The downsides to HRT/testosterone
I’ve only had one or two people ask if I regret transitioning and the answer is of course no; it was either do this or die. I’m much, much happier now and I would like to preface this post by saying that the benefits of taking testosterone far outweigh the drawbacks. I’m making this post as another mile-marker in my journey (so that one day I can look back at this to see where I was at almost 11 months into T) and so that anyone else reading, whether you’re someone looking into starting testosterone or a parent whose kid is taking testosterone, can read about my experience and gain some insight.
Like I said, I’m only about 11 months into testosterone. There are some drawbacks. Acne, for one. Like, my god, when will it end??? I know it will, but right now it looks like puberty got angry - real angry - and beat me in the face, back, arms and ass with the acne stick.
I still get turned on at random, inconvenient times and I wish to god there were a button to just shut it off. My sex life has vastly improved which I am grateful for, but sometimes I get really cranky if I can’t take care of business before work or whatever.
This isn’t something I expected but I actually get jealous when I buy a shirt and my partner puts it on and looks better than me in it. Like wtf John, that’s my shirt first of all, you fiend, and I thought blue was my color?!! Ugh. I can’t tell you how many shirts I’ve given the guy because he looks damn good wearing them. (On the flip side, it’s also really attractive when I find him wearing my clothes.)
I am more patient with people which is good, but part of that is because it takes me SOOO long to sort through my own thoughts and emotions that I just sit there. People are like “wow you’re a good listener!” and I’m like “I mean, it’s because I’m daft and not very self-aware, but thanks.”
And I’m hungry. All the time. Even right now. I just ate and I’m still hungry. Can I just not be hungry for five seconds?
Oh yeah, and nose hair. So that’s a thing...
