Low T or Provera and mood swings/anxiety

[JessicaH (imported)]

I have a good friend who is TG and she is suddenly having real strong mood swings, anxiety and feeling insecure where as a guy, she was VERY strong and secure and very much an over achiever.

She has been on HRT for about 2 1/2 months. She thinks it is the 10mg of provera she is taking a day on top of the Estrogen patches and pills but I told her I think it is more likely effects of her T finally dropping to a low range but I wasnt sure without seeing lab results.

So what is the opinion of those with experience in these sort of hormones? Did you get these symptoms with just lowering T? Thanks for the feedback everyone!

[Caith721 (imported)]

It's certainly a possibility. The only real way to determine the cause is blood tests to measure her free T level, as well as LH, FSH, and E. Since she's taking these meds, I presume she sees an endocrinologist at least every few weeks at the beginning, and twice a year after her endocrine levels are determined to be stable.

This is why it is *SO* important for most TS people to regularly visit their psychotherapists. Dealing with the new, wider range of emotions is something many people aren't prepared to handle. This is where the therapist is most valuable, helping the client learn and adjust.

[italmusclebtm (imported)]

I've seen quite a few anecdotal accounts over the years that lead me to suspect the Provera is a big part of what she's experiencing. Most likely, each of the factors play some part. I've also heard that using natural progesterone instead of a synthetic progestin like Provera can make the extreme negative swings somewhat less pronounced for some people.

This is clearly also the type of situation where individual effects may vary... and even the more familiar medical experts would even themselves at best be making an educated guess. Even within the community of doctors who specialize in treating the transgendered, there is no consensus on the best approach or regimen. That says a lot too, if you think about it.

[Matthew 19:12 (imported)]

What does your signature mean please? Did someone tell you you need to go back to a miserable level of existence?