Restarting HRT

[Angelgrl]

Hi everyone.  I am restarting HRT this week when I see my endocrinologist.  Have been off HRT for 4 months due to chemotherapy, I am a cancer survivor.  I was on Estradiol pills for close to 8 years.  Since I started my transition late in life, in my late 40's early 50's, I am now 56, there has been minimal breast growth and some facial feminization.  My question is, is there a difference between the injections and pills?  I tried the patches a long time ago and they did nothing for me.  Thank you.

Angelgrl

[Randi]

non-oral estrogen is usually recommended for older folks.  Injections, patches or gels do not have the "first pass" effect in the liver.  With estradiol pills some of the hormone is lost in the liver and some is converted to the weaker estriol.

I'm 65 years old and use a combination of estradiol valerate shots and Oestrogel.   This works exceedingly well.  I have never taken an anti-androgen because my testosterone levels are naturally very low.

[sam1234]

I'm sorry about the cancer. Cancer is one of the most frightening dianosis that a person could get. The fact that you were able to maintain your sanity and the chemo says a lot about you. You must be an incredibly courageous woman.
Congratulations on the remission.

I hope that you have a strong support system so you won't have to feel so alone.

Hi everyone.  I am restarting HRT this week when I see my endocrinologist.  Have been off HRT for 4 months due to chemotherapy, I am a cancer survivor.  I was on Estradiol pills for close to 8 years.  Since I started my transition late in life, in my late 40's early 50's, I am now 56, there has been minimal breast growth and some facial feminization.  My question is, is there a difference between the injections and pills?  I tried the patches a long time ago and they did nothing for me.  Thank you.

Angelgrl

My understanding is that the risk long term in injectables is greater than oral, but I"m not an expert. I admire your positive attitude and inner strength. I hope I will be as positive should I ever get a diagnosis of cancer.

If they have not already, see if you can get your surgeon to be  including the medications you need to take. (hormones), and return to your hormone schedule right away. Take care when surfing the web for information as
anyone can put anything they want  on the web. As long as your Dr.s know each other by phone call or e-mail, it will greatly improve your life.

Your story will give those of us who struggle with pain or illness, courage and the will to fight. You didn't have to share your diagnosis, but it took a lot of guts to do it.

I don't know what sort of damage can occur with the use of steroids to keep going, but it gave me the strenght to want to do the same. I truly hope that you find someone who will love you in the future,  understand your battles.

I'm glad you found the forum and pray that it helps in answering some questions and, or, doubts should you need it.

You will be in my prayers, and if you ever need to talk someone who won't judge you or even try.

Stay strong and know that although we don't all have cancer, you won't ever have to be completly alone.

Sam1234

[KayXo]

With estradiol pills some of the hormone is lost in the liver and some is converted to the weaker estriol.

And Estrone, lots of Estrone, also, a weaker estrogen but stronger than estriol. Estrone can convert back to estradiol, estriol can't.

My understanding is that the risk long term in injectables is greater than oral

Actually the opposite as with injectables, much less goes through the portal vein (in the liver) where clotting factors are influenced.

[Angelgrl]

Thank you for your support, words of encouragement and advice on the various methods of HRT administration.  Randi, I did not know that about the non oral estrogen for older women.  This is all something to think about and confront with my doctor this Wednesday.  Sam, thank you, I have been praying a lot for partner in my life, someday.  Randi, how do I reply to your email?  I read your message from last month and I do not see where I can reply to your message, on top of being a cancer survivor, I also am legally blind.  Have a little central vision in my left eye, none in the right eye. 

Angelgrl

[GingerMaxim]

I take my pills under then tongue and wait for them to melt away. I don't swallow them at all.
I have no scientific evidence if it makes if work faster or not, but I think it is true that taking them
sublingual is safer as it goes into the blood stream right away instead of going through the liver.

I hope I correct in my description.

[KayXo]

Studies have shown, quite unequivocally, that taken sublingually, bio-identical estradiol is absorbed much faster, levels reach a greater peak but there is also more fluctuation.

[Rachel]

Hi,

You are definitely a very strong person to have gone through all that you have.

I do injections and I do not know how I would do it if I was not able to see. I do not know if you can see the graduations on a syringe or if you can see blood in the syringe as part of the process in injecting. Perhaps it would be best to review the different delivery methods with your doctor. If you choose injections then your injection training and ability to perform the process is crucial. 

I hope all goes well.