for a trans research starved world
I started dosing Estradiol for mental-health reasons unrelated to gender dysphoria and quickly found connections between ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Hypermobility, Chronic Pain, Dopamine Disorders (such as Schizophrenia / Parkinson’s), and correlation in Cis Women entering menopause.
The medical and scientific community is discipline/focus fragmented and generally ignorant of trans-gender issues; so this anecdotal database of observations are my own experiences and research; it should be taken with a grain of salt.
My Trans Identity
I am AMAB (Assigned Male at Birth) and upon reflection identify as Non-Binary Agender. My struggles involve depersonalization primarily which is only marginally improved by Estradiol dosing, and Dopamine system function which is likely related to ADHD/ASD and a family history of mental health issues such as Schizophrenia (also Dopamine related).
I am philosophically an advocate for gender spectrum acceptance and a focus on people being people, not genders. With that in mind I have little interest in pronouns or other conventions that separate and categorize humans for potential discrimination. If I had to choose a pronoun it would be they/them universally, but accept any pronouns and attempt to respect the pronouns of others, despite a lack of internal interest.
Because I have no allegiance to being Male and am largely gender-blind, being Transfem (Trans-feminine) by taking Estradiol and growing breasts is less of a physically focused experience or identity, and more of side effect or secondary interest. My primary interest in dosing Estradiol is Dopamine and NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptor function. Initially it was a shot in the dark whether I would benefit from Estradiol because there isn’t an aspect of traditional gender-affirmation, but I was intrigued by this article on Medium due to symptoms of depersonalization and the relationship with NMDA function:
Depersonalization in gender dysphoria: widespread and widely unrecognized
I related perhaps to 70% of the experiences of trans-gender people cited in the article and began to question my own gender identity logically despite no strong gender feelings. Unfortunately depersonalization did not “click” for me from Estradiol and the possibility of being trans-gender; however, my Dopamine function (namely Anhedonia) was dramatically improved from Estradiol which led to further research into Dopamine and the neuro-protective qualities of Estradiol as a psychological treatment.
Additionally a large portion of the transgender community is also within the ADHD/ASD spectrum which has strong connections to Dopamine function as well. This is not to say that transgender identity affirmation or affirmation euphoria does not have an actual identity or physical representation; however, it seems possible that the large majority transgender people being AMAB and benefiting from Estradiol may have a strong Dopamine functional benefit that can be interpreted along with the physical affirmation.
One example of a physical/psychological disparity can be found in older transgender people who benefit more experientially than physically due to the limited efficacy of hormonal changes on the physical body, while still experiencing a high level of neurological changes.