Before I start let me just say it’s unwise and unhealthy to just start taking a high dose of estrogen. You probably can but for the reasons underlined below, you definately shouldn’t!
Estrogen should only be taken under the supervision of a health care professional.
Not to put too fine a point on it but first of all there’s not just the health complications but mental health issues as well.
Taking high doses of estrogen can have a range of physical and mental side effects for someone who is genetically male. This coupled with testosterone blockers can have an effect on both your body and mind.
Here’s a breakdown of why you shouldn’t be taking high doses of estrogen unless supervised.
First off, let’s start with the physical side effects
Changes to Sexual and Reproductive organs
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
High estrogen can make it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection. The urge to have sex is dramatically reduced and even morning erections are significantly reduced.
A decrease in libido
High dosages of estrogen can lead to a reduced interest in sex. This can be a major problem if you are a highly sexual person then maybe you need to question why you would want to take HRT
Infertility
Testosterone plays a major role in sperm production, and low levels of testosterone from testosterone blockers and high levels of estrogen (hrt) which can lower sperm count and affect sperm health/mobility
The recipient will experience smaller testicles (atrophy) and over time this will be coupled with fewer and weaker erections, and a decrease in the volume of ejaculation.
Discharge will also be more fluid and less seminal fluid due to the decreased amount in each discharge.
Over time any one taking testosterone blockers and high volumes of estrogen may become infertile. The longer HRT continues the more likely the recipient will become infertile, permanently.
Your body will also change and the following will happen.
Your body and physical appearance
Fat redistribution
Body fat and weight gain may increase, especially gynaecomastia or enlargement of breast tissues, this is sometimes called “man boobs”. Beasts may become tender and swollen.
Body fat may shift to areas to that are more typical of female fat distribution, such as the hips and chest.
You may also experience muscle loss with muscle tone and muscle tone may decrease leading to a less firm physique.
Weight gain
Weight gain is also a side effect especially around the abdomen and derriere. You may also experience water retention which can lead to facial swelling.
Hair growth
Body hair growth on the body and face may decrease or thin over time. However if you have very dark coarse hair this will not demolish without external factors such as laser treatment.
Skin
Skin will become softer and less oily. Skin will also become much smoother and dryer.
More serious effects are possible increased risk of blood clots, risk of stroke or cardiovascular issues and studies have shown high estrogen levels may increase blood pressure and other cardio vascular issues.
Hot flushes, sweating, tiredness and fatigue, along with feelings of low energy and motivation.
More serious issues
There is also potential for an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and reduced bone density or osteoporosis. Estrogen imbalances can affect bone density over time.
All of these effects are physical and are things are that people talk about but what they don’t tell you about is…..
The mental side effects
Mood Changes, this can get worse as high estrogen levels can contribute to mood swings and increased emotional sensitivity and stability.
Anxiety and irritability can affect some individuals. I know from personal experience this has massively increased for me, the anxiety sometimes is unbearable and this then leads on to the next thing.
Depression
Elevated estrogen levels increase the risk of feeling depressed and gloomy.
Next up is the fatigue, low energy and. motivation. The persistent tiredness can significantly impact on mental well-being and motivation.
There are days where even lying in bed is too much effort and as someone who was highly motivated this is a big thing for me.
Memory and cognitive difficulty is related to fatigue in that memory, particularly short term memory, is an issue. Also difficulty concentrating can be a major problem especially with difficult tasks.
Conclusion
The severity and manifestation of these side effects will vary between individuals, sometimes significantly, depending on the dosage of estrogen, individual personal physiology, and individuals health factors.
If you are considering a transgender, male to female, journey therefore genetically male, consider if undergoing estrogen therapy is for you.
You will require close medical supervision to monitor your bloods, liver function, serum sex hormne bonding globin (shbg), estrogen levels, testosterone levels, prolactin, potassium, sodium, lipids and many more levels or these potential side effects may increase.
They then need to be understood by a health care professional
who will adjust your levels of estrogen to manage them appropriately.
Hope this helps?
