I've been on an initial (low) dose of E for just over three weeks, and AA for 2 weeks.
Physically: less oily skin on face
Mentally: no perceptible change.
I'll try to keep this thread updated with my observations as I become aware of them.
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I'll add an observation. If you go off the meds your face and hair start getting oily about a week later.
I ramped up slowly in the beginning (supplements) so mental effects weren't pronounced. When I came off the stuff, my mood tanked quickly. Making a seamless switch from supplements to HRT caused no mood changes.
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on July 28, 2017, 01:07:53 PM
I'll add an observation. If you go off the meds your face and hair start getting oily about a week later.
I ramped up slowly in the beginning (supplements) so mental effects weren't pronounced. When I came off the stuff, my mood tanked quickly. Making a seamless switch from supplements to HRT caused no mood changes.
Hugs, Devlyn
Good to know, but not something I intend to find out personally though. I only noticed the reduction in oiliness today, but it helps keep my makeup looking better through the day.
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I'm under the impression that going off hormones for surgery is nearly universal and most transitioners will go through it. Probably not what you want to hear. :( Cross your bridges when you get to them, that's my motto.
Hugs, Devlyn
In the long run it's all just estrogen under the bridge.
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on July 28, 2017, 01:36:13 PM
I'm under the impression that going off hormones for surgery is nearly universal and most transitioners will go through it. Probably not what you want to hear. :( Cross your bridges when you get to them, that's my motto.
Hugs, Devlyn
Ah yes, forgot about that! [emoji853]
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Hi Megan,
I think you will soon if not already notice your skin feeling softer and your moods mellowing. Things may be a bit slower with a low dose but from what I hear things are still going to be happening....good things. You may feel you're on the kiddie ride with your dose, but you can still enjoy it.
Hugs,
Laurie
I totally forgot one other big change, my libido is waaay down.
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Quote from: Devlyn Marie on July 28, 2017, 01:36:13 PM
I'm under the impression that going off hormones for surgery is nearly universal and most transitioners will go through it. Probably not what you want to hear. :( Cross your bridges when you get to them, that's my motto.
Hugs, Devlyn
This is starting to change. Marci Bowers in particular does not require stopping HRT for surgery anymore.
Jessica, thank you. This is great to know.
Quote from: meganjames2 on July 28, 2017, 03:05:44 PM
I totally forgot one other big change, my libido is waaay down.
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Lol yes that does happen. My is urge is practically nonresistant, and for me that is probably a good thing.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: jessical on July 28, 2017, 03:14:21 PM
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on July 28, 2017, 01:36:13 PM
I'm under the impression that going off hormones for surgery is nearly universal and most transitioners will go through it. Probably not what you want to hear. :( Cross your bridges when you get to them, that's my motto.
Hugs, Devlyn
This is starting to change. Marci Bowers in particular does not require stopping HRT for surgery anymore.
I stand gladly corrected. :)
Hugs, Devlyn
Update: libido is now basically zero, and I'm quite happy about that. I wondered how I'd feel once the AAs kicked in, but it seems if you don't want it, you don't miss it!
I've also had what I think are some menopause symptoms (hot flushes and slight heart palpitations), likely due to my low initial E dosage, this is being increased in another 2 months, so that should resolve itself. Still no other physical changes aside skin far less oily.
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Quote from: meganjames2 on August 02, 2017, 11:29:15 AMI've also had what I think are some menopause symptoms (hot flushes and slight heart palpitations), likely due to my low initial E dosage, this is being increased in another 2 months
If I were you, I would advise your doctor ASAP if the symptoms persist. I personally couldn't tolerate such symptoms for even 24 hours, no thanks and there is absolutely no reason to. First do no harm...right?
Quote from: jessical on July 28, 2017, 03:14:21 PM
This is starting to change. Marci Bowers in particular does not require stopping HRT for surgery anymore.
More likely to have been the anesthetists request, not the surgeons..
My understanding of them wanting to stop HRT before surgery is because of the idea that estrogen causes blood clotting factor to increase. That's something that real progesterone is supposed to counteract from what I've read.
I've also noticed progesterone makes erection issues reappear. I suppose someday down the line if I ever get GCS having general blood flow down there increase sounds like a good thing, but right now it's not especially welcome.
Quote from: josie76 on August 02, 2017, 09:07:06 PM
My understanding of them wanting to stop HRT before surgery is because of the idea that estrogen causes blood clotting factor to increase. That's something that real progesterone is supposed to counteract from what I've read.
Bio-identical progesterone has no effect on coagulation while bio-identical estradiol's effect on coagulation is much, much less as evidenced by recent studies in ciswomen, men and transgender women taking it, either orally or non-orally. Patches containing bio-identical estradiol (or transdermal estradiol) are not even contraindicated in individuals at high risk who are, for instance, obese, have a history of DVT or a genetic mutation as studies have found no increased risk. They actually mimic the way in which ciswomen secrete estrogen and if they aren't asked to remove their ovaries or stop production before surgery, neither should we. It just doesn't make sense and the advice is based on older forms of estrogen. As always, the change is slow coming... :(
Andrologia. 2014 Sep;46(7):791-5."it may be prudent to discontinue hormone treatment at least 2 weeks before sex reassignment surgery (SRS) or other elective surgery,
although this is not supported by evidence."
Quick update: when I first went full-time, I felt very up and positive, and while that was indeed great, I figured it would be a temporary thing and I'd soon be back to my usual level. Well more than 3 months in and 5 weeks on HRT, I still feel like I'm the happiest person in the room.
I used to be the pesimistic/sarcastic soul of the group, but no more.
I'm finding myself baffled about why everybody else seems so down. I don't think everyone else has changed, so it must be me!
I'm not sure if it's the HRT or simply living an authentic life.
Physically, hair growth may have slowed a tiny bit, and my skin may also be a little softer. X
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Great! Who cares why as long as it's positive, right?
Indeed, I'm just getting paranoid that karma is going to come along and give me a good seeing to!
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Did anyone else find they got more screamish after starting mtf hrt? Before I could watch fly-on-the-wall medical stuff on TV without flinching, now it really makes me grimace.
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My squeamishness was driven out of me as a teenager when I watched my grandfather do an autopsy on some guy that had been shot in the chest.
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Omg, sounds grizzly!
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I will admit to feeling a little lightheaded at the beginning. He asked the sheriff to stand next to me in case I passed out. LOL. I came close but fortunately remained standing.
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Quick update: about 6 weeks into HRT. Aside previous comments, I've noticed in the last few days, my emotions seem a little closer to the surface. Not different or stronger, just that the thick wall that used to keep them all but inaccessible seems a bit thinner. Along with this I seem to be craving hugs, this from someone who had real issues with any physical contact, even with family.
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Quote from: Laurie on July 28, 2017, 02:12:00 PM
Hi Megan,
I think you will soon if not already notice your skin feeling softer and your moods mellowing. Things may be a bit slower with a low dose but from what I hear things are still going to be happening....good things. You may feel you're on the kiddie ride with your dose, but you can still enjoy it.
Hugs,
Laurie
I'm into my 5th week and my skin is definitely softer and I'm calmer (even though a bunny can make me cry). My breasts look a bit puffy, but might be nothing.
Smiles, Jessica 💁
It's an interesting ride isn't it Jessica [emoji4]
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Quote from: meganjames2 on August 19, 2017, 03:20:26 PM
It's an interesting ride isn't it Jessica [emoji4]
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Hi Meagan,
Glad to read that you are feeling and experiencing more with your hrt. I enjoy you sharing your journey with us as it unfolds. And yes, it is an interesting ride to say the least. You've so much more to discover. Not just about the joys of HRT but of yourself. I hope you find it as wonderful as I am.
Hugs,
Laurie
Yes it is an amazing ride! I'm so incredibly happy! I do have to admit it's due a lot from the support I have from my wife. I love her so.
Hugs, Jessica 🙋🏼
Quote from: Laurie on August 19, 2017, 04:37:11 PM
Hi Meagan,
Glad to read that you are feeling and experiencing more with your hrt. I enjoy you sharing your journey with us as it unfolds. And yes, it is an interesting ride to say the least. You've so much more to discover. Not just about the joys of HRT but of yourself. I hope you find it as wonderful as I am.
Hugs,
Laurie
It's wierd when I step back and think what I'm doing seems surreal, but every step that lead me to this point has been a positive one in learning and discovering myself. With HRT I feel a bit more like a passenger than the driver, which isn't that comfortable for me, but it gives me more time to enjoy the scenery [emoji3]
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Quote from: meganjames2 on August 20, 2017, 06:04:24 AM
... every step that lead me to this point has been a positive one in learning and discovering myself. With HRT I feel a bit more like a passenger than the driver, ...
I believe that is why those who have been through this already tell us to "Sit back and enjoy the ride". I'm only a few months ahead of you, so I have more to experience also, but I can still say that to you and sit back enjoying my ride as I share yours through your thread. Thank you for sharing your own journey with us all.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quick update: Tried the old equipment for the first time in a week last night (still no drive to do this, but just checking if it still works!). I'll admit to being doubtful of others comments on how their orgasm has changed on HRT, but when I finally got there (took longer than normal) , it certainly felt quite different and unlike ever before. Milder, more diffuse and less focused, but longer lasting.
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Quote from: meganjames2 on August 24, 2017, 08:42:49 AM
Quick update: Tried the old equipment for the first time in a week last night (still no drive to do this, but just checking if it still works!). I'll admit to being doubtful of others comments on how their orgasm has changed on HRT, but when I finally got there (took longer than normal) , it certainly felt quite different and unlike ever before. Milder, more diffuse and less focused, but longer lasting.
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Hi Megan 🙋🏼 Did you use a little blue pill to help you? I've been wondering the same.
Hugs, Jessica 💁
My Progynova (E) is in little blue pills but those aren't the ones your taking about are you [emoji6].
While I don't get any unwanted action down below now. I can still currently 'stand-up' with some mental and physical stimulation.
My biggest problem is actually getting to climax without getting bored and loosing interest. It's really become a chore just to check if it still works.
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As of today I am exactly one month on estradiol HRT and now understand several things about my ex-wife and previous girlfriends. And that includes things they needed in order to not get bored and lose interest.
Quote from: Kendra on August 24, 2017, 11:46:53 AM
As of today I am exactly one month on estradiol HRT and now understand several things about my ex-wife and previous girlfriends. And that includes things they needed in order to not get bored and lose interest.
Haha, I fully concur!
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Quote from: Kendra on August 24, 2017, 11:46:53 AM
As of today I am exactly one month on estradiol HRT and now understand several things about my ex-wife and previous girlfriends. And that includes things they needed in order to not get bored and lose interest.
I am also more understanding of women's issues. Not just being empathic, but understanding. I'm sure that certain social aspects that women have faced during history will have a profound effect in how I'm treated and perceived.
Oh and "my" blue pill and hrt have helped in prolonging orgasm so my wife has more time to be satisfied.
Hugs, Jessica 💁
Quick update: Heading towards 2 months on E, and a little less on AAs. Still few physical changes, skin a little softer, and chest hair growth may have slowed. Reduction in skin oiliness persists, and I still get occasional mild hot flushes, but the palpitations I had initially have ceased.
Mentally, I'm certainly getting more emotional. I'm not crying lots, but come close quite often.
I also feel like I'm more reactive to situations, and a little less measured in my responses.
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Quote from: meganjames2 on August 26, 2017, 03:44:58 AM
Quick update: Heading towards 2 months on E, and a little less on AAs. Still few physical changes, skin a little softer, and chest hair growth may have slowed. Reduction in skin oiliness persists, and I still get occasional mild hot flushes, but the palpitations I had initially have ceased.
Mentally, I'm certainly getting more emotional. I'm not crying lots, but come close quite often.
I also feel like I'm more reactive to situations, and a little less measured in my responses.
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Hi Megan (there Moaaaani, I got it right :P )
It sure sounds like your on your way. btw just want to say your looking better in your avatar too. I'm glad to read your undesirable effects are subsiding and the better ones are well, getting better. The emotions are one of the first other girls mention as you well know so you are on track there. The tendency to feel them more is exactly what I noticed too. I was always prone to watery eyes when watching tearjerker tv shows, but on E it intensified to tears actually running down my cheeks. After the doc doubled my dose it got even worse. Now I do not need those intentional tear inducing shows. Oh no, I get "emotional" to everyday stimuli. And if something is of real concern to me and I think, "I want to cry" I usually will. I've never experienced a cry on demand ability before. LOL It's not funny though. I cry because I hurt. I also experience ocular leaks when I see or read something good or happy. My gosh sometimes I just think I am a walking emotional wreck and today, I start another increase in my E. I wonder what that will do for my emotions?
Megan, you are definitely not alone in these strange happenings. Just think what you have to look forward to, girl. As they say, more shall be revealed. Enjoy it Megan.
Hugs,
Laurie
Lawry [emoji6], you and so many others have shared so much here, that I feel totally comfortable with where I am.
I'm so glad to finally feel some emotion, I felt like a stone with T in my system, never again!
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I'm surprised at the number of times I've almost burst out crying. Usually just for simple things. Whereas before I was like, eh, whatever.
Quote from: meganjames2 on August 26, 2017, 01:24:42 PM
Lawry [emoji6], you and so many others have shared so much here, that I feel totally comfortable with where I am.
I'm so glad to finally feel some emotion, I felt like a stone with T in my system, never again!
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Megan, you should be comfortable with where you are. It's a great place to be! And if you find yourself slipping off that pinnacle you know we are here to help lift you back up. Just enjoy the journey where you can Megan, it not always fun but there is a lot of it that is good. lol just listen to me trying to sound so wise. I'm newer that you are in some respects and you are newer than I am in others. Lets just enjoy the ride together.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quick update: definite slow down and lightening of chest and arm hair. I was away for a few days and unable to keep myself as smooth as I'd like, but the damage was far less than it would have been pre-hrt.
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Quick update: It's been 2 months on HRT, summary of changes so far:
-skin & hair alot less oily/greasy
-skin softer
-slower body hair growth, and some lightening
-almost total loss of libido/sex drive or desire
-shrinkage of testicles
-no more 'morning glory'
-change in orgasm, now more 'diffuse', but longer.
-mental mood has been very positive, typically the happiest person in the room.
So far I have been very happy with all these changes, especially loosing my libido which I've always hated.
I've not yet observed any breast budding, but I'm still on quite a low E dose which will get doubled in another 4 weeks.
Megan. X
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Congrats on the changes. It is nice to notice them and wonder how long that's been that way. My breast buds started hurting last week and I have noticed a minute change in size. Basically anything that touches them is very painful. I wasn't expecting this so early. I'm on low dose HRT as well but my T was 1 something before I even started.
Keep the updates coming. I love hearing from other girls.
Quote from: RobynTx on September 08, 2017, 06:04:55 AM
Congrats on the changes. It is nice to notice them and wonder how long that's been that way. My breast buds started hurting last week and I have noticed a minute change in size. Basically anything that touches them is very painful. I wasn't expecting this so early. I'm on low dose HRT as well but my T was 1 something before I even started.
Keep the updates coming. I love hearing from other girls.
It's odd, but until I listed them all down, I didn't think there had been many! X
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Congrats on the changes!. I am at about 2 months myself and noticing similar changes. My breast buds are still very tender but not quite as much as they were a week or so ago. I have noticed my skin is a lot dryer though and any acne i had is completely gone.
Will be very interesting to see what else comes along over the xoming months!!
Wow, all you lovely ladies are really inspiring to me! I've been on HRT for 39 days now and have had some of the changes you have reported (softer, drier skin, loss of libido, easier for me to have ocular leakage [haha], slight fat redistribution, lost 4 lbs, slower hair regrowth and lightening). Due to the aweful side effects that androcur has had on me, the mental side has been almost torture for me. Now that I've stopped the cypro (4 days now), today is the first day that I've felt positive and actually quite amazing since I started the process. I hope that this is the beginning of the awesome mental changes for me that most of you are experiencing ;) Will stay on the E only for now until my endo can start me on something else (prolly spiro), but wow, feels great to feel good for a change! Keep up the awesome conversations ladies, it fills me with hope and helps me to see that I too am changing for the better into the person that I should have been born as. Love,
Jenna xx
P.S. meganjames2 thanks for the regular updates of your changes/feelings, truly inspiring!!!
Here is a longer term observation. After more than two years I am finally getting some hips. I had to assist the HRT by going back to lifting weights (squats and deadlifts) to start making some decent progress though.
Hi Deborah. I had heard exercise can help with the hips. What exercises are you doing and how noticable is the effect? I also not you have been on HRT for over 2 years and your profile pic looks amazing. What has been your experience with HRT?
Quote from: Chrissym on September 08, 2017, 03:30:39 PM
Hi Deborah. I had heard exercise can help with the hips. What exercises are you doing and how noticable is the effect? I also not you have been on HRT for over 2 years and your profile pic looks amazing. What has been your experience with HRT?
I'm basically doing barbell squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and rows. My real focus is the squats and deadlifts with the others just to keep from falling apart.
The squats I do three times a week with a mix of heavy low reps and slightly lighter higher reps. The deadlifts I do once a week as heavy as I can without my head exploding.
It's interesting that while my upper body strength has significantly declined my lower body strength has not. It's also interesting to me that it's still improving with zero testosterone. For the upper body a 115 lb bench press feels heavy now, LOL. For the lower body I'm up to 230 lb squats and 295 lb deadlifts.
[I don't feel I am betraying my transness by working out like this. It makes me feel really good and besides, there was a CIS girl at my work I knew that was a lot shorter and lighter than me and she was deadlifting 305 lbs. She competed nationally in Olympic weightlifting though.]
I also run four to six times a week, do core exercises three times a week, and walk every day. I monitor my diet, eat generally lower carb, and fast 16+ hours every day.
I only restarted the weights in June and so far have added nearly an inch to my hips. The upper body has gotten somewhat more defined but not really any bigger as I'm keeping the reps low.
I initially started because I lost a lot of weight and my hips got really skinny. I found that trying to add fat to them by eating more had the unfortunate side effect of making my stomach bigger than I wanted it.
HRT has been great for me, especially by fixing my mind which was spiraling down into a black hole. The physical changes make me feel better too. They come slow but steady so patience is the key.
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Thanks Debroah,
That's really interesting to hear! Ive only been on HRT about 2 months but ive been without testosterone for about 18 months so my muscle mass amd upper body strength is basically zero lol. I initially stacked it on post op but since then ive made an effort to lose it all but the side effect is i am basically skinny and straight so the idea that i might be able to change that through getting back to the gym is really inspiring!!
Thanks for the sharing your experience!
Quick update: so I woke this morning, and after around 2 months on HRT my breasts were a bit tender. Having just got back from a run, a couple of sports bras are now on my shopping list, as it wasn't too comfy!
Nothing visible yet, but I've got the biggest happy grin [emoji16]
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Congrats!!! Keep us informed of your progress!! Its lovely to hear your journey and compare it to my own. We are all on tgis together.
Tnx. All the great posts on Susan's have really helped me understand and prepare for this part of my transition. I'm so very greatful the site exists and for all the wonderful people who share here.
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Quote from: Chrissym on September 08, 2017, 06:32:38 PM
Thanks Debroah,
That's really interesting to hear! Ive only been on HRT about 2 months but ive been without testosterone for about 18 months so my muscle mass amd upper body strength is basically zero lol. I initially stacked it on post op but since then ive made an effort to lose it all but the side effect is i am basically skinny and straight so the idea that i might be able to change that through getting back to the gym is really inspiring!!
Thanks for the sharing your experience!
I finally got a new picture sharing site so I thought to share a pic I took yesterday of my hips progress. Unfortunately, my skinny jeans are no longer skinny and I really need to get a smaller size ;D. There is no padding or constriction clothing here other than tightening my belt to where I wear it all the time. I am counting on more as time goes on.
The heavy weights are really not having a huge bulking effect like many fear. HRT prevents that so if someone has already depleted their muscle mass then muscle development on HRT should follow mostly as it would for any CIS woman.
(https://i.imgur.com/fLoVTNx.jpg)
Quick update: It's been 10 weeks since my GNRH blocker jab, next one is due in 2 weeks. I've noticed the last couple of days my skin is a little bit greasier and my libido is up very slightly, but thankfully without any real drive. Nipples still a little tender, I've had to start wearing a sports bra when running for comfort!
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Nipples still a little tender, I've had to start wearing a sports bra when running for comfort!
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[/quote]
I have experienced the same when I run. Sport bra is a must. My tits have been tender for a couple of weeks and now have about a 1/2" nodule behind each nipple. I wonder how much I'll fill my bra by November when I race in a 10k in Las Vegas.
Smiles, Jessica 💁
Quote from: Deborah on September 09, 2017, 10:11:17 AM
I finally got a new picture sharing site so I thought to share a pic I took yesterday of my hips progress. Unfortunately, my skinny jeans are no longer skinny and I really need to get a smaller size ;D. There is no padding or constriction clothing here other than tightening my belt to where I wear it all the time. I am counting on more as time goes on.
The heavy weights are really not having a huge bulking effect like many fear. HRT prevents that so if someone has already depleted their muscle mass then muscle development on HRT should follow mostly as it would for any CIS woman.
(https://i.imgur.com/fLoVTNx.jpg)
Deborah, you look beautiful and your hips are very feminine!
Just had tell you. I'm hoping the same for me.
Smiles, Jessica
Quote from: Jessica on September 15, 2017, 12:07:12 PM
Deborah, you look beautiful and your hips are very feminine!
Just had tell you. I'm hoping the same for me.
Smiles, Jessica
Thank you! ;D
You just made my day. :icon_dance:
Quote from: Kendra on July 28, 2017, 03:24:51 PM
Jessica, thank you. This is great to know.
I thought that was a presurgical standard due to the clotting factor? And risk of DVT and PE... when did that change?
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Quote from: Kendra on July 28, 2017, 01:58:46 PM
In the long run it's all just estrogen under the bridge.
OMG I love this quote! I'm a doc doing trans hormones for both trans men and women (a little awkward for the men as I'm a gyno, but it's a public clinic and no one else is doing treatment for trans folks in this setting)
"Just estrogen under the bridge." Love it!
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Quick update: breasts certainly budding now, and tender to the touch. Emotions are far easier to access. I was sobbing with happiness when I got my Triathlon result, I've never cried with happiness before, a truly wonderful thing.
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Quote from: meganjames2 on September 22, 2017, 01:52:34 PM
Quick update: breasts certainly budding now, and tender to the touch. Emotions are far easier to access. I was sobbing with happiness when I got my Triathlon result, I've never cried with happiness before, a truly wonderful thing.
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Yep hormones for sure.. soon you'll be saying "Dang hormones" like me.
;D ;D
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: Laurie on September 22, 2017, 02:35:58 PM
Yep hormones for sure.. soon you'll be saying "Dang hormones" like me.
;D ;D
Hugs,
Laurie
When my young son jumped on my chest last week I certainly said something!
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QuoteQuick update: breasts certainly budding now
This bud's for you! :D
I can just pitcher that.
Quote from: Kendra on September 22, 2017, 04:14:02 PM
I can just pitcher that.
Hehe, cheers to that!
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Quote from: meganjames2 on September 22, 2017, 01:52:34 PM
I was sobbing with happiness when I got my Triathlon result, I've never cried with happiness before, a truly wonderful thing.
So how did you get on in the triathlon Megan?
Quote from: Charlotte F on September 22, 2017, 04:29:00 PM
So how did you get on in the triathlon Megan?
It was my first full Olympic distance, it wasn't quick or pretty, but I made it round and under my admittedly generous target time (hence the tears). The weather was also pretty grim; wind and rain. Official time was 3 hours 43 minutes.
It was nice lining up at the start with all the other ladies having a good chat before our wave started.
I'm already planning another one, after my third half marathon next month[emoji5].
Three years ago I weighed 280lbs and couldn't run for more than 30 seconds.
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That's awesome and sounds like a good time to me! Completing something like that just feels amazing especially when you've had to come so far to get there
I'm still slowly recovering from a bad break to my leg that I sustained at the start of the year. A couple of weeks back I finally managed to compete in a cycle race. Can't say I did particularly well (217th!) but just crossing the line was enough for me!
I can only imagine how liberating that must have felt to be starting with all the other girls
Good work on getting back in the saddle!
I was 39th out of the 39 ladies, but I beat some of the men [emoji16].
I don't look even vaguely female squeezed into a wet suit, so I got misgendered all the way round, but hey-ho!
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Yes, unfortunately wetsuits and lycra outfits are not the most forgiving or flattering! Thank goodness for HRT, hopefully in time our shapes will start to change enough to pass to some degree. At the moment I personally wouldn't even try and the thought of tucking on a bike sounds like a whole new level of pain :o
Quick update: 3 more days until my E gets doubled. My emotions continue to strengthen. My overall mood is still very positive, I often feel what I can only describe as 'joy', to the point of crying.
Physically my breasts are continuing to bud, and the E increase will probably only drive this further.
All the changes I've had so far have been great and welcome (aside the tender boobs).
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Quick update: today I increase my E dose (double) and tomorrow I also get my second gnrh blocker jab.
I'll admit I've had a wobble over the last week in the run up to this point, but Michelle was kind enough to make me see sense, so onward!
Biggest issue right now is the discomfort from my running. Even with a sports bra and compression top it's quite uncomfortable. I'm probably up to an A cup at this point, as I had the remnants from moobs as a start point, but the buds are certainly there, growing and quite tender.
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Wow Megan - in three years you went from 280 pounds (127kg) to run/swim/bike a triathalon now?! What an incredible accomplishment.
Quote from: Kendra on September 27, 2017, 12:41:34 PM
Wow Megan - in three years you went from 280 pounds (127kg) to run/swim/bike a triathalon now?! What an incredible accomplishment.
Tnx hun. X
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OMG WOW!
3 months into HRT, and doubled E dose 3 days ago.
Desire for sexual release is almost zero, but I've been trying things occasionally to see what still works and keep things as functional as possible. It can currently still get hard with encouragement, but remains quiet otherwise.
I was giving things a run through last night and OMG WOW! When others have commented on experiencing a change to female orgasms they weren't kidding!
It wasn't like a male orgasm, it was mostly mental/emotional and not really physical.
I was half laughing/half crying, hyperventilating, and it just kept going... It even took a while just lying still for it to stop.
I always tried to be an attentive lover to my Ex, but I didn't have a clue, and I only get that now.
An amazing and affirming experience [emoji16].
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I noticed the same here. OMG, breasts are fun to play with but they are better when they are played with.
I've never really thought much of my finishes before HRT and sadly even less since on the occasional times I've bothered. Worse yet I now find it a difficult chore that frequently results in some pain. Not what I'd call enjoyable in the least.
[emoji853] Laurie, sorry to hear that. 'Chore' is certainly the word now for me too, I'm kinda making myself based on others comments about maintaining orgasmic capability post GRS and to minimise shrinkage of the very little donor material I already have.
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Quick update: Emotions are becoming ever more present, happiness, sadness, all wonderful.
Access to my emotions was one thing I talked about alot with my therapist, way before full-time and HRT. I wanted this greatly but was worried I wouldn't be able to process or handle them, but I have only found this part of HRT positive (even the negative feelings). As I was full-time for several months before the HRT, I do feel it is the shift in my hormone levels that has allowed this, including my recent E increase.
Physically, my breast buds are still very tender and growing slowly. No other obvious changes beyond my previous updates.
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Emotions can be quite fun most of the time. Keep it up!
Quick update: I'm not sure if it's a result of now taking my oral E twice a day, but the short lived nausea I had for a couple of weeks following my morning E pill seems to have faded away.
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I've always had a low threshold for tears, always.
Even then I was also not ready for or prepared for what it would be like on HRT.
I spent half the new Beauty and the Beast movie last night crying and creating a pile of tissue.
Quote from: IzzyC on October 04, 2017, 01:52:13 PM
I've always had a low threshold for tears, always.
Even then I was also not ready for or prepared for what it would be like on HRT.
I spent half the new Beauty and the Beast movie last night crying and creating a pile of tissue.
As a young child I was very sensitive and prone to tears, but I locked all that away as I got older and was given the 'boys don't cry' drill and the dreaded T ramped up. Well the T is gone, and now I'm allowed (nay expected) to cry [emoji4].
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Quote from: meganjames2 on October 04, 2017, 01:55:57 PM
As a young child I was very sensitive and prone to tears, but I locked all that away as I got older and was given the 'boys don't cry' drill and the dreaded T ramped up. Well the T is gone, and now I'm allowed (nay expected) to cry [emoji4].
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Being able to express emotions is a double edged sword. on one hand it is a relief to be able to finally let those tears flow but on the other it signals hurt and pain that have no other outlet. Occasional tears over a sad movie or story is one thing despair and pain is another. Besides it gives me headaches. lol
Quote from: Laurie on October 04, 2017, 02:04:14 PM
Being able to express emotions is a double edged sword. on one hand it is a relief to be able to finally let those tears flow but on the other it signals hurt and pain that have no other outlet. Occasional tears over a sad movie or story is one thing despair and pain is another. Besides it gives me headaches. lol
I guess I'm lucky not to have hit true pain yet. A colleague's sister passed away today, we're quite close and he came to share the news with me before he left, I didn't cry (could have though), but I felt an emotional empathy I never would have before.
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I've come close so many times to bust out in tears but somehow I've managed to keep it to just a few drops. Sometimes at the strangest of times. One time I was getting onto a new hire that I was training for doing something wrong. Other times it would be normal things to cry over. Hopefully my E will be increased this month.
Lately just when anybody shows me a kindness, I get choked up. I don't even know where that's coming from. I kinda like it though. Before hrt I had two modes, angry and sleepy. This feels more healthy.
It's funny how the emotional changes are in many ways (at least for me) some of the most profound changes from HRT, and yet because the medical community can't measure it, they don't even seem to register that these happen.
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Oh they happen... both good and bad
Update: WARNING - graphic and gross follows... You've been warned!
I'm sharing this here because I'm freaking out a little, but if it turns out to be of use to someone else, then it's worth it.
Last night there was fresh blood in my ejaculate. I've been on HRT (E and GNRH blockers for just over 3 months), there was and is no pain, discomfort or injury, and I feel perfectly healthy. I didn't sleep well last night as a result and went straight to the doctors this morning, they checked my prostate which is fine, and I'm now currently at the hospital waiting for blood tests.
I did Google this last night and did find a few other instances of MTF trans* who'd had a similar experience. It may or may not be related to my medication or the changes it is inducing.
I will update on this thread any developments.
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Well you dang well better keep us informed lady.
Hope they find it's nothing serious
Eef, scary scary. Keep us updated. Hugs...
I'm just pretending it's that time of the month! [emoji16]
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Hope everything turns out okay.
I had something similar. At about the same time frame, I noticed a very slight pinkish tinge to my ejaculate. It wasn't very pronounced at all, and it only happened the one time. Also, at about the same time, I experienced a clear discharge from my breasts for a little while, a couple of weeks. In fact, with enough pressure, I could express a short stream of it. Also once, I got a reddish tinge to the discharge. One of the side effects of spiro is "clear or bloody discharge from the nipple." The side effects are listed on drugs.com and there are several other "bloody" side effects. I just chalked it up to that.
But you're not taking spiro, so that doesn't apply. I hope everything turns out fine for you.
All the best,
--AshleyP
Tnx Ashley, I'm not overly concerned right now, but I'll see what my blood results bring back. The silver lining is I got the doctor to add T & E levels onto the tests, so I'll get an idea of how my HRT is running [emoji4].
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Quote from: meganjames2 on October 05, 2017, 11:26:00 AM
Tnx Ashley, I'm not overly concerned right now, but I'll see what my blood results bring back. The silver lining is I got the doctor to add T & E levels onto the tests, so I'll get an idea of how my HRT is running [emoji4].
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Sneaky woman ;D
And all those years I thought T&E was Travel and Entertainment expenses.
Trial and Error here.
Just got back from a 10k race with a couple of old friends who are totally cool with my transition.
The thing I've noticed is that my stamina and run pace have certainly picked up since doubling my E 10 days ago. Still not in 'male' territory, but I'd say the increase in my dose has improved my energy levels and endurance.
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E promotes fat burning so that might be what you are experiencing.
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Quote from: Deborah on October 08, 2017, 08:56:28 AM
E promotes fat burning so that might be what you are experiencing.
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Why did no one tell me this sooner!!! [emoji23]
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LOL. According to an article I read it also promotes HGH, human growth hormone, which aids in muscle gain.
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Wierd, I always though that T was a big factor in muscle growth.
Is there anything E can't do? It's a wonder drug!
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Quote from: Deborah on October 08, 2017, 09:01:28 AMAccording to an article I read it also promotes HGH, human growth hormone, which aids in muscle gain.
The reason estrogen tends to increase growth hormone is because it reduces IGF-1 which is really the key hormone in promoting muscle gain.
My experiment of one is showing me muscle and strength gain still happens in the absence of testosterone. So something is going on.
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Anyway, here is the link to the article I read. It contains links to several studies also.
https://www.muscleforlife.com/female-muscle-growth/
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Muscle gain is still possible with estrogen and low T but would be much greater on higher T and less E. That's all I'm saying. IGF-1 is higher on a combination of higher T and lower E. My IGF-1 significantly dropped on high doses of E, to under the normal range whereas on lower doses of E and with some added T, my IGF-1 went back up. This is really the hormone that counts when it comes to building muscle and it's mostly through the action of this hormone that growth hormone exerts its effects.
Having lost so much muscle earlier this year following my skiing accident, I can't really say how my muscle has or hasn't been affected by the HRT. Today though, after several years of having a consistent threshold heart rate of 177 BPM my rate has increased to 180 BPM. This is very strange as I'm no fitter than any time in the last few years - the only thing that's changed is the addition of HRT
Wow, just got back from a facial laser session, feel sorry for the operator...
I've previously had 8 sessions and about 10 hours electro, these weren't fun, but manageable; this was the first time since starting HRT that I'd done any hair removal.
Half way through I couldn't take it and just burst into tears. I had just enough of my wits left to prevent a full breakdown. The operator had to find me tissues and a drink.
The pain was bad, but no worse than I remember, the issue was that the pain now had an emotional impact too.
Admittedly my head wasn't in good place even going into the session, I've been getting worked up about possible GRS options (which is still a long way away).
So 5 more of those then [emoji853]...
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Okay, I'm struggling [emoji853].
It's probably not coincidence that my emotions have been growing more powerful since increasing my HRT.
I'm getting quite scared that I can't process them, and that I'm loosing the person I was.
I'm crying over almost anything right now, sometimes for no reason.
I've arranged to see my therapist to talk it through. I don't want to stop my transition, and I can't and don't want to go back. I really hope things improve.
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Quote from: meganjames2 on October 09, 2017, 04:43:26 PM
Okay, I'm struggling [emoji853].
It's probably not coincidence that my emotions have been growing more powerful since increasing my HRT.
I'm getting quite scared that I can't process them, and that I'm loosing the person I was.
I'm crying over almost anything right now, sometimes for no reason.
I've arranged to see my therapist to talk it through. I don't want to stop my transition, and I can't and don't want to go back. I really hope things improve.
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Is this something everyone experiences? I would like to know that. I was warned that I would get depressed and when I did, I found it so unmanageable that my endo lowered my dose to the initial one. I guess I want to know if we all go through that, I don't want to become a depressed and emotional mess.
Megan, yes, I'm finding the same occasionally. When I was DIY my second time I was unaware that this was possible and I would just cry unexpectedly, or with very minor ribbing or bullying. (I've been bullied a lot) Now though I know it's possible and can stave it off usually. This is normal, and by the end of the day I actually like it. It's proof to me that hrt is working. So often I just feel even keel and when I get a surge of emotion, I love it. Today I had a disagreement with my vfx super and I almost cried during it.
Charlie Nicki, I think if you are prone to depression it can accentuate it. The ups and downs I feel are mainly happy, sad, isolation, exhileration. I have gotten depressed on hrt, but not any worse than before hrt.
Thanks for the info Bari Jo.
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Quote from: Charlie Nicki on October 09, 2017, 07:36:21 PM
Is this something everyone experiences? I would like to know that. I was warned that I would get depressed and when I did, I found it so unmanageable that my endo lowered my dose to the initial one. I guess I want to know if we all go through that, I don't want to become a depressed and emotional mess.
I did not experience any of that with a fairly high dose of both spiro and E. I was depressed before HRT but have not experienced depression since. As for emotions I think mine were fairly intense all my life. HRT, if it has changed my emotions at all it has been only a marginal change.
The changes I have experienced have all been positive such as mood elevation and suppression of the rages I used to often fly in to.
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Quote from: Charlie Nicki on October 09, 2017, 07:36:21 PM
Is this something everyone experiences? I would like to know that. I was warned that I would get depressed and when I did, I found it so unmanageable that my endo lowered my dose to the initial one. I guess I want to know if we all go through that, I don't want to become a depressed and emotional mess.
I'm not going to say this is depression, as I'm also feeling some great positivity too. It's the strength of these emotions, that having not grown up with them, I'm finding very difficult to process.
I've had a bad couple of weeks: messed around by the GIC, health scare (which I'm still waiting for results on), obsessing about if/what GRS to get, a very upsetting laser session; it's all getting too much. Before HRT I'd just compartmentalise and ignore my emotions, now I can't.
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Quote from: Deborah on October 09, 2017, 08:40:35 PM
HRT, if it has changed my emotions at all it has been only a marginal change.
Same here. Not much difference, if any.
--AshleyP
Full meltdown with my therapist this evening. I've been utterly overwhelmed by my emotions. I was raised and my family are very cold and rational. All the control and the whole persona I've built over decades is falling away. I am genuinely grieving and having to let go of the person I was.
This sounds negative, but it isn't. It is terrifying and scary, but also wonderful and so much more than I ever imagined. The physical changes from HRT do not and never will compare to this.
In time I expect I will learn to live with, process and integrate these feelings, creating a new and more authentic me; but right now, life is very bumpy.
I shall follow my therapists advice to take one day at a time, and allow myself to feel and work through all these new feelings. X
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That sounds like an amazing session Megan. I'm sorry it's been so hard for you lately - it's incredible the emotional baggage we seem to pick up from our families and the ones we love. My family was the same, I've always found it very difficult to express emotion or open up
It really does sound like you've made some massive strides forward though in accepting & embracing your new self and letting go of the past
Tnx hun, I'm certainly a work in progress atm!
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I wouldn't put yourself down - you could be back at square one with me!!!
I guess this is what transition is about. The whole of your life you've been conditioned to act and think in a certain way. Then in just a few months you try and almost unforget all of that and learn a whole new way of doing things, presenting yourself and interacting with the world. All of this whilst trying to embrace a side of you that's been hidden away for so long that even you don't really know exactly what or who that is
There's going to be some bumps along the way but you know in a few months you'll be looking back from a much better place
Tough place to be Megan. I, like you (possibly, sorry to assume), have always been a rational analytic and had pride in always being in control. HRT showed me that this was no longer the case. While it has been a wild and emotional ride I have found a place that still maintains my rational analytic nature and skills but has blended them with an empathetic wholeness that I find so much more rewarding and desirable. It has allowed me to include meaningful relationships rather than cold lonerism. It is messier and a rather bumpy ride getting to this place but oh so worth the trials. Good luck along the ride, Anne
Quote from: Anne Blake on October 10, 2017, 04:23:06 PM
Tough place to be Megan. I, like you (possibly, sorry to assume), have always been a rational analytic and had pride in always being in control. HRT showed me that this was no longer the case. While it has been a wild and emotional ride I have found a place that still maintains my rational analytic nature and skills but has blended them with an empathetic wholeness that I find so much more rewarding and desirable. It has allowed me to include meaningful relationships rather than cold lonerism. It is messier and a rather bumpy ride getting to this place but oh so worth the trials. Good luck along the ride, Anne
Anne, thank you, It sounds like we are very alike. I hope I make it through to the same place and don't burn up on re-entry! X
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Quick update: Those following this thread will know that a week ago I had a scare when I had blood in my ejaculate (haematospermia). I have just got my blood tests back, and everything looks fine. With this reassurance, I tried the ol' equipment again, this time, just a small amount of clear produce, so hopefully just a one-off scare. This has had me very worried the last week (despite feeling otherwise healthy), so I'm very relieved!
As I was having bloods taken, I had them add E and T levels too, they were 237pmol (E) and 0.3nmol (T). The bloods were taken only 5 hours after my last dose, so that E reading maybe falsely high to some extent, but things look good overall.
I will add a discovery, when running my equipment check, I found I was able to achieve both my 'female' type orgasm, which was as epic as before, and also a separate 'male' orgasm which was only mild and diffuse. I'm am very happy with this overall.
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Good ending? I hope it was nothing...
Quote from: Bari Jo on October 11, 2017, 07:35:51 AM
Good ending? I hope it was nothing...
Or a 'happy ending' [emoji6]. As a few others have commented here and elsewhere about the haematospermia, it may well be a result of the HRT shutting down certain functions, I'll probably never know.
If anyone else encounters this, always see your doctor!
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Quote from: meganjames2 on October 11, 2017, 06:31:49 AMthey were 237pmol (E) and 0.3nmol (T). The bloods were taken only 5 hours after my last dose, so that E reading maybe falsely high to some extent
E at 237 pmol/L equals about 65 pg/ml which is a low value in the typical female range, from 20 pg/ml to up to 700+ pg/ml. Your testosterone is also very low, at around the equivalent of 9 ng/dl. Although levels fluctuate, if your E and T levels hover around these levels 24/7, it might explain your increased emotionality. I personally wouldn't feel good at such low levels of E and T. You are close to being menopausal.
With time and being post-op now 12 yrs, I realize a minimum amount of T and some E is necessary to feel and look good.
Quote from: KayXo on October 11, 2017, 03:58:43 PM
E at 237 pmol/L equals about 65 pg/ml which is a low value in the typical female range, from 20 pg/ml to up to 700+ pg/ml. Your testosterone is also very low, at around the equivalent of 9 ng/dl. Although levels fluctuate, if your E and T levels hover around these levels 24/7, it might explain your increased emotionality. I personally wouldn't feel good at such low levels of E and T. You are close to being menopausal.
With time and being post-op now 12 yrs, I realize a minimum amount of T and some E is necessary to feel and look good.
KayXo, you're right in that my E is still low. NHS targets are that it should be in the 300-400 pmol range. NHS protocol is to ramp up slowly. I was on a lower dose for the first three months, this was doubled about 2 weeks ago. In another 10 weeks they'll check my bloods again, and will increase again if needed to get me into range. I am getting continued breast development, and I'm happy with the pace so far [emoji5].
I'm on GNRH blockers, so that's kinda on or off!
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Quick update: 14 weeks on HRT. Nipple sensitivity has increased; certainly a mild pain rather than vague discomfort when light pressure is applied.
Emotionally feeling slightly better since earlier in the week, mostly because I took 2 days leave from work, and hid under my duvet to get some mental space around things.
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Hi Megan,
I am glad to read you are feeling a little bit better. I hope you are back to your normal chipper self soon as it sucks when you're down. Also glad to see your chest is starting to be a pain for you. Signs of happier times to come. Keep making progress back to normal.
Quote from: Laurie on October 13, 2017, 02:00:45 PM
Hi Megan,
I am glad to read you are feeling a little bit better. I hope you are back to your normal chipper self soon as it sucks when you're down. Also glad to see your chest is starting to be a pain for you. Signs of happier times to come. Keep making progress back to normal.
I'm not down; heavily shaken but still positive. I'll never be back to my 'old' self, and I'm comming slowly to terms with that, kind of grieving to some extent, but not in a negative way.
It'll take time, but accepting and integrating my new emotional self into parts of my old self, and also loosing other parts is going to be key to my journey.
I'll admit to being genuinely terrified of what lies ahead. My therapist was kind enough to remind me of the challenges I have taken on and overcome in the last three years, this is just the next. [emoji4]
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okay scratch the down part. I can still can be glad that you can embrace change.
Quote from: Laurie on October 13, 2017, 04:06:33 PM
okay scratch the down part. I can still can be glad that you can embrace change.
Thanks Laurie, and maybe I was down, I'm not even sure which way is up right now. Like a Katherine wheel with sparkles out my bum! [emoji23]
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Quote from: meganjames2 on October 13, 2017, 02:37:38 PM
I'm not down; heavily shaken but still positive. I'll never be back to my 'old' self, and I'm comming slowly to terms with that, kind of grieving to some extent, but not in a negative way.
It'll take time, but accepting and integrating my new emotional self into parts of my old self, and also loosing other parts is going to be key to my journey.
I'll admit to being genuinely terrified of what lies ahead. My therapist was kind enough to remind me of the challenges I have taken on and overcome in the last three years, this is just the next. [emoji4]
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Thanks for this post, and explanation of how you feel and what lies ahead. It makes me understand more of what's going on with me too.
Hugs.
Bari Jo
Quick update: I have been feeling far more my usual happy self the last two days. The ramp up from my E dose increase really hit me emotionally, but I feel I'm back in balance again. Thank you for all the support of the last couple of weeks [emoji5].
Physical changes are gradual, so it's hard to know what's real or imagined, but I do think my thighs are carrying a bit more fat, and my waist position may be moving higher in where clothing seems to sit, all subtle though.
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Hair regrowth...
This topic has been done to death, so I'll save another thread!
I'm over 3 months into HRT, and I have a decent number of hairs towards my hairline that I think are new. They are fine and colourless, but most are a good inch long, so more than any velus hair; and the length would correlate with the start of HRT. I've maintained my dose of Finasteride even after starting HRT, and also use Minoxidil.
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Congrats on the new hair growth. I've been only taking Minoxidil with my HRT neds and have noticed some darker hair growth on top of my head. Glad you are getting some good results. See? Something good is happening after last week.
I can so relate with grieving over my old self! I still am presenting my "old" self right now and "he" (as society deems?) has always helped me. I consider myself as they or them since I've always seen myself as non binary. They are different than the "she" (again, society) and I recognize this which makes me sad in a way. I chose at this point to make drastic changes for the rest of my life. I'm definitely happier for this, but it just feels like I'm leaving behind someone and I've never been good with goodbyes.
I really hope less than 1 month in this is all the estrogen, then that would mean all these pills I'm taking are doing something! Lol
Quote from: RobynTx on October 21, 2017, 06:25:09 PM
Congrats on the new hair growth. I've been only taking Minoxidil with my HRT neds and have noticed some darker hair growth on top of my head. Glad you are getting some good results. See? Something good is happening after last week.
Tnx Robyn. I'm a self-confessed control freak, so when I felt I was loosing control over who and what I was, it was very hard for me to process. Just a blip on my journey, and there will be others in future too, but I'm getting better at riding them out. X
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Quote from: dist123 on October 21, 2017, 07:16:49 PM
I can so relate with grieving over my old self! I still am presenting my "old" self right now and "he" (as society deems?) has always helped me. I consider myself as they or them since I've always seen myself as non binary. They are different than the "she" (again, society) and I recognize this which makes me sad in a way. I chose at this point to make drastic changes for the rest of my life. I'm definitely happier for this, but it just feels like I'm leaving behind someone and I've never been good with goodbyes.
I really hope less than 1 month in this is all the estrogen, then that would mean all these pills I'm taking are doing something! Lol
I spent many months even before full-time and HRT talking through this with my therapist. I'm thankful for the person I was, they did quite well in life, and were seemingly liked by people.
I guess like any passing we can choose to be negative, or take a positive view, acknowledge that person, and try to take their best bits with us. X
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Quote from: meganjames2 on October 21, 2017, 04:50:48 PM
Hair regrowth...
This topic has been done to death, so I'll save another thread!
I'm over 3 months into HRT, and I have a decent number of hairs towards my hairline that I think are new. They are fine and colourless, but most are a good inch long, so more than any velus hair; and the length would correlate with the start of HRT. I've maintained my dose of Finasteride even after starting HRT, and also use Minoxidil.
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I am noticing fine hair as well right now. I currently have a hairline restoration scheduled for late November. I'm thinking I should delay, just to see what hrt and finasteride is doing.
Bari Jo
Quote from: meganjames2 on October 22, 2017, 01:43:13 AM
I spent many months even before full-time and HRT talking through this with my therapist. I'm thankful for the person I was, they did quite well in life, and were seemingly liked by people.
I guess like any passing we can choose to be negative, or take a positive view, acknowledge that person, and try to take their best bits with us. X
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I so agree here. More importantly, I hope my loved ones and people I know, realize I'm doing just this. I didn't hate my old self, well, I hated that I was a man and was miserable a lot. However, I have accomplished amazing things, things that most only dream about. I plan on carrying over that spirit and some other things of my old self.
Bari Jo
Quote from: Bari Jo on October 22, 2017, 02:34:21 AM
I am noticing fine hair as well right now. I currently have a hairline restoration scheduled for late November. I'm thinking I should delay, just to see what hrt and finasteride is doing.
Bari Jo
As my crown was my worst area, it was a simpler decision for me. I left my hairline as it was not great but just about 'good enough'.
The theory is that even without any specific regrowth, overall hair density should increase to some extent, as E extends the growth phase of the follicles, meaning more hairs growing at any one time, and fewer in resting phase, ergo more density!
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Quote from: Bari Jo on October 22, 2017, 02:34:21 AMI am noticing fine hair as well right now. I currently have a hairline restoration scheduled for late November. I'm thinking I should delay, just to see what hrt and finasteride is doing.
Exactly this, Bari Jo. I was doing research and getting ready to call about FUT hair grafts, then one night I saw hairs regrowing in areas I thought were dead for good. My crown is actually starting to fill in fairly well after using topical minoxidil (generic Rogaine) since March. The front corners seem to be filling in since I started finasteride about two months ago. So I've put any plans for grafts on hold for a year to see how well the regrowth works on its own. Fingers crossed!
- Steph
I noticed the name change. Congratulations I'm so happy for you.
Quote from: RobynTx on October 23, 2017, 07:37:20 AM
I noticed the name change. Congratulations I'm so happy for you.
Ty. The 'james' of meganjames was a fictional creation for privacy reasons no longer required [emoji5].
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Quote from: Megan. on October 23, 2017, 08:02:02 AMThe 'james' of meganjames was a fictional creation for privacy reasons no longer required
I like the new one. Now you're just Megan. Period. [emoji846]
And here I was thinking I'd never get one of those, even with surgery [emoji23]
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Quote from: Megan. on October 23, 2017, 01:23:43 PM
And here I was thinking I'd never get one of those, even with surgery [emoji23]
I knew someone was going to run with that. Just wasn't sure who.
Quote from: Steph2.0 on October 22, 2017, 10:54:32 AM
So I've put any plans for grafts on hold for a year to see how well the regrowth works on its own. Fingers crossed!
- Steph
That waiting for what may be potentially bad news is the hardest part of all of this in my mind. I've been on Finast for about 2 months after the cheap Costco minox for about 2 before that. I have a lot of new fine growth and some darkened growth, seemingly ahead of the curve on timing but even then it is killing me to have to wait a year just to even be able to approach a transplant surgeon and get a prognosis. It bothers me way more than body hair, because there's no question there; it's just find a way to pay and put in the time, eventually done with no "Sorry, you'll never not have a beard" being sprung on you a year down the line. This is just painful not knowing the answer to whether I'm even eligible for transplants, much less will be able to have my own real, long feminine hair.
Quote from: Roll on October 23, 2017, 09:56:02 PM
I've been on Finast for about 2 months after the cheap Costco minox for about 2 before that. I have a lot of new fine growth and some darkened growth, seemingly ahead of the curve on timing but even then it is killing me to have to wait a year just to even be able to approach a transplant surgeon and get a prognosis.
Did you just ask a GP for the Finast? Did you have growth before with the minox, or is it all just the finast?
Katie,
In my own case (using both fin and min), I can't say if they've given me any regrowth, but I do think they stopped any further loss.
Megan. X
(Oh, I should probably answer the question Katie asked me here too for future readers. I was talking to Katie about something else and had just replied there.)
My GP gave me a scrip for finasteride no questions asked. (Proscar, not propecia or generic propecia dosage finast. Proscar is cheaper while being higher amount of finast, which you then just divide so is even cheaper still!) I had a lot of the light, pigment-less growth from minox alone, which is what drove me to rush and get the finast. I'm 35 and most hair loss was well with in the oft cited 2-7 year window, with the added caveat that not all of it was due to androgen issues. My mother passed along somewhat thin hair on top, and also I had a lot of damage from psoriasis, that was seemingly easier to repair than traditional male hair loss may be. (Damaged follicle versus destroyed follicle I suppose.) I've had very positive and quick results all things considered (though won't get full coverage by any means), but I can't attest that will be the case for most people and I have no way to differentiate between my reasons for hair loss to know if it is the hair lost to DHT that is even responding.
Quick update: After thinking things were all OK, I've had another incident of Haematospermia :(
As my previous blood tests and prostate exam were clear, I'm at a loss, but obviously concerned.
I do have one random off-the-wall theory: The first and second occurrence of this have occurred about 25 days apart. I did some digging, and wonder if I may have some degree of Persistant Mullerian Duct Syndrome (https://www.susans.org/wiki/AMH_and_AMH_receptor_defects_in_persistent_Mullerian_duct_syndrome). I have displayed almost all of the indicators for this. In an earlier post I joked about pretending the blood was from menstruation, I'm starting to wonder if this could actually be possible. In theory the HRT could have initiated the start of cycles in some remnant Mullerian tissue. Though I freely admit (as I have no medical training) this could easily be nonsense.
I'll be scheduling a visit back to my doctor to ask for further investigation, ideally an ultrasound to check for any structural anomalies in the region, to either rule out my theory, or to confirm it.
Interesting. Since you used that big word again I decided to find out just what it meant. When I did it brought up dark colored or anywhere from pink to brown ejaculate. That brought to mind similar occurrences in myself. I went through I period after starting hrt (estradiol and spirolactone) where on the very infrequent time of taking care of business, perhaps once a month. I noticed that mine was discolored. I just chalked it up as aged juices, such as in fine wine,l ol, due to the long period in between. It occurred for several months and finally stopped. I believe it coincided with the termination of sperm production. I never looked into it and all this is my own totally unqualified hypothesis. At any rate it did stop.
Laurie
ty for sharing Laurie :)
My main concern is that it is nothing more serious. I'm not concerned about the blood per-se.
X
At least you have the where with all to be concerned about it and have it checked out where I didn't. I still have the male attitude that doctors are to be avoided where woman seem to welcome doctor visits.
It seems the GP isn't happy with the situation either. I've just received an appointment with a consultant urologist at the hospital, but it's not until Dec 18th. I do have private health cover through work, so I may see if I can get a faster consult.
In the meantime I'm keeping a record of all occurrences (3 total so far) and dates.
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Any practical way to get and store a sample? I haven't the slightest clue if that is the sort of thing you can freeze (or if you would want to have that in your freezer for a month and a half).
Hi Megan, I hope it's nothing to worry about!. You're blog has helped me, I'm a few months behind you😀 and I feel amazing most of the time but having those "grieving " periods too. I can't say my life has been bad, it hasn't but more that I'm feeling in a much better position to enjoy it . Anyway I love your posts 😀
Siobhan. ( I've chosen my name😊)
Quote from: Roll on October 31, 2017, 02:22:37 PM
Any practical way to get and store a sample? I haven't the slightest clue if that is the sort of thing you can freeze (or if you would want to have that in your freezer for a month and a half).
Here comes the TMI..
Yes I'm keeping time catalogued samples, I'm not going to share what and how, that's getting too private even for me, lol.
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Quote from: broage on October 31, 2017, 02:32:16 PM
Hi Megan, I hope it's nothing to worry about!. You're blog has helped me, I'm a few months behind you[emoji3] and I feel amazing most of the time but having those "grieving " periods too. I can't say my life has been bad, it hasn't but more that I'm feeling in a much better position to enjoy it . Anyway I love your posts [emoji3]
Siobhan. ( I've chosen my name[emoji4])
Siobhan , lovely name!
Thank you for the feedback. I post here so it might be of use to others; as others posts have been of use to me.
I'm glad you're having a positive experience. Despite a few bumps, this has been an almost wholly positive experience for me.
X
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Quick update: Tiredness... The last few days I've been needing more sleep. I've seen similar comments from others previously, so I'm taking it as good sign the HRT is still cranking away!
On that subject, a quick measurement showed nearly 4 inches between my underbust and chest measurement. Pre-hrt it was just over 2, so the girls are certainly growing [emoji16]. I'm a very solid A cup now, I wear a 40b and use fillets to fill things out a bit, but they are rapidly becoming redundant.
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Congrats on the bust increase. It's always nice to see the changes and not just feel them. Just watch out for doors like I found out this week.
Quote from: RobynTx on November 01, 2017, 10:55:14 AM
Congrats on the bust increase. It's always nice to see the changes and not just feel them. Just watch out for doors like I found out this week.
My two young children climbing all over me provides plenty of painful reminders! Haha
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Quote from: Megan. on November 01, 2017, 11:12:01 AM
My two young children climbing all over me provides plenty of painful reminders! Haha
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Gees, don't remind me. My two youngest are the worst at doing that. Work is just as bad. Our work uniforms have the chest pockets and it hurts having to get items out of them and then putting them back in.
Quick update: HRT effects continue to reduce my ejaculate quantity to near zero. Otherwise not much else has changed. Breasts continue to be tender and my emotional state is back in balance after a few bumpy weeks.
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Update and a new profile pic to boot :)
Physical stuff continues to plod on, the excitement of tender/sore breasts has gone away, now I just have tender/sore breasts lol.
I think I'm starting to see some minor fat redistribution, my legs/thighs certainly seem a bit chubbier, though my weight has been almost static since starting HRT.
A friend commented how much my face has changed, not sure I see it, though my phone camera almost exclusively genders me as female now.
The last few weeks have been very difficult emotionally. My early honeymoon phase is certainly over, now I'm realizing the amount to which I'm changing emotionally in my thoughts, behaviors and to people. I've had a bad few days, but I woke up this morning on top of the world, for no apparent reason. It is/will take me time to adjust and work with this new paradigm.
I did have a waver two nights ago, and seriously considered stopping my HRT purely from how difficult I'm finding the emotional changes, but I'm staying the path, and will hopefully come out better for it at the end.
Hi Megan. I love the new pict. You are really becoming lovely.
We all have good and bad days and doubts still, ugh. I'll tell you my secret for doubts. It's that I'm on pellets. Once inserted, I'm taking my body hostage for months at a time while the princess serum works. If I have doubts I can't get off this train. The doubts are fleeting anyway, so a few days later I'm better.
Anyway, that's my secret. You do look lovely, you face has changed too wow.
You mentioned your phone genders you? What app is that?
Bari Jo
Quote from: Bari Jo on November 15, 2017, 02:47:51 AM
Hi Megan. I love the new pict. You are really becoming lovely.
We all have good and bad days and doubts still, ugh. I'll tell you my secret for doubts. It's that I'm on pellets. Once inserted, I'm taking my body hostage for months at a time while the princess serum works. If I have doubts I can't get off this train. The doubts are fleeting anyway, so a few days later I'm better.
Anyway, that's my secret. You do look lovely, you face has changed too wow.
You mentioned your phone genders you? What app is that?
Bari Jo
Tnx hun. My AA jabs are 3-monthly, so that's one thing not to worry about [emoji5]
I've got a Xiaomi Mi5s, running Android 6.0.1. It overlays age (usually very generously low) and gender for any faces. X
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Hi Megan,
I'm just glad I'm not the only one dealing with constant doubts lol. It is a rollercoaster, sometimes I'm absolutely thrilled about the process and sometimes I'm like WTF am I doing? But I keep going. I am glad you keep going too.
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All through this journey I've always tried to view my doubts in a positive light. They are part of a healthy mental process continually evaluating and re-evaluating how I feel, and is it right for me to continue.
I've always said that I'd be more concerned if I didn't have any. X
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Quote from: Megan. on November 15, 2017, 06:07:13 AM
All through this journey I've always tried to view my doubts in a positive light. They are part of a healthy mental process continually evaluating and re-evaluating how I feel, and is it right for me to continue.
I've always said that I'd be more concerned if I didn't have any. X
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This is a great analysis. I agree.
Hey! You look great! :icon_joy:
Everyone has been posting new pics and everyone is looking fabulous and it makes me want to jump on that train! I cant wait for my appointment! :icon_dance:
Thanks for doing this. It's brave and it's equally so helpful. Reading threads like these doesnt just give insights into whats coming for those of us about to start this same journey, it's the little moments where we can identify with each other, at least for me, are a big deal.
Oh my god, I didn't even recognize you for a moment in the new profile picture! I think you are underestimating the effects HRT is having for your face. You are looking gorgeous!
Looking good Megan - loving the new avatar!
I can empathise with you on the emotions. The last few weeks in particular have been all over the show. One minute I feel like I have really had enough and the next I'm on a massive high. The worst thing for me is just how mentally draining it all is
When it all seems a bit much, I just remember back to how things were at the start of the year and I realise how much better I am now, even on a bad day
Hi Megan
I'm glad you are feeling better. Your comment on deciding to continue HRT made me think of myself. In all the ups and downs I have had since starting HRT last December, the one constant has been that hrt no matter how bad I feel is right for me. That even when I feel being transgender is at the root of all my problems as I do now, stopping hrt would accomplish nothing. Nothing will change for me, none of my problems would be undone, and nothing would get better by stopping. So I take my hrt because there is no reason to stop.
Quote from: Laurie on November 15, 2017, 02:11:15 PM
Hi Megan
I'm glad you are feeling better. Your comment on deciding to continue HRT made me think of myself. In all the ups and downs I have had since starting HRT last December, the one constant has been that hrt no matter how bad I feel is right for me. That even when I feel being transgender is at the root of all my problems as I do now, stopping hrt would accomplish nothing. Nothing will change for me, none of my problems would be undone, and nothing would get better by stopping. So I take my hrt because there is no reason to stop.
I feel the same way Laurie. Those bridges are burned beyond a crisp now, it's forward only for both of us!
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The way is through, not back.
I'm seeing a urologist consultant this evening to hopefully figure out the cause of the blood I've seen, though I'm happy to report I didn't see any at my last 'fun time'.
I'll update back here any results.
On the topic of fun time, 'output' is now almost zero, so the HRT continues to do is thing. X
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Good luck tonight Megan
Charlotte x
So I'm back for an ultrasound in a couple of days, and... [emoji853] got to a have a camera up my 'water pipe' as the consultant called it [emoji23]
I call it pre-GRS dilation [emoji48]
At least they're going to sedate me, must be an early (and really cr*p) Christmas present, cheers Santa!
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One very interesting thing to add is that as a urologist, he's seen blood in urine/ejaculate in several trans woman as a result of HRT. Said it was well known but never mentioned.
Regardless, always see you doctor if this happens!
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Thanks for the update Megan. Interesting he said it was well known. It makes me want to try to see what happens. I don't e en know if mine works any more. Hrt made me not want to even try. Let us know what the final final final results are!
Bari Jo
Well good luck on ye olde webcam up ye olde water pipe Megan. I had a catheter inserted when I had treatment for my cancer three years ago. I was apprehensive because after having my left kidney removed (what started all the cancer problems) many years ago I was in a room with another patient. We were required to be able to empty our bladders before being discharged. I had no problem but the other guy couldn't not perform and chose to have a catheter used to relieve the pressure. To listen to him one would think he was being murdered. Of as for my own experience with one? I found it uncomfortable but no big deal. I doubt their webcam will be any larger that a catheter. Hope all goes well for you.
Hugs,
Laurie
I had the scope put up there once. I can't say it was a fun time but it wasn't too bad. I remember feeling it "make the turn". Right then I gasped and held my breath.
Good luck! ;)
Laurie/Josie, thank you for the reassurances, I'm sure it'll be fine, and hopefully they won't find anything bad.
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Quick update: small increase in nipple size, areolas remain unchanged; otherwise, breast tenderness has remained quite constant since it started.
I am still struggling heavily with my emotions. I am hoping this is simply my body and mind working to find a new balance working with a very different hormone balance.
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Hang in there Megan. The changes are happening and will continue albeit very slowly. Hopefully those emotions will resolve themselves for the better soon. You know where to go and who you can talk to if and whenever you feel the need. You have lots of friends here in support of you.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quick update: HRT continues to make changes; 'happy time' output is now zero. But for now, no issue standing up with some coaxing.
It's subtle, but I'd also say I've had a slight increase in libido, but not the insistent 'male' one, it's a much softer desire, in the background.
Got an ultrasound on Friday morning to see what they can see... or not...
Emotionally, I think I'm slowly learning to 'roll with the punches'. Still a wild ride, any single day can have some pretty big hi's and low's.
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Quote from: Megan. on November 27, 2017, 02:55:38 PM
Emotionally.. any single day can have some pretty big hi's and low's.
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Tell me about it sister and they usually come w/o any real warning. But it's the subtle pervasive ones that you really need to watch for. The ones that sneak up on you and linger.
Hugs,
Laurie
Funny thing, since I added micronized progesterone, I'm almost always stable emotionally. It takes something to push me to the downs and ups. Sometimes a memory can make me cry or the first time my big brother referred to me as his sister.
Quote from: josie76 on November 28, 2017, 07:24:43 AM
Funny thing, since I added micronized progesterone, I'm almost always stable emotionally. It takes something to push me to the downs and ups. Sometimes a memory can make me cry or the first time my big brother referred to me as his sister.
Interesting observation Josie. The NHS in the UK don't currently support the use of Progesterone.
I don't want this thread to become another pros/cons argument though! [emoji5]
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13 yrs on HRT and here are my observations:
when E is high enough: I feel VERY stable emotionally, nothing bothers me, I'm CALM. Not only that, but I have energy, feel good and SEXY/confident. Libido also goes up. Skin also becomes quite soft.
low E: I feel anxious, irritable, sleepy/tired, always hungry, not good about myself.
P tends to oppose E so I find that, although for about 1 hour, it makes me feel VERY good (due to sedative effect), it makes me cranky, feel awful afterwards, crave foods, etc...same as when I have low E.
Stay good Megan, hope you're ok
Quote from: broage on December 01, 2017, 03:34:33 AM
Stay good Megan, hope you're ok
Tnx hun. I'm off for an ultrasound at the hospital in a short while; to see what they can see!
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Quick update: An ultrasound this morning didn't show any issues with my kidneys, so there's at least one bit of me that ain't broke; guess it'll be on to the camera next week [emoji853].
Hair-wise, I do think the HRT has resulted in new hair on my head. I started early July, and I now have fine hairs all over my head about 2 inches long which would tally time-wise. I hope these will thicken into full terminal hairs over time.
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Got the results from my 6-month bloods.
E at 232pmol/L.
No T, looks like my GP forgot to request it [emoji51]
Also one of my liver function levels was quite above range (ALT 62 U/L), indicating possible liver damage, that'll probably be all the oral E I've been scoffing! Annoying as I requested patches, but the NHS GIC clinician just ignored my concerns [emoji853].
I'm seeing my GP next week, so I'll certainly be asking for a different delivery method.
Tonight I'm also in hospital to have the camera up my 'water pipe', feel like I'm falling to bits! [emoji23]
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Hey Megan
Can't believe you've been riding the E train for six months already!
That level sounds a little bit low to me - not that I'm really any kind of expert but my doctor told me they try and stabilise levels at 300-800pmol/L
I guess if you're concerned about the impact on your liver, perhaps you could take the tablets sublingually? Hopefully, the high ALT level is just one of those blips though and your doctor will put your mind at rest when you see them next
Good luck tonight with the photo shoot. My dad had a similar test recently and said it wasn't painful - just a little bit uncomfortable and didn't last too long
My thoughts are with you
Tnx Charlotte [emoji4].
The NHS have a protocol that ramps it up slowly, but it should be higher (by their guidelines), so I'll be asking for an increased dose.
I looked into the liver levels and it's only a mild elevation, so nothing to panic about.
X.
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Quote from: Megan. on December 06, 2017, 06:05:25 AM
Got the results from my 6-month bloods.
E at 232pmol/L.
No T, looks like my GP forgot to request it [emoji51]
Tonight I'm also in hospital to have the camera up my 'water pipe', feel like I'm falling to bits! [emoji23]
I wish the docs would standardize on these things. My endo says they only measure E, and that T isn't important if E is in the right range. So I have no idea what mine is. Apparently low, since things are definitely progressing.
Also, my doc measures levels in pg/dL. Your number for E sounds like what she recommended when measured in those units (around 200 pg/dL). If I convert your 232 from pmol/L (using the calculator here: http://www.endmemo.com/medical/unitconvert/Estradiol.php (http://www.endmemo.com/medical/unitconvert/Estradiol.php)) it comes out to only 63. Hmmm. [emoji848]
I hope your test went as well as possible. When Charlotte referred to it as a photo shoot, I couldn't help but think, "Yeah, work it baby! Shake it for the camera!" [emoji12]
Steph
Quote from: Megan. on December 06, 2017, 06:05:25 AM
Got the results from my 6-month bloods.
E at 232pmol/L.
VERY low. At that level and no (low) T, most women would feel lousy. What does your doctor say? But, it's possible, E2 (estradiol) levels are higher at another time during the day sooo....
QuoteAlso one of my liver function levels was quite above range (ALT 62 U/L), indicating possible liver damage, that'll probably be all the oral E I've been scoffing!
So far, studies haven't shown oral bio-identical E2 to be detrimental to the liver so perhaps it could be something else. Alcohol? Cyproterone acetate? Diet? Let us know what your doctor says...
Quote from: Steph2.0 on December 06, 2017, 07:33:42 AMAlso, my doc measures levels in pg/dL. Your number for E sounds like what she recommended when measured in those units (around 200 pg/dL). If I convert your 232 from pmol/L (using the calculator here: http://www.endmemo.com/medical/unitconvert/Estradiol.php (http://www.endmemo.com/medical/unitconvert/Estradiol.php)) it comes out to only 63. Hmmm. [emoji848]
You are mistaken. It is pg/ml. Check again.
200 pg/dl = 200 pg/100 ml = 2 pg/ml. Range in ciswomen is 20-800 pg/ml during menstrual cycle, up to 75,000 pg/ml during pregnancy.
Quote from: KayXo on December 06, 2017, 11:03:49 AMYou are mistaken. It is pg/ml. Check again.
Sorry, you're right, of course. I did mean ml. The calculator I referenced did use the correct units.
My endo wanted to see it around 200, and on my last test it was 116, so we bumped up the dosage by 33%. Very happy with the results.
Steph
KayXo, I can't say I feel bad at all, I've competed in an Olympic triathlon with these levels [emoji4].
I will be asking for an increase in my dose however.
The liver issue could be from the large dose of ciprofloxacin antibiotic I've been on for the last two weeks, but have now thankfully finished.
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Just got out of my very brief procedure. The surgeon didn't see anything bad but did say there were many narrow points along my plumbing. I have to go back to have these 'stretched', and then apparently I have to dilate for several months after, not fair given I've still got my OEM equipment.
I did ask if this was worthwhile if I wasn't going to have those bits much longer, but he's done some GRS procedures before, and said there would be complications if I didn't do this now.
So a bit of grief to come, but fundamentally I'm healthy [emoji5]
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LMAO Megan, I loved your "No fair" comment and that the news itself was good overall.
Do try to enjoy your practice for the real thing.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: Laurie on December 06, 2017, 11:33:16 PM
LMAO Megan, I loved your "No fair" comment and that the news itself was good overall.
Do try to enjoy your practice for the real thing.
Hugs,
Laurie
Tnx Laurie, I'm really hoping they don't want me to use the same dilators the ladies here use!! [emoji23]
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Just got back from my GP. They were happy to increase my E again, to get it up into the preferred range. We discussed my slightly elevated liver levels, and agreed to recheck them a month after my new dosage level. Patches will be a fallback plan if my liver gets any worse, but I'm sticking with oral E for now.
Given the emotional super-wobble I had when I last increased my E, I'm a little wary about another increase, though I'd like to think I've passed over the worst of the emotional road bumps, we'll see! X
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Hoping things will actually even out on the higher dose and in a month from now, that liver enzymes come back normal. Cheers Megan! ;)
Megan, good to hear everything is good. Hopefully you are right and the liver enzyme levels are from the antibiotic then. Is your E tablets Estrace(brand name) aka micronized estradiol? If so taking them sublingually will get it into your blood stream without the liver pass. I have not heard of liver issues from bioidenticle estradiol tablets but taking by the digestive route means the liver will convert a large amount to estrone. The body can use estrone as a storable form and convert it back to estradiol as needed but many argue that the liver pass conversion will make your HRT less effective. The only thing I know for certain is that estrone does increase thrombosis risk while estradiol does not. (Estrone and estriol both increase thrombin activity while estradiol does not)
Quote from: Megan. on December 14, 2017, 02:34:29 AM
Just got back from my GP. They were happy to increase my E again, to get it up into the preferred range. We discussed my slightly elevated liver levels, and agreed to recheck them a month after my new dosage level. Patches will be a fallback plan if my liver gets any worse, but I'm sticking with oral E for now.
Given the emotional super-wobble I had when I last increased my E, I'm a little wary about another increase, though I'd like to think I've passed over the worst of the emotional road bumps, we'll see! X
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I kind of like the emotional road bumps. When do you get your increase Megan? My next is Jan 11. I'm already counting the days. Let's compare after.
Also you mention you might have to go to patches, depending on liver function. Is pellets an option?
Bari Jo
I picked up my new meds this morning, but still have 6 days of the previous batch, so soon! Could be a bumpy Xmas hehe
I asked about pellets, but my local GP clinic does not offer them, so I'd have to go the local hospital. I'm fine with oral for now. It gives me some finer control if I need to take a break for surgery etc...
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Quote from: josie76 on December 15, 2017, 07:08:57 AMThe only thing I know for certain is that estrone does increase thrombosis risk while estradiol does not. (Estrone and estriol both increase thrombin activity while estradiol does not)
Has cause and effect been established unequivocally? Is the risk not increased because the estrogen is taken orally instead of the high levels of estrone (and estriol)? Don't be so certain, critical analysis is of utmost importance.
Estrace is indeed micronized estradiol.
Hi Megan,
"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" or if you prefer "Ramming speed!" Congrats on the increase. It is possible your emotional ride could get a few more curves added. I think it did in my case though I have no concrete data to substantiate it. It has even been posited that my depression swings may be affected in part to the hormones. I personally do not think that is the case though it is possible I guess. Should you find yourself having difficulties and feel a need to talk, you know you have many here to talk with. You know where I can be found anytime I am online.
I say sit back and enjoy the ride if you can.
Hugs,
Laurie
For those interested here is my level history to-date:
*17-may-2016 (before any HRT)
E 124 pmol/L
T 16.4 nmol/L
*01-jul-2016 (low dose E trial)
E 149 pmol/L
T 18.9 nmol/L
*29-jul-2016 (end of low dose trial)
E 115 pmol/L
T 15.3 nmol/L
*11-oct-2017 (on oral E and GnRH blockers, already had one E increase)
E 237 pmol/L
T 0.3 nmol/L
*06-dec-2017
E 232 pmol/L
T 0.4 nmol/L
You can see the GnRH blocker (Decapeptyl) really works! My E should be in the 300-400 pmol/L range according to NHS GIC protocol, but they like to ramp it up over several months to get best development. In 6 days my E dosage will be increased, I'll be getting new levels in about a month. X
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Quote from: Laurie on December 15, 2017, 11:53:59 AM
Hi Megan,
"Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" or if you prefer "Ramming speed!" Congrats on the increase. It is possible your emotional ride could get a few more cures added. I think it did in my case though I have no concrete data to substantiate it. It has even been posited that my depression swings may be affected in part to the hormones. I personally do not think that is the case though it is possible I guess. Should you find yourself having difficulties and feel a need to talk, you know you have many here to talk with. You know where I can be found anytime I am online.
I say sit back and enjoy the ride if you can.
Hugs,
Laurie
Tnx Laurie. This will be my second increase, so I'm hoping the ride will be a little smoother [emoji5]
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Hi Megan, I just spent the last couple of hours getting all caught up on this thread. Firstly, I am very glad that your recent heath scare with the blood in your plumbing turned out to be nothing serious.
I really enjoyed reading this thread. I first started low dose E back in June. My dosage was ramped up over 2 months but then I had a major meltdown and stopped taking the meds for a month. I started full dose E and Spiro 6th September, so that is what I am counting as my official HRT start date. Reading your posts all one after another was like reading a timeline of just about everything I have experienced. It's amazing how similar the effects HRT has had on us all. I didn't even realise some of the effects until I read your posts.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Jayne
Quote from: Jayne01 on December 20, 2017, 05:24:22 AM
Hi Megan, I just spent the last couple of hours getting all caught up on this thread. Firstly, I am very glad that your recent heath scare with the blood in your plumbing turned out to be nothing serious.
I really enjoyed reading this thread. I first started low dose E back in June. My dosage was ramped up over 2 months but then I had a major meltdown and stopped taking the meds for a month. I started full dose E and Spiro 6th September, so that is what I am counting as my official HRT start date. Reading your posts all one after another was like reading a timeline of just about everything I have experienced. It's amazing how similar the effects HRT has had on us all. I didn't even realise some of the effects until I read your posts.
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Jayne
I read many similar threads from others before my own HRT adventure. They gave me a great insight into what to expect along the way, and as a result I've had confidence not fear as the changes have revealed themselves.
I'm glad you've found it of use. X
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Quote from: Megan. on December 20, 2017, 05:35:32 AM
I read many similar threads from others before my own HRT adventure. They gave me a great insight into what to expect along the way, and as a result I've had confidence not fear as the changes have revealed themselves.
I'm glad you've found it of use. X
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And now you are helping people like me in turn!
Good to know my random witterings are of use [emoji16]
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Quick update: Increased my E dose, for the second time, today. I won't say how often and how big, but I'm really hoping this is enough to get me up into a good range.
Also had my third 3 monthly AA blocker jab this morning, with my two young kids giggling as 'daddy' got a needle in him bum (left cheek for those curious).
So this is 6 months HRT!!! [emoji16]
X.
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Yay!!
If necessary, you can always turn the other cheek ;)
Quote from: Kendra on December 22, 2017, 03:13:09 PM
Yay!!
If necessary, you can always turn the other cheek ;)
Haha, indeed, the lovely nurse actually tracks it for me.
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Hurray on the 1/2 year milestone. And what better celebration can you ask for than the laughter of your kids?
Congrats on both counts Megan. And don't be giving the nice nurse the bums rush either. Just smile and thank her.
Hugs,
Laurie
Congrats on 6 months Megan!
Quote from: Megan. on December 22, 2017, 01:18:25 PMSo this is 6 months HRT!!! [emoji16]
Cool, Megan! I started one day before you did! June 21st, the first day of Stephanie's Summer.
Quick update:
My regular 1.5km swims at my local pool seem to be harder on my arms/shoulders, it doesn't feel like I had the power I used to, despite regular training. I'm guessing this could be an effect of the HRT and reduced upper-body strength.
As a result of shrinkage from either lack of usage or HRT effects, getting erect is becoming slightly uncomfortable. I still can with a little effort, but have little desire, and the mild discomfort is only serving to make me even less inclined.
I've not had the emotional instability I had from my first E increase. This second increase seems to have made my emotions more stable and level. I slightly miss the wild ride, it's more like a lazy river now [emoji5].
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I wish I could swim 1.5km. I can barely swim 15 metre, I'm not joking either. I have noticed a distinct reduction in my endurance in whatever activity I may be doing. Even walking up a few flights of stairs I start breathing heavier than I used to. Not a huge difference from before but noticeable.
I would suspect that as your body gets used to it's new chemistry and your mind learns to process emotions better, then you would end up being more emotionally stable. The wild roller coaster can be exciting though!
Jayne
Congrats on reaching six months. It seems that after you reach the three month mark time picks up and starts to fly by. At least it has for me. Mainly I'm just happy December is almost over with.
Keep it up.
Quote from: RobynTx on December 29, 2017, 06:04:36 AM
Congrats on reaching six months. It seems that after you reach the three month mark time picks up and starts to fly by. At least it has for me. Mainly I'm just happy December is almost over with.
Keep it up.
Tnx hun. I can't say December has been bad to me, quite the opposite for a change, despite family stresses! X
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Quote from: Megan. on December 28, 2017, 05:28:05 AM
As a result of shrinkage from either lack of usage or HRT effects, getting erect is becoming slightly uncomfortable. I still can with a little effort, but have little desire, and the mild discomfort is only serving to make me even less inclined.
Hi Megan,
Again congrats on the 6 month mark. I just realized you are only about 2 1/2 weeks behind me. Dec also marks my 6 months of full time and you are ahead of me there if I remember right.
As for your becoming uncomfortable and lack of desire, I noticed those things too. It is uncomfortable enough that it leaves me wondering why I did it. I actually cannot remember the last time I did it. So my little sister you are certainly not alone. (note to self: Perhaps we should investigate this female thing we keep hearing about)
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: Laurie on December 29, 2017, 01:06:42 PM
Hi Megan,
Again congrats on the 6 month mark. I just realized you are only about 2 1/2 weeks behind me. Dec also marks my 6 months of full time and you are ahead of me there if I remember right.
As for your becoming uncomfortable and lack of desire, I noticed those things too. It is uncomfortable enough that it leaves me wondering why I did it. I actually cannot remember the last time I did it. So my little sister you are certainly not alone. (note to self: Perhaps we should investigate this female thing we keep hearing about)
Hugs,
Laurie
We're rapidly becoming the wise, experienced ones! I pity the others [emoji23]
There's no wondering on my part, the 'why' is burned into my memory. As for GRS, that's still a very big questionmark for me. Sometimes I think heavily on it, others it's an irrelevance. Ifs, whats and whens will resolve themselves in due order; I'm just getting on with my life [emoji4]
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LOL Megan,
I think you misunderstood what I wondered about doing. That part of my comment was completely in relation to this indulgence...
Quote from: Megan. on December 28, 2017, 05:28:05 AM
As a result of shrinkage from either lack of usage or HRT effects, getting erect is becoming slightly uncomfortable. I still can with a little effort, but have little desire, and the mild discomfort is only serving to make me even less inclined.
Hugs,
Laurie
Haha, yes, understand now [emoji6].
And I love the term 'indulgence', couldn't put it better. X
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I am on injections once per week. Once I got over the fear of injecting myself I found the injections to be preferable because that's less pills, supposedly easier on the liver, and from what I hear it offers better results. However, one major drawback is toward the end of the week, like the last day or two before my injection is due, I will crash hard almost as if coming down from a sugar high. I'll get really moody and things like that. I haven't been on injections too long and hope it's something I can adjust to! Just putting this here in case anyone else out there is on injections and find they feel lousy on the day before the next injection is due is not alone.
Quote from: Shadowsister on December 29, 2017, 08:48:47 PM
I am on injections once per week. Once I got over the fear of injecting myself I found the injections to be preferable because that's less pills, supposedly easier on the liver, and from what I hear it offers better results. However, one major drawback is toward the end of the week, like the last day or two before my injection is due, I will crash hard almost as if coming down from a sugar high. I'll get really moody and things like that. I haven't been on injections too long and hope it's something I can adjust to! Just putting this here in case anyone else out there is on injections and find they feel lousy on the day before the next injection is due is not alone.
Tnx hun, interesting to hear, E injections are not something I'd considered, but I'll look into them. I'm fine with needles, so I wouldn't mind doing it. X
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Quote from: Megan. on December 30, 2017, 01:59:52 AM
Tnx hun, interesting to hear, E injections are not something I'd considered, but I'll look into them. I'm fine with needles, so I wouldn't mind doing it. X
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I would most definitely have to agree 100% that injections are the way to go with E. Decreased liver load and 100% absorption per my endo, plus the not having to wonder🤷‍♀️ did I take them did I not ...? I can't remember!
Do however ... I CANT STRESS THIS ENOUGH! make sure that in this process of injectable E that you order with plenty of time to spare. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten the national back order speech...
this is a result of it being a not commonly stocked normal pharmaceutical ..long story short , when you pick up prescription have them go ahead and order its replacement at that time ...then you've given yourself 30 days of resting and not worrying about the E train
.... so especially if you're weekly shot is due... to those of us that tank close to the end of our week, it's incredibly imperative to keep our cycle and chemical rhythm in sync. I am one of those that tanks.. I have the metabolism of a hummingbird.
so I've had to speak with my Endocrinologist and he has prescribed a compounded cream that I usually use about midweek to keep levels steady and effective until shot day. This plan has been my regimen that has worked wonderfully for me.
Best wishes
[emoji259][emoji175][emoji259]
Kenzie
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Quote from: Megan. on December 30, 2017, 01:59:52 AM
Tnx hun, interesting to hear, E injections are not something I'd considered, but I'll look into them. I'm fine with needles, so I wouldn't mind doing it. X
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You're Welcome.
What Kenzie says in the post just below yours is very good advice, make sure you are really ahead of the game when it comes time to getting your estrogen. Even my endo offered me the same warning.
Here I may be fumbling the correct terminology so proceed with caution. Injectable estrogen comes in three concentrations, 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg. Those aren't doses, but concentrations. Trans women are often given the 40mg and that concentration especially is experiencing the shortage. You doc/pharmacy may just give you the 20mg concentration and just order you to inject twice as much as you would have with the 40. You
should be okay getting it so long as you give yourself plenty of time to get it, and if you don't mind having to inject more.
Also for those out there having real hard time getting your injectable estrogen, perhaps look into "Compounding Pharmacies." They custom make/mix medicines for people and I have heard some women say they have had luck getting their estrogen via that route.
Quote from: Shadowsister on December 30, 2017, 12:20:18 PM
You're Welcome.
What Kenzie says in the post just below yours is very good advice, make sure you are really ahead of the game when it comes time to getting your estrogen. Even my endo offered me the same warning.
Here I may be fumbling the correct terminology so proceed with caution. Injectable estrogen comes in three concentrations, 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg. Those aren't doses, but concentrations. Trans women are often given the 40mg and that concentration especially is experiencing the shortage. You doc/pharmacy may just give you the 20mg concentration and just order you to inject twice as much as you would have with the 40. You should be okay getting it so long as you give yourself plenty of time to get it, and if you don't mind having to inject more.
Also for those out there having real hard time getting your injectable estrogen, perhaps look into "Compounding Pharmacies." They custom make/mix medicines for people and I have heard some women say they have had luck getting their estrogen via that route.
Tnx [emoji5].
I'll be sticking with oral for now. If that continues to cause liver issues, my first stop will be patches, as I've used those before happily. But some good advice, ty. X
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Wow! 2017, what a year! Not strictly about my HRT experience, but still blog-worthy [emoji4].
Almost 40 years repressing, denying and hiding myself from the world including me!
I started the year as Mike and finished it as Megan; as years go, that's a biggy!
The love and bottomless support I've received from all those here has given me the strength and confidence to get through, and even enjoy much of this process.
Thank you to all, and I wish you all a great 2018! Xxx
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What a year indeed!
Happy New Year, Megan. Being from the future, I can tell you 2018 is feeling pretty darn good already. Looking forward to your arrival in a few hours.
Jayne
1000% agreed SO MUCH has happened in 2017!! ... Like you said megan.... Makes my head spin. Way to long waiting for the icing on the cake.... Life has just begun!!
[emoji259][emoji175][emoji259]
Kenzie
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Quote from: Megan. on December 31, 2017, 01:52:17 PM
Wow! 2017, what a year! Not strictly about my HRT experience, but still blog-worthy [emoji4].
Almost 40 years repressing, denying and hiding myself from the world including me!
I started the year as Mike and finished it as Megan; as years go, that's a biggy!
The love and bottomless support I've received from all those here has given me the strength and confidence to get through, and even enjoy much of this process.
Thank you to all, and I wish you all a great 2018! Xxx
Happy new year, Megan! Yeah... wow, what a year. In this corner of the world, started as unhappy Steve, ended as joyful Stephanie.
With wishes for more joy for all of us in 2018,
Your sister,
- Stephanie
Megan, a very happy new year! And the same best wishes for everyone here.
Happy new year from one former Mike to another! ;D
Hugs, Devlyn
May this New Year bring you Joy Megan.
Yes Megan, let this year bring only joy. And maybe companionship:)
Bari Jo
Happy New Year, Megan.
We seem to be living parallel lives. I, too, had a marvelous 2017, starting it as Keith and ending as Kathy. May everyone be so lucky!
Quote from: Bari Jo on January 01, 2018, 06:07:45 PM
Yes Megan, let this year bring only joy. And maybe companionship:)
Bari Jo
Wouldn't that be nice [emoji16]. X
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Quick update: the picture below hopefully shows the hair regrowth I've had since starting HRT (7 months ago). The shorter 'tufty' stuff is, as far as I can tell, all new.
It's interesting that all the doctors involved with my care and publications I've read on the subject all say that HRT can stop further loss but not recovery. My experience and that of many others I've read here does seem to contradict this. As always YMMV! (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/600944afc544b87d9cc8971f88d21a7f.jpg)
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I've been on hrt for 3 months and I've noticed few new hairs exactly on the same spot as you have. I'm also about the same age as you.
Interesting to see if more appears.
My hairdresser has commented on the "new" hair I'm growing. She calls it
my old boy hair, and my new girl hair. :)
Amazing! :)
Quote from: Megan. on January 23, 2018, 01:10:04 AM
It's interesting that all the doctors involved with my care and publications I've read on the subject all say that HRT can stop further loss but not recovery. My experience and that of many others I've read here does seem to contradict this. As always YMMV!]
The science is all fairly cutting edge so most practicing physicians don't really have any training in it, and even the ones with experience aren't really allowed to go off script. They just repeat stuff they learned 20 years ago or that shows up on the drug facts that was probably stuff from a study performed in 1973. Like the time frame for hrt in general is seemingly way off/way too conservative.
Interesting results. I'm pretty sure I have some regrowth as well, not as much though.
Welcome back too. We missed you here:)
Bari Jo
So wonderful you are finding yourself. I sympathize with all the cover up, lies, self doubt and depression. And now you are on your way to who you have always been. Here is an article about using castor oil for hair growth. I've been using it on my eyelashes and it works. https://wellnessmama.com/35706/castor-oil-hair/ Hey what you go to lose? >:-)
Just started estrogen. The first thing I noticed is that fat began to accumulate in my knees.
Quote from: DawnOday on January 23, 2018, 07:47:29 PM
So wonderful you are finding yourself. I sympathize with all the cover up, lies, self doubt and depression. And now you are on your way to who you have always been. Here is an article about using castor oil for hair growth. I've been using it on my eyelashes and it works. https://wellnessmama.com/35706/castor-oil-hair/ Hey what you go to lose? >:-)
Tnx hun, I did castor/coconut/olive oil hair masks early on, while I was growing my hair out; but I've been too lazy to do it of late [emoji23]
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Update: To recap on this part of the thread, back in late October I experienced three episodes of haematospermia (blood in my ejaculate).
There followed GP appointments, blood tests, consultants, and an initial 'look see' with a camera up my urethra. While this did not find the cause of the blood (this may remain a forever mystery), it did reveal some narrow points along the urethra (strictures), the worst of which was at a position that would impact any possible future GRS surgery.
Last night I booked back into the hospital, and they put me under GA to 'stretch' these narrow sections. All went well, and I write this waiting to be discharged to go home.
I've been catheterised for 5 days [emoji853], but otherwise am well.
Separately, on the HRT front, my breasts have been a bit more sore the last week, and might be having a bit of a growth spurt; this is around 7 months in on HRT.
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Wow - best wishes for a full recovery, this sounds serious. Sounds like you are getting good care.
Quote from: Kendra on February 01, 2018, 09:52:45 AM
Wow - best wishes for a full recovery, this sounds serious. Sounds like you are getting good care.
Tnx hun, I'll be good, spirits are high! X
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Having to carry around a cath bag sucks. Hope everything turns out alright.
Hi Megan,
I hope the stretching did it's job as planned and that something similar won't be needed again. I've had a catheter for several days myself and it really was a problem for me because they didn't want me out of bed anyway. I didn't even have to empty the dang thing. I thought it was funny afyer the removed it as that body part went into hiding for a few days and this was long before I started HRT. I think it got scared.... Little does it know what may still be in store for it.
Hugs hun,
Laurie
Best wishes Megan!
Hi Megan, I'm only getting short bursts of internet access, so only get a chance to reply to a few people at a time. I have been focusing my attention on a good friend who has been feeling down lately.
I wish you a full and quick recovery from the stretching procedure. Does that hurt? Sounds painful. You want things to be in the best possible shape for any future GRS (GCS? It has so many different names!). I've never had a catheter, it doesn't sound pleasant.
YAY! On the boob growth spurt!
Jayne
Quote from: Jayne01 on February 01, 2018, 11:52:30 PM
> You want things to be in the best possible shape for any future GRS (GCS? It has so many different names!). I've never had a catheter, it doesn't sound pleasant.
I wrestled with the same terminology... I called it GRS for quite awhile but then noticed the forum/board name here is GCS. Some have noted a Correction fits nicely with the mindset this aligns someone's body to their brain where a Revision might not. SRS confuses me because my car's dashboard and steering wheel are labeled SRS (airbag).
I wore a catheter Jan 18-26 and it wasn't that bad. I hated the thought of taking a walk outside with a catheter bag, but there wasn't a bag once stepping out of bed - I was shown how to disconnect from the bag and cap the catheter, and remove the cap to use the bathroom. I should mention my catheter involved post-GCS anatomy. I imagine a catheter with pre-GCS anatomy might be more difficult or painful.
Update: My 5 days with the catheter was terrible, my glans became hypersensitive, and just moving a little was extremely uncomfortable, so I spent 5 days on the sofa with Netflix; I was very glad to have it removed which happened on Monday. The consultant found no specific cause for the original bleeding, so that'll be a little mystery!
Last night I met with the consultant to review things. He confirmed that I will have to dilate alternate days (only 5 minutes with a catheter) on an ongoing basis to help with the strictures and to prevent them getting any worse. He said that I have significant scaring along my urethra (probably from hypospadia repairs I had as a child) and that reconstructive surgery may well be required at a later date.
I now find myself in a slightly amusing sittutation:
I can dilate then (possibly) have surgery to keep what I don't really want.
Or have GRS then dilate to have what I'd prefer.
Up until this point I'd be very uncertain if I wanted a vaginoplasty, but faced with at least the chance of surgery regardless, I'm now leaning heavily that way.
This all sounds terrible, but I'm fine, I never had an issue with medical stuff and my body, it's an adventure!
If anyone has any specific questions about any of the above please PM me. X
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Quote from: Megan. on February 10, 2018, 03:42:07 AM
Update: My 5 days with the catheter was terrible, my glans became hypersensitive, and just moving a little was extremely uncomfortable, so I spent 5 days on the sofa with Netflix; I was very glad to have it removed which happened on Monday. The consultant found no specific cause for the original bleeding, so that'll be a little mystery!
Last night I met with the consultant to review things. He confirmed that I will have to dilate alternate days (only 5 minutes with a catheter) on an ongoing basis to help with the strictures and to prevent them getting any worse. He said that I have significant scaring along my urethra (probably from hypospadia repairs I had as a child) and that reconstructive surgery may well be required at a later date.
I now find myself in a slightly amusing sittutation:
I can dilate then (possibly) have surgery to keep what I don't really want.
Or have GRS then dilate to have what I'd prefer.
Up until this point I'd be very uncertain if I wanted a vaginoplasty, but faced with at least the chance of surgery regardless, I'm now leaning heavily that way.
This all sounds terrible, but I'm fine, I never had an issue with medical stuff and my body, it's an adventure!
If anyone has any specific questions about any of the above please PM me. X
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Sorry you had those 5 unpleasant days with the catheter.
I've had dreams of doctors telling me that I need surgery down below. If you need to dilate and have surgery, it may as well be for what you want instead of maintaining what you don't want.
I'm glad you are ok and are keeping a positive attitude whichever way you choose to go.
Jayne
Just had to say I love the new profile picture!!
Quote from: Jayne01 on February 10, 2018, 10:22:33 AM
... I've had dreams of doctors telling me that I need surgery down below...
Jayne
Yup, I can relate to this, and I suspect many others here. I can promise the reality isn't so glamourus!
I think it would be a healthier choice to make willingly without any duress. I still have many months until any final choice is made, but I'm now 10 months into full-time, with no desire to detransition (aside the usual external influences).
Megan. X
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Quote from: Roll on February 10, 2018, 10:41:46 AM
Just had to say I love the new profile picture!!
Tnx hun. I took down my old pic, but it felt odd not having one, so that's just a quick snap. [emoji4]
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Quote from: Kendra on February 02, 2018, 09:42:57 AM
I wrestled with the same terminology... I called it GRS for quite awhile but then noticed the forum/board name here is GCS. Some have noted a Correction fits nicely with the mindset this aligns someone's body to their brain where a Revision might not. SRS confuses me because my car's dashboard and steering wheel are labeled SRS (airbag).
I saw Marci Bowers say gender affirmation would be a better term than gender confirmation. She said it's not used since it shortens to GAS and nobody wants gas.
Might have been from that Katie Couric special.
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Thanks for this update Megan. I bet I have the same issue. I wasn't sure if I wanted GCS when starting to transition, but the more I'm on hrt, the more i want it. Plus if I can avoid a catheter then heck yes! I didn't say before,/after but I like the new pict too. I know you say it's just a quick snap, but pretty and confident!
Bari Jo
I've started a new GRS thread to track my experiences on that journey below.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=234607.0 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=234607.0)
X.
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It appears (frustratingly) that the one part of me in excellent condition is my liver. After a second increase in my oral E dose, my levels are still only 252pmol/L; below the preferred level of 300pmol/L by the NHS GICs.
The silver lining is that the slightly elevated liver test (aminotransferase) result from before is now comfortably back in range, so the HRT isn't seemingly doing any harm.
My plan will be to go back to my GP and talk about alternative delivery methods, patches, gel, implants etc...
I've tried patches before and been happy, the only question will now be the dose level as Oral and Transdermal do not equate.
Will update here on outcomes... X
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Quote from: Megan. on March 02, 2018, 01:29:42 AM
It appears (frustratingly) that the one part of me in excellent condition is my liver. After a second increase in my oral E dose, my levels are still only 252pmol/L; below the preferred level of 300pmol/L by the NHS GICs.
The silver lining is that the slightly elevated liver test (aminotransferase) result from before is now comfortably back in range, so the HRT isn't seemingly doing any harm.
My plan will be to go back to my GP and talk about alternative delivery methods, patches, gel, implants etc...
I've tried patches before and been happy, the only question will now be the dose level as Oral and Transdermal do not equate.
Will update here on outcomes... X
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It's great to see you posting again, Megan. I love the new avatar!
- Stephanie
Quote from: Megan. on March 02, 2018, 01:29:42 AMAfter a second increase in my oral E dose, my levels are still only 252pmol/L
Isn't the more important question: are you getting good results on your current dose, as in some breast growth, good feminization overall, feeling good mentally?
Levels fluctuate so could well be over 300, for several hours of the day, your sensitivity may be that you respond well to lower levels and on oral E, your higher levels of estrone sulfate, estrone and SHBG relative to ciswomen end up giving you sufficient estrogenic effects as estrone sulfate, estrone convert to estradiol in your cells and more T is bound and made unavailable by high SHBG.
Food for thought...as always, follow doctor's orders. ;)
Quote from: Steph2.0 on March 02, 2018, 03:19:38 AM
... I love the new avatar!
- Stephanie
... Ditto hun. X
KayXo - I feel very stable and happy with my current dose; I guess this is the point when HRT comes down more to 'feel' than exact science.
I guess like many, I'm concerned that I might not get optimal feminisation if I don't get to the recommended levels, but that's not a huge thing for me personally.
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Quote from: Megan. on March 02, 2018, 11:17:31 AMI'm concerned that I might not get optimal feminisation if I don't get to the recommended levels
A recent published study stated that they themselves didn't know "the precise concentration of oestradiol that results in adequate feminization". They just go with average levels in ciswomen but for reasons mentioned several times before, we are markedly different in several regards (growth hormone levels, in-utero exposure, sensitivity at later age, intracellular concentrations, etc.) so that really, there has been no study establishing the ideal range for us and the truth is probably that it varies quite significantly across individuals and throughout our lifetime.
I believe that if there is even slight breast growth and changes as far as facial shape, fat redistribution, etc, and if you feel fine mentally, then that is most likely the right dose for you, right now. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, right? I think that applies here. Just my 2 cents but based on common sense and published findings. But, I ain't the expert so please follow doctor's orders. ;)
The last couple of weeks have been really tough on me. Nothing has materially changed in my life; I strongly suspect it is due to my GNRH blocker coming to the end of its dose early (next jab on Tuesday). Given my bodies' seeming ability to rapidly break down my E dose, I wonder if it is also breaking down that blocker faster than normal too.
Dysphoria, anxiety, depression are all in full swing right now. Hard to imagine I lived like this for so many years!
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I share alot on this site about my mental and physical condition, hopefully to the potential benefit of others. I tend not to publish much about my personal and family life.
I will share that someone very special to me came into my life a few months ago. I did not plan or ever expect to be in any kind of relationship at this point of my transition.
This person has brought so much happiness into my life, and has been a rock the last few weeks while I struggle over my hormonal bumps!
So I just wanted say thank you to this amazing person. X
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Quote from: Megan. on March 10, 2018, 05:53:51 AM
I share alot on this site about my mental and physical condition, hopefully to the potential benefit of others. I tend not to publish much about my personal and family life.
I will share that someone very special to me came into my life a few months ago. I did not plan or ever expect to be in any kind of relationship at this point of my transition.
This person has brought so much happiness into my life, and has been a rock the last few weeks while I struggle over my hormonal bumps!
So I just wanted say thank you to this amazing person. X
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I am so happy for you Megan. You deserve someone very special because you are also very special. I wish you both the very best.
Jayne
Quote from: Megan. on March 10, 2018, 05:53:51 AM
I share alot on this site about my mental and physical condition, hopefully to the potential benefit of others. I tend not to publish much about my personal and family life.
I will share that someone very special to me came into my life a few months ago. I did not plan or ever expect to be in any kind of relationship at this point of my transition.
This person has brought so much happiness into my life, and has been a rock the last few weeks while I struggle over my hormonal bumps!
So I just wanted say thank you to this amazing person. X
You're welcome, sweetie. The last few months have been magic to me. Thank you for being my rock as well.
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 10, 2018, 07:40:05 AM
You're welcome, sweetie. The last few months have been magic to me. Thank you for being my rock as well.
Hugs, Devlyn
[emoji4]
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Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 10, 2018, 07:40:05 AM
You're welcome, sweetie. The last few months have been magic to me. Thank you for being my rock as well.
Hugs, Devlyn
Oh, that's awesome you two! Congratulations! [emoji322]
Stephanie
Quote from: Steph2.0 on March 10, 2018, 10:09:36 AM
Oh, that's awesome you two! Congratulations! [emoji322]
Stephanie
Tnx hun. Stockholm syndrome set in after my spell in her Dungeon [emoji23]
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Happens to the best of them! :laugh: >:-)
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 10, 2018, 10:14:10 AM
Happens to the best of them! :laugh: >:-)
And Megan is definitely among the best of them!
Quote from: Steph2.0 on March 10, 2018, 10:14:46 AM
And Megan is definitely among the best of them!
Aye! :)
<blush>
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I'm so happy for you. Love can come out of no where and hit us in the face. It's important to have someone in your life for ups and downs. Especially the downs because they can bring us back up. Really, I'm excited and very happy for you. You deserve the happiness.
Quote from: RobynTx on March 10, 2018, 04:54:40 PM
I'm so happy for you. Love can come out of no where and hit us in the face. It's important to have someone in your life for ups and downs. Especially the downs because they can bring us back up. Really, I'm excited and very happy for you. You deserve the happiness.
Tnx Robyn, I feel like a very lucky lady [emoji4]
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Quick update: when I last posted wrt my HRT, I was under some stress as I suspected my T was rising as my GNRH blocker was wearing off early.
My jabs are meant to be quarterly, but by the time I got my jab (2 weeks ago) at 11 weeks I was suffering from all the usual T-induced demons. Aside the reminder (as if I needed it) as to why HRT and transition are the right path for me, I'm very keen to avoid this again.
I'm just about back in a good mental balance now, but I'd certainly be glad to loose the ol' T factories to remove any chance of repeating the unpleasantness.
In two weeks time i have a GIC appointment to get my first GRS signature, but I'll share about that in my GRS thread [emoji5].
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Quote from: Megan. on March 26, 2018, 01:56:45 PM
Quick update: when I last posted wrt my HRT, I was under some stress as I suspected my T was rising as my GNRH blocker was wearing off early.
My jabs are meant to be quarterly, but by the time I got my jab (2 weeks ago) at 11 weeks I was suffering from all the usual T-induced demons. Aside the reminder (as if I needed it) as to why HRT and transition are the right path for me, I'm very keen to avoid this again.
I'm just about back in a good mental balance now, but I'd certainly be glad to loose the ol' T factories to remove any chance of repeating the unpleasantness.
In two weeks time i have a GIC appointment to get my first GRS signature, but I'll share about that in my GRS thread [emoji5].
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That's great news, Megan! I will be eagerly awaiting for your updates to see how you're progressing.
Jayne
Quick update: I'm not sure of how much interest this is to people, but this morning I went to have my instruction from a great nurse on how to dilate my penis/urethra.
If anyone has specific questions please PM me.
I'll be doing this every other day going forward until either GRS or reconstructive surgery of my current equipment.
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Quick update: those following will know I've been having some minor issues with my HRT.
Estrogen wise my latest measurement was 252pmol/L. This is below the GICs preferred 300-400 range and I confirmed with them last week that they would like to see me in this range. For previous blood tests I've been following some NHS published guidance I found that said I should wait 14 hours since my last dose. As this was also the smaller of my current split dose, I agreed with the GIC that I'd check my levels again without such a long gap from a small dose. I'll share this result when I get it. I'm currently on a moderate dose size of oral E, and have room for further increases in my current medication if my levels are still too low.
Testosterone wise, I felt that my last 12-weekly jab was loosing is effect after 9 weeks. The GIC agreed this can happen, and instructed me to have it tested at 10, 11 and 12 weeks on this cycle to see if my levels really are rising. They stated it should be under 3nmol/L. If it goes above this, then the period between my GNRH jabs should be reduced to compensate.
I'm gaining weight slowly [emoji853], but at least some of this is certainly going to my thighs and breasts, so not all bad! [emoji6]
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Quick update: a couple of days ago I finally stopped using any additional fillers in my bra. When I went full-time (pre-hrt) I used silicone breastforms, I have successively dropped these down in size as my girls have grown. For the last few months, I've just been using 'chicken fillets' to give some extra roundness, but I can now just about fill out a 40B lightly padded t-shirt bra [emoji5].
It's a surprisingly validating thing. I've been lucky to get reasonable growth, unlikely I'll ever want BA. X
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Quote from: Megan. on June 02, 2018, 03:30:09 PM
Quick update: a couple of days ago I finally stopped using any additional fillers in my bra. When I went full-time (pre-hrt) I used silicone breastforms, I have successively dropped these down in size as my girls have grown. For the last few months, I've just been using 'chicken fillets' to give some extra roundness, but I can now just about fill out a 40B lightly padded t-shirt bra [emoji5].
It's a surprisingly validating thing. I've been lucky to get reasonable growth, unlikely I'll ever want BA. X
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Awesome news Megan..... congrats [emoji1]
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Congratulations, Megan. Great news!
Jayne
Tnx all [emoji4]
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Quick update: I've had my latest E levels measured, taken only 2 hours after my morning dose. They were 425pmol/L, at the bottom of the NHS transition range (400-600); so I'll be asking my GP for an additional increase in my E dosage.
I've been happy with the physical changes I've seen so far, and feel generally quite stable emotionally, but at my last GIC appointment they said I should get it a bit higher if this test was below or near the bottom of their range.
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Congrats on all of your progress Megan! Forgive me if I'm way off, but my Endo was saying that normal range is 125ish, I believe. Is that a stable range? How come you want yours to be so much higher. Again, forgive me on this, I didn't really have an Endo before since I was using CC. I'm actually waiting to pick up my lupron and ev right now lol--just switched to Depot.
Quote from: AutumnGurl81 on June 04, 2018, 01:12:12 PM
Congrats on all of your progress Megan! Forgive me if I'm way off, but my Endo was saying that normal range is 125ish, I believe. Is that a stable range? How come you want yours to be so much higher. Again, forgive me on this, I didn't really have an Endo before since I was using CC. I'm actually waiting to pick up my lupron and ev right now lol--just switched to Depot.
Tnx hun.
There are a few different units used to measure E and T, so the numbers can be misleading. Always follow the advice of your doctor. [emoji5]
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Quote from: AutumnGurl81 on June 04, 2018, 01:12:12 PM
Congrats on all of your progress Megan! Forgive me if I'm way off, but my Endo was saying that normal range is 125ish, I believe. Is that a stable range? How come you want yours to be so much higher. Again, forgive me on this, I didn't really have an Endo before since I was using CC. I'm actually waiting to pick up my lupron and ev right now lol--just switched to Depot.
Hello again AutumnGurl81
First of all I must agree with Megan. We all react differently to HRT and therefore it is not wise to be influenced by "normal" or "target ranges".
There are different US and International (which includes UK where Megan and I live, Europe, Canada and Australia) units of measurements. You may wish to see my thread on Comparison of our HRT Blood Tests after 3/4 months if you are interested in the different readings as a guide.
Hugs
Pamela
Quick update:
On the subject of splitting my oral E dose, I was advised during my recent consultation with an experienced GRS nurse that taking it all as a single morning dose is best. I've struggled to find any clear medical guidance on this, so it was nice to hear an experienced and trained opinion. I'll be changing my intake appropriately. X
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Quote from: Megan. on June 05, 2018, 08:07:41 AM
Quick update:
On the subject of splitting my oral E dose, I was advised during my recent consultation with an experienced GRS nurse that taking it all as a single morning dose is best. I've struggled to find any clear medical guidance on this, so it was nice to hear an experienced and trained opinion. I'll be changing my intake appropriately. X
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If that is for estrogen pills, then the advice really is incorrect. Get a proper advice from someone who knows better, because taking the pills in one go, will result most of if being wasted, because the body cannot use that amount of sudden estrogen level. It also means, that before next morning, your body is deprived of estrogen, due to the fact, that estrogen pills half-life is relatively quick and halfed before you taking another dose in the morning.
The half-life is I guess would be manageble, but depending on your dose, taking everything in one go means, the body cannot use everything.
All that you need to read, is the Summary of Product Characteristics and this understandable to everyone, even without any pharmaceutical training.
Quote from: Mendi on June 05, 2018, 10:01:27 AM
If that is for estrogen pills, then the advice really is incorrect. Get a proper advice from someone who knows better, because taking the pills in one go, will result most of if being wasted, because the body cannot use that amount of sudden estrogen level. It also means, that before next morning, your body is deprived of estrogen, due to the fact, that estrogen pills half-life is relatively quick and halfed before you taking another dose in the morning.
The half-life is I guess would be manageble, but depending on your dose, taking everything in one go means, the body cannot use everything.
All that you need to read, is the Summary of Product Characteristics and this understandable to everyone, even without any pharmaceutical training.
The half-life of oral estradiol valerate is 12-20 hours, so I'm sure it'll be fine!
As normal hormonal levels occur at their maximum in the morning and reduce through the day, I'm happy to trust the advice of one of the most experienced people in the country on the topic.
But as always, consult your medical professional [emoji6]. X
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Just trying to help, there are plenty of studies showing, that taking everything at one go, will waste most of the estradiol. Your body cannot use such amounts, if we are talking near max level dosages. If less, then that is ok.
Half life is 14 to 16 hours.
But do as you please, I just wouldn´t trust so blindly to anyone.
Much better for me to trust a post on the Internet, than someone with more than a decade of treating transpeople, and who knows my medical history and medical status.
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Quote from: Mendi on June 05, 2018, 01:40:38 PMthere are plenty of studies showing, that taking everything at one go, will waste most of the estradiol. Your body cannot use such amounts
I have not come across such studies ever in my literature review. Would you please PM me and provide the links? Thank you.
I agree insofar as no one is infallible and it' always good to question. Health professionals can make mistakes too but it's best to seek out the info and then share it with them so that together, a decision may be arrived at. :)
Quote from: RickiM on June 06, 2018, 09:23:59 AM
There are quite a few positive enhancements such as my tatas developing, a more than decent amount of cellulite on my thighs and rearend, thinner skin, softer hair, calmer mood, my libido is more normal and it's more regulated.
Hi Ricki [emoji4].
I'm running this thread to track my own person experience with HRT. More than happy for questions or comments on my posts, but if you'd like to share about your own experience please feel free to post on the HRT subthread in the transitioning topic.
It would be great if you could also introduce yourself in the introductions topic so we can know a little more about you [emoji5].
Megan. X
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Quick update: following my concerns that my last GnRH jab ran out early, I had blood tests run at weeks 10, 11 and 12.
The results were 0.5, 0.4 and 0.4 nmol/L, these sit near the bottom of the cis-female range (0.3-1.7).
[emoji5]
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(https://www.susans.org/forums/gallery/0/59100-190518195520.jpeg)
;D
... In mind, if not quite in body... Yet. [emoji23]
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Final update: Today is exactly 1 year since starting HRT, I almost missed the date, it doesn't hold much significance to me.
This will be my last update to this thread.
Overall, physically, HRT has and continues to do what I expected it would, and has done for others.
Mentally it's been a far more profound experience than I could have imagined. There have been some bumps but I am in a stable place on a stable dose, so I don't expect much more in that area.
I'm certain that physical and emotional changes will continue, for a few more years, but I don't feel there is much more to be said on this topic.
Please PM me if you have any specific questions on anything I've discussed here.
Megan. X
Megan congratulations! Happy HRThday, and here's to many more.
I hope you don't discontinue HRT updates on this thread... as we have seen the effects slow down but can continue for several years.
We are about the same HRT age. I started at the end of July last year.
Congratulations! A year on HRT, it's amazing how fast time flies
Like Kendra, I hope you don't stop adding the occasional update, we hear about HRT in the first year so often but the longer term updates seem to be a bit lacking and I'm sure others just starting out are very interested to hear what might happen in the future
Charlotte x
Megan
I started regularly reading Susan's last July before joining as a member in January.
Hence I have followed your entire story both ups and downs and it has been interesting and worthwhile.
I hope you continue with occasional updates.
Thank you for the whole record which is beneficial to so many.
Hugs
Pamela
Update: It's been a while since I've had anything to post in this thread, but there has been a recent change so...
The NHS GIC like the MTF HRT E level to be in the 400-600pmol/L range. At my previous dose I was measured at 382pmol/L. I spoke with my GP and she was happy for me to increase my dose, to see if we can get it into this range.
I don't feel any specific need to raise the level, I've had good feminisation at 18months in, though I'm curious if it will raise either my general energy levels (not noticeably bad) or my aerobic sports performance.
The main reason was that I don't want to encounter any push back from my GRS surgeon (who I see next month), that my levels are too low.
I can likely see myself reducing my E intake again in the future, but always in consultation with my doctor [emoji3526]. X
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I was a happy witness to the whole thing. :)
Nice to see you posting on your HRT thread again Megan.
Surely you mean 382 pmol?
Good luck with your GCS surgeon in January.
Hugs
Pamela
Quote from: pamelatransuk on December 20, 2018, 07:19:43 AM
... Surely you mean 382 pmol?...
Yes I did! Fixed now, TY. X
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Update: 5 days in on my new dose, and my libido is definitely up!
On a personal note I feel a bit mixed about this change. One thing I really appreciated from starting HRT was the 'peace' it gave me.
This may be part of my body finding a new balance before leveling off again, or it might be a new normal; I'll update in a few weeks...
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Update: libido seems to be back to its usual background level, slightly to my relief, though it was interesting experiencing that kind of 'need' again, if only for a while.
I had my results back from latest bloods, and my E is now sitting at a comfy 563pmol/L, easily within the GICs 400-600 range, so I guess there'll be no need for any further increases.
I've not noticed any other significant effect from the increase. X
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Update: I'm considering reducing my E dose back to the previous level.
Since starting on my initial E dose, it's been increased a further 3 times to get me into the correct range for the NHS.
Each time following an increase, after a few weeks of fluctuation, I've noticed libido and energy levels are higher than before. Having the extra energy is nice, the libido not so much.
I enjoy and I'm comfortable with my sexuality, but never liked my libido - HRT was a massive positive for me in that respect.
The latest E increase has raised my libido to a point that I'm not entirely comfortable with. I can safely reduce my dose slightly without any negative medical impact, so I'm considering it; I'll update here on my decision in a few weeks. X
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