It's been a MEH week. Semi-calm before the storm perhaps? Alex is creeping up on another 'cycle' and add in the almost full moon?? Yeah, I'm expecting a monstrous week ahead. Last night they announced on the news that we have another weather front coming through, on MONDAY. Seriously? Monday? Couldn't be Tuesday or Sunday? If we have to use a dog sled team to get there, so be it, we will be seeing Endo on Monday.
I wanted to post a little on Testosterone. I knew before we were even entertaining the thought of injections that HRT had possible side effects. I mean, cmon, shooting a powerful sex hormone into an already unstable 16 year old? Pffffth, what could go wrong??? right? I'm the mother so it's my job to find these things out and weigh the pros and cons. The closer we get to it becoming a reality, the more nervous I am. Intramuscular injection of Testosterone cypionate or enanthate has some pretty devastating possible side effects. I will list the ones that are causing me the biggest worry.
1. Polycythemia : this is an increase in red blood cells relative to plasma. It basically makes your blood thick. The results of this can include blood clots, stroke, pulmonary embolism and heart attack. It's very hard on the kidneys.
2. Increased insulin resistance: this can lead to obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
3. Over time testosterone lowers the good cholesterol ( HDL ) and raises the bad ( LDL & triglycerides ) This can cause heart disease and stroke.
4. Elevated Liver Enzymes : which can lead to liver disease.
5. An overall increased risk of cancer. Specifically liver, breast, uterine and ovarian.
6. Polycystic Ovaries: ( PCOS ) painful and multi-symptomed.
7. Testosterone has also been known to cause migraines, worsen seizure disorders and cause sleep apnea.
Now, I know that side effects are documented in large populations so the odds of him experiencing one or more of these is statistically low. STILL. I'm the mother, I don't want my kid to suffer with ANY of them. We went over all of these again yesterday. He understands my concern. In the end, it's up to him and his doctor. I did let him know that if he has any doubts or just wants to put it off awhile, it was okay. He knows I will support him either way.
Some of the other fantastic 'side effects' of this hormone will definitely include an increased appetite ( he is already eating like a pregnant woman, I'm not sure where he will put more food. ) He will grow hair, and lots of it. Probably in places he doesn't want to, like ears and back. He may go through what is known as a 'second puberty' and gain some height. I am actually hoping he does because he is a very short man at 5'2". Typically transmen will have a muscle gain of 10-15% of their body weight ( or it could just be fat if he doesn't start exercising and watching what he eats ) The size of his hands and feet could increase. His breast fat stores will shrink. His voice will deepen. None of these happen overnight, they typically take up to 6 months to start showing up at all.
I don't think the physical changes will be the biggest challenge for us. The psychological part, the effect that testosterone will have on mood, aggression and sex drive, are going to be much harder for him to cope with I think.
Anyway, it's the weekend and Alex has a date today with his new 'friend' Taylor. She is a completely adorable transgirl that he has really connected with. She started HRT a couple of months ago and, to me, is completely passable already. Because these kids have such a hard time connecting with their peers at school, Rosmy and the other groups we go to have really become a clearing house for healthy friendships. Like all support groups, no one can understand where you're coming from better than someone who is dealing with the same shit. So, I'm taking Taylor and Alex ice skating ( have I mentioned how badly I want this kid to get a license??!!) Taylor lives almost an hour away from us. I know her parents are having the same mixture of resignation and irritation, the epic driving involved in getting your kid a social life can be frustrating.
snake bite
And on a final note. The whole 'I want snake bite piercings' came up again yesterday. Now granted I did make a deal with him that he could get it done professionally ( as opposed to jamming dirty metal into his face on his own) when the hole he drilled in his face healed up completely. I was hoping it would take longer to heal I guess. So I have to work that into this weeks schedule as well. * Kicks self *
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