This American Life: Testosterone

[anorchid (imported)]

Old TAL episode on T:

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/220/testosterone

Starts out with “Life at Zero”, about a guy who wasn’t making T for 4 months

Personally I can’t really relate to the story, and I did a bit over 4 months of “Life at Zero” myself. I mean, maybe a little, but it seems a bit embellished to me.

Interesting episode though, if nothing else!

What say the members of EA?

[notsomanly (imported)]

I agree. The guy's experience wasn't much like mine either. It does seem embellished, but who knows?

[notsomanly (imported)]

I was castrated surgically in January and agree partially with the “Life at Zero” story on that without testosterone (or almost without it, every person has the adrenal glands producing small amounts) one sees things more objectively. My explanation is that the sexual drive caused by testosterone is practically non-existent and not disturbing, therefore not causing bias. But my experience – contrary to the story - is that other desires than sexual do not disappear, for example, my desire to eat and make music are higher since castration. Again, because the sexual drive is not disturbing so I can more easily focus on and enjoy other beautiful things in life.

My experience is very similar. My loss of sex drive has been accompanied by increased interest in all the other positive aspects of my life. Sex drive was disturbing for me too and I never want it back. I also agree that I am far more objective about my life and others I interact with. I've replaced testosterone with estradiol to maintain healthy bones and keep my mind sharp. I am also enjoying becoming feminized. It may all be in my mind, but I feel more kinship with women than before. It's so great to take sexuality out of the equation.

[Varys2013 (imported)]

My experience is very similar. My loss of sex drive has been accompanied by increased interest in all the other positive aspects of my life. Sex drive was disturbing for me too and I never want it back. I also agree that I am far more objective about my life and others I interact with. I've replaced testosterone with estradiol to maintain healthy bones and keep my mind sharp. I am also enjoying becoming feminized. It may all be in my mind, but I feel more kinship with women than before. It's so great to take sexuality out of the equation.

Hi there, notsomanly. You're in the same place I want to be. How have you chosen to use estradiol? I just had my surgery, and am looking for exactly what you're doing. There are so many options for estrogen replacement, I'm a little lost as to where to begin. Thanks in advance!

[notsomanly (imported)]

Hi there, notsomanly. You're in the same place I want to be. How have you chosen to use estradiol? I just had my surgery, and am looking for exactly what you're doing. There are so many options for estrogen replacement, I'm a little lost as to where to begin. Thanks in advance!

Sorry I didn't see this before now. I've been taking Estrofem 2 mg/day rectally. That alone sharpened my mind and should be protecting my bones. I added micronized progesterone 200 mg/day, initially because I was curious about breast growth, but have stayed on it even though breasts have stopped being novel because I just feel better than ever. I ran out of my supply of both about three weeks ago and I don't think it's my imagination that I'm less sharp and not generally feeling at the top of my game. I can't wait for the delayed shipment to arrive. I even told my internist about my experienced, but she felt limited in referring me to an endocrinologist because I didn't fit the standard of care the hospital system mandates.

[hormonalEunuch (imported)]

I haven't heard the episode, but when my T crashed, it was many months before I found a doc who was willing to listen. I was crushingly depressed (ideating suicide), had terrible mood swings between sobbing and uncontrollable rage, massive weight gain (~100lbs), no energy, zero sex drive, hot flashes... After 3 years now on synthetic T, I'm mostly back to normal, except I'm still working on losing the excess weight—I'm still about 30 lbs over my target.

I had a miserable time as a eunuch—never want to go back to that again.

[notsomanly (imported)]

I'm back on estradiol and progesterone and back to feeling fantastic.