T Blocker

[carrie359]

Hello Everyone..
I have a question.. I was diagnosed with GID at 29 ok's to transition.. however I did not...54 now..
The bell went off...so I am seeking therapy my first session next week. 
I am in distress and want to stop testosterone right away while I get my thoughts together and work through this with a professional.

What are the chances of getting a T blocker right away and are the risks high..
I don't want to start hrt until I have had time to come out and get through several months of therapy...
Thanks,
Carrie

[Cindy]

This seems to vary between endo's. I went on E and my T disappeared in two weeks.

I only went on Spiro after about 3-4 months and then only to stop male hair growth cycles.

[primrose]

I think taking a t-blocker w/o oestrogen could lead to nasty side effects as basically you would end up with both low E and T in your system.

On a side note, I live in the UK where T-blockers are not widely prescribed. I am starting oestrogen this week and the doctor has not mentioned putting me on blockers at all. I find this a bit disconcerting given that most ts's in the US are on combined therapy. Can anyone comment if t-blockers are necessary?? Naturally, I would want to achieve an optimal effect off my treatment and would not want to resort on self medicating with spiro if the doctor insists on not prescribing it.

[Theo]

It's a very common question, and a very common practice.

Many endos will start you on oestrogen only initially, as it can already drive down your T-levels on its own. After 6-12 weeks (depending on endo and next bloodwork appointment), they may then decide, based on your T-levels, to add an anti-androgen. Ideally you won't need it, as your body just reacted THAT well to the oestrogen, but it's no issue if you do either. The less pills you have to take the better though.