T on the rise, taken off estradiol and put on the pill, a little scared.

[Samantha6string]

I'm about 4 months into hrt, went for the monthly check up and my T levels are on the rise, they had somewhat plateaued the last couple tests, estrogen levels look good but my doctor is more focused on suppressing testosterone. I'm currently on what would be considered a high dose of oral estradiol and spiro. I spoke with my doctor about my options, patches aren't practical due to my work, gell is too expensive,  I only have one option in changing my anti androgen and it's really far too expensive.

I spoke to my doctor for a while and tossed up the idea of either a higher dose of estradiol or taking the pill. He wasn't happy with either option at all due to the health risks. But eventually opted to try me on the pill for a month to see if that helped suppress testosterone (ethinyl estradiol and levonogestrel, from my understanding another form of estrogen and a synthetic synthetic progestogen).

I couldn't seem to find much information on one vs the other, I'll admit I'm scared about the additional health risks and I really don't know what to think at this point.

[Ms Grace]

As long as you are being regularly monitored by your doctor and report any adverse symptoms you should be alright in the short term. If you are concerned maybe consult with another endo if that's at all possible.

[AnonyMs]

Hi,

if by pill you meant birth control pill, I don't think that's a good idea. And I think ethinyl estradiol is somewhat dangerous. Perhaps these are the additional risks you mention.

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Ethinylestradiol

There's plenty of mentions about this on the forums, I'd suggest searching. Also google it for transgender use.

[HughE]

I spoke to my doctor for a while and tossed up the idea of either a higher dose of estradiol or taking the pill. He wasn't happy with either option at all due to the health risks. But eventually opted to try me on the pill for a month to see if that helped suppress testosterone (ethinyl estradiol and levonogestrel, from my understanding another form of estrogen and a synthetic synthetic progestogen).

I'd look at changing doctors, since that one doesn't seem to have the first clue about managing your HRT. Birth control pills are not a good idea for transgender HRT because, firstly, they contain nowhere near enough estrogen, and secondly, the form of estrogen they contain (ethinyl estradiol) is highly dangerous and has caused numerous fatalities among trans women in the past.

[KayXo]

Birth control pills are definitely not a good idea, this puts your health at risk when there are equally effective and SAFER alternatives. Also, the progestin in birth control pills is mildly ANDROGENIC.

[ImagineKate]

"The pill??"  Good God I don't think ANY reputable doctor would use that for MtF HRT.  They really don't even use premarin anymore.  If it talks like a duck, walks like a duck...

[Samantha6string]

Thank you all for your advice.  After spending the day researching and speaking with another specialist  I'm not going to start the new medication and instead take the other option of increasing my estradiol valerate which the other specialist felt was a much more acceptable alternative.

Hopefully that'll help.