I think it's more a spironolactone thing, but anecdotally, a lot of folks I know, myself included, got rather depressed around the 6 month mark for a month or so, around when their T and also E levels were both low (also progress only just barely being somewhat visible in photo comparisons by this point contributes a bit). Depending on meds, that may or may not be a thing for you; some places try to avoid this state more than others, and it's basically menopause complete with occasional hot flashes. But anyway, if you get really depressed around that time, that's kinda to be expected, and it will probably resolve itself in a month or two if your levels get to where they need to be.
Likewise, if you do end up on Spironolactone (and to anyone else on it): you'll want to increase salt intake. It flushes a lot of salt out of your body, which has a feedback loop where your body becomes less able to maintain hydration, you drink more water, you pee more which flushes out more salt, etc. A lot of folks I know get into this feedback loop and end up in what is probably a mild hyponatremia state, where they have an unquenchable thirst bc they don't have enough salt. Your body is very good at maintaining sodium levels (because otherwise you die) so some advice for anyone on Spironolactone: your body makes salt taste better when you need more of it. If instead of merely salty, salt tastes like a gift from the gods descended from the heavens as a reward to you personally, you probably need more salt! Having enough salt allows your body to retain water better, decreasing the frequency of using the restroom and resolving that unquenchable thirst you're feeling (lack of salt also can lead to headaches, which salt resolves). So if you find yourself in that state, a pinch of salt (or very salty snacks) can resolve the issue.
Overall, expect a bunch of body weirdness. Hips move around a bit, so you may find you have bad hip pain for a few weeks at some point, along with how you hold yourself and walk shifting a bit. If you bite your nails, get out of the habit of that, as they grow faster but thinner. Your body's smell will change, which is often one of the first changes (usually within the first week or two). Down below, things will be weird for a while; libido often changes at least once, as does the stimuli it responds well to; and the feeling of it will at some point likely change to more of a full-body experience than the more localized one you're used to. Basically, welcome to Puberty 2: Exploring Your Sexuality (Again).
For tracking progress, I recommend keeping a little medical diary: note down relevant info like blood test results, any changes you experience w/ the dates they happened, and so on. As well as selfies at least every 3ish months. Changes tend to be fairly ambiguous for selfies within 6 months of each other, but cumulatively, you'll start seeing undeniable changes within 6-12 months which is quite nice to have visually in front of you when it feels like things are taking forever to change.
Also, it may take a while for levels to get where you want them. Took mine nearly a year before they got into the target ranges where T production was being properly suppressed. But it may also be quick: I know a lot of trans folks end up finding they're some degree of intersex, and have levels halfway to the targets before even taking any meds; and some who just get to target levels nearly immediately after the dose is ramped up to the usual amount. So far as I'm aware, there isn't evidence either way on whether it even matters in the long term, so don't stress out about that.
Another very important thing: This is puberty! Your body is growing and changing and adding entire cubic inches of tissue and such to different areas! Eat! A loooot of trans folks unfortunately have eating disorders. In addition to all the other harms of those, the visual changes from hormones come in large part from changes to fat and muscle distribution. Make sure you get enough to eat or your body won't have the fuel it needs for the changes you desire.
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Topic: LGBTQ+ Thread (Read 54198 times)