E levels still really low, but feminization still occurring?

[Brenda E]

My estradiol level test was done this week - it's 12pg/ml, way low for even guys, let alone girls.  At these low levels, surely there should be absolutely no feminization occurring?

But the boobs are growing and hurting (and it's not just me being a pig and getting moobs).  I'm not imagining these changes.

Cause for concern?  I have T that is around 200ng/dL, which is way low for guys, but high for girls.

Do estradiol levels take a long time to rise?

[MelissaAnn]

Wow, that is a pretty low level of estradiol and you say your having feminization? That's very interesting. My blood work before start none estradiol was at 49, which is high for a male, but low for a female and my testosterone was at 241, which is at the very bottom of the normal level for male and that's even before starting estradiol or spiro, I don't know if it's cause for concern or not the person to ask would be your doctor. I certainly hope you're seeing an endocrinologist. I wish you nothing but the best of luck on your journey in May, the Angels always look upon you and guide you on your path.

Hugs,

Melissa Ann

[Brenda E]

Yeah, full endo supervision.  Just very cautious dosing to begin with I guess.  Retest in four weeks; hopefully it's risen by then.

[MelissaAnn]

Just another curiosity, how long have you been on hormones. I myself, am on a schedule to see my endocrinologist every three months, so this makes me quite curious as to what my levels will be when I see my endocrinologist in December.

Hugs,

Melissa Ann

[Brenda E]

Six months.  But really low dose for the first few.  Still low dose today in comparison to others, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that I have low E levels.  Just not lower than normal male levels...

[ImagineKate]

Do you take spiro or any antiandrogen, or just low dose E?

[Zoe14]

Brenda , I've been on estrogen for 3yrs and only
see minimum change. in this journey I've learned that I'm not your typical women and will not be excepted as one. I'm constantly missed gender and I learned how to except it. it's truly not the size of the boobs or hips its our self perception . love u.

[Brenda E]

Do you take spiro or any antiandrogen, or just low dose E?

Spiro, finasteride, MPA.

[Mariah]

That explains it. MPA is almost certainly keeping the estradiol numbers down. My mom is on a form of that to deal with Endometrial hyperplasia. It was when she started a complex form of it. This would likely explain your low Estrogen number.

Spiro, finasteride, MPA.

[ImagineKate]

Yeah that could explain it I guess. Any specific reason you're on MPA?

[Brenda E]

Any specific reason you're on MPA?

To lower T to female levels.  Spiro wasn't working well enough.

[KayXo]

Having low T and E is not healthy for various reasons (increased ageing, low energy, depression, bad skin/teeth, osteoporosis, cognitive problems, insomnia, hot flushes, etc), why aren't you supplementing with any E? Also, MPA is personally not my preferred progestogen for reasons that I mentioned here several times, especially given the bio-identical form is available and if spiro alone cannot reduce T enough (it also blocks T, by the way which no test can measure), E can help further reduce T and there is also an anti-androgen called bicalutamide which (only) blocks T quite effectively even at very low doses.

Just ideas for you to share with your doctor, I'm not one, not pretending to be one but have much experience with hormones. Best of luck.

[Jenna Marie]

My endo doesn't even test estrogen levels; she goes by T level being controlled into the female range and how the patient feels/is developing. I'd say if it's working, it's working, and don't sweat the levels.

[Hideyoshi]

My estradiol level test was done this week - it's 12pg/ml, way low for even guys, let alone girls.  At these low levels, surely there should be absolutely no feminization occurring?

But the boobs are growing and hurting (and it's not just me being a pig and getting moobs).  I'm not imagining these changes.

Cause for concern?  I have T that is around 200ng/dL, which is way low for guys, but high for girls.

Do estradiol levels take a long time to rise?

My E levels bounce around from 70 to 140, and T levels go from 70 into the hundreds. It's frustrating, but if you continue to have feminization, I wouldn't harp too bad on numbers. I know it's SUPER EASY to say and incredibly stressful to hear, but that's just what you gotta do

How long did you take your dose before the test?

[Brenda E]

I'm taking E transdermally so the particular patch I had been using was a few days old at most.

I guess level-watching is a pointless exercise.  As long as the T is low and I'm seeing some feminization (albeit not much), things are at least going in the right direction.  That said, I'd like my E levels somewhat normal.