HRT 7 Weeks Blood Test

[Deborah]

I just got my blood test results from my first follow up after 7 weeks HRT.  Without writing the dosage I have been on a full strength course of estradiol and progesterone from the first day and about half of what is typically listed as a full strength dose of spironolactone.

Here are the results (I'm 55 if it matters):

Total testosterone
Before - 820 ng/dl
After - 158 ng/dl

Estradiol
Before - 43.4 pg/ml
After - 71.3 pg/ml

The testosterone fell by a whole lot although it's still a bit on the high side.  Estradiol started out higher than normal and doesn't seem to have increased very much.  The Dr. is leaving the dosage unchanged with a follow up in 6 months.

As far as body effects go in this short time, things seem to be having an effect although it's hard to quantify since I also lost 20 lbs in the same time period.  Otherwise I have been feeling great, full of energy, and sleeping like a teenager.

For anyone who has been doing this a while, can I reasonably expect the hormone levels to keep changing in the right direction on the same HRT dosage?



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[sam1234]

Once your blood levels are stable, you shouldn't have as many ups and downs. Since the hormones are new, relatively speaking, to your body, your physical changes may continue for a while. Its much like going through a second puberty. As far as the levels though, once they stabilize, they will only change if your Dr. changes the dose.

The FDA has cracked down on a lot of medications, including hormones, so testing is done more frequently than it used to be. Apparently, they feel that Dr.s are over using hormones the way they used to over use valium in the fifties. Ads on T.V. talk about hormones making you feel better, and we are a society of  getting our problems solved with medications that aren't needed which spoils things for those of use who do need them.

Your Dr. should be able to give you some idea of how long it will take for your levels to even out. Never be afraid to ask questions. Its your body and you have every right to know what is going on. Don't feel like you have no control. If a Dr. won't try and answer you respectfully and truthfully, then its time to look for a second opinion.

sam1234

[KayXo]

What do you care more about? Levels or feminization/well-being? To illustrate, on Premarin and Ethinyl Estradiol, E2 levels are usually quite low but risk is relatively high. On bio-identical estradiol taken parenterally (non-orally), levels may be high, especially on injectables, but risk is usually relatively low...think of pregnant women who have extremely high levels and get their E2 non-orally (through corpus luteum and later, placenta).

You seem to be doing well and if feminization is progressing nicely, I see no reason to be concerned about either T or E. Your doctor seems to agree as your dosages have not been adjusted. Just use your common sense.

[Rachel]

Hi Deborah,

I talk to my doctor and review all my questions. I write them down prior to the visit so I do not forget.

I am not a doctor; but, you levels seam to be responding well to the medication. It takes time for your body to adjust and going at a measured pace is a good practice.

I am 52 and my levels at 6 months were very good. I just wish I switched to IM sooner.