Question about HRT start dates

[Brooke33]

I started Androcur today, but will be at least 1 more month before my endo prescribes estrogen.  He does a 5 visit prep before estrogen, first visit is him getting to know you, asking questions about your dysphoria, etc.  Visit 2 is a general checkup and blood work.  Visit 3 is beginning to start testosterone blockers and informed consent regarding them.  Visit 4 is more bloodwork to see how the blockers are working, and more informed consent.  Visit 5 is prescribed estrogen/progesterone.

My question is do I count today as the start of my HRT, or the day I start estrogen?

[MistyMinx15]

I started Androcur today, but will be at least 1 more month before my endo prescribes estrogen.  He does a 5 visit prep before estrogen, first visit is him getting to know you, asking questions about your dysphoria, etc.  Visit 2 is a general checkup and blood work.  Visit 3 is beginning to start testosterone blockers and informed consent regarding them.  Visit 4 is more bloodwork to see how the blockers are working, and more informed consent.  Visit 5 is prescribed estrogen/progesterone.

My question is do I count today as the start of my HRT, or the day I start estrogen?

I have not started the process yet. so I don't know if what I say will help. Put down the date that you know in your heart you started HRT. This is for you, if you want to choose today then choose today. if you want to choose the day you start estrogen, then choose that day. It's all about what you feel.

~Misty

[JustASeq]

I'd say it's ultimately up to you, but personally I count the beginning of starting to adjust my hormones through medication as my HRT start.

[Brooke33]

Well, I guess today is the day then... God, I can't believe it's finally happening

[AnonyMs]

Does the date really matter? I'm hard pressed to even remember the year now, although it wasn't that long ago so maybe I'm just getting old.

[RobynD]

I started Androcur today, but will be at least 1 more month before my endo prescribes estrogen.  He does a 5 visit prep before estrogen, first visit is him getting to know you, asking questions about your dysphoria, etc.  Visit 2 is a general checkup and blood work.  Visit 3 is beginning to start testosterone blockers and informed consent regarding them.  Visit 4 is more bloodwork to see how the blockers are working, and more informed consent.  Visit 5 is prescribed estrogen/progesterone.

My question is do I count today as the start of my HRT, or the day I start estrogen?

I have had the exact same question. Thanks for asking it. For me the T-blockers started on Feb 1st and the Estrogen did not come until June. Blocking T is really when you started to change your hormones. So i think HRT for be began in February.

[RobynD]

Does the date really matter? I'm hard pressed to even remember the year now, although it wasn't that long ago so maybe I'm just getting old.

Not a whole lot, but it is good to understand the timeline. Also then I can put one of those really cool timeline graphics in my signature 

[lisarenee]

Does the date really matter? I'm hard pressed to even remember the year now, although it wasn't that long ago so maybe I'm just getting old.

For some surgeons (e.g. Brassard) and insurance, it does. Some surgeons will require 12 months of continuous HRT if medically possible. Some insurance companies will also impose minimum HRT requirements for various surgeries.

[Rachel]

HRT is hormone replacement therapy. You are in that process when you were administered an anti-androgen for the purpose of hormone replacement, in my opinion.

[Mariah]

In your case, your HRT started with a blocker. In my case, it started with Estrogen. It all depends your situation. Hugs
Mariah

[KayXo]

I would hate to be started with a blocker only, even if for only 5 weeks. Low testosterone with no estrogen replacement can lead to hot flashes, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, depression/anxiety. I personally don't understand the reason for giving a blocker before estrogen. Oh well...

[RobynD]

I would hate to be started with a blocker only, even if for only 5 weeks. Low testosterone with no estrogen replacement can lead to hot flashes, lack of energy, difficulty sleeping, night sweats, depression/anxiety. I personally don't understand the reason for giving a blocker before estrogen. Oh well...

Not sure why, but my doc said it was to get my body use to changing things and to see how i felt. I felt great for those 3-4 months, the only negative was getting use to the salt craving and having to pee 3x more. I did not have any other negative effects.