Estradiol Injections

[ChrisellaH]

Hello I'm new to this site, just had a question/concern, and hoping someone can help me out. I was injecting  of Estradiol, as I do each month, into my upper thigh area. As I was pushing the needle in it hurt a little more than it does ordinarily, so I removed the needle and blood started flowing out. It really startled me, because not only had this never happened before but there was kind of a lot of it. I'm concerned but the blood stopped quickly and isn't causing any pain. I'm unsure if I should just not worry about it or if I should be seeking medical attention. If this has happened to anyone would love to know what you did about it, Thanks.

Mod Edit- No dosages please - TOS 8

[Mariah]

Hi and welcome to Susan's. This can happen and is why you need to put a band aid on it. If it doesn't stop bleeding in a certain amount of time then you need to go in and be seen. You may have hit a blood vessel or nerve. It can happen. I look forward to seeing you around the forums. Good luck and Hugs
Mariah

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[stephaniec]

I just started injections and the nurse said if you hit a vessel that's going to happen. You have to hit solid muscle.

[Rachel]

I have been doing IM for a while and it has happened to me too. I always have a clean cotton ball just incase I need to apply pressure. I just pick a different site and inject.

[KayXo]

As I was pushing the needle in it hurt a little more than it does ordinarily

Be sure to insert (and remove, after full dose is injected) the needle in ONE QUICK MOTION. Insert a 22 gauge needle or 23, at most, as these go right in, quite easily.

[Mallory]

Yeah, you hit a blood vessel.  When that happens do NOT inject.  Pull out, find another site, and go at it.

I inject into my quads since they're pretty friggin' huge and there's lots of definition.  I flex, feel around for the most meat, swab it with alcohol, then insert.  Before I inject I always back the needle out just a little to look for blood.  No blood, it goes back in and I inject. 

I've hit a vessel twice and yeah, doesn't feel good at all.

[AprilV]

Has anyone seen the articles floating around on the internet that the Dorsogluteal IM site is no longer recommended for IM injections? Now the Ventrogluteal IM injection site is recommended. I inject in the  Dorsogluteal site and haven'y had any issues yet.

[KayXo]

I inject somewhere between ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal. The issue with dorso is hitting important veins BUT as long as it's really in the upper outer quadrant (FAR, FAR from the sciatic nerve), one should be fine.

[AprilV]

Thanks for the reply. Makes total sense.

[AprilV]

I have another question. What is the difference between DEPO®-ESTRADIOL
(estradiol cypionate) and Estradiol valerate? Depo in oil and Valerate not in oil and requires higher dosage?My Dr has me on Depo.

Thanks,

[Laura_7]

I have another question. What is the difference between DEPO®-ESTRADIOL
(estradiol cypionate) and Estradiol valerate? Depo in oil and Valerate not in oil and requires higher dosage?My Dr has me on Depo.

Thanks,

You could have a look here:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,187123.msg1668164.html#msg1668164

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,184737.msg1644823.html#msg1644823

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,163184.msg1403673.html#msg1403673

I'd not use cycles over 10 days... after 10 days levels might drop off and make for a menopausal effect, also affecting mood.


hugs

[AprilV]

Thanks Laura i will check the links out. I IM Depo every 7 days.

Hugs,

[Laura_7]

Thanks Laura i will check the links out. I IM Depo every 7 days.

Hugs,

I'd say thats a good cycle.

There is one form of hrt where levels of estrogen are driven well above 200-300pg/ml and t down into the female range as well, without anti androgens. This can be safely done only with injections and implants.
You might talk with your endo about it, its a well known effect. Some people use bioidentical progesterone then to compliment estrogen and help with breast development.


hugs

[kittenpower]

I have been doing IM for a while and it has happened to me too. I always have a clean cotton ball just incase I need to apply pressure. I just pick a different site and inject.

Yes, I always have a cotton ball and a bandaid at the ready, and I put a new needle on before I inject again.

[KayXo]

Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate) is about 10 x more potent than estradiol valerate, both are in oil. Depo-estradiol lasts a little longer so 10-14 days is ok but for EV, best is 7-10 days at most; I do 5 days. I believe there is an added (slight) increased risk of DVT with estradiol cypionate as compared with EV but this is not yet confirmed.

[AprilV]

Great info. Answered my question.

[emoji3]


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[AprilV]

I've read and know some who take progesterone  for breast and nipple development . I've never found anything conclusive that it's necessary . I brought it up with my Endo , but she thinks it's not needed. Might try and discuss with her again.


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[OCAnne]

Hello Everyone, My SRS surgeon who can also do HRT told me that injecting Estradiol Valerate in the rear increases it's size.  So in the butt it goes, alternating cheeks every 7 days.  Seems to work or at least hoping it does.

Thank you,
Anne

[Laura_7]

I've read and know some who take progesterone  for breast and nipple development . I've never found anything conclusive that it's necessary . I brought it up with my Endo , but she thinks it's not needed. Might try and discuss with her again.


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Well it should be bioidentical progesterone... synthetic one does not have the same effects...

well in cis women its also present. It helps with development of breast ducts...

livestrong.com/article/319391-the-effects-of-progesterone-on-the-breast

Estrogen is the primary hormone that stimulates breast growth during puberty, but progesterone is required to convert the female breast into a milk-producing organ. Dr. Carol Lange reports in the article in Steroids that progesterone, along with other hormones, stimulates development of the mammary glands in the breast.

Many people report a more rounded form instead of a conical one...


hugs

[kittenpower]

Hello Everyone, My SRS surgeon who can also do HRT told me that injecting Estradiol Valerate in the rear increases it's size.  So in the butt it goes, alternating cheeks every 7 days.  Seems to work or at least hoping it does.

Thank you,
Anne

I do believe that your MD is correct, because fat pads have developed into my upper thighs since I've been injecting there for several years, so I'm switching sites, but (no pun intended) it's kind of scary, so I'll ask my PCP for some instruction.