Low level HRT questions

[Amber42]

It really takes the eyes of a good endo and some time to be able to determine what 'low dose' is and then it is entirely individual.  I have sisters that take what would be high dose for me that do not really show any outward effect...just an obvious inner effect.  At the same time, I have seen sisters where very low doses have quick outward effect.  It is up to genetics.  There really is no point in posting what works for one person as that same will have completely different outcomes for the next.  Work with your doctor and they will determine a good starting point for you.  Explain what it is that you are desiring at this phase in the here and now and then form a partnership to keep things as close to where you want to be as possible.

Remember, even low dose can produce very visible result over time.

Thanks for the advice.  I agree, these things are very individual and unique to each person.  I have my first official appointment next week, with my GP to discuss all this.  I came out to him during an appointment and albeit quite surprised, he was very supportive and booked an appointment to truly discuss things.

I want to know what to ask and make the discussion with him as useful as possible.

This forum has been a lifesaver for me.  You girls are awesome and I'm lucky I have someplace to come and ask things without fear and just be what I feel is my version of 'normal'.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JoanneB]

How long did you go off HRT?  Do the changes you experienced while on HRT revert back?

I never stayed on long enough for any physical changes. Besides the dose was low compared to transitioning dosing.

The emotional changes I have idea. In hindsight I have to say they do fade away. Unnoticed as it is happening over the course of years. Part of it is also the...euphoria? of getting over the dysphoria hump. YEAH! I beat it again!    But without any followup. Without putting in the hard work on yourself and just hoping a magic pill will fix you, the GD will slowly creep back to take over your life. So, as in Groundhog Day, you repeat the cycle, again. Eventually I got it right, sort of

[kaitylynn]

Thanks for the advice.  I agree, these things are very individual and unique to each person.  I have my first official appointment next week, with my GP to discuss all this.  I came out to him during an appointment and albeit quite surprised, he was very supportive and booked an appointment to truly discuss things.

I want to know what to ask and make the discussion with him as useful as possible.

This forum has been a lifesaver for me.  You girls are awesome and I'm lucky I have someplace to come and ask things without fear and just be what I feel is my version of 'normal'.

It is a big step opening up to your doctor as they hold a lot of keys.  When I came out to mine, he did not even skip a beat.  He simply ordered my initial hormonal panel and set up an appointment with an endo to address what he did not feel comfortable with.  It was the start of guided medical transition for me.  Congrats on this step!

As for what I think would have been the most relevant questions to have answers to at that point...the main for me would have to be, 'how is this going to effect my moods'.  Having had some...interesting...experiences with HRT some 20 years ago in the mood swing department, I would have loved to have had an understanding of the various delivery methods of HRT.  My endo picked up my question without my even asking and put me on transdermal as it is one of the most consistent applications of Estradiol available.

It might be helpful to take some time to compile a list of questions you have and get them down on paper so you remember to actually ask them.  The first appointment was over an hour with my endocrinologists and they answered everything I asked in depth.  Most will not give this level of time, but they will answer the questions posed.  Ask until you are satisfied with the answers.  Also, any concerns you might have with effects...this is a good time to have them addressed.

The process itself is actually straight forward.  For MTF, control and diminish T while replacing the primary hormone with E and then monitor.  I found that the little effects that happened along the path of HRT brought on more questions than the obvious "BIG" ones in the beginning.  It is an ongoing process that will last a lifetime