Today the blocker is surging through my veins, Spironolactone . If all goes well and bloods are ok I will start HRT in three weeks time.
My GP (Gender Medicine) seems really nice, so I feel comfortable that we will have a good relationship. Two to three months will tell on how my body is starting to embrace the medication. I have no expectations and I will go on having no expectations. What my body decides to do with the help of these medications is really up to itself, my brain will go along for the ride!
The dysphoria will be interesting to observe and I hope to give a frank account of how it proceeds with nearly two weeks of Living full time as a women. It's physically tiring but I feel that it should not take too long in adjustment and becomes normal. Going out is less of an issue but vocalising socially will take a lot of work to try and adjust to a softer more feminine voice? A person that has always been used to communicating on a daily basis, I now find myself using less words sparingly, more descriptive.
A safe journey to all my sisters that have embarked on this journey, I too join you all.
Warm Regards Michelle
<No dosages please
Admin>
@MichelleVindee This is very exciting news for you and also very exciting for all of us to read... very happy for you.
As you get going with your HRT in 3 weeks please be sure to keep all of us tuned into your progress but only post more updates as you feel comfortable doing.
We are your biggest fans here on the forums and we are all rooting for your success!! :)
Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle
Michelle, congratulations on taking your first steps! I am seeing my Endo next Wednesday to find out the plan I will be on, and I am expecting a Spiro prescription. As you are a week or so ahead of me I will be interested in your progress, so do keep us updated!
My dysphoria has increased substantially in the past year, and taught me a lesson about its power by making me quite sick over many months. The 4 docs who have tried to cure me have run out of ideas, and finally agreed that dysphoria is the likely cause of my illness. So I need to take significant steps towards transition to try reduce my dysphoria, so I can regain my health. I now have a deep respect for the power of dysphoria!
I am envious of you going full time, as I doubt I will get that opportunity.
Allie
Allie, its lovely to hear from you. Please stay hopeful.
I will post in the next week how the blockers are going, even though it is early days. The GP for the control of Spiro/HRT thinks that not too much will happen in the next three weeks, I tend to agree with her but it will be interesting to see what the next round of test results will show? More for the electrolytes and if they are at a good level.
Warm Wishes
Michelle
Michelle, I'm ever hopeful, just don't want to build expectations in case it doesn't happen. I know we are all different, but I will be watching your posts to see how Spiro works for you. I expect I will get mine next week, but suspect my Estrogen will be delayed due to illness and an overseas trip next month. So you will probably slip out to a month or two ahead of me and be like a 'what's next forecast' for me.
I hope 2019 realises your dreams and you settle in your proper place.
Allie
Quote from: MichelleVindee on March 07, 2019, 11:37:52 PM
Today the blocker is surging through my veins, Spironolactone . If all goes well and bloods are ok I will start HRT in three weeks time.
I have an appointment with the endocrinologist next month for HRT. I'm already on dutasteride so I shouldn't need any other anti-androgen.
Hello Annek, Hi Allie.
Good Luck, I do hope all goes well for you. It will be interesting to hear what you both are prescribed in the form of HRT? Im sure they will be different, My Dr tells me there are a number of options and circumstaces to consider.
Oh well im on for the ride , lets see what happens
Warm Wishes Michelle
Had an Endo appointment today, and he had some surprises for me! It seems my blood test revealed my T was so low, I don't need blockers, so I start Estrogen Monday!
It's actually happening!!!
Allie
Quote from: Allie Jayne on March 13, 2019, 02:57:30 AM
Had an Endo appointment today, and he had some surprises for me! It seems my blood test revealed my T was so low, I don't need blockers, so I start Estrogen Monday!
It's actually happening!!!
Allie
Wow lucky you! Now you can start telling me what you're experiencing on HRT!
Its been over a week now on the blocker and a quick post on my first thoughts/experience.
Weight, only after a few days I thought to weigh myself and got a big shock, lost over a 1Kg (2 pounds), its stable now and my new weight has been maintained. I presume this is due to fluid loss. This is one of the most important factors in keeping fluids up.
I have not had any major side effects that the GP mentioned , thankfully. With the lowering of the blood pressure it can cause light headiness, that has not been much of a problem.
Hot flushes, this is the only way I can describe it, really bad the first few days but I think I am on top of it now.
Mentally and this is interesting , at the end of the first week I have found my state of mind at a very low point. My outlook on the Gender Dysphoria was really being questioned and I found my self not really enjoying the reflection in the mirror. Very different feeling from a couple of weeks ago when I first started to live as a women full time and was high on the moment. After seeing my Psychologist, commenting that it may be the slight change in the testosterone levels (very slight after first week) and drop in energy that may have something to do with it. Today as I write this post I am starting to feel a bit more like my old self, so she might be right. In the meantime I will keep an eye on it.
Michelle,
I hope you are over the initial T drop and feeling better. 1kg in weight variation could be caused by lots of things, but better down than up!
I have had my first E patch on for about 10 hours, and feel a bit robbed. It was a rush to pick up the prescription this morning and apply the patch, but made me late for work, so I had to rush again and make up time. My 7 month old grandson was admitted to hospital last night with breathing difficulties, and I have been talking to my daughter every couple of hours, to check his progress. Yes, that included through the night, so I am also tired. I had a psych appointment scheduled for late next month, but they had a cancellation and fit me in this evening, so, with all this going on, I pretty much forgot I had the patch on. Can't say I've noticed anything different, and I didn't have time to dwell on the significance of my first patch! Now I have to get on the phone to my daughter, and get to bed.
Maybe I'll have something to report when everything else in my life slows a bit more!
Allie
Allie,
You sound caught up in the moment, don't forget to breathe!
Just remember it may not be until a good few months before you start feeling or seeing any change. Its like cooking a favorite cake you cant mess with the ingredients or have the heat up to high otherwise it wont end up being a great cake!
Give it time to blossom!
hope the week gets better for you...
Second week on the Spiro, wow this is a bit of a ride sometimes. One that I would rather not be taking. Cant wait for the Blood test next week to see if there is any change from the baseline.
Hot flushes are getting meaner , it does not help that all of Australia is burning up! Really have to keep the fluids up, its so important. Lost another Kilo! Starting to increase my diet.
Starting to feel really lathagic, I am putting that down to some sort of drop in testosterone but again this may be too early, could be low blood pressure? Again really looking forward to have a check up again with the Dr.
No change in mass on the body (too early), possible change/reduction in hair on the arms lightning in colour but not too sure on that one.
Next Friday, as long as I get the all clear I start HRT so this will hopefully counteract some of the side effects from Spiro.
Allie hope all is well...
Sorry it has't been a smooth start for you Michelle. I'm sure your Endo will adjust your medications to make it improve, especially if your T is dropping rapidly. I'm glad now I didn't need Spiro, but a week in and I haven't really noticed anything on E. My Endo was fairly confident I would increase my dose after my next review in April. I am feeling a bit better in the last week, but it is mostly because I am improving from illness, and they have finally worked out what it is. My grandson came out of hospital and is getting better also I have a dive trip to the Phillipines in 2 weeks, and I thought I may miss it, but I have medical clearance to go, so a number of things have made me happy.
Hang in there, we have waited a long time to get on this ride, and I'm sure it gets better!
Allie
I hope your ride has settled down a bit Michelle. I'm coming up to 3 weeks and almost no physical effects to report. I do feel better, but I am still recovering from illness, so that my be the reason.
Allie
Great to hear you are feeling better,
Friday this week and it will be one week that I have been on HRT! I concur there will not be many physical changes straight away, Ive been told it takes sometime but mentally you may start to feel different. Since the HRT has kicked in I feel so much better! Hopefully it is filling the void that the blocker was creating...
Interesting times ahead?
Take care, will write soon
Thanks for the updates Michelle...it would seem you are getting all the expected side effects of Spiro. I can't comment too much as I never had to take a T blocker and now I don't have anything to produce it :). I have heard of the weight loss on Spiro before and much of it was reported because of fluid loss so you are right in your assertion to keep your fluids up.
I remember it took awhile of low T before I actually noticed that something was going on then it was another year before I made myself do something about it...that is another story all together.
Thanks for updating us on your journey... when will you be starting your E it must be close now? or is it a matter of weight and see how you go with spiro
Good luck
Liz
That is great news Michelle! Hopefully you can now start to enjoy this journey. My Endo wanted to try me on a low to medium dose of E to start, and said we would increase at the first review. I was really needing some reduction of my dysphoria to help me get over a cough I've had for 8 months, and it seems to have worked! But something unexpected has also happened. I've been low on T for many years, so not much has been happening down there, but in the past couple of weeks I've had morning half erections! I didn't think E would have that sort of effect. Absolutely no sensitivity of nipples or other effects I've read the other ladies have experienced. I know we are all on different journeys and I am happy to wait.
Allie
Quote from: LizK on April 03, 2019, 05:11:49 AM
Thanks for updating us on your journey... when will you be starting your E it must be close now? or is it a matter of weight and see how you go with spiro
Good luck
Liz
Hi LizK
I'm a week now on E, two this Friday coming. Sorry I refer to it as HRT.
The Spiro is awful (my opinion) it really has messed with my head, symptoms are nowhere as bad as they were but regarding ones mental state I think it has affected my outlook on occasions, especially doubting myself and the reasons for change (dysphoria), which I have never experienced before taking this drug. It also makes you feel numb and void of emotion then bang everything comes back into extreme mode. Things have settled since the E but I do get the odd moment of doubt, I don't like it.
The diuretic plays havoc on my vocal cords confirmed by my speech therapist so I am trying to inhale hot air through an inhaler to combat that. My GP (Hormone) and psychologist are aware and we have decided to give a few more weeks and evaluate then.
Thank you for your kind words of support.
Quote from: Allie Jayne on April 03, 2019, 06:33:20 AM
I've been low on T for many years, so not much has been happening down there, but in the past couple of weeks I've had morning half erections! I didn't think E would have that sort of effect. Absolutely no sensitivity of nipples or other effects I've read the other ladies have experienced. I know we are all on different journeys and I am happy to wait.
Allie
Allie good to hear from you!
Ditto, I swear since being on Spiro, it has given me more of a masculine look (I catch myself in the mirror sometimes and see a middle age man!). This could be from the weight loss and I am definitely looking different in the face, in fact a bit gaunt where before all of this I used to have quite a rounded baby face look, all that roundness has gone. Still quite defined in the arms and legs more so again on the weight loss. It is early days and this process will take years, the changes may be minimal.
Maybe it will come back with the effects of E? Oh well, all first world issues and really I have to give myself a good kick and tell myself to get on with it! :D
Lots of Luv....
I remember reading a number of Ladies accounts that Injecting the hormone seemed to work more favourably for them as opposed to the other options of delivery but I remember the Dr telling me that Injecting Hormone was not available here in Australia so I am taking them orally.
I was thinking and maybe this is a question for the Endo but when is the best time to take E?
First thing in the morning before food? Or after?
I just realised that I take mine after I have finished my breakfast, at the same time as I take the Spiro and a Hay Fever tablet. I wonder how does the gut react to this having one big hit? Is this allowing the E a chance to get absorbed into the gut?
So should I take this on its own and leave the Spiro and Hay Fever tablet until much later?
I am curious to know if anyone knows if there is any importance to when or how many tablets you should take all at once or stagger them throughout the day?
I asked my endo that question yesterday. He said it doesn't matter.
Quote from: MichelleVindee on April 18, 2019, 05:02:09 AM
I remember reading a number of Ladies accounts that Injecting the hormone seemed to work more favourably for them as opposed to the other options of delivery but I remember the Dr telling me that Injecting Hormone was not available here in Australia so I am taking them orally.
It's not specifically injections that do the job, it's getting onto any kind of method that bypasses the liver, which is what messes up the oral estradiol for 1/3 to 1/4 of us. I'm one for whom switching from oral to injection made a big difference. Not every girl needs to do it, but my numbers were really bizarre until I switched.
There is at least one Aussie girl here on Susan's who has E implants. There are others who use patches, or gel, or even take the pills sublingually (under the tongue) or buccally (between the cheek and gum). Whatever keeps you from swallowing it and gets it directly into the bloodstream.
The pills may be just fine for you, but if you'd like to check, next time you have labs drawn, ask to have your Estrone and Total Serum Estrogen checked as well as the Estradiol levels. While on pills, my Estrone and Serum Estrogen were ridiculously high. I've had two lab tests, three months apart, since switching to injections, and each time those numbers have decreased, until now they're exactly where they're supposed to be for ciswomen.
Checking on Testosterone and Free Testosterone can be helpful, too. It's becoming apparent for me that, after nearly two years of HRT, Spironolactone may no longer be necessary, as it appears (as others have said) that in certain circumstances, the Estradiol suppresses the T on its own.
My source for most of this information is Dr. Will Powers, who has a thriving practice in Michigan serving our community. I encourage everyone to read his report and come to your own conclusions. I'm a believer, since his recommendations worked for me. Here's a link to his report:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/112o11ykp0H-8tU_SbIToT1aZwL6LCK0S (https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/112o11ykp0H-8tU_SbIToT1aZwL6LCK0S)
Stephanie
Thank you AnneK and Steph2.0 for your feedback,
Interesting three weeks on E and my weight has started to increase. I seem to be adjusting quite well to the changes so hopefully this will balance out everything.
I never thought of putting the tablets under the tongue, I will try this for the next couple of weeks. I definitely will not be doing this for the spiro though. Foul tasting tablets >:(
QuoteI never thought of putting the tablets under the tongue, I will try this for the next couple of weeks.
That's how I've been taking mine.
Quote from: MichelleVindee on April 19, 2019, 06:30:03 PM
Thank you AnneK and Steph2.0 for your feedback,
Interesting three weeks on E and my weight has started to increase. I seem to be adjusting quite well to the changes so hopefully this will balance out everything.
I never thought of putting the tablets under the tongue, I will try this for the next couple of weeks. I definitely will not be doing this for the spiro though. Foul tasting tablets >:(
You do need to be careful when changing dosing methods. The amount of E absorbed directly into the bloodstream sublingually is not just higher overall but may spike. When I tried it that way my emotional swings were extreme. I attributed some pretty bad meltdowns to that, and stopped doing it. I seriously suggest you talk to your doctor before trying it.
Quote from: steph2.0 on April 19, 2019, 08:25:07 PM
You do need to be careful when changing dosing methods. The amount of E absorbed directly into the bloodstream sublingually is not just higher overall but may spike. When I tried it that way my emotional swings were extreme. I attributed some pretty bad meltdowns to that, and stopped doing it. I seriously suggest you talk to your doctor before trying it.
Yes I agree, I have just been reading all about the "SPIKE" and increase regarding the bypass of the liver, interesting.
Thank you Ladies for your feedback.
22 days on HRT and the area sound the areola is starting to get quite sensitive. I've started to put weight back on, my outlook feels much better so hopefully the E is filling the void that was left from using the blocker.
Steph2.0, regarding your mood swings did they make you feel as if you were being critical on yourself (judgemental)?
Ever since I have started the blockers and HRT I find at times, a wave of despair at the reflection of myself, how I look and what I am wearing. My Dysphoria is pretty much nonexistent now and the way I feel regarding how I look is much less gratifying than before. I wonder if this is me getting more used to living as a women or the changes that the medication is making to my body and brain (puberty as a women). Could this be the adaption that goes with such a change? Is this the maleness evaporating and the feminine starting to take hold? I think this is something that I will be talking to my Psychologist about.
As we transition MTF and FTM, is this something wholly exclusive to our psyche that we can start to identify with both sides of the coin? Does this experience make us more level in our outlook whereas before we overcompensated in some way due to the Dysphoria? Does this make us special (Profound)? That through our commitment we have truly got to understand the sexes or is the complete gender (final), artificially been created by drugs and not a true reflection of the two genders?
Or is the Dysphoria before transition, an individual's gateway to both sides of gender, our brains allowing fleeting glimpses into the other side? If so this gives us the ability to surely understand the world in a much broader canvas.
Does this give us the edge?
Is this part of our evolution, in a million years from now where we are born gender neutral (no genitals). As we mature and grow to the teenage period of our lives, our brains can switch on sex-changing whose hermaphrodotism will develop into the gender we feel that we are supposed to be and make us completely gender fluid, physically. This already happens in the animal kingdom, so could the human body go through the same changes?
Is this the start? the Dysphoria, we feel the beginning?
Are there more people transitioning in the 21st Century? Is the data there that show us more cases than ever for the mental need to transition, or do we have a better understanding to the Dysphoria and the figures reflect what we never new 100, 200 years ago?...
Quote from: steph2.0 on April 19, 2019, 08:25:07 PM
You do need to be careful when changing dosing methods. The amount of E absorbed directly into the bloodstream sublingually is not just higher overall but may spike. When I tried it that way my emotional swings were extreme. I attributed some pretty bad meltdowns to that, and stopped doing it. I seriously suggest you talk to your doctor before trying it.
I haven't noticed any mood swings. I did mention it to my endo, when he prescribed my HRT. He didn't say I shouldn't. The reason I do it is to try avoiding passing through the liver.
QuoteAre there more people transitioning in the 21st Century? Is the data there that show us more cases than ever for the mental need to transition, or do we have a better understanding to the Dysphoria and the figures reflect what we never new 100, 200 years ago?...
I suspect the dysphoria has long been there, but there wasn't much that could be done about it until fairly recently. I also suspect the recent protocol changes that make it easier to get trans care may be a big factor in so many transitioning. There is also better communications. When I was a kid, I'd never heard of transgender. I just thought there was something wrong with me. Also, back in those days, they'd have likely tried to "cure" me, if I came out, rather then help transition.
Quote from: MichelleVindee on April 22, 2019, 01:41:10 AMThis already happens in the animal kingdom, so could the human body go through the same changes?
Our intelligence/overly complicated brains kind of decouples humans from regular biology and evolutionary processes. We create abstracted and wholly artificial social constructs that get more complicated over time. As technology increases this will get wider and wider. With nanotechnology, genetic engineering, etc. people won't necessarily even look like "people" anymore, much less binary genders, within the next couple of generations.
So yes, I agree I think the transgendered reflect the "leading edge" of this phenomenon where we can say, "I'd like door number three, please."
OT- I never noticed much difference sublingually or just swallowing. But then I am low-dose, YMMV.
Today marks a month on HRT.
The Latest efforts to keep my weight stable or put weight on are just eat everything in moderation but bigger portions! ;D
I've lost quite a bit of fat in the face which I hope will come back. It's been so hard to put weight on, really interesting. I wonder if this is the blocker. A question for the Endo.
Areola very tender, nipples seemingly stand to attention most of the time, it just feels like buds, hard and so sore. Everywhere else no changes on curvature or muscle mass. The only areas that is noticeable is the face and chest.
Very therapeutic in writing this down, an electronic diary of sorts...
QuoteToday marks a month on HRT.
Yesterday was 3 weeks for me! I'm starting to feel some changes, though nothing dramatic.
Congrats Michelle! I month for me too, but, sadly, the only ting I have noticed (other than feeling great!) has been some increase in my previously very shrunken genitals. I'll be very interested in the result of my blood test next week!
Allie
AnneK, that magic number 21 days, almost makes sense that is you are going to feel any changes that's when it will start, be it physical or mental. As soon as I hit that third Friday I felt tenderness in both Areolas.
Allie Jayne, that's good that you are in a better head space. I wonder because of your ill health in the past, maybe your body is getting some balance back. All good things happen to those that are patient.
Wow what a journey, you couldn't write a script like this!
There might be value in asking to try transdermal Estrogen. It doesn't hammer the liver at all. Estrogel, Evemist or the old but reliable skin patches.
Quote from: MichelleVindee on May 12, 2019, 11:05:28 PM
AnneK, that magic number 21 days, almost makes sense that is you are going to feel any changes that's when it will start, be it physical or mental. As soon as I hit that third Friday I felt tenderness in both Areolas.
I haven't noticed any tenderness, but the skin around them seems to be changing. This is in addition to the breast growth I'm noticing. The various literature I've read says changes start around 3 months, not weeks. Still, I'm not complaining. ;)
Quote from: JanePlain on May 13, 2019, 01:06:45 AM
There might be value in asking to try transdermal Estrogen. It doesn't hammer the liver at all. Estrogel, Evemist or the old but reliable skin patches.
I'm taking my pills sublingual. I thought that also bypassed the liver.
Quote from: AnneK on May 13, 2019, 09:31:25 AM
I haven't noticed any tenderness, but the skin around them seems to be changing. This is in addition to the breast growth I'm noticing. The various literature I've read says changes start around 3 months, not weeks. Still, I'm not complaining. ;)
Interesting I have spoken to a few girls at meetings and some have also commented on the quick change in the chest area, once taking E. As individuals I'm sure the changes are going to be very different in all of us.
I am off to see my Dr today so will see if more tests are required at this stage.
Well, I was going to tell my Endo I had no changes after 2 months, but today I leaned over a bench and felt something different with my right breast. I felt around it with my hand, and sure enough, swelling. I told my wife and asked her to feel, but she said she didn't need to, she could plainly see it! I have a right breast! I know they usually develop initially one at a time, so I will just wait for left to catch up. Now, I can look down and see the difference! I've had no itch, or tenderness, so I thought nothing was happening. I have noticed a change in taste, smell, and strength, so E works!
I'm on Estradot patches and they are easy to use, and now, seem to be working. I'll get blood results Friday to confirm. Still, the best thing so far has been feeling so good I got over my illness!
Allie
Hi Allie,
Agree with you on taste and smell, I seem to have a better sensitivity in my nose as well as a change in my taste buds, wines a bit strange at the moment ;D.
Yes the breast size is a bit unsettling but I suppose it's a case of play catch up.
I do not understand this feeling very feminine one day then feeling manly the next!
Does not seem consistent, I now Dysphoria has its peaks and troughs but I did not feel this way until the Blockers and Hormone. Starting to really see a change in weight gain so that is good.
Visited the Endo yesterday and have to get bloods done as it will be six weeks next Friday, so it will be interesting to see the results when I visit her next.
Big Hugs
Quote from: AnneK on April 22, 2019, 05:48:31 AM
I suspect the dysphoria has long been there, but there wasn't much that could be done about it until fairly recently. I also suspect the recent protocol changes that make it easier to get trans care may be a big factor in so many transitioning. There is also better communications. When I was a kid, I'd never heard of transgender. I just thought there was something wrong with me. Also, back in those days, they'd have likely tried to "cure" me, if I came out, rather then help transition.
With medical records being a private matter its difficult to come up with exact numbers. What I would say is that in my area we have a major university with a surgeon and a department for transgender folks. And.... (Taking a deep breath) if you call to set up an initial appointment you can expect 5 or 6 weeks to pass before they call you back to tell you when they can see you. *Which might me another 5 or 6 weeks. I believe this indicates they have a large influx of new patients.
Medical record privacy does not prevent collecting statistics, so long as no identifying info is provided.
In Ontario, where I live, the protocols were changed 3 years ago, which makes it much easier to get trans care. I asked the receptionist at the endo about this and she said it was why he was so busy. He'd been doing trans care for 10 years, when it suddenly took off with the new protocols. It took me 6 months from when I asked my doctor for a referral, before I was able to see the endo. I suspect just asking endocrinologists how many trans patients they get may provide some clue as to numbers.
Also, I'd never heard of trans when I was a kid and I suspect few people had. Now we have the Internet and sites such as Susan's where we can share our experiences with others.
Taking E sublingual when it isn't prescribed that way can jack your levels too high. Be careful and consult the doc.
Bea
Quote from: Bea1968 on May 16, 2019, 04:20:15 PM
Taking E sublingual when it isn't prescribed that way can jack your levels too high. Be careful and consult the doc.
Actually, I did mention it to him and he had no issue with it.
Saw the Endo yesterday; she was interested in the Sublingual option after I mentioned it. Six weeks next Friday on HRT and I have a large number of tests that have to be done, so she has asked me to carry on taking the E sublingually, it will be interesting to see what the results are. We already have a baseline and one set of results from the first set of tests after three weeks on Spiro.
After Steph2.0 mentioned "Estrone and Total Serum Estrogen checked as well as the Estradiol levels". I asked about this in the tests, apparently here in Oz our testing is limited and not quite as specific under Medicare as possibly what is available in America. I am going to investigate and see if this is something that can be paid for privately and most probably feint at the cost ;D ;D ;D.
Starting to feel really good...Happy days
Saw my Endo yesterday also! he was happy with my progress and bloods, my already low T is falling, and my E is close to female range, but he thought it a bit odd that I was having morning erections. He has upped my E and is giving me a minuscule dose of Cyproterone to kill any activity down below. I am so happy on Estrodot as It only means putting a small patch on twice a week, and it is doing the job! I have to admit being excited to see breast growth, and I might be imagining, but my arm a leg hair seems finer. If my gut fat would slide down to my thighs I would be a very happy woman!
I'm not on a roller coaster of feeling male or female, in fact, I am way more stable than pre HRT. Maybe its a more stable delivery through the patches? I hope you can even out your ride. I am allowing myself to dream more about going full time. I told my boss this week, and she was very supportive, though I asked her to sit on it until I develop more. I also played with the Face App and chose the closest image for my avatar. That is my real hair, but my face is not that smooth.....yet!
When are your next bloods and endo appointments?
Oh, and I am a hugger, so hugs back to you!
Allie
Quote from: MichelleVindee on May 17, 2019, 12:59:45 AM.After Steph2.0 mentioned "Estrone and Total Serum Estrogen checked as well as the Estradiol levels". I asked about this in the tests, apparently here in Oz our testing is limited and not quite as specific under Medicare as possibly what is available in America. I am going to investigate and see if this is something that can be paid for privately and most probably feint at the cost ;D ;D ;D.
It might be something you only have to do once, or maybe not at all. The tests are to see if by being processed through the liver, a certain enzyme that 25 to 33% of patients that Dr. Powers sees converts the estradiol to estrone. If you're taking the pills sublingually you're already bypassing the liver, so it's probably not a problem.
It does show how uninformed many doctors are, though, including those writing the recommendations of the WPATH standards. Testing only for estradiol tells only part of the story.
Stephanie
Quote from: Allie Jayne on May 17, 2019, 06:23:55 PM
If my gut fat would slide down to my thighs I would be a very happy woman!
Allie
I hear you sister and the hips! Bloods next Friday, Endo three weeks time.
Saw my second Plastic/Cosmetic surgeon (Australia) today for a consult. Interesting, they come to similar procedures but go about it very differently. Even from the consult.
One surgeon seems happy to do procedures in the next couple of months and the second min six months because of my early start on HRT. Some logic, I understand the principle of allowing my body to develop under the HRT from a point of fat and tissue development. The second surgeon seemed to think that there will be some change in the bone and its shape which I find really interesting. I was under the impression that once matured HRT made no change to bone size (other than its composite/density). He seemed to think otherwise. Second surgeon wanted access to both my Endo and Psychologist! Where the first Endo only. Both got referrals. I do hope there is no gate keeping there? I'm sure he is being thorough.
Allie you look stunning! So soft in your facial expression, you should be feeling really confident in yourself. Why has it been so long until you posted an avatar!!!!
I'm really jealous; I've lost all my density in the fatty areas of the face which I miss. Bloody Spiro, on a positive note I used to suffer from puffy hands really made them look large and masculine (Osteoarthritis). But the Spiro has taken all the fluid away so they look great very feminine!!
I'm going to be a hand and finger model! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Great to catch up... Really big hugs...
Michelle, I'm also perplexed at the prospect of bone change. Everything I've read says that HRT won't make changes to bone post mid 20's, so I guess all of us would love to hear more about that! You can never do enough research into surgeons, and hopefully you can find testimonials for them both. I also suffer with Osteoarthitis and the related swelling, though usually specific to a joint. I can manage mine with dichlofenac if I get onto it quickly. Thank you for the comments on my avatar pic, I only just tried the Faceapp last night. It is a flattering image, though not too far removed from the original. My endo studied my face in our first meeting and declared I would get pleasing results from HRT, so I just have to wait for it all to happen. I do have another 15 kgs to lose, so that may also affect my face. The grass is always greener, I am trying to change myself more towards your stunning avatar image!
Hugs
Allie
Seven Weeks on HRT and ten on the blocker. Everything seems to have levelled out, have not heard about any results yet from the labs last week so must be ok. I will get the results when I see the Endo next.
Still a bit sore behind the nipples but no changes, very quiet. No changes to hips or face and started to put weight on which is great.
I wonder if the blocker levels out in the body. It's almost like I have become accustomed to it...
One thing I have noticed is that the Dysphoria has completely gone; it's almost a neutral thought sometimes regarding my transition, almost an ordinary everyday feeling.
This could be down to the fact the longer I present as female that the more it becomes natural, where as when I had the Dysphoria I would have completely insane urges to be feminine, dress feminine act feminine, then the low where I did not feel this (peaks and troughs).
Transitioning now presents other challenges quite separate from the Dysphoria of old, sure I get pangs of doubt, and it's not easy what we do but I am sure that things will get smoother as I progress. As we all progress!
Actually I was just thinking last Wednesday that I hadn't heard from you for a while. So glad everything is evening out for you Michelle! And that your dysphoria has gone! That was the biggie for me as it was impacting my health, and I have to admit, I have never felt better since I started HRT, also 10 weeks ago. I haven't had nipple sensitivity either, but some short lived local soreness in my breasts. My wife noticed an increase in my right breast, and my GP felt it and declared it was breast tissue. Nothing on the left side though. I suppose it's a wait and see game.
I haven't completely lost my dysphoria, but it's short lived, and a million times better than before. When I started this, I had no belief that I would ever live as a female, but in the past couple of weeks, I keep wondering if it could be possible. The HRT fairy would have to bless me big time, but, my endo has upped my E, and suggested it may go up again, and my boss was so excited when I told her, so maybe...
Allie
Quote from: MichelleVindee on May 30, 2019, 10:53:20 PM
Seven Weeks on HRT and ten on the blocker. Everything seems to have levelled out, have not heard about any results yet from the labs last week so must be ok. I will get the results when I see the Endo next.
Still a bit sore behind the nipples but no changes, very quiet. No changes to hips or face and started to put weight on which is great.
I wonder if the blocker levels out in the body. It's almost like I have become accustomed to it...
I have 6 weeks on HRT, but over 2 years on Dutasteride, so no need for other blockers. I have breast growth and testicle shrinkage, but no pain. I'm not due for further lab tests until July, which is 3 months after my first endo visit and blood test.