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PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 12:47 pm


I know there are quite a few guys who self-medicate themselves, I've never really spoken to them, mostly because up until now I've been less accepting of the idea, but as days go by and I find myself therapist-less, I'm looking into it. I'm not asking for tips or that jazz, but what're your opinions on it?

And relatedly, what're some of the feelings starting T has? I've heard one just feels natural, but the physical aspects, what about them?
PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:02 pm


Just say no, kids.
Hormones are powerful stuff and not to be mucked around with unless you're trained in that sort of thing. I don't trust self-medicating AT ALL.

Couldn't tell you what it's like to start T, but I imagine it's a bit of a buzz at finally getting started.

Spatterdash


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PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:51 pm


It's worth the wait for a therapist and trained professionals. Trust me, self-medicating is bad business, there's a number of things that could go wrong or cause problems if you do that.
PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:28 pm



Agreed with the other two. I'm therapist-less, but I'll still rather wait than going and screwing something up horrible. D:

Nephram


Anhedonic Hedonist

PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:59 pm


confused I imagine that self medicating cannot be smart, but trust me. I so know the temptation. Goddammit, I swear if I got the chance I'd do it in a heartbeat... I think. It depends. I don't want to mess around with my body not knowing what I'm doing, but I don't wanna wait.

Don't be a naughty boy like me and think stuff like that! Self medication, no matter how tempting, is a no-no! It's probably expensive and what if you have to inject yourself?! And again, it can be dangerous! I'm not really sure how... but I just know it would be. Otherwise we wouldn't have to wait gonk .
PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 5:54 pm


I've got Soul but...



精神
"I know, everyone is saying 'Oh, It's bad, no do, no do!' but they're not saying why. It's important for me to know WHY I can't do something, and if it's important to you, I have some speculations as to the why aspect.

!- Like any drug gained through unlawful means, the testosterone you get from 'not-a-doctor' is likely to be CONTAMINATED. -dundundun- With what, I have no idea. =/ ....Stuff. Maybe you think you're takin' T, and you are, and it feels GREAT, but next thing you know, OH NOEZ, I R A HEROINE ADDICT. D=

@- Overdose. DUDE, WHAT IF YOU O.D. ON MANLINESS? XD You could get so manly, you have to shave THREE TIMES A DAY? And your pit/leg hair grows so fast, YOU CAN BRAID IT? D= And...'IT' WON'T FIT ANYWHERE? D= XD Alright, being unrealistic, but seriously. Too much of anything is a BAD THING. If you can O.D. on cough syrup and energy drinks, you can O.D. on hormones.

#- You gotta inject testosterone. And with injection comes needles, and with needles comes the ever-present fear of the dreaded HIV/AIDS. In a clinic, you wouldn't have to worry about that, because they have unlimited syringes and needles at their disposal. Anyone who deals hormones unlawfully probably isn't gunna have a huge supply. What if you use one some else uses? D= Ew, GRODY.

$- I don't think there are many guys who will unlawfully deal testosterone. XD Where's the money in it.

Anyway, that's my...two cents. =/ I know the temptation is strong. XD I'd do anything to get my boobs removed, even if I had to go to a back-alley surgeon. EXAGGERATION. D= I would do a lot, though. XD

I L Y. D= Sorry if I seem like a p***k.
"

兵士


...I'm not a Soldier

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:15 pm


Thanks for the concern you guys, but I said I was only /considering/ it. Anyroad, I'm very aware of the dangers, believe it or not. xD

To clear some misconceptions, taking more T doesn't make you manlier. In fact, too much could make excess amount into estrogen and that is exactly what none of us want. =P Sterile needles are easy and hormones are actually relatively inexpensive, and legit stuff not so hard to find. Plus, I get the having to inject myself, when I was younger, the nurses used to let me help give myself and my siblings shots come vaccination time.

To clear it up, I've done my research. ;]

Soraachan, I'm not sure, but if someone walked into my room to find me like some giant, muscley beast, they'd mount me and claim I was a bear they'd shot. xD
PostPosted: Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:12 pm


As Seen on TV!
Thanks for the concern you guys, but I said I was only /considering/ it. Anyroad, I'm very aware of the dangers, believe it or not. xD

To clear some misconceptions, taking more T doesn't make you manlier. In fact, too much could make excess amount into estrogen and that is exactly what none of us want. =P Sterile needles are easy and hormones are actually relatively inexpensive, and legit stuff not so hard to find. Plus, I get the having to inject myself, when I was younger, the nurses used to let me help give myself and my siblings shots come vaccination time.

To clear it up, I've done my research. ;]

Soraachan, I'm not sure, but if someone walked into my room to find me like some giant, muscley beast, they'd mount me and claim I was a bear they'd shot. xD


Well...technically there is a risk whenever needles are involved anyway guys. I'm not saying 'Hey you have clean needles go do it!', because too many people would -.-. As long as you do your research, know what you're doing, maybe have someone else show you how first hand, then I guess I really don't see the big deal. I mean you could royally screw yourself up and what not but....meh, the choice is yours. -shrugs- I don't have a therapist in my area either, nor can I pay for it as a poor college student about to lose his job...but que sera sera you know. ^^' Just be careful if you go to do it. I wouldnt' reccomend it....meh.

AcidicTouch


Nathan Dorian
Captain

PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:12 am


I won't lecture you, because everyone has pretty much said what I think. Besides, waiting to get it safely and legally just proves to professionals that you're right for it, it's in your best interests.

But, you want to know the physical aspects of T?

Wikipedia
Changes

Irreversible changes

* deepening of the voice,
* growth of facial and body hair,
* male pattern baldness (in some individuals),
* an enlargement of the clitoris,
* growth spurt and closure of growth plates if given before the end of puberty, and
* possible shrinking and/or softening of breasts, although this is due to changes in fat tissue.

Reversible changes

* increased libido,
* redistribution of body fat,
* cessation of ovulation and menstruation,
* further muscle development (especially upper body),
* increased sweat and changes in body odor,
* prominence of veins and coarser skin,
* acne (especially in the first few years of therapy),
* alterations in blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), and
* increased red blood cell count.

The psychological changes are harder to define, since HRT is usually the first physical action that takes place when transitioning. This fact alone has a significant psychological impact, which is hard to distinguish from hormonally induced changes. Most transmen report an increase of energy and an increased sex drive. Many also report feeling more confident.

While a high level of testosterone is often associated with an increase in aggression, this is not a noticeable effect in most transmen. HRT doses of testosterone are much lower than the typical doses taken by steroid-using athletes, and create testosterone levels comparable to those of most non-trans men. These levels of testosterone have not been proven to cause more aggression than comparable levels of estrogen. It is assumed that the effect of the start of physical treatment is such a relief, and decreases pre-existing aggression so much, that the overall level of aggression actually decreases.

Some transmen are unable to pass as men without hormones. The most commonly cited reason for this is that their voice may reveal them.

Contraindications

Several contraindications to androgen therapy exist. An absolute medical contraindication is pregnancy

Relative medical contraindications are:

* androgen sensitive epilepsy,
* migraines,
* sleep apnea,
* polycythemia (elevated red blood cell count,)
* cardiac failure, renal failure, or severe hypertension susceptible to salt retention and fluid overload
* significant liver disease
* coronary artery disease or risk factors for CAD
* history of uterine cancer
* bleeding disorders (for injected testosterone)
* significant history of violent behavior
* history of breast cancer (testosterone has anti-proliferative effects on most but not all breast cancers)


It usually takes about two years to receive all physical puberty aspects of T.
PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 8:48 am


I said why, Ed! They're really powerful things and not to be messed with - Darky's listed all the effects for you. And yeah, it's a gradual thing, but if you're self-medicating, you may get the dosage wrong, or get hold of something which isn't medical-grade T, or all kinds of other stuff. Like any prescription drug, it's not made commonly available to all because it's something that's best for you when regulated by people who know all about what they're doing and what they're giving to you.

I'm sure you have done your research, and that it is a great temptation, but it just seems very risky.

Spatterdash


Lyneun

PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 9:43 am


Well, that gives one a bit to think about. The list was pretty helpful, too.
PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:17 pm


Spatterdash
I said why, Ed! They're really powerful things and not to be messed with - Darky's listed all the effects for you. And yeah, it's a gradual thing, but if you're self-medicating, you may get the dosage wrong, or get hold of something which isn't medical-grade T, or all kinds of other stuff. Like any prescription drug, it's not made commonly available to all because it's something that's best for you when regulated by people who know all about what they're doing and what they're giving to you.

I'm sure you have done your research, and that it is a great temptation, but it just seems very risky.
Seriously. Would you self-medicate for cancer?
Doctors go to school for years and years for the very important reason that they need that long to have a clue about the human body. No self-medication if you want to live past twenty-five.
 

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PostPosted: Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:20 pm


Draydrigo, plenty of guys self-medicate and live past 25. =P

Anyway, I'm surprised how much info is such a repeat to me, but having spent hours on the web over this, I shouldn't be so much. Related question, anyone have an average of how long one must see a therapist before obtaining a 'diagnosis' of transsexuality / 'gender identity disorder'.
PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:05 pm


As Seen on TV!
Draydrigo, plenty of guys self-medicate and live past 25. =P

Anyway, I'm surprised how much info is such a repeat to me, but having spent hours on the web over this, I shouldn't be so much. Related question, anyone have an average of how long one must see a therapist before obtaining a 'diagnosis' of transsexuality / 'gender identity disorder'.


It depends entirely on where you are, who you see, who you were sent by, your mental health, etc.

Some people get counselling for months/years because they need it, before being diagnosed in order to transition.

I saw a psychiatrist and was diagnosed within 30 minutes and didn't have to see him again.

Nathan Dorian
Captain


Hanaurimusume

PostPosted: Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:15 pm


[I was always kind of confused at the exact definition of self-medicating. I didn't know whether it referred to as not being monitored medically while on T, or the actual acquiring of T.

Some people may shoot me down on this but, I think if there is absolutely no way you can access a psychiatrist, have already seen one in the past and don't feel the need to go again, or another valid reason, then no, I don't think seeking T on your own is necessarily a bad thing as long as you do your research and are responsible about it.
Even though I actually went to a therapist and psychiatrist, I got my T without a letter and without needing any type of proof of counsellings. All I did was ask for the prescription and acknowledge that I had done my research. I was in therapy for 3 years prior because I wanted to be to work out a lot of different issues.

Going on T and NOT being monitored medically is a BAD idea. I am NOT in support of this for all the reasons listed above, so I won't repeat them. If you DO acquire T like I did, and you don't have anyone making appointments for you, you have to book appointments with endocrinologists to have blood work done periodically, and it's also good to see a gynecologist t make sure everything is going alright down there both before AND after you start T. These things are a MUST MUST MUST.
]
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Surgery, Hormones, Etc.

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