You seem to be raising two issues Mrs B – and wondering if they are potentially related? The first – the effect of replacement hormones, specifically testosterone on temperament and behaviour, and the second this forum.
Re the hormones – I know that some private specialists replace testosterone as a matter of course as part of HRT because it is assumed women are deficient, and without testing. However most women who are given this hormone are given it because of symptoms that are caused by deficiency in it – notably lack of libido, tiredness, muscle pain, fatigue, lethargy etc. In most cases replacement is given in tiny amounts and the aim is that it boosts T levels but still within the physiological range for women. This is to avoid the “male†side effects – excess hair growth in the wrong place, deepened voice, and as you mention – aggression. These would all go hand in hand ie you would not experience aggression if you were not experiencing the other side effects, so that most women experience none of these because the amount given is so small. Many women have been able to function only as a result of obtaining this T – in my case for example it was clear that my levels were so low due to some of the symptoms given above and I am much improved now – though still not back to “normal†whatever that is.
In terms of menopause – once we reach there whether on HRT or not, hormone levels are usually much lower and more stable. We used to discuss years ago that some of us felt we had lost some of that spark, that real enthusiasm and zest for life that we felt when fertile – because our hormones levels did not reach those highs (of oestrogen and testosterone) – nor the lows, that they did previously. Certainly for me – I rarely feel the same excitement, nor anger/irritation - all that pmt! (eg with my husband – we rarely argue now!) that I did throughout my fertile, menstruating years. I am not depressed but on an even keel though, and things don't move me in quite the same way – sad really but that is the result of hormones. Also personally I try to avoid conflict because it is so counter-productive and I think at my age –life seems shorter! Maybe we all feel a bit like that at menopause?
As for this forum – most of the time it seems to work fine – obviously there is banter as there is in real life – but fortunately the aggression and personal nastiness is rare, and I am surprised and puzzled when I encounter it. Re HRT - these instances are equally from women taking HRT and/or testosterone as not! Of course there will be disagreements about treatments and opinions – some of which involves the science - and of course there is a huge mix of stuff on here but most of the time most of us come on here when we have time to give friendly advice, information, provide support, chat – and then get on with our lives the rest of the time!
Hurdity x
