Way Post-Op HRT

[Roberta W]

Question I have not found much about on-line:  I had SRS 29 years ago, and at that time the doctor told me that I did not need any HRT post-op.  Now days that does not seem to be the recommendation.  Does anyone know what I SHOULD be taking for HRT for maintenance?  Actually, what should I be taking to improve my level of feminization?  I know that one does not lose all Testosterone production from the loss of the testicles, so what should I be taking to counteract that?  From what I read, I should be taking some form of Estrogen, perhaps some other things ... But I'm not sure what.  Most of the literature talks mostly about pre-op HRT.  Inputs would be useful.  Thanks, Roberto ... Or Roberta if you prefer.

[Lady Smith]

Your doctor's advice sounds a bit dodgy to me.  I would seriously advise you to get a second opinion.  My orchi surgery was fifteen years ago now and I'm still prescribed HRT.

[Jenna Marie]

Definitely find a doctor, preferably an endo to start with, and ask. It's generally considered risky to go without HRT post-op until one is of menopausal age, and even then it's not necessary to give up HRT.

(Testosterone production is equivalent to a menopausal woman's, maybe a bit less as they still get a little from the ovaries, so that's usually not an issue. But you need *some* additional estrogen for bone density and general health.)

[Roberta W]

Thanks ... I've been thinking about looking up an endochrinologist ... Your comments confirm that.

[Jenna Marie]

(Post-op I am on a dose within the range given to menopausal women [to be fair, I was pre-op too], but I will not give specifics b/c you need to see an expert. It seems safe to assume that if cis women who have been put into surgical menopause young are given HRT, we likely should be too.)

[mrs izzy]

Same as any total hysterectomy or menopausal women,

Osteoporosis bone health and over all general health.

There are reasons for both gender hormones in the body naturally.

It helps keep the body in a natural rythem.

Not only but hot flashes ugh!

[Laura_7]

There are quite a few endos who are familiar with treatment of menopausal women, for example.

A possibility would be pellet implants. Estrogen, bioidentical progesterone and possibly even a very low dose of testosterone.

Doses depend on individual responses: feeling of well being, libido, etc....

[CollieLass]

I`m 21 years post-GRS........and sadly, I had to do without any HRT support for a few years recently, due to not being able to find a supportive G.P.
That was a horrid hormonal experience: constant low-spirits, lack-lustre skin and hair, weight gain, general poor-health and prolonged healing/recovery times......and perhaps worst of all: a marked diminution of of my confidence and {usually very strong} feminine self-identity.
.........Not to be recommended!

Back on full HRT support now and feeling great!

[Rejennyrated]

Well unless there is something "different" about you, which of course there might be, the standard answer, even back then was that you took aproximately half your pre-op dosage FOR LIFE. I'm 30 years post-op so we are contemporary.

The danger of not taking anything is osteoporosis. There are other ways to manage that, and some doctors may suggest that as a valid route I don't know, but I think its always worth checking advice like that from time to time.

I'm currently in training to be a doctor, and so not qualified to advise you, beyond the fact that it is never a bad idea to seek advice from a specialist, and indeed with a lifelong condition like this, its not at all unreasonable to look for some occasional monitoring and reassurance.

[Roberta W]

Thanks everyone ... I will surely look up and endo and have some tests, and hopefully some HRT after that ... Roberta

[KayXo]

I think an experienced GP or gynecologist might also do. Good luck.