Some advice?

[oogie292]

Hi everyone I don't think I have ever posted here but everyone here seems to be very insightful and friendly so here it goes.

Back story: I have been taking hormones for about 2 years. But the first year was minimal doses that were slowly increased until a year ago. So right now, for the last year I have been taking a "normal" dosage of estradiol valerate injections, spironolactone, finasteride and prometrium. My last blood tests from my HRT Dr. show that I have high levels of Estradiol and prolactin while having low levels of Testosterone. But I feel something migh be wrong.

I have not gained any weight since starting HRT, I have actually lost 10 to 15 pounds so I weigh 125.
This is really bothering my because I want to have a more feminine shape. I also have a very high libido. Which isn't bad but from what I have heard it isn't supposed to happen? In addition I have had minimal breast development. I have some internal structures but my nipples are still smaller than I would like.

Other than all that I pass very well.

Is it possible that having high levels of estradiol could be working against me?

I am seeing my HRT Dr in two weeks so she will definitely help me out but I would love to here some of your experiences and opinion! Thanks everyone!

[Michelle S.]

Correct me if I'm wrong, you're on progesterone? I know when I started I regained a little bit of my sex drive. It worried me at first but the fact that things don't really work down there (sorry TMI) it made me feel better. I think it's a mental thing rather than a physical thing. If my t went up from progesterone, wouldn't other things work a bit better again? I've heard but cannot confirm that progesterone mimics t in a couple ways. Maybe this is one??? Just a guess.

Also, weight. I haven't gained a pound and have in fact lost weight. My dr. was a bit surprised but not worried, just very happy for me. I guess a lot of people don't retain or lose weight they gain it? Something about metabolism. I just ate less crap when I started HRT. Maybe you're eating less or better?

Remember breasts can take up to 5 years so maybe you haven't hit your spurt
Also, look at your closest genetic female relatives; do they have large breasts? I hear the rule is look at them and deduct one cup size. That's leaves you with an *idea* of what you *may* grow into.

Hope that helps a little! I'm sure others will provide much better help.

[oogie292]

Thank you Michelle and I agree progesterone has definitely had a part to do with it. I do not think my diet is any better. I actually eat a lot of fatty foods with the idea of gaining weight in mind but it does not seem to be working. I was also thinking about cycling my progesterone to see if I get any added benefit.

Also my sisters and Mom have great breasts. I have a grandmother who had F's at one point.

[Michelle S.]

I don't cycle mine, which after reading all the other posts on progesterone worries me a little. Although, I realize that my doctor has prescribed HRT for so many transitioners that I find it hard to question her directions... If you hear anything, let me know.


Well it could also have to do with the initial low dosages. I noticed a very nice and steady growth once my script doubled, though progesterone was also added.

[Alainaluvsu]

I have no idea hon. After 2 years of HRT (but without progesterone) I have low T, high E and elevated prolactin levels but my libido is very low,I've had pretty good development in fat distribution, and my breasts are a full B / small C, but breast development beyond a C almost never happens for trans women who start later in life. I ate lots of protein and carbs when I was developing though... which is both very important for energy and especially cellular reproduction.

Have you had your free E checked? Maybe a lot isn't reaching receptors?

[oogie292]

Progesterone really worries me too. I have heard that progesterone blocks some of the effects or estrogen and testosterone. So That is why I was thinking about cycling it. I kind of want to see how I feel on it and off of it. Or maybe just taking a break from it. I also don't feel like it has helped my breasts either. =/

[oogie292]

I was wondering if something was going on with the receptors too. I never thought to have free e checked so I will inquire my Dr about that! I am 21 years old how old are you may I ask?

[Michelle S.]

Progesterone really worries me too. I have heard that progesterone blocks some of the effects or estrogen and testosterone. So That is why I was thinking about cycling it. I kind of want to see how I feel on it and off of it. Or maybe just taking a break from it. I also don't feel like it has helped my breasts either. =/

Yeah me too and thanks to reading that all over Susans, now I can't tell if I really seem to be remasculinizing a bit or if it's my mind playing tricks on me. Sometimes I wish I could just unread things  I've considered stopping but I keep telling myself that anecdotal evidence and doctors suggest that it is important to natural breast development. Plus my doctor recommended it for a reason. I also lost my health insurance but I'll have some again in August and so I'm thinking about staying on it until my year med check in September to avoid the office visit charge. God, I'm so scared I'll look like a dude by then. Then again, I think I'm just looney and imaging things

[Michelle S.]

I was wondering if something was going on with the receptors too. I never thought to have free e checked so I will inquire my Dr about that! I am 21 years old how old are you may I ask?

Not sure if you're asking me but if you are, I'm 24.

[oogie292]

I hope everything works out for you with health insurance it is such a scary world we live in. And I think you look very girly! While natal females have progesterone theirs also fluctuates so that is what's making me want a little break or decrease in the amount I take. My main issue really is the breast development. Everyone always says to just get breast implants but. I just want the real thing!

[Michelle S.]

I hope everything works out for you with health insurance it is such a scary world we live in. And I think you look very girly! While natal females have progesterone theirs also fluctuates so that is what's making me want a little break or decrease in the amount I take. My main issue really is the breast development. Everyone always says to just get breast implants but. I just want the real thing!

Thanks and thanks

Yeah, that's what I'm thinking too. I also wonder though if taking it non-stop (as I'm prescribed) may still cycle it in our systems. Even though we're taking consistent doses regularly, maybe the part of the body responsible for hormones self-regulates it. Just a guess though. It's just since I started p I've noticed a cycle where every few weeks I feel like crap. I wouldn't call it dysphoria as much as maybe mild depression? I know this is very similar to what my gf experiences in her natural cycle before that time of the month. Again, call me crazy - maybe it's another example of my mind playing tricks on me - but that's my guesstimate. I'm hoping one of these smart girls will share some info with us or experiences!

[oogie292]

Thats interesting. I havent noticed that. But I do estrogen injections so my estrogen definitely cycles. i agree i hope some more people can come forward with their experience!

[misschievous]

Ok, I haven't had any experience with HRT yet except the month I tried organic anti androgens and estrogen builders. (glad I stopped because the side effects are deadly after long periods.) But while I was researching organic HRT I also read up on foods that can help grow breast size and the one that struck me well is eating Sunflower seeds right before bed. Nuts and Seeds help grow fats without risk of cholesterol going up. Also another good weight gainer is pasta. It is most effective if eaten not too long before going to bed, as that is when all your extra energy is converted into fat.


If you are going to the doctor in a couple weeks I would talk to her first before starting this. Just in case she would suggest not to. Also she could put you on a safe diet that would help you get to the place you wish to be.

[Alainaluvsu]

I was wondering if something was going on with the receptors too. I never thought to have free e checked so I will inquire my Dr about that! I am 21 years old how old are you may I ask?

I'm 30.

[JennX]

I lost a lot of weight and kept a high libido all thru HRT. Maintained functional erections as well, right up to my SRS. It affects everyone differently. I did have a good deal of success in the boob dept though. Postop, much hasn't changed either.

[oogie292]

I have yet to have my DHT tested so maybe I should ask my Dr what she thinks about that.

[Vicky]

Trust your Endo, trust your endo, trust your endo!!  Click your heels together three times and say it again!!  There is an art to cross gender hormones, and the web here is full of lore that is not supported by scientific evidence.  After 4 years on the stuff, with highly appropriate levels and on a very low dose by most peoples ideas, my body has come to where it is going to in that whole time.  I am considerably older than you, in fact my kids are 12 to 20 years older than you youngest ones.

When all else fails, lower your expectations and book an appointment with your GT to go over your expectations before you bounce a reality check!!

Both of my daughters (who are in mid 30's to age 40) took about 7 years to get to their full adult growth in, and every time one of their bra's wore out, it was time to get the next size larger.  Your mom's breasts did not go from pirates dream (sunken treasure) to Mae West or Dolly Parton size in two weeks, or even two years.  We reset our puberty clocks with hormones, but do not enter a time machine with an E ticket to full size by next Friday. 

[Tanya]

I don't think its smart to blindly trust anyone especially if they have a Dr. title.  There are good ones and bad ones.  There are some that are well informed and care and there are others that aren't and don't.  I say question your Dr's decisions always and research.  If your body doesn't feel right you need to listen.  Get another opinion.  Todays hrt is very different from the hrt prescribed years ago, because the hormones (estradiol) prescribed today are so much more potent.  Estradiol by itself can work just fine.  More is not necessarily better.