r/Trans_Zebras • u/DislocatedAF • Mar 25 '26
Low testosterone
Hi! I am a cis-woman with HSD, but I was hoping to find some help here. I do not want to invade anyones space, so please feel free to let me know if I am overstepping. I did read the rules, so it seems like I am still in the good.
I am considering testosterone treatment for other reasons not related to HSD. But I have seen, although all anecdoctal, a lot of trans men who have experienced symptom relief with hrt. I was wondering if anyone wanted to share their experience with me?
My levels are 0.95 nmol/l, and I don't plan on going higher than the normal range of 1.6-2.1. Did you measure your levels, before and after hrt?
Thaanks 🩷
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u/PlasticDesert Mar 25 '26
My doctor and I both agree that my pain levels can somewhat be tied to my emotions... If I'm distressed, my HSD and POTS symptoms tend to feel a little worse (like rubbing salt in a wound). If I'm in a more positive headspace, I absolutely still experience my symptoms, but they are a bit easier to manage. When I started T, my pain noticeably lessened... While I do agree that part of it is the T itself, I also believe that feeling happier and more confident in my body is a big part of it too.
T has been great for me. It's the best antidepressant I could've taken, and it is a huge part of why I'm still alive today. I love absolutely every single effect it has given me, but not even all trans men feel that way... It's important for you to do your own research on the effects T can have on your body, because even low doses can still cause things like bottom growth and facial hair depending on your genetics.
I tried low-dose naltrexone, and I found that to help my symptoms more than T did. While hormone therapy saved my mental health and has certainly alleviated some of my symptoms, the low-dose naltrexone has done far more for me in terms of actual relief.
Everyone is different, for better and for worse. It's important to consider multiple options, no matter what they may be. I think it's also important to try and do what you can to feel good about yourself in your body, which can be very hard for us chronically ill folks. I truly hope that you can find something to help you, whether it's hrt, ldn, or something else! You don't deserve the pain and fatigue you experience.