A significant hormonal transition will occur in the first 3-6 weeks after beginning your BHRT regime. Therefore, certain changes might develop that can be bothersome.
FLUID RETENTION: Testosterone stimulates the muscle to grow and retain water, which may result in a weight change of two to five pounds. This is only temporary. This happens frequently with the first insertion, and especially during hot, humid weather conditions. SWELLING OF THE HANDS &
FEET: This is common in hot and humid weather. It may be treated by drinking lots of water, reducing your salt intake, taking cider vinegar capsules daily, (found at most health and food stores) or by taking a mild diuretic, which the office can prescribe.
UTERINE SPOTTING/BLEEDING: This may occur in the first few months after an insertion, especially if you have been prescribed progesterone and are not taking properly: i.e. missing doses, or not taking a high enough dose. Please notify the office if this occurs. Bleeding is not necessarily an indication of a significant uterine problem. More than likely, the uterus may be releasing tissue that needs to be eliminated. This tissue may have already been present in your uterus prior to getting pellets and is being released in response to the increase in hormones.
MOOD SWINGS/IRRITABILITY: These may occur if you were quite deficient in hormones. They will disappear when enough hormones are in your system.
FACIAL BREAKOUT: Some pimples may arise if the body is very deficient in testosterone. This lasts a short period of time and can be handled with a good face cleansing routine, astringents and toner. If these solutions do not help, please call the office for suggestions and possibly prescriptions.
HAIR THINNING: Is VERY rarely caused by the addition of hormones, including testosterone. More often a woman’s hair has been thinning or dormant for a long time because of the lack of hormones. Once hormone therapy begins, the hair follicles wake up and begin to do their job- shed old hair and grow new hair. This can last several weeks and be very disconcerting, but rest assured it is normal and is a sign of healthy metabolism. Supplements and over the counter topical Rogaine helps slow down the shed stage and may be helpful. Your provider may also have other topical options available during this transition to lessen the shedding.
HAIR GROWTH: Testosterone may stimulate some growth of hair on your chin, chest, nipples and/or lower abdomen. This tends to be hereditary. You may also have to shave your legs and arms more often. Dosage adjustment may reduce the problem but rarely will eliminate it.
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