inherit
25
0
Jul 25, 2022 4:05:35 GMT 8
165
DCW
159
Nov 25, 2014 4:50:16 GMT 8
November 2014
dcw
Female
She/Her
|
Post by DCW on Nov 26, 2014 2:06:36 GMT 8
I'm like you at the twenty+ year mark in my transition. I came to the place awhile back where my endocrinologist decided that it was no longer necessary to do labs on me as it has been pretty consistent for some time. I now have a standing prescription that only needs renewing on an annual basis. Perhaps you should have that kind of chat with your own HRT provider as you shouldn't have to jump through those hoops by this point in your transition. I know they do like to run labs on cis women because their female organs can and sometimes do change the dynamics, however in my case having been surgically sterilized back in early 2000 there is absolutely nothing that can cause a need to change my dosage. Unfortunately, my levels and doses have not reached a point that we can call "stable" yet. I've only been on hRT for just over 5 years (the first 15 were spent trying various shrinks who felt that transition wasn't an acceptable solution) and my dose has been changed so much...as recently as earlier this year. So, while I'm sick of all of this, I do accept that due diligence requires it.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
3
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2014 2:18:11 GMT 8
I'm like you at the twenty+ year mark in my transition. I came to the place awhile back where my endocrinologist decided that it was no longer necessary to do labs on me as it has been pretty consistent for some time. I now have a standing prescription that only needs renewing on an annual basis. Perhaps you should have that kind of chat with your own HRT provider as you shouldn't have to jump through those hoops by this point in your transition. I know they do like to run labs on cis women because their female organs can and sometimes do change the dynamics, however in my case having been surgically sterilized back in early 2000 there is absolutely nothing that can cause a need to change my dosage. Unfortunately, my levels and doses have not reached a point that we can call "stable" yet. I've only been on hRT for just over 5 years (the first 15 were spent trying various shrinks who felt that transition wasn't an acceptable solution) and my dose has been changed so much...as recently as earlier this year. So, while I'm sick of all of this, I do accept that due diligence requires it. Got that, it makes sense. No sense in chancing liver problems or DVT.
|
|
inherit
25
0
Jul 25, 2022 4:05:35 GMT 8
165
DCW
159
Nov 25, 2014 4:50:16 GMT 8
November 2014
dcw
Female
She/Her
|
Post by DCW on Nov 26, 2014 3:15:27 GMT 8
Funny you mention DVT, though. Back when I was on tiny doses my then-endos were always wringing their hands about the risk of it. It was ridiculous, too; I understand the risk, but insisting that a below-minimum dose put me at high risk when I had none of the risk factors?
|
|
inherit
16
0
May 20, 2020 11:46:45 GMT 8
331
Patty
340
Nov 19, 2014 19:40:30 GMT 8
November 2014
patty
|
Post by Patty on Nov 26, 2014 3:41:25 GMT 8
Today is my 11th month on HRT Dec 25 will be my 12th month.Everything that is happening is way beyond expectations, again I have been blessed .Shantel can see it I am sure, because I sent her some pre HRT photos just to laugh at, they are now fun to look at. Just got back from the Miami VA they have to do some corrections on my gender change letter once they get it right it will be very easy for those who follow me to obtain just what they need. Nap time Patty
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
3
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2014 6:39:50 GMT 8
Funny you mention DVT, though. Back when I was on tiny doses my then-endos were always wringing their hands about the risk of it. It was ridiculous, too; I understand the risk, but insisting that a below-minimum dose put me at high risk when I had none of the risk factors? The medical types are forever in a CYA mode when it comes to prescribing hormones, I would imagine that more than a few secretly disagree with our choices.
As far as DVT goes, I found that it took me over a year of self medicating on a high dose of ethinyl estradiol (a known clot producer) before I had a nasty case of DVT. I know it was stupid and risky especially given my age, but the point I want to drive home is that a low dose hormone is hardly going to cause physical harm unless one already has a compromised liver or endocrine system to begin with.
|
|
inherit
17
0
Feb 26, 2021 11:29:15 GMT 8
1,139
Ayla
m2me
5,298
Nov 19, 2014 19:54:37 GMT 8
November 2014
aisla
Female
Female
She/Her
Pansexual
|
Post by Ayla on Nov 26, 2014 13:35:35 GMT 8
For new folk my story is that I started hrt in Jan 2010 when I was diagnosed as trans. I thought that I was binary mtf and raced through FFS, aggressive beard removal and then increased my hrt dosages to transition levels. Unfortunately I found my thinking fluffy and I became uncomfortable with my rapidly changing body and loss of apparent control. I stopped cold turkey and the dysphoria hit me hard. I saw several more therapists and finally met an endo who said that I should find the level of hrt which met my objectives - emotional and physical. I started by scaling back spiro then E and then varying both. I have ended up on a fairly low dose hrt with emotional richness, minimal dysphoria, some sexual function and positive physical change (albeit slower). Along the way I had a bilateral breast reduction to give me time to deal with the physical changes. After 4.5 years all is good, some muscle loss, longer hair, face is clear, chest, back,legs and arms are also hair free, skin is great, I look younger and more androgynous. Subtle gender cues re andro shaped eyebrows and clothing - all is good with the world and I feel that I am both where I am meant to be and where I feel most comfortable. Many other sub plots with career, wife, family etc ... but all good when it could have been an unmitigated disaster. Sometimes providence does smile on you.
Safe travels
Aisla
|
|
inherit
17
0
Feb 26, 2021 11:29:15 GMT 8
1,139
Ayla
m2me
5,298
Nov 19, 2014 19:54:37 GMT 8
November 2014
aisla
Female
Female
She/Her
Pansexual
|
Post by Ayla on Nov 26, 2014 19:45:20 GMT 8
Well, after another great session with my therapist I will again try to see if a slight increase in hrt is tolerated (I work with my endo on this). My therapist asked me if increasing the dosage would benefit me in reducing my dysphoria. I replied that I was not seeking to reduce my dysphoria (which is now almost negligible) so much as seeking to increase my euphoria. Does this make sense to you?
|
|
inherit
4
0
Jul 11, 2019 20:09:26 GMT 8
1,471
Taka
1,648
Nov 18, 2014 3:23:40 GMT 8
November 2014
taka
sooty
he and they work best
rather fluid
|
Post by Taka on Nov 26, 2014 22:23:04 GMT 8
makes sense as i am wanting hrt for the same reason. dysphoria isn't bad at all, it's just that little mosquito who decided to make me its pray even if it takes all night to get to me. doesn't hurt me much.
but i miss being able to show more of myself and knowing the depth of it all. i need to try this out in order to see if i can find those missing pieces that will make life much better than it is now. even if i'm happy, that doesn't mean i can't get happier.
|
|
inherit
25
0
Jul 25, 2022 4:05:35 GMT 8
165
DCW
159
Nov 25, 2014 4:50:16 GMT 8
November 2014
dcw
Female
She/Her
|
Post by DCW on Nov 27, 2014 1:28:24 GMT 8
Once I got onto a moderate HRT dose I felt *great* and knocking me back down to a minimal one caused me to fall deeply into depression (I'm finally climbing out of that pit nearly three years later.) I'm trying to get back to where I was emotionally in the second half of 2011 - it was a good place and I need that back.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
11
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2014 11:01:09 GMT 8
Well they are boosting me another 25% on the injections and I was low on serums....167.... goal is nearly twice that. And 140 was where the last destabilization of my mind hit. I felt like crap today, grabbed my emergency meds and took .25 mg of estradiol.
Fifteen minutes later I was fine, that dose is enough to raise me about .... points to stable, I could focus, got work done.
Curious. Its self med, which is a big no no, but to remain stable i dunno, have to tell the endo about the experience.
Anyone else have this?
One heck of a big injection coming up, ow.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
3
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2014 22:26:31 GMT 8
I've been on a full dose for quite awhile, the endocrinologist describes it as that of a 25 year old female's normal estrogen level. It hasn't affected me adversely in any way I'm stable emotionally. I think my boobs and ass just seem to get a little fuller looking each month and my little boy thingy continues to atrophy and get more useless, if I was to stand and pee it's too short and I'd never get it out and wind up peeing all over myself. So apparently there is no specific start and finish to development, it seems to be an ongoing process.
|
|
inherit
17
0
Feb 26, 2021 11:29:15 GMT 8
1,139
Ayla
m2me
5,298
Nov 19, 2014 19:54:37 GMT 8
November 2014
aisla
Female
Female
She/Her
Pansexual
|
Post by Ayla on Dec 13, 2014 2:38:58 GMT 8
Well, after another great session with my therapist I will again try to see if a slight increase in hrt is tolerated (I work with my endo on this). My therapist asked me if increasing the dosage would benefit me in reducing my dysphoria. I replied that I was not seeking to reduce my dysphoria (which is now almost negligible) so much as seeking to increase my euphoria. Does this make sense to you? Hi Aisla, If by euphoria, you mean an increased feeling of rightness; the conclusion that you are becoming as you ought to be; I fully get it and the result will almost certainly be an affirmation of who you are. Here is the thing, you have maintained low dose HRT for some time, both because (IMHO) you are not on the top of the female gender identity spectrum, but also to be able to maintain the gender neutral body type and image for yourself, family, and socially. Increasing dosages (I know you said slight) will almost certainly increase your sense of rightness.... ....Before you embark down the slope to greater physical and hormonal transition (even a small one), you might want to consider what changing your body and your emotional balance closer to female means to you internally and what it bodes for your present and future relationships. For me it doesn't matter, you have my friendship, respect, and love for as long as I live regardless of where and how you ultimately find your center. Shalom, Julie Julie Thank you for your sage advice. I think that you have pretty much identified the horns of my dilemma. It really does come down to weighing up the emotional/internal benefits of an increased sense of rightness, more androgynous/feminine feelings/body against what it may mean for my current and future relationships. I know that I am now in the best place in my life to date. Whether moving slightly towards the more feminine result in a better net position is unclear, but given the significant benefits and joy already gained, I think that I need to slowly and carefully test the waters. Playing with fire perhaps, but I don't wish to die wondering. My wife said recently that I have always lived my life for others. That, in particular, I have always been overly considerate of my parents and their views in my decisioning. She may well be right. As my hair lengthens and I start to think of serious weight loss and a more andro presentation, this feels that this is the right direction. For many folk the above may seem a tad timid and a little equivocal but I really am non binary at so many levels, that finding that optimal point of balance or of equilibrium for me is a question of trial and error. The added complexity is that I have a growing sense of gender fluidity which also impacts my sense of 'most rightness'. Safe travels Aisla
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
11
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 8, 2015 23:05:34 GMT 8
I finally got good serum levels! After eighteen months of tweaking, full female sustained levels!
I am so happy!
I hope I don't trigger Jamie though...poor dear...
But it's been a longglong road to get here.
Trinity
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
3
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 9, 2015 0:50:06 GMT 8
Probably a good sign as the highs and lows won't be so evident and the goofy girl syndrome will dissipate considerably. Happy for you sweetie!
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Deleted
inherit
guest@proboards.com
63
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
Deleted
0
May 18, 2024 16:31:35 GMT 8
January 1970
Deleted
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 15, 2015 16:28:06 GMT 8
Hormones are magical, but all magic requires direction. As the saying goes, "faith without action is useless".
|
|