Patches vs Injections vs Oral estrogen

[Brooke33]

I'm about 2 weeks away from starting E, and my endo is of the type who presents a lot of options (he specifically asked me whether I wanted Cyproterone Acetate or Spiro, I chose Cypro but had assumed he was just going to assign a regimen he was familiar with, was kinda nice lol).  I know he's going to ask me which I like, and then based off the blood work that comes in next week for my T levels will provide the dosage, but I'm curious as to what people here have preferred.

I'm not concerned over the health/clotting issues of Oral, as I'm healthy as a horse, so that's not playing a factor in things, just curious how people feel.  What did they like, what didn't they like, ease of application or difficulties, did effects manifest slowly or quickly, etc.

[QuestioningEverything]

I've been taking oral for the past year it its been going well for me. I want to switch to injections at some point but oral is still fine for me right now. I didn't want to deal with the patches since I already have very sensitive skin and I felt like keeping a path on for a few days would cause a rash or it would just fall off in the shower or something. I just felt like the patch would be too much of a pain to deal with. Oral is the easiest and if you take it under your tongue its supposed to be safer on your liver and more effective overall. But injections are defiantly the safest thats why I'm planing on switching to in maybe another year.

[Ms Grace]

He'll probably start you off on a relatively low dose first anyway, just to see how your system handles the medication. You should have the option to change if it doesn't feel right or if you develop complications. If you are going through a endo/doctor who knows their stuff and who is keeping an eye on your blood and vitals you should do OK regardless.

[Rachel]

I have only used pills and injections. Over those two I prefer injections. If I had a choice I would get implants. Some day I may switch doctors and choose one that does implants.

[Brooke33]

Yea, my endo is pretty laid back, but does follow wpath protocol.  He seems fairly young, but has been practicing transgender care since 2008 (and I think I might be older, but I'm horrible at guessing ages).  He's definitely knowledgeable when it comes to what dosages and monitoring potential health risks, but he is incredibly open to his clients preferences on which medication route they wish to proceed with.

I really like this doc, I drive from Kitchener to Toronto just to see him (used to live closer, but oh well lol).

[Tamika Olivia]

Patches give you a steady and decent dose, and they're not hard on your system. That said, unless you get smaller ones like the dot, they are a pain and a half to keep on. Doc has got me on two at the same time a week, and by midweek one is usually being held on with duct tape.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Brooke,

I started on patches and ended up with a stomach I could play chess on. The adhesive always reacted before falling off prematurely.

Been on implants ever since and haven't looked back. Serum levels are much higher, more consistent and over all lots cheaper. $66USD for 2 years worth. Furthermore I don't have to remember to do anything, except see my Endo every year.

Enjoy the journey

Speak to you as soon as I reset the mouse traps.

Huggs
Catherine

[QuestioningEverything]

I have only used pills and injections. Over those two I prefer injections. If I had a choice I would get implants. Some day I may switch doctors and choose one that does implants.

How often do you have to change implants? don't they last like 3 months or something? I might look into them too at some point.

[MichaelaLJ1972]

I'd love to try implants too, but I can't find anyone in my area. I might have to call the local Planned Parenthood to see if they can offer an assistance with that. I know they don't do HRT for transgender patients in my area, but they should be able to refer me to someone who can do implants. My doctor doesn't have experience with them so I am just doing the patches. They seem to be sticking quite nicely even through showers and work!

[Laura_7]

I'd love to try implants too, but I can't find anyone in my area. I might have to call the local Planned Parenthood to see if they can offer an assistance with that. I know they don't do HRT for transgender patients in my area, but they should be able to refer me to someone who can do implants .

here is enough info for an endo or doc to get started:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,200276.msg1780555.html#msg1780555

Additionally gyns might do implants... there are different ones for birth control...


hugs

[Brooke33]

It's weird that the thought of injections don't bother me, but the thought of an implant just weirds me out lol

[Laura_7]

It's weird that the thought of injections don't bother me, but the thought of an implant just weirds me out lol

They are the size of a grain of rice... and its the closest to having ovaries... steady release...


hugs

[Catherine Sarah]

How often do you have to change implants? don't they last like 3 months or something? I might look into them too at some point.

If you find an Endo who knows what they are on about, the first implant, if it's the correct size, should last you 6-9 months. The next 15-18 months. There after 2 years.

As Laura suggested, College Pharmacy in Colardo supply implants. Your Endo will know from your results what strength you need. 

Speak to you as soon as the rain goes.

Huggs
Catherine

[Ltl89]

Remember that everyone is different.  I started on pills and was doing okay, but switched over to injections because I was hoping for better results from higher levels.  Turns out that my levels were lower than they were before as a response.  I'm now on a higher injection dose and trying to convince myself this will work and have noticed slight effects from it, but we'll have to see.  At the end of the day, everyone responds diferently and doses and genetics all play a role.  So try to keep that in mind befoee choosing one method over another.  And remeber that it is a ling process that requires some trial and error before finding what works best for you.

[Joi]

I've been on the patch since Mar.  Levels checked every 90 days.  1st result 31, dbld the dose 2nd result 70, added another patch 3rd result 75. IMO they aren't working for me. Will see my Endo Thurs. and ask to switch to injections.  Would like to go with the pellet, but will tackle that after my GCS in Jan.

[Laura_7]

Remember that everyone is different.  I started on pills and was doing okay, but switched over to injections because I was hoping for better results from higher levels.  Turns out that my levels were lower than they were before as a response.  I'm now on a higher injection dose and trying to convince myself this will work and have noticed slight effects from it, but we'll have to see.  At the end of the day, everyone responds diferently and doses and genetics all play a role.  So try to keep that in mind before choosing one method over another.  And remeber that it is a process that requires some trial and error before finding what works best for you.

You might try to switch to a cycle of 5 or 7 days... that might help...


hugs

[DanaDane]

I've been on patches since the beginning.  Right off the bat, Dr. put me on 2 patches at a time and switch them twice a week. 

April .. E was <20
June .. E was 80
Sept .. E was 252 

I haven't seen much in the realm of changes externally, so while the numbers look good, I am worried why I am not seeing changes that I assumed I would.

[Laura_7]

I've been on patches since the beginning.  Right off the bat, Dr. put me on 2 patches at a time and switch them twice a week. 

April .. E was <20
June .. E was 80
Sept .. E was 252 

I haven't seen much in the realm of changes externally, so while the numbers look good, I am worried why I am not seeing changes that I assumed I would.

How are your t levels ? Levels should be below 50...

[DanaDane]

How are your t levels ? Levels should be below 50...

April was 415
June was 9.8
Sept was 9.2

[Laura_7]

April was 415
June was 9.8
Sept was 9.2

FREE TESTOSTERONE

                     ng/dl          pg/ml
    Females  0.3-1.9      0.6 - 6.8
    Males       9-30         47.0-244.0

Conversion factor: 1 ng/ml = 3.47 nmol/l

Do you know the unit ?


hugs