After just following the posts for a while I want to share some of my experiences with PM. I have no transitioning plans but have always been attracted to the androgynous path and the forum inspired me to give PM a try. I took it for a total of 2 months, first ramp up to 1000mg, then a break of a week (to see the effect) then ramp up to 1500 mg and finally ramp down. Here are my observations. I added a (+) for pleasant and a (-) for not so pleasant experiences:

- Lost 3 pounds (+)
- Smoother skin, first noticed on belly but the face and arms and legs as well (+)
- decreased libido after just a few days (- but got used to it)
- fat redistribution, less belly ("spare tire area") more hips. Suddenly the waist of some pants seemed too large. (+)
- slower growth and finer face and body hair (+)
- some breast growth. Not so much visible in pictures but I can feel a thicker layer an top of the muscles and my nipples seem a bit puffier (+)
- At the beginning and end, during ramp-up and down, I felt some sinus headache for about 3 days (-)
- Less sweating (-)
- Less muscle strength (-)
- Hardly any allergies, less pain in joints, more flexibility (+)
- Leg muscle cramps at night during ramp-down (-)
- It took about a week for the libido to fully be back, and other symptoms like allergies, more sweating,
- Sore nipples, even a bit now, three weeks after stopping

Overall, a really interesting experience. I was amazed, how many things can shift in relatively short time just by taking an herb...

I've experienced the leg cramps, too, since starting my NBE program consisting only of PM. A search reveals that a few other member have also reported this side affect. It usually hits we while I'm in bed overnight. Very painful when it happens. I'm thinking it could be due to dehydration.

CK

Yes, I have had my share of leg cramps, too. No fun at all. And it scares the crap out of my cats as well when I suddenly start swearing and convulsing at 3AM.

Hi Odoaker, thanks for info, started PM nearly 2 weeks ago after 2 months on BO. During this new PM regime I have twice shot out of bed with muscle cramps but never had the mind to associate it with my NBE programme.
Some of those pluses I hope will happen to me, not too concerned with the minuses but hope they never happen.
Thanks again and good luck with your programme.

Love Heather XXX

Hi Odoaker,
.
I'm glad you've shared your PM experience, especially about leg cramps.

I'm not trying to scare anybody, I suggesting this could be possible, but here's what I know about the leg cramps, (NO, I haven't lost my mind, we all know PM mimics estrogen, think beyond that for this purpose).

Sitting for long periods of time, Increased estrogen levels from birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy can contribute to DVT- See more at: http://www.johnmuirhealth.com/health-education/conditions-treatments/lungs-heart-blood/deep-vein-thrombosis-dvt.html#sthash.KMNwFnuf.dpuf

I avoid taking PM in the evening.



Classic DVT symptoms include:

Leg pain, including tenderness to the touch, that may worsen when standing or walking
Swelling of the affected leg
Skin discoloration and
Warmth and redness of the skin

Here's a couple of facts:

Taking a contraceptive pill that contains estrogen;
*Undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involving estrogen; or

*Women with increased estrogen can be at risk of developing DVT. Estrogen produces chemicals that increase blood's ability to clot. Therefore, women can be at a higher risk of DVT when:

*Other DVT risk factors include age (age increases risk of DVT), obesity, smoking and high blood pressure.

http://www.jcl.com/medical-services/dvt/dvt-symptoms

Great info as always, dear Lotus! How do you find the time to do all this research?
Regardless, your efforts are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Two factors, though (and this is not argument, but just conversation).
I find., subjectivly of course, that a night time dose of PM seems very effective. Drat!
Plus, I wonder if this is as meaningful or worrisome when, as in my case, the other factors (obesity, lack of physical activity etc) are not present?

Lotus, my dear, thanks for the information. I, too, have read that Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious health risk for those who do HRT, but I was led to believe that PM didn't present that risk.

These leg cramps are something different, IMO. Mine don't happen if I drink a full glass of water at bed time (with or without a PM capsule ). Unfortunately, I then have to get up at 4AM to go pee.

CK

Great info as always, dear Lotus! How do you find the time to do all this research?

I gave up TV!

Heh heh.... No loss there!
As to the other. I feel the same way Clara does, though. I think mine are just the occasional dehydration. I must always remind myself to add a little water to my scotch

but I was led to believe that PM didn't present that risk.

I know, being guinea pigs it's just something to think about, a few of us have Peripheral Neuropathy, that's a another possible correlation.

I must always remind myself to add a little water to my scotch

You're so funny Samantha! magic fingers!!


Big O,

Are you currently on a break?