HRT Questions

[Deleted]

I've been on Estradiol and Spironolactone for almost nine months now, and Finasteride for two months. I've definitely seen and felt some changes, but I'm a bit impatient. I've read so many things about injections causing faster, more dramatic changes, so I'm very much considering switching over.

During my first visit with my endocrinologist I asked her about the differences between pills, patches and injections. All she told me was that the only difference was the method itself, and that the others were just more expensive. The last time I went she said my Prolactin levels were high and that she wanted me to come back in two weeks to do more blood tests to see how things are then. I've had no vision problems and no headaches, so I never went back. But... she didn't give me my usual 5 refills. I think she wants to see me again before she does. So, when I do go back I would really like her to switch me to injections. I would also like to try out Progesterone. I know there are mixed opinions about that, but I want to see for myself if it makes a difference.

Also, has anyone experienced any sudden accelerations in physical changes (no matter what form you're taking)? Like everything is going along smoothly, but then suddenly it seems they're coming on a bit faster? The reason this is important to me is that I would like to see myself where I want to be before I turn 40. I would like to enjoy the rest of my 30s as the real me so that I'll be ready and confident to enter my 40s.

[Deleted]

Ill try to steal time later and respond...

Have stuff to say on it dear...

T.

[Deleted]

I've probably asked similar questions before, I just don't remember.

[EchelonHunt]

I initially was impatient too when I began, it was a frustrating time for me back then.

I know I am on the opposite end of the spectrum but perhaps others may be able to help.

I have not gone with anything else other than injections. I started off on tri-weekly injections, which was awful because the "crash" or the dip from T on the 3rd week and the high increase of my clusterfuck of depression/dypshoria/suicidal tendencies would be very hard to miss.

Things became a lot smoother when I moved onto tri-monthly injections. The "crash/dip" faded away and it just felt much more better and tolerable.

My endocrinologist did suggest other alternatives, such as pills, cream or roll-on. He advised against the pills since they can pack quite a hit on the liver. I did think over cream or roll-on but it's something to be done everyday as opposed to one day every three months. Injections are more suited to me, personally.

Endocrinologists use blood results to monitor your overall progress, to keep an eye on anything that may cause issues. It doesn't matter if you feel fine or if you're not exhibiting any symptoms, it's not worth the potential risk where something may happen, even if it may be small.

Take me for example, I had a situation where I was having excessively high levels of estrogen, my endocrinologist was very concerned and stated if my levels kept being that high, it would be dangerous. He said something like it was five times higher than what is the general "normal" level for ciswomen. He got me to do blood tests and come back ASAP. Turns out it was because I had forgotten to take my T shot and I was ovulating, despite having no period. Even though the issue would be easily remedied by resuming testosterone, it was a scary moment for me - mainly because I hadn't noticed any significant changes other than feeling depressed. But it was a good scary moment I needed because it made me stick to my T-shots regularly and take better care of myself.

Trust your endocrinologist and please, follow what they say. They have a responsibility to look after your well-being and your hormone levels, to make sure everything is going well.

[Deleted]

From the full body transition perspective, and my need to fully express as visually binary she from time to time, I have been on injections. Insurance wont cover them, they cost me 50 bucks a shot once a week retail, if from compounding pharmacy its 25 a week, but there is only one of those, and they cant compound right now due to a problem with a batch that got out, T that was "tainted" with E.

I've OD'd on estradiol cypionate, requiring Ativan to directly intervene, and me to pull off the boards. I had Patty on the phone for 3 hours getting me to breath and focus on one tiny thing at a time while I was working a huge estimate that could have wiped me out, I was frozen in a mindbreaking meltdown, meltdown number 4 I think.

Hormones are potent stuff, if your E levels are good, dont mess with it. If they are not, the endo will work it. it takes time to transition, my tits are small still, I am on enormous shot levels and E levels from 350 to 450 where normal for T girls is around 200 max. 100 will give nice results too. But my tits are small and I have no fat and they wanted max gland growth, I am an A moving to B, and getting results. But I got results on sublingual estrodial too.

Hormone fluxuations affect us differently but they are usually intense. The whole brain chemistry is affected by it as the brain races to rebalance itself to the adjustment. An E shot hits like a hammer and unless you are used to the ride, and I am, and I am addicted now to the shots and the rush... sorry to say but I'll call it what it is anyway... but that ride can take you right off the edge.

Patches are well spoken of here, I may do it. Its also hard to stick in inch and a half long needle into your leg.

Youll get growth spurts anyway, and you get what you get, and you cannot predict. I still see flux and growth spurts, I had them on low dose, I had them on mid dose with e levels ranging from 170 to 35 every day and that crash was a bitch, and I have had them on high dose. They are going to grow honey, they are going to come out nice, you will be eye candy some day, take your time.

I am playing the razors edge with my body and I know it, I risk clots, I know that. The liver was fine as long as we did not go over the max of 6 to 8 MG of oral estradiol, and sublingual bypasses liver and boosts levels, then you crash. Oral is smooth no crash.

So, as Jayce has said, let your endo determine it all. But be aware those damned shots cost a bundle, insurance may cover pills, maybe the patch, but the shots I cannot get covered for me. I blow 300 to 400 a month on transition meds and shrink and endo expenses including bloods every three weeks.

Eyes open sweatie. You gunna get what you want and need, and you will love it as it comes. Low dose, high dose, mid dose. Its all about where your brain chems stabilize and you start feeling good. Thats the key, feeling good. The body is going to transition anyway, and as I said, you'll be a piece in street language, you'll look wonderful and love every second of that part of it.

Blessings dear

Satinjoy - Trinity.

[Ativan Prescribed]

Patches are a good all around way to go.
Injections sometimes seem to run out before the next one is due and they can hit hard initially and then fade off.
Patches let you absorb at a more fixed rate and they don't run out, typically they are changed twice a week.
By the time you are going to change them, they have roughly half of what good for you left in them.
I cheat somewhat, and my endo says it's just fine, by leaving them on for a week, but change the one out on the twice a week schedule.
The one I put on on Tuesday gets changed every Tuesday, and the one I put on on Saturday gets changed every Saturday.
It just ups what you're getting slightly as they run out of fuel after the two or four day changing time.
To me, so long as there is some left, why not use it? My endo tells me that a lot of people do this, but she say's she'll just up the dose if I want.
Compared to the liver problems with pills, and the intensity and then running out of injections, they are a lot smoother.
Insurance should pay for them, they aren't that expensive and are available in generic, which are the same, except for how well they seem to stick.
Mine are just fine and need to be picked off, and that's after a sweaty (gross) week here, along with just getting wet from playing in the lakes and rivers, along with showers at least once a day.

[Deleted]

Im going to piggyback on the topic.

Last time in my endo saw a level drop and wanted to boost my shot to 3 cc a week. A monster dose, that. I said no on financial grounds, 3 cc is over 50 bucks a week. I also think it unwise.

So he augmented with 1mg a day estradiol pills.

That wont do much with me. So i disregarded it. Lowest im median 200s and thats plenty for an mtf transition dose (i deviate here from nonbinary low dose norms, everyones hormone needs and brain chems are different and mine are heavy physically).
But if he is concerned about the lows, and thc lows suck i get bitchy and feel shitty, it occurred to me that on wed thurs fri i can supplement the shot with oral and flatten the serum level weekly curve. Thats not self meds i think, thats following endo intent.

I believe stress, vigorous living, and 10 to 15 cups of coffee a day are dropping levels. The coffee stress and rigor are constants.

Has anyone ever flattened thier trans hormone shot cycle with orals?

Trying it, 1mg wed, 3 yesterday, will boost 2mg this morning and 2 mg sublingual tonight.

Lol some folks get whacked on one mg a day. Even thats enough for transitioning if t levels are down. I started with that and it floored me a couple years ago, felt the fat cells fire up and colors got pretty.

Powerful stuff hormones. Dangerous too mentally.

Tsj

[Deleted]

Yeah i pull bloods a lot too.

What little ive seen of your pics look great.

[Deleted]

For the folk.

It does level it. It did help for sure. I'll inject this morning, expect the shot will be intensified in its feelings.

Tweaking is kind of hard to dial in right. Sublingual was narcotic to me last night on one mg. Sublingual does hit hard an hour in, and I noticed immediately on the train as the colors became vibrant again. Estrogen makes my color perception change.

Orals injested only raise me 35 points. Not enough for me to even feel but enough to avoid withdrawl.

I'll figure this out. The solution appears to be achievable and desirable.

Still dont want that patch solution. Just, dont want something sticking to my skin, prefer the needle.

Blessings