Long term lurker here...

For some time I engaged in ethanol injections. In addition to the desired lack of erections & shrinkage, I've been feeling rather lethargic so I went to the Dr. He did a testosterone test and the results came back 24ng/dl... which I take it is low since he wanted to prescribe T. I'm not sure I want to put T back in my system at this point but the lethargy is irritating, so I've ordered a couple months worth of the 50mcg estradiol patches from InHouse for an experiment to see if that will give me any more energy. Also out of curiosity mainly & since I was there, I've ordered a couple of the Depo, thinking perhaps the progesterone might also give an energy boost paired with the E. If the experiment works, perhaps I'll approach the family doctor with the idea. Also being pretty gender-dysphoric, but closeted I'm curious how the proper hormones will feel in the system.

Having little to no experience beyond reading posts here, I'd be glad to hear your thoughts...

Hey @AbbyNormal ,

First, welcome. Glad you are here.

I just googled (and I know, I know Doctor Google is a terrible Doctor) normal testosterone levels and a T level of 24 is very low (remember, that's from Google not a doctor), normal should be at least 10x that. So, yes, having very low T can affect mood, hot flashes, bone loss, hair loss (as in it won't happen), and energy levels.

I'm not a big fan of hormones purchased through the Internet for two reasons. First, you really don't know what you are getting. 2nd, blood work to make sure your hormone levels are in the correct range and that your organs are doing ok should really be done as well.

So, you've already been to your doctor. I'd say go back, tell the doctor the whole story. Your doctor has seen and heard it all from Barbie dolls in peoples rectums to people who think they're a house plant. You won't shock the doc. Ask for help and you will most likely get it. If not, ask why. There might be a very good reason for it.

Once again, glad you are on the forum, looking forward to reading more from you.

I found the fatigue only lasted about a year, gradually getting better. Coffee was my friend and helped revive me. As my body got used to low testosterone the lethargy faded. It was worse about 4-6 months in. Give it time and give your body time to adjust. My doctor was monitoring and said low energy is a (hopefully) temporary side effect.

Don

E will definitely help with your lethargy. Be ready for some breast discomfort and growth. The breast pain is worst the first month or so. The lethargy should go away soon after going on the hrt.

I had the full gamut of low T symptoms after going over a year without hormones. I've been on E for 12 months now and am feeling much better.

After @ 2 months using these low-dose patches, I can report that they have indeed remedied the lethargy. There's been no signs of breast growth (i.e. no growing pains) but there have been other developments. Since starting with these patches, I have been having the most sensational erotic dreams. I have always been bi but had never had any homo-erotic dreams for some reason... until now. After utter disinterest in sex of any kind for so long suddenly these incredibly sensual dreams that are vivid in every detail. Like bam! ...out of nowhere! Is this normal?

Breast growth can take a lot longer to begin, and can take years to complete. Age and genetics also play a factor. E definitely helps with not feeling lethargic as you have found out. I've never used patches to be honest, sort of interested in trying.

I don't know about the dreams to be honest, but hormone treatments did make my sexual attraction change, and I've heard similar from other trans people. Mine shifted towards men, too.

Presently I have no sexual attraction and am quite disgusted by sex related things, but that is wholly unrelated to my hormone levels.

AbbyNormal (imported) wrote: Wed Jan 03, 2018 11:30 am After @ 2 months using these low-dose patches, I can report that they have indeed remedied the lethargy. There's been no signs of breast growth (i.e. no growing pains) but there have been other developments. Since starting with these patches, I have been having the most sensational erotic dreams. I have always been bi but had never had any homo-erotic dreams for some reason... until now. After utter disinterest in sex of any kind for so long suddenly these incredibly sensual dreams that are vivid in every detail. Like bam! ...out of nowhere! Is this normal?

As a side note, I haven't tried the progesterone yet. Can anyone prognosticate what effects I might see from that?