Taking T and producing E at the same time

[FreakOfNature]

I really want to know if having ovaries and taking T (low dose, that's not even in male range) would still be bad long term? Bear with me here but because of my dysphoria, I also lack knowledge about these organs...Does it shut off the production of the E hormone completely?  And its not like producing E is their only job so that's why I am wondering if won't function at all if I am on low dose T?

I would rather know from the people who haven't had oophorectomy and are on T rather than researching about female related stuff because it will spike up my repulsion much more...
My doctor doesn't have any patients of my nature who basically wants to have T & E ideally close to equal so I am kind of stuck here.

[Dena]

I am not sure the T levels that are targeted in the FTM but the T to E conversion only takes place above those levels. At a lower level you may still have periods and at the transition dosage, E should be pretty well shut down and periods should be minimal. Some of the guys will check it and be able to provide more detail information than I can but you and your doctors will need to decide on your goals and select the levels to target.

[FreakOfNature]

Hi Dena, I already had a hysterectomy but everything else besides the uterus are inside.  Unfortunately, since every body reacts to hormones differently, there is no way of knowing about the actual changes.  The changes of the T that I will get isn't the question since I will be very careful about it but my issue is about the E's production still occurring instead of the ovaries shutting down and letting the T take over completely.

[Dena]

What would help the guys is to know your T and E levels from your test results. The big one would be the T levels if you don't have E levels. Make sure you post the units.

[FTMax]

Taking T should inhibit estrogen production in the ovaries. Prior to my hysterectomy, my T levels were around 800 and my E was around 50. So still producing, and a little on the high side for someone who is male.

The issue you'd run into with wanting both to be equal is that it would be difficult (if not impossible) to get there. Everyone reacts to T differently, so you'd essentially go through a period of trying to find the ideal dose for what you want. Even a low dose of testosterone can get you firmly into the male reference range for T, so that's not necessarily the answer to your problem.

Add into that testosterone suppressing estrogen production, and your E numbers will start to drop as soon as you're getting into the male range for testosterone.

If I'm interpreting your wants correctly, and what you're wanting is androgyny, I'd speak to a doctor about estrogen blockers. That is probably the fastest route to get low E and T. I'm not sure how well they function outside of puberty, but it sounds like a more effective route for what you want than low dose testosterone. My worry is that low dose T would give you more than what you're looking for.

[FreakOfNature]

Regarding the blood work level results after being on non-male dose for more than a month,  both T and E were on the 40s (E slightly more) so they were both in the female range.
I also have another question regarding the E though:
After healing from hysto my doctor ordered bloodwork (wasn't on T) for E but that time for some reason, it was "Estrogens' that was checked and now its showing up as Estradiol. So the current result doesn't mean the same exact thing right?

Max, wouldn't estrogen blockers even lessen the overall health if I am not on T like bone health? T does seem like it's giving what I don't want as well but I spoke with my doctor and I am careful with my dosage.

[FTMax]

Yes, Estradiol is the test that should be ordered if you're taking testosterone.

Ultimately - there are no conclusive studies saying that testosterone is harmful to female reproductive health. It is a myth that has been out there for a while that transmen need to have a total hysterectomy within 5 years of being on T as a cancer preventative. Yet there are no studies that come to that conclusion.

So I would say, if this dose you're currently on is getting you into a range you're happy with in terms of both E and T, then I wouldn't change anything. Everybody naturally produces at least some testosterone and estrogen. If the levels you're at are working for you, don't reinvent the wheel. There's no harm in keeping it the same.

Re: blockers, I don't know that you'd be any worse off health-wise generally, BUT I'm not sure if there have been any studies on them regarding long term use. The better long term option, I think, is to find a dose of T that works enough for you. It sounds like the one you're on or lower would be good, provided everything else is in good shape.