HRT dosage change questions

[Jessica_Rainshadow]

Hey, just a quick e related question...I've been on hrt for 9 months, gradually increasing my dose every 2-3 months. My last dose increase was 3 weeks ago, where my Dr just upped my estradiol 1 mg from where I was...my spiro/fin stayed the same. Within about a week my libido just went crazy, which I am not happy about.  It's been like that for about 2 weeks now and it definitely makes me think something is off....I know if the estradiol dose is too high the estrogen can actually be converted back to testosterone. Is that what's happening? Or do I need to up my anti-androgens? Anyone with similar experiences or ideas?

[Laura_7]

I know if the estradiol dose is too high the estrogen can actually be converted back to testosterone.

No.
There is a pathway from testosterone to estrogen via aromatase.
Its one way.

Well you might look for other signs ... hair growth ... fat distribution ... ejaculate still transparent or non existent ...

if everything is ok you might enjoy
some people use a vibrator, and have fantasies ...

if you insist you might ask for blood levels ...
but if only estrogen was upped and the rest stays the same there should be only changes concerning estrogen...
and some people really report a higher libido from a certain point on ...

if in doubt ask your doc ...


*hugs*

[Jessica_Rainshadow]

No.
There is a pathway from testosterone to estrogen via aromatase.
Its one way.

It's funny because I was told this by a doctor. But I just did a little looking into it and it looks like you're right.  (I'm also an RN so I should know this stuff.) But anyway that's good! Thanks! I haven't had my e checked lately (my primary doesn't like to do it very often) so I will have that done next time I go in.

Also I am well versed in using a vibrator lol...

[Laura_7]

It's funny because I was told this by a doctor. But I just did a little looking into it and it looks like you're right.  (I'm also an RN so I should know this stuff.) But anyway that's good! Thanks! I haven't had my e checked lately (my primary doesn't like to do it very often) so I will have that done next time I go in.

Also I am well versed in using a vibrator lol...

This is why I wrote the pathway so you can look it up.
Quite a few people do not know its one way.

lol many transgender people have their toys 
just make sure its safe silicone or glass ... or use a condom 


*hugs*

[KayXo]

Estrogen never converts back to androgen. Only testosterone and androstenedione convert to estradiol and estrone, respectively. Estradiol also can convert to estrone and estrone back to estradiol. Estradiol is the most potent estrogen of the two.

http://www.angelfire.com/sc3/toxchick/images/S/steroidogenesis.gif
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Steroidogenesis.svg
http://www.genome.jp/kegg/pathway/hsa/hsa00140.html

Doctors may sometimes say this to ignorant patients to scare them off, prevent them from taking too much estrogen. It's unacceptable for a doctor to even state something like this, it's so basic!

Estrogen in high doses is prescribed to men with prostate cancer whose lives depend on androgen being inhibited as much as possible. Imagine if estrogen could convert to androgens. Pregnant women also have super high levels of E, they don't masculinize or get androgenic effects from the conversion.

My E levels are between 1,000-4,000 pg/ml, my T is the lowest it's ever been, at 8 ng/dl, free T undetectable.

E may improve/boost libido. Libido is a GOOD thing. Women are sexual creatures too.