Hormones and Heart Health

[samc26]

I have been on oral Estrogen and anti-androgens for a year and just started Estrogen Injections about a month ago. I recently started having what are said to me to be panic attacks. I read that this is not uncommon for Trans people. BUt it really scares me. I am also very much awear of every little thing my heart does, from beating fast to "skipping beats" and it frightens me. I dont know, I am going to see my doctor again tommorow, but I was wondering if anyone else has had these issues?

[absolutecarla]

I often get panick attacks when I have problems or when I'm bothered by something. I've been on hormones for 6 years and I often experience that. I think it happens because the hormones heightens our emotions and thus triggers those attacks. You should eat foods rich in potassium like bananas because anti-androgen(spironolactone aldactone) is a diuretic and tends to flush out potassium from the body thus making the heart weaker, so eat your bananas ok!!!! :-D

[samc26]

(spironolactone aldactone) is a diuretic and tends to flush out potassium from the body thus making the heart weaker
There might be some miss understanding on Spironolactone. Even though, yes it is a diuretic, it is a potassium sparing one. So it actually retains the potassium when you normaly flush it out. This is why it is very dangerouse to intake a lot of potassium. I thought that I might be experiencing the symptoms of potassium overdose....rapid heart rates, irregular rythems, shaking, etc. however my doctor said that the tests he did concluded that I was within the normal range.
THough I should note that eating a few bananas a day wouldnt send you into a overdose. however, Taking potassium as a supplement is not recommended. :)

[samc26]

I think my main problem is just being very stressed out! My transition has not ben the smoothest one so far....**then again not alot are** I still have sooooo far to go. and it seems like I never have enough money to do anything. Its like I am becomming stagnant. Though I tell myself that I am doing the best I can. :snide: ...ok...still telling myself :)

[maggiegee]

I have been on oral Estrogen and anti-androgens for a year and just started Estrogen Injections about a month ago. I recently started having what are said to me to be panic attacks. I read that this is not uncommon for Trans people. BUt it really scares me. I am also very much awear of every little thing my heart does, from beating fast to "skipping beats" and it frightens me. I dont know, I am going to see my doctor again tommorow, but I was wondering if anyone else has had these issues?


As you might imagine there hasn't been a tremendous amount of research, targeted at specifically transwomen, etrogen and panic attacks. There has however been a fair amount or research into the effects of estrogen on the TS/TG population.


The urls below examine the effects of estrogen in genetic females. From these you may be able to extrapolate the information you seek.

The information is somewhat technical, but you seem quite bright, and I feel you will be able to process it.

On a personal note, I have been on estrogen for over three decades. When I initially started taking it, I too experienced many of the symptoms you describe.

My endocrononologist and I tweaked the 'dosage', introduced some mild 'psycho-pharms', and I was pretty much okay.

Hope this helps,

Best of luck.




http://psychiatrictimes.com/p040165.html


http://www.hystersisters.com/vb2/article_97213.htm


http://www.digitalnaturopath.com/cond/C345321.html

[angel_glow]

yeah ive noticed that my self but when i do feel panicky or little depressed i just ease or take less than the dose im supposed to,because i know im not really like that and im aware the hormones/antiandrogen causing the panic attacks