Hi, this is a PSA that if you were diagnosed with PCOS based on ultrasound and irregular menses alone, you should 100% be pursuing further testing.
The Rotterdam criteria for diagnosing PCOS used by many doctors is as follows:
- Oligo-ovulation or anovulation.
- Hyperandrogenism, clinical (including signs such as hirsutism) or biological (including a raised free androgen index or free testosterone).
- Polycystic ovaries visible on ultrasound.
This actually makes NO SENSE because all that polycystic-appearing ovaries tell you is that you didn't ovulate that month, not WHY. Even "normal" women's ovaries appear polycystic 30% of the time. You could have absolutely no androgen excess but suffer from amenorrhea or some kind of ovulatory dysfunction and be diagnosed with PCOS according to this criteria. Then you're being prescribed Metformin and shitting yourself in public (true story) and still not getting your period back because you never had PCOS in the first place. You could have Hypothalamic Amenorrhea or some other issue.
http://www.noperiodnowwhat.com/research/pcos-vs-ha-research-update " in 86% of women in smaller bodies, PCOS is misdiagnosed if HA is not first ruled out, "
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28597496/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25262871/
https://www.larabriden.com/pcos-or-hypothalamic-amenorrhea-or-both
Bottom line: if you were diagnosed w PCOS based on ultrasound and menstrual irregularity alone, PLEASE get a full hormone and thyroid panel at least.
Anybody finding they put muscle on easier? I was just thinking how I've done minimal exercise but have a regular noleg work out from short dance practices, and how my knees are feeling great for the first time in years.
I have complications that mean I'm being completely untreated for my PCOS, and for all the downsides, I hope maybe I'll keep on muscle easier and can start making some gains while I'm in surgery limbo waiting for my new IUD!
I can't control my appetite. In my 6 years of losing and maintaining weight loss, now that my IUD has run out of enough hormone, I'm back to how I felt when I was obese appetite wise. Even with all the learning and discipline. I'm literally always hungry. I've refused to check my measurements out of fear.
Shock of all shocks, when my IUD went in I lost 45lbs in 6 months. Another 30lbs in a year after that. I WANT MY IUD BACK ARGH!
EDIT: I just wanted to say I found out my surgery date has been set to remove my stuck IUD and replace it. Until then, I'm doing work outs I'm familiar with to maximize these beefcake arms (noodle arms tbh)! Once the IUD is in, I expect I'll have a weird month of hormonal stuff, and I'll try to keep up what I've gained!
US peeps, try it and let us know how you go.
Hi guys. Currently, my regimen is 1 mg of finasteride everyday, 5000 IU vitamin D everyday, multivitamin everyday and Nizoral shampoo twice a week. My progress to halt hair loss has been successful to an extent where I lose 60-80 hairs a day.
I am trying to improve my gains. I have tried tropical minox before and I cannot do it everyday where I see white flakes and dirty hair. Are there any other solution I can introduce to my regimen? Thank you.
I work with a nutritionist and through her I finally figured out that my worsening acne is due to PCOS. (Of course the diagnosis also involved some blood tests and consulting with my GP and an endocrinologist.) My nutritionist has me on some supplements already, namely a targeted multi-vit, Omega 3s, probiotic, vitamin D, and myo-inositol. I recently had a 7-week stint on Spironolactone and as such she wasn't putting me on anything specifically anti-androgenic, but she had proposed Saw Palmetto and Reishi Mushroom supplements in the event that spiro didn't work out for me. (It didn't - spiro made me too tired!)
I'll be speaking with her again in the coming weeks and I know we'll be discussing Saw Palmetto and Reishi again. In the meantime I'm wondering what experience people have had of either/both of these supplements? My main symptom I'm looking to treat is acne, and a little bit of unwanted facial hair.
tl;dr: My nutritionist has proposed saw palmetto and reishi mushroom supplements for androgen blockers to treat acne, thoughts?
So, I saw a comment on a post and I forget what sub the post itself was in - like it was either r/trans or r/traaaaaans or r/lgbt and I can't find the post or the comment.
In the comments someone suggested Spiro and E like I'd normally see but then they listed off a third med that helps specifically with body hair. I think it's an anti androgen? I have some also transitioning friends and I wanted to spread that info where I could.
I’m currently on 75mg spiro and have been for about a year now. I’m not seeing much growth to be honest and was hoping to start topical minoxidil soon.
Is the spiro enough to keep my hair continuously growing with minoxidil? My fear is that the minoxidil will regrow some hair but the fall back out 2 to 3 inches.
Has anyone had luck with using progesterone as an anti-androgen? My doctor is recommending it because it has low side-effects and my t is pretty close to where it’s supposed to be. That, and that my e is considered to be slightly higher than where they want it to be and therefore doesn’t want to prescribe more e to suppress it. Seems rare that people use Progesterone to bring down testosterone.
*Been on e monotherapy for about a year. E is at 210. T is at 105. Trying to get t below 50.
I have been always a literally sensitive person in my most of life. My parents claimed I have a taste they don’t, and I’m always the first who notice any food have gone bad. I don’t feel good in noisy situations like parties or bars and I always turn my earphones to the minimum volume when listening to the music. I never found that bothers since everyone would be different on sensation which is absolutely ok.
I had the most bizarre year in my life. The realization that I might be trans, discovered AGP and felt unspokenly guilty, understood late onset dysphoria and sexual arousal are two sides of AGP balabalabala. After all I decided to quit transition. My dysphoria is pretty mild and I don’t think I need a morphine injection for a little scratch, especially this process may ruin anything around me. That’s another story. One thing I couldn’t get it through is my hypersensitivity got even unbearable during the time waiting for my hormone level to get back to natural. In the first days I can’t see any sunlight otherwise the anxiety accumulates. I have to sit still and close my eyes to insulate any visible lights to easy myself like every ten minutes. Windows in my room swell and shrink with my heart beats and this scene was driving me crazy. I was like rage at anyone trying to talk to me and I don’t think that was purely the emotional effect of androgen. I felt every talk was like shouting at me and I just want them to mute as soon as possible or my ear drum would be pierced. These uncomfortable feelings lasted for three days, gradually faded away, then everything turned to be normal.
I asked a friend who desisted due to family reasons. He said my experience was far too weird and he knew no one had it. Silly me forgot we have a subreddit here. So I sincerely come here to ask for help. It doesn’t bother me now, I’m just a bit curious if anyone can get familiar with my feelings.
If there are any medical/biology/genetic professionals in here ... a question:
Why isn't there any research into genetically inducing Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome in MtF individuals?
It seems to me that if this could be done through the use of CRISPR (or another tool, etc.) to change the AR gene into a copy that's typically found in those with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome it would solve the issue of needing androgen blockers completely.
Might this not be a great idea until the technology comes along to completely change the XY chromosomes to XX throughout the whole individual?
....such as more facial hair than most women, or persistent acne?
There are studies that suggest that women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition that causes high androgens, irregular periods, and blood sugar issues) are more likely to have a child with autism. Likewise, women with autism are more likely than the general population to have PCOS! It accompanies all the theories about the role of fetal exposure to testosterone in the development of autism. One finding I found fascinating, is that autistic girls have brains that look more similar to that of neurotypical boys than to autistic boys or neurotypical girls.
I have PCOS and started having symptoms of that from the moment I hit puberty. I get shaky (low blood sugar) when I'm hungry, I skip periods all the time, and have the um, cosmetic inconveniences.
Anyone else?
I’ve been dealing with hair loss since 14. I’ve been going through another shed recently.
People on this sub and my derm said not to use finasteride at my age (I’m 16).
Minoxidil alone can’t save my hair, so I am looking into androgen receptor inhibitors that would locally (on the scalp) reduce dht binding.
I found RU58841, breezula CB0301, eucapil (fluridil), and pyrilutamide.
Obviously pyrilutamide is still in testing though it’s the most promising, so that’s not on my list as of now. I’ve been hearing hell and heaven about RU58841, some say the effects are devastating (nocebo?),while others don’t get sides at all. I will probably talk to my derm about it.
Fluridil and CB0301 haven’t been shown to be as effective to RU.
I would like to get the community’s opinions on this, as I can’t take this anymore. Thanks!
If your androgens like testosterones and DHEAs get in normal range or reduce comparably, do you experience a lower hair growth? Or speed of hair growth decreasing? Do the hair every go away? Does the coarse hair get lighter?
Or you have to go for laser and electrolysis to get rid of the excessive hair growth?
What has been your experience with hirsutism and it's improvement?
The way I ^((23, trans woman)) experience attraction and love for my spouse ^((21, genderfluid/questioning)) now is far superior to how I used to. I've always loved them, of course, but the way that love manifests feels so much deeper and more intense. It's a whole new level of emotion I didn't know I could feel, and it overwhelms me to tears at times because of how special they are to me, and how loved and wanted they make me feel.
Every time in my life that I've felt loved or desired, there was always something in me that doubted it, something that didn't feel quite right. I never considered myself attractive, just average at best. Solid 5-6/10.
I realize now that it's because the version of me that people were attracted to wasn't really, truly me. But being with someone who sees the true "me" and still loves me for it, and someone I find so amazing at that, just feels so much more pure and genuine. Romantic experiences with them >!(especially sexual ones)!< have gone from leaving me happy to leaving me absolutely speechless.
Just wanted to share what has been my favorite part of transitioning so far. I love the body changes, but the emotional changes have been Earth-shatteringly amazing. ^^
Hello. I got gyno from ru58841( confirmed by a doctor, never had gyno before, everytime i apply the ru58841 i feel a pain in my nipples so i know it’s because of the Ru). So i’m looking for solution. My options are : 1. microdose raloxifene every day i guess? Looking for cheap ralox that ship to israel without any success. 2. Surgery- but i wonder if the lump should come back if i’ll keep using the ru58841. 3. Change ru58841 supplier- I have tried that- bought ru58841 from purity prod and the nipples definitely started to recover, but the hair looked not as good as the ru58841 from anagen( the one who gave me the gyno lumps) which made me doubt purity prod’s powder purity.. (ironic). Hope to get advice here on which route should i take.
What exactly are the side effects of using anti androgens? I've aga and I had an appointment with a derm 2 months ago. I asked them if they'd prescribe anti androgens for me but they didn't, saying that it causes side effects. I'm 20 at the moment. I'll make an appointment with a different derm soon. What anti androgen should I ask for? Since it messes up with one's hormones (not very sure about this. I just read it somewhere)I'm not sure if they'd prescribe me any but I'm going to try again. If they don't, I'm just going to give up on my hair and shave it all off since I've lost about 50% of it already. I can't keep crying over a bunch of dead cells and ruin my life.
Hi Does emotional stress increase androgens even if you are on birth control or does only increases in insulin from high carbs/sugar increase androgen production? If emotional stress does increase androgen production what is the hormonal pathway? Thanks so much
I finally got my DHEAS down to 354ug/dl from 526(reference range 97-320mcg/dl, and then 110-431ug/dl) with stress management and a better sleep schedule. My T levels are also finally down to 23ng/dl but I still am suffering from acne, hair loss and hirsutism along with super course body hair. My legs and armpits are what I could only compare to as cactus spines. What gives?
It got better for awhile but now it’s starting to get awful again.
Anybody used the SARMs from this company before? Can anyone vouch for it?
I'm a young female struggling with hair thinning.
Recently found out that i am allergic reaction to cyproterone acetate as my body develops itchy hives.. i know everyone’s body and system is different..however is there such a thing as most safest and less risk of side effect (reactive) types of anti-androgen?
I am waiting to see my doctor.. for change of anti androgens.
As i am waiting i hope to find out more!
My recent research suggests spiro but i am not soo sure.. just comment .. not a debate which is best.. just share casually if you know…
Useful websites:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/testosterone-blockers-for-transgender-women-4582221
https://transcare.ucsf.edu/guidelines/feminizing-hormone-therapy
I don't mean tiny regrowth. Like actual thickness and volume when you tie up your hair.
Hey folks. I'm in the process of getting started on feminizing HRT, and my doctor is pushing me to start on just estrogen first and to wait a month or so before introducing the T-blockers/anti-androgen (spiro I believe). I'm just wondering how common this is, if other folks have gone that route, and what might be the pros and cons of it? I was wanting to start both at once because I'm keen to get the full effects of HRT as much as possible, and I'm worried about staggering the process out like that maybe interfering with me getting the absolute most out of the early transition hormonal window
Might be a dumb question, but would an orchi stop conversion of progesterone to androgens like 3-andro and DHT, or would I need to continue using bica?
Hi ladies. I’m new here! I am ttc for the past 6 months with no luck. I was diagnosed with PCOS 10 years ago and was on spiro + metformin for 8 years. I went off all prescription meds 2 years ago in order to prep my body for a baby. My cycles are completely regular and all my hormone levels are normal except for testosterone, so I doubt my diagnosis, but that’s what my pcp and obgyn keep calling my reason for elevated androgens. I am getting an ultrasound next week but my ovaries are healthy per the ultrasound I had last year. I saw two endocrinologists and they couldn’t tell me my root cause. I have terrible cystic acne and hirsutism. I have never been tested for insulin resistance but my A1C and insulin is normal when I get blood drawn. I don’t have any other symptoms of insulin resistance besides the elevated androgens. I am frustrated, confused, feel like I’ve tried everything. Most recently I tried spearmint tea (I’ve been taking the capsule for 2 years) and my cystic acne went INSANE and got way worse. For 2 years I have taken magnesium, zinc, evening primrose, vitamin D, vitamin C, and a probiotic. If anyone can offer any advice or consultation I’d appreciate it so much! My next step is to consult a naturopath but I know it can be pricey.
My dermatologist tried to explain that once your body has started a certain behaviour it can't unlearn that behaviour. She used hives as an example....I still don't get it....
So, AGA is caused by androgen sensitivity. We know that an excess of androgens in conditions such as PCOS causes hair loss, hirsutism and acne. By the same token, those with androgen sensitivity should also experience hirsutism and acne, as well as AGA. However, I don't think it is the case that all do.
How many of you with AGA (and who do not have PCOS) have hirsutism and acne? I'm also interested to know if you experienced early pubic hair but normal age of other signs of puberty such as periods and breast growth. I have hirsutism and scalp hair loss and had severe acne before roaccutane cleared it. I had pubic hair by the age of 7, acne by 9, but didn't get period until 13.
Could the reason that some people only experience aga but not the other symptoms of androgen sensitivity be because only their scalp androgen receptors are affected?
Interested to know your thoughts and experiences.
I've very recently started hrt through gender gp and and chose to go with nasal spray over the less expensive other options, however the cost difference is crazy between them. Is the difference between the spray and other options avaliable worth the cost or should I try and change my prescription for the future?
I am actually taking Cistanche and Cordyceps and I wanted to dive a little deeper into their mechanisms... It seems like they may have very synergistic effects within steroidogenesis:
"We showed that the mRNA levels of the genes encoding these ( steroidogenic enzymes such as CYP11A1, CYP17A1) significantly increased with ECH(Echinacoside) treatment whereas the expression of StAR mRNA did not change. This suggests that ECH had no effect on the transfer of cholesterol to the inner membrane of the mitochondria, whereas it may play a role in promoting the cholesterol conversion into testosterone. "
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5832853/
As for Cordyceps:
" The ultimate effect of Cordycepin is that it upregulates the StAR enzyme, which transporters cholesterol into the mitochondria for metabolism, a rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis. "
https://examine.com/supplements/cordyceps/research/#effects-on-hormones_testosterone
Those 2 stacks with a few eggs in the morning definitively feel androgenic but it's nothing crazy...
I just thought it was interesting.
Most people I have seen on online forums have posted their RU results while using minoxidil and so you cant really tell if RU did anything.. did anyone see results by applying RU only or add RU later on to their regimen on top of fin/min ?
Anti androgens like ru and cb get talked about a lot. Are their similar treatments that aren’t talked about as much?
Is it ok to take spironalactone and the pill or another anti androgen to block testosterone undecanoate still in the system? I'm getting fucked around at the endocrinologist and my voice is dropping and I don't want to wait. Anyone have any experience with this? Is it just gonna pause the T from working and it will come back after I stop the anti androgens or will my body metabolize it and it just won't affect me It's been 6 MONTHS since the shot and my last blood test my t level was 6.3nmol/l and I assume probably more now I feel like absolute shit No doctor is interested in helping me in any rush and I take valium everyday so I stop freaking out but I don't want to fuck with my hormones if it's gonna make it worse Anything helps
