DHEA

[echo_artist]

I actually was interested in this because it was a steroid (from what I read) and the fact that it equalizes E and T.
I've been writing down my progress over the first two days, there was a major shift with my body in regards to libido and
mood . I am nervous taking them everyday, so I alternating my medication until I get my insurance back on.
I was trying this because I've heard people saying it worked...it's given me energy and a little bit more strength also, so if not for T
I'm going to use it for my keeping my energy up. I will be trying to find a way to get T (the legal way.)

[Polo]

I take DHEA as well until I can get on T (which will be at minimum 4-6 months from now, possibly up to a year) and people can debate about whether or not it turns into T or E in an FTM but well documented side effects in women are lowered voice, hirsuitism (increased and darkened facial and body hair) and male pattern baldness...which as I understand are all very directly related to DHT levels.

Since we can't talk about dosage I'll just say I take more than the usual level recommended to cisgender women to attempt to get those desired side-effects, but considerably lower than the upper limit of what is considered a dangerous level.

I also lift heavy and take creatine, which might also increase DHT ( http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19741313 ) but definitely helps me lift heavier.

I'm not really expecting miracles, I just wanted to do something that would possibly make me feel better, or at least like I was doing some little thing towards transitioning more.  I started on DHEA one month ago yesterday, and besides the improved energy and sex drive (though that could be the weight lifting, or everything combined) I've noticed the hair on my upper lips is starting to get darker.  They're still pretty fine but there's a bunch of them that are definitely growing in brown.

I figure DHEA is pretty safe as a supplement for most people, since it's been around almost 50 years now and it's still OTC.

Ryuu, what Estrogen blocker were you planning on getting?

[ReubenIsTheName]

Holy crap!! I definitely have to look into this!! I'm also a minor, and my parents are completely unsupportive, to say the least. This may be a huge start for me! I'm going to Walgreens Friday to take a look at what they have. I only wish I could order some estrogen blockers online without my mother seeing the transaction in my bank account. (Of course she wouldn't know exactly what it is, but she'd want to know when it came in the mail.) I'll be tearing apart Walgreens' supplement shelves! (Not really, but I will be looking, and reading up!)

Ryuu, what Estrogen blocker were you planning on getting?

Which ones do you suggest? So that I know when I go to the store (if they have any).

[echo_artist]

Holy crap!! I definitely have to look into this!! I'm also a minor, and my parents are completely unsupportive, to say the least. This may be a huge start for me! I'm going to Walgreens Friday to take a look at what they have. I only wish I could order some estrogen blockers online without my mother seeing the transaction in my bank account. (Of course she wouldn't know exactly what it is, but she'd want to know when it came in the mail.) I'll be tearing apart Walgreens' supplement shelves! (Not really, but I will be looking, and reading up!)

Which ones do you suggest? So that I know when I go to the store (if they have any).

Well slow down, it's not usually given to minors due to the fact its mostly a steroid.Since I don't know how much is in it or your body can take, I wouldn't recommend you just "chugging". I'll even suggest protein supplement, Zinc. Magnesium...or any other healthy vitamin/mineral in most male products.
I personally wouldn't say jump on the wagon for the hormones if you haven't been to counseling, it put me into emotional shock seeing how fast my body changed. The changes are nice, but they will scare you if you're not mentally prepared for it.
I'm not saying no to buying it. But what I AM saying is, be very careful of what you put into your body, it only knows whats good for it. And if you get that "Maybe I shouldn't". DON'T do it, it may backfire. I know how it is, but I rather you take your time getting to where you need to be, than jumping on the first opportunity you get and die. (Much love)

[Polo]

Reuben, if you are serious, look into transdermal dhea. High doses of oral dhea can be rough on the liver, so it doesn't do well to combine it with other meds or even regular use of  OTC pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. I'm currently taking liver support supplements and don't use other meds, and will be switching to transdermal dhea very soon (which bypasses the liver since you aren't ingesting it).

Echo is right about slowing down a bit, make sure you do your research before jumping into anything. I also think it would be a good idea to talk to a counselor or therapist if you haven't already.

[aleon515]

One of the young members here has done a really good job building muscle thru exercise (and presumably diet like protein shakes). You might look into this.

--Jay

[Ayden]

I'm gonna be a naysayer. I worked in a pharmacy for years. I did everything from insurance billing to compounding, and I would caution against self medicating at all. We had a patient who went the DHEA routine and it damn near killed him. I can't tell you what to do, obviously, but I went through a period where I was desperate. At least consult a doctor. If you are under age, go to a medical facility that works with youth. I got information, for free and without my parents knowing, at a clinic in my hometown without any payment. Even in conservative towns like my hometown I was able to find people who would listen and who cared. Believe it or not, my high school nurse recommended a place to me and kept my confidence even though she was a crazy conservative republican Christian