Fear of stopping HRT how common is it

[Chesleyt (imported)]

I stopped taking my testosterone 3 weeks ago and am feeling better but I get little panic attacks about it like am I going to be able to go through with it, what do I have to expect from no testosterone, how do I keep from gaining weight and losing muscle, I don't want to look like a girl since castration I'm afraid people will look at me and think I'm more feminine. I've became very aware of my masculinity and do everything to look more masculine. I've grown out my beard bought manly t shirts with graphics on them that are definitely masculine, I've gone commando feeling that is more manly. Before castration I never cared about my masculinity now I'm obsessed with it. Is this normal?

[seanthomas (imported)]

I stopped taking my testosterone 3 weeks ago and am feeling better but I get little panic attacks about it like am I going to be able to go through with it, what do I have to expect from no testosterone, how do I keep from gaining weight and losing muscle, I don't want to look like a girl since castration I'm afraid people will look at me and think I'm more feminine. I've became very aware of my masculinity and do everything to look more masculine. I've grown out my beard bought manly t shirts with graphics on them that are definitely masculine, I've gone commando feeling that is more manly. Before castration I never cared about my masculinity now I'm obsessed with it. Is this normal?

The effects of no testosterone vary with each individual and I have been off the juice for about two years and castrated for about 4. Much will depend on your age and general health as to how your body will react. You can expect some weight gain, a decrease in energy (contributing to the weight gain) and some have night sweats and lower libido. If all was well before you'll still be able to get an erection but don't expect it to be the same as when on TRT. You may have night sweats or hot flashes but they will settle down in time. You may or may not experience some cognitive effects or lack of motivation (again diet and exercise).

Personally I believe attitude has a lot to do with how you cope. Stay positive. Exercise more often than you think you need to and watch your diet. As far a making you look feminine don't worry, nothing there should change much. You may grow "man boobs" but it you have been on TRT for any length of time you probably already have (as testosterone converts to estadiol the female hormone estrogen). Wear a sports bra to hide them. As for the benefits, you'll most likely feel calmer and just over-all serene. You may sleep better. Some men love the no testosterone effect, while others get depressed and have issues. The only way you'll know is to give it a few months and see.

[Supranatural (imported)]

I stopped taking my testosterone 3 weeks ago and am feeling better but I get little panic attacks about it like am I going to be able to go through with it, what do I have to expect from no testosterone, how do I keep from gaining weight and losing muscle, I don't want to look like a girl since castration I'm afraid people will look at me and think I'm more feminine. I've became very aware of my masculinity and do everything to look more masculine. I've grown out my beard bought manly t shirts with graphics on them that are definitely masculine, I've gone commando feeling that is more manly. Before castration I never cared about my masculinity now I'm obsessed with it. Is this normal?

As seanthomas said, It depends on each and every person. I'm currently going through a rough patch right now from pretty much zero-T left in me. For me, I am having positive and negative mental waves of thoughts/feelings/ideas passing through me, which is nice when it is good, but awful when it is bad. But I, like you, probably just need to be patient with it all to let your mind settle to its new stance.

Make sure you are taking care of yourself, don't be hard on yourself. Be forgiving of yourself. Get as much sleep as you can. Have someone you can trust near you or at hand in case you mentally deteriorate too much. Reduce your stressors in life. Stay hydrated. If it gets too bad then take anti-depression/anxiety meds, or go on a low dose of T.

And if you need to ask anything, then just ask us either in a thread or PM

[spookibus (imported)]

I worry more about how I felt when my T crashed in 2014-2015. No energy, no memory, severe mental fog all day every day. I have a job (which I love) where I need to be mentally sharp, I'd like to try going off HRT but I'm afraid to based on my experience before. I'm nearing retirement (16 months) and I may try going off it once I do.

[Arab Nights (imported)]

Congratulations on a job you love and I hope some of the experienced people here can give you good advice. On a totally different subject, what are you going to do when you retire? Can you tweek your skills and continue? 65 is years ago in my rear mirror and I continue working just because I know how to do a lot of things. No drama. I hope you can continue.