Estradiol and skin (and breasts): route of administration and different effects

[KayXo]

I've been on injections and on pills, most of the time as far as estradiol goes. On pills, I noticed my skin got really dry (and there was significant breast growth). On injections, I noticed the total opposite, very soft, glowy/shiny, translucent skin (but breasts shrank). Nothing else changed when I switch from pills to injections. My impression from all my years of reading anecdotes and research papers is that the first things one notices when going on HRT in transwomen is how soft the skin becomes but that estrogen dries up the skin either directly or indirectly by reducing/opposing androgen (i.e. testosterone/DHT) action.

On injections, my estradiol levels were far higher and my SHBG much higher, thus much lower free androgen levels. BUT, my skin was no longer dry and super soft. How could that be?

What is everyone's experience on estrogen only, not taking any other anti-androgen?

[Rambler]

When you say pills, were you taking them orally or sublingually?

[Amy Chislett]

A woman in my trans fem support group, said she's tried both and prefers the shots.

I have been taking  oral herbal supplements, which have been dehydrating me, if nothing else. I've noticed wrinkles, so I reduced the dose.  I was told estrogen does little without a separate T blocker; interesting to note your experience.

Are you going to go back to pills?  Injections actually made your breasts shrink?  Measurably, or casual observance?

I'm not much help since I am such the newbie.

[maledog659]

I have been on andi-androgen for the last two and a half months, with little to show, more recently my doctor/endo prescribed estradiol 1mg patch to get things moving, and in this last two weeks have seen and felt some obscure changes. My skin has started to become slightly softer, and dryer, and my budding breasts a little puffier with nipples becoming more noticable especially when cold and at other time when rubbed. I was put on the patch so estrogen does not enter the liver directly. In two weeks the dosage will probably be increased and sublingual pills will be prescribed and increased as my body progresses and accepts the estrogen. My T level at last blood work was less than 90 and estrogen was near that of female. I wear now more unisex outer clothes and femme undies. Would like to hear from others.

[Lucie]

I have been taking transdermal estradiol (patches) and oral micronized progesterone for 20 months and oral AA (bicalutamide) for 10 months. I too noticed that my skin became very soft and nice after starting estrogens. However after some time, perhaps after I started taking an AA but I don't remember, it became increasingly drier. I think I will divide by two my AA dosage in order to see if it makes things improve as regards my skin. I will discuss that point with my endo at my next appointment.

[KayXo]

When you say pills, were you taking them orally or sublingually?

Either way, at the same dose, it made no difference at all. Tried them both and my skin was always dry, breasts grew to the same extent, felt the same.

I was told estrogen does little without a separate T blocker; interesting to note your experience.

I'm post op so don't need to take an take anti-androgen.

Are you going to go back to pills?  Injections actually made your breasts shrink?  Measurably, or casual observance?

Yes, my breasts shrank SIGNIFICANTLY upon switching to injections. The change was very obvious, no need to measure. From a hard, dense, large mass under each areola to almost nothing. I think levels drop too fast on injections as I noted in my other post and as suggested by a member of this forum earlier this year. On pills, my levels are more stable as I take them 2-3 times daily. Same with gel, two applications daily, am and pm. Estrogen = dry skin. That makes the most sense to me. Progesterone + testosterone =  less dry skin as they stimulate sebum/oil production.

[LizK]

I have been on andi-androgen for the last two and a half months, with little to show, more recently my doctor/endo prescribed estradiol 1mg patch to get things moving, and in this last two weeks have seen and felt some obscure changes. My skin has started to become slightly softer, and dryer, and my budding breasts a little puffier with nipples becoming more noticable especially when cold and at other time when rubbed. I was put on the patch so estrogen does not enter the liver directly. In two weeks the dosage will probably be increased and sublingual pills will be prescribed and increased as my body progresses and accepts the estrogen. My T level at last blood work was less than 90 and estrogen was near that of female. I wear now more unisex outer clothes and femme undies. Would like to hear from others.

Dear maledog659

Welcome to Susan's. I hope you enjoy your time here.

Glad you found us, I started on pills and am now on implants which I like far better than the pills. It has evened out my moods, I am a b cup which is starting to change shape now away from the pointy Madonna look.

So you are able to get the very best from being here there are a couple of links we give to all our new members

Regards

Liz

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[LShipley]

That mass you describe behind the areola is that different/separate from the earlier stages of the ducts forming?

The buds most people describe forming in their breasts are the ducts beginning to form and expand. In the later stages of breast devlopment they fade away

[KayXo]

Ducts branch out as breasts continue to grow. They certainly don't fade away.

[LShipley]

The ducts dont... i was referring to the "bud" they formed from fades away as the ducts spread and fully develop