Oral versus Injection

[chefskenzie]

Have been talking with my Doctor about going from Oral to Injection's for Estradiol.  She says it is more a personal preference.  She has me take the meds orally, not sublingually.  So I thought I would ask for your opinons.

Pros/Cons for Injections versus oral?

Some background, nearing 24 months or taking estradiol orally, also take sprio as T blocker.  I HATE having to take so many pills daily, and sometimes forget to take it.  So feel a shot would be easier to remember, then I would just have my Spiro pill daily. 

Thanks!

[Ms Grace]

My personal preference is for implants - mine usually lasts nine months before needing to be replaced and it gives a very steady dose (no ups and downs like you can get with injections). I remember being emotionally all over the place when I tried to transition many years ago and my endo started me on injections.

[chefskenzie]

implants aren't offered where I live and the cost to go elsewhere wouldn't be affordable at this time.

[ainsley]

I have been on estradiol injections for more than 2 years.  I started with estradiol valerate and now use estradiol cypionate because my insurance changed and the new carrier does not cover valerate.  I am over 40, so  I was worried about clots, etc. with the pills, and taxing my liver, yada yada.  So, I opted for the periodic injection (and I still run 5k 3-4 times a week, and my Primary insists I take a baby aspirin every day to avoid clots).  To me it is easier, esp. if you have no problem with putting needles into you, and have a good aseptic technique.  I can't stress the sterile technique enough.  I have never had an injection get festered up or bother me.  I also inject progesterone, too.  If I could inject my spiro and aspirin, I would do that, too. ha!  I hate taking pills...I forget sometimes.

And Ms. Grace it right, you do get your highs and lows with injections (my wife can attest to that..lol) but I have gotten used to them and they don't seem to bother me to any real degree.

[michelle82]

My doctor also said there isn't much difference, other than the potential highs and lows are great with injections. My doctor also said that injections are slightly safer on the liver as well.

[Lady_Oracle]

I prefer injections. The highs and lows on injections vs oral is a lot better, at least for me. I didn't realize how badly the pills were affecting my mood till I switched to injections. I tried every possible schedule with oral and it never worked for me. I'm guessing it was due to my high metabolism.

[Newgirl Dani]

Hi Chefskenzie, and welcome 

The highs (or when Estradiol serum levels are highest) and the lows (when the Estradiol is at its lowest serum level) is only a result of the injection cycles spread out over to long of a period.  When the cycle gets shorter and one injects more often this (and so far have not spoke with anyone that did not confirm this as of yet) does not happen.  The peaks are only beginning to lower when the next peak is beginning to rise, ultimately resulting in a steady dosage.

I started on 2 week injection cycles and it was disaster 'for me', went to 10 day cycles and it was a lot better, I now inject every 7 days with no problem.  I inject into the vastus lateralus muscle (thigh) very easy to keep control of the entire process, at least for me, gluteus (buttocks) is kind of awkward for me.   Hope that helps.   Dani

[KayXo]

Injection was MUCH better for me than oral, never going back to oral EVER! I inject every 5 days, no highs or lows.

p.s.: if bio-identical progesterone is injected, due to its very short half-life, it needs to be injected daily. This is how it's done, for example, in pregnant women, who take it to prevent miscarriage. One injection daily. Other progestogens may be injected much less often, like hydroxyprogesterone caproate and medroxyprogesterone acetate. 

[mfox]

I am over 40, so  I was worried about clots, etc. with the pills, and taxing my liver, yada yada. 

That's what I've read too; if you're a smoker or over 40 your risk of clots is higher, so they don't recommend tablets.   And if you're taxing your liver in other ways (like drinking alcohol or taking other medications) it's going to be safer to use patches/gels/injections.  My GP says "not to worry" about the liver or liver disease unless you start feeling unwell or see yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), it's not going to hurt you overnight like a blood clot.

[Eveline]

There's also a very similar, current topic on this: very confused about my levels. FWIW.

[Rachel]

I did oral for 15 months and now IM 6 months.

IM gives me much better results. My skin is softer and I am growing in my chest each cycle. My skin glows after injecting and I have gotten comments form guys and girls.

I am at the maximum dose for a 10 day injection.

Day 2-6 I can feel the difference. I am so happy and things that usually bother me just brush off my back. I can cry a lot easier at a commercial or movie.  Day 2 & 3 I awake with hunger pains in the morning, I am hungry all day and my toung feels different with foods. I want different tasting foods.