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Polare Archive >> Polare 46 >> Article
5
Drugs Are Dangerous, Drugs Can Kill - And That Includes Hormones
by Kathy Ann Noble
Why as a transsexual was I never made aware of the possible effects
that HRT would have on me? I was put on hormones with no explanation
of the side effects or symptoms that I am now encountering. I have had
to compare my feelings with pre- and post- menopausal women.
If these symptoms were known as per “Hormone Therapy - General
Outline” on the web, why was I not forewarned? It would have given me
an insight into what to expect, rather than finding out after the
onset of the symptoms.
I am producing Prolactin naturally and was told initially “Men do not
produce this hormone”, yet in the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care,
latest version, it is mentioned on p.11: “A pretreatment Prolactin
level should be obtained and repeated at 1, 2 and 3 years. If Hyper-prolactemia
does not occur during this time, no further measurements are
necessary.”
Biological males undergoing oestrogen treatment should be monitored
for breast cancer and encouraged to engage in routine
self-examination. As they age, they should be monitored for prostate
cancer. In hormone therapy, Prolactin is put as one of the tests
required before actually embarking on HRT, along with liver function,
kidney function, testosterone levels and oestrogen levels.
My Prolactin was at 1500 and was down to 979 at the last testing.
Tests have not been done for several months -- why not?
I intend to ask this question at my next meeting with my
endo-crinologist.
Prolactin is produced during puberty to form the breasts. It is also
produced for lactation in pregnant women. Statistics show 30% of the
general population have Pituitary Adenoma, a non-cancerous benign
tumour of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. Most are
unaware of it, and it never causes a problem. This gland controls the
sex hormones, body temperature, metabolism, calcium in the blood and
to and from the bones. What symptoms are seen depends on which part of
the gland the tumour is located in. With HRT these can become quite
apparent. The most common is raised blood Prolactin levels in response
to oestrogen intake. In transsexuals, if large doses of an oestrogen
hormone such as Premarin and Estigyn or if one is put on the Pill in
the hope of increasing breast size or speed of breast development this
can often have the opposite effect, and can cause lactation ranging
from minor nipple discharges to full on “need nursing pads” type milk
production.
This is bothersome and embarrassing. If not controlled, excessive
Oestrogen levels can lead to eyesight problems by causing the tumour
to grow putting pressure on the optic nerves which could lead to
eventual blindness. A doubling of the blood Prolactin levels can mean
a doubling in tumour size. This is one of the less common problems
that can occur. Another more common problem with overuse of oestrogen
is the possibility of blood thickening and clotting. This can be a
significant problem that can cause thrombosis, varicose veins and even
strokes. You may also encounter symptoms of menopause, irritability,
emotional outbursts, general emotional instability, spontaneous crying
or hot and cold flushes.
At present I am experiencing all of the above and am only coming to
terms with the problems because of talking to my women friends. I also
suffer hard nipples, sensitive nipples and breasts and itchy breasts
that at times appear swollen and are painful to touch. This has been
going on for longer than the two or three months after which it is
supposed that these feelings subside.
There can also be varying degrees of depression, bouts of unexplained
crying similar to “baby blues” which women suffer after giving birth.
I liken this phase to the “post-operative regret phase”. You have all
the redistribution of body fat and hair to contend with. Fat moves
from the tummy, back and shoulders to the thighs, hips and bottom.
There is usually some weight gain associated with this, which is
harder to get rid of than before, and the general rounding of the body
into a more female shape is quite noticeable. Upper body strength
diminishes and voice may also change, becoming noticeably higher.
Taking Androcur, some notice a change in their fingernails, which
become brittle and peel and hair can become dry and brittle. If all of
this is known then we should be informed of these possible
consequences caused of HRT. As far as I can ascertain, no one that I
know who is either pre- or post-operative has been made aware. We have
in the main found out ourselves if we are predisposed to do some
research. At present I am at both ends of the scale as I see it, being
both into puberty and menopause. I am only now finding out what it all
means, as my Prolactin was found to be pumping out in 1997 after
checks of my pituitary in1998 confirmed no tumour. The Prolactin
worked its job perfectly, and my entire body started to change.
Breasts started to grow, skin texture changed, musculature altered,
weepy, softer nature, but no one could explain why, other than try
male HRT, which did not work.
It was then decided to “go with the female hormones” in 1999 and since
then I have changed dramatically. I did not go onto female HRT until
March 2001, as we wanted to see what my natural Prolactin production
would do. From March 2001 there have been more symptoms from
introduced hormones, not those made naturally. I had SRS in November
2001 and am extremely happy with my new self, but must admit to the
odd occasion recently of wishing to end it all because of all the
symptoms and effects they are having on me. It is hard enough for born
women to come to terms with their mental and physical changes during
menopause, so it must be doubly hard for us to come to terms with all
of this. They have to come to terms with puberty as well, but at a
different time.
With us it seems all in one, no wonder we tend to flip out. I will
survive and not become another transsexual suicide statistic, but now
believe I know why so many do opt to end it all. Because of the lack
of understanding on my part and the lack of documentation, I have been
on the brink several times recently, with no access to professional
help available when required.
I have to wait one or two months and could be dead by then. I find
this appalling and quite unacceptable!
When, if ever, will this situation alter? With the plethora of
litigation and the very high cost of insurance cover, can explanation
of how drugs affect people not be addressed? It will not only save
lives, but also cause fewer problems and forestall possible future
litigation. It would appear that neither the Harry Benjamin nor the
Australian Standards of Care are being observed. Is it too much to ask
that this situation be corrected and full explanations given to all
transsexuals in accordance with the afore- mentioned standards.
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Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor, The Gender Centre Inc., the Department of Community Services
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