Quote from: Squirebuffy1990 on December 11, 2015, 12:28:51 PM
I'm so tempted to put two patches on instead of one, but I wont. It will probably mess me up haha!
Yes, that's not a good idea. The incidence of side-effects increases with the dosage. The best dosage is the lowest possible dosage to get your hormone levels where they should be. Estradiol can increase cholesterol levels, HDL levels and triglyceride levels. The incidence of DVT (deep venous thrombosis) can also increase. I am personally struggling with elevated glucose levels, even though I am on a low-carb diet.
I am really puzzled why your doctor did not prescribe t-blockers, since they make the estradiol more effective. You should ask about that.
I have been on estradiol, spironolactone, and finasteride for a little over four months, and spiro and finasteride for almost six months. The only thing I noticed within days of starting the estradiol was the mental effect. My dysphoria went away. I wasn't constantly obsessing about being female. I felt somewhat more comfortable with myself.
My testosterone level started out at 374 ng/mL,which is on the low side for a male. It is now 26 ng/mL. On the other hand, my estradiol levels have only increased from 27 to 36 pg/mL, despite being on twice-a-week patches.
My libido started to nose dive within the first few weeks, along with decreased erections, but in my case this I considered this a plus. After three months so, my skin was somewhat softer and the pores smaller. My body scent has changed to a more musky, feminine scent. I have noticed that the hair on my arms and in my armpits is much slower to grow back after shaving. My testicles have noticeably decreased in size, and any attempt to masturbate produces very little ejaculate. Again, not really an issue for me, but it could be for others. I haven't noticed much difference my musculature, other than it's harder to open some jars now, lol!
Weight gain is now an issue for me, despite eating less and exercising more. Oh, I almost forgot what you might be most interested in. My nipples started to hurt after a couple of weeks on E, and I developed breast buds by month two. There was noticeable fullness to my breasts. My nipples and areolas have enlarged. Now my darn boobs hurt all the time, eventhzughthe lumps are gone. No pain, no gain I guess.
Anyway, that was my experience. One more data point for you.
With kindness,
Terri