in women. It's too bad because there may be a LOT of women out there struggling with depression, exhaustion, weight gain, and low libido that are misdiagnosed and put on an antidepressant and diet instead of checking hormone levels. Ironically, OB/Gyn's are the number one prescriber of antidepressants when they should actually be the most aware of the effects of wonky hormone levels on women.

And, BTW, my estrogen and progesterone levels were perfect, so the "normal" tests they do on women would not have indicated a hormonal problem.

[Read2016 658]

@the realmeishere I was having extreme weight gain in a short period, 20lbs in 6 weeks... As well as thinning hair and acne which I never had a pimple as a teenager... None of it life threatening but to me if things are happening that never have before you need to pay attention...no doctor before the endocrinologist ever mentioned it... It's just another test the perform on the blood they draw, don't see why you can't request to have one.

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[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

I have an appointment coming up in a week. They are drawing blood anyway, I'm going to request they check my testosterone, also. I have been experiencing depression, anxiety and a hard time maintaining weight loss. I'm maintaining, but it feels like a tenuous tightrope. PLUS.........now I'm just plain ol' curious!

[Read2016 658]

Keep us posted

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[LipstickLady 25,682]

Hopefully you don't get too manly!!

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@NYTeacher how do they treat an elevated testosterone?

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[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

They make you do your own laundry.

[Read2016 658]

@kristenle... In my case they gave me spirolatine( this is spelled wrong) spiro for short taken daily... I am on a the lowest dose, I had a very slight elevation... It resolves my acne, I told a some else about it, solved their problems too...

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Edited May 26, 2016 by nyteacher125