The Effects of Hormones
In August of 2000 I started Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and
since that time I've been asked for some kind of description as to
the effects that estrogen has had upon my system. For those of you
interested, I'm taking Premarin, a conjugated estrogen, (2.5mg -
2/day) and no anti-androgens.
- Body Hair
Body hair is noticeable finer, less dense, lighter in color
overall and altogether gone in some locations.
The effects of estrogen do NOT include a reduction of facial hair
however it has become obvious to myself and my electrologist that
facial hair does reduce the rate at which facial hair grows, seems
to prevent the development of new hairs, and reduces the incidence
of vellus hairs transforming into coarse terminal hairs.
- Scalp Hair
Scalp hair seems to be somewhat stronger, it is longer than it has
ever been but has also become much more dry. The recession of the
hairline has halted and with the addition of topical minoxidil is
showing some signs of refilling in bare spots. There is no
noticeable advancement of the hairline however.
- Skin
Skin has become somewhat softer but this is a highly subjective
measure. Oil production has significantly decreased especially in
the facial area. A moisturizer has become generally necessary
although I still need to be sure it is a non-oily compound.
- Nails
Finger nails are more brittle, less strong overall. This is a
common effect of estrogen usage however in my case it may also
have been augmented by the return of the bad habit of chewing my
fingernails - on which I blame graduate school. Toe nails seem
largely unchanged since the onset of estrogen.
- Body Shape and Weight
Minor redistribution of fat deposits: hips are slightly wider, and
my derriere is more prominent. Mens' slacks no longer fit as well
while womens' are no longer as "baggy" around the hips and rear.
Overall my weight has remained the same although redistribution
has been noticeable. My face is more full and some of the harsh
angles have softened a bit giving a subtly more feminine
appearance.
- Bust Development
Yes, estrogen will cause breast growth in genetic males. The
extent of such development is usually about a cup size less than
your immediate female relatives (mother & sisters). Obviously
this will vary some and the effects are more pronounced the
earlier one begins. My family is singularly ungifted in this
particualr area so while I hoped for the best I expected much
less. And now the effect everyone always seems so curious
about....
- Privates
The above effects do not come without a price to those attributes
one usually associates with Freudian manhood. My testes have
significantly shrunk and the production of sperm and seminal fluid
dropped to near zero within 6-8 months of starting treatment.
Flacid size of the penis has reduced as well in both length and
girth. Erections are noticeably harder to achieve (spontaneous
erections have been eliminated), less rigid, and harder to
sustain. Erect length of the shaft has remained essentially the
same but girth has decreased substantially.
- Miscellaneous Physical
Impacts
Not much more to tell here although I do want to offer fair
warning that estrogen has played havoc with my ability to
metabolize alcohol. I am much more susceptible to its effects and
have to watch how much I drink much more carefully.
- Mental Effects
My first few months on estrogen were marked by an inability to
concentrate. Thoughts would fly from one topic to another and
keeping my focus on any one subject was very taxing. At some
indeterminant point this seemed to settle down and develop into a
form of multi-tasking capability. I'm much more likely to be able
to run three or four tasks simultaneously now instead of having to
drive one to completion before moving on. I also seem to be better
able to keep up with the rapid pace of topic switches that seems
to mark the normal conversation of my female friends.
- Emotional Effects
This has been something of a surprise. Most anecdotal accounts of
hormone treatment include some aspect of increased moodiness. To
date I have seen little or no evidence of this (general
confirmation from my sweetie and close friends corroborate this).
The dreaded hysterics of a second puberty haven't manifested. I do
seem somewhat more prone to emotive responses such as crying at
movies but its hard to tell since I always was a bit of a softy.
One thing special to note. I did go off the estrogen for a period
of about four months and discovered very quickly that unchecked
testosterone influences one's temper. I did have a tendency to get
peeved at some truly trivial issues.
- Miscellaneous Other
Impacts
I never realized how much guys think about sex... Until I realized
I wasn't thinking about sex anymore. My sex drive and sexual
thoughts in general have been dramatically reduced. Snuggly,
romantic evenings and doing stuff for my sweetie are much more
likely to occur to me than the desire for sexual contact. This may
be part of an overall drop in both drive and motivation that
really began to manifest itself about the mid-point of 2002. There
is the possibility that this may have been unrelated to the
estrogen however since there were other contributing factors.