Quote from: AlyssaJ on April 24, 2017, 07:41:41 AMThe potential health complications is a really good point that I need to focus on Stacy. It's hard to remember that this is a course of treatment that can have fatal results. Perhaps that's why she starts on low dose and maybe the tuberous breast comment was more just a way to get me to follow her instructions. With so many TS people self-dosing outside doctor's instructions, I'm sure that's a problem she's encountered before. To that end, Warlockmaker I agree with your preference for an experienced physician. In this case, the OB/GYN that is overseeing my HRT has a strong background dealing with TG persons. She actually came recommended by my therapist who has referred numerous TGs to her because of her background. I'm not sure if it's 10 years worth, she is still fairly young, but after researching her experience and philosophies, I'm confident in her knowledge.
Risks with bio-identical estradiol are fairly low, even when taken orally and this is because estradiol is quickly metabolized in the body and doesn't have the impact other non bio-identical estrogens have on blood pressure and clot formation. If any doctor feels estrogen poses serious health risks, then they are probably confusing bio-identical estradiol with other forms and this is not a good sign. The doctor should be aware of the differences. I am on HRT since 2004 and have taken low and high doses of bio-identical estradiol without any complications, always under the supervision of one or several doctors. Women produce estradiol, sometimes in quite high levels, especially during pregnancy. Remember that. If we take the same form their and our bodies produce naturally and especially if it's delivered directly into the blood like it is in ciswomen, then our risks are significantly reduced and we are the same as ciswomen who have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than men, by the way, up until the time they STOP producing estradiol in significant quantities.
I think you mean to say tubular breast growth, where the breast shape is conical and studies have indicated that this can happen in the absence of progesterone where progesterone helps round out the breasts. In the first few years, when girls only produce estradiol, this is what happens too. Later, the increase in progesterone during menstrual cycles (i.e. menarche) helps finalize breast growth and shape. Some women also find that time helps make breasts look rounder and less conical. Not sure what she based herself on to make that assertion (starting low to avoid tubular growth), if it is evidence-based or not but you can always ask her. I think it's important for us to be involved in our treatments and ask as many questions as we can, learn and research about the subject matter. The more we know, the better. Doctors didn't learn about transgender treatment at school and most have little knowledge of this specialized subject. They become experts in the area by getting hands on experience, reading the research (old and new) in ciswomen, men and transwomen and essentially through trial and error. A doctor that just follows recommendations, without showing much interest in the subject matter and who prescribes the same thing to everyone, is in my opinion, not learning much. In this case, 10 yrs or 20 yrs of experience with TS women doesn't mean a whole lot. Someone who is open-minded, interested in this matter, motivated to help us reach our goals while keeping us healthy, is up to date in terms of research articles and who is flexible is a good doctor.
QuoteI need to learn to just sit back and enjoy the ride I think.
Patience is indeed key. Things can take time but if after 2-3 months, you see absolutely no change, then you can go see your doctor and discuss about a possible change/adjustment in your hormones. Best of luck.
