Had my "2 month" follow-up today

[AlyssaJ]

So I had my 2-month follow-up with my OB/GYN today.  As she had previously promised she doubled both my Sprio and Estradiol dosages which now puts my E dose in the range of those discussed in the clinical guides I've read.  I also asked her about a plan for the future and she said at my next appointment at the beginning of July if all is well we'll bump my dosage of E again (Spiro is now full dose) and then two months after that bump it again.  She shared with me her thoughts on where I'd probably plateau dosage wise and it sounds good and made me a lot more comfortable.  I did bloodwork today as well and should have my levels by Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.

She did explain some of her reasoning for the low dose and admitted it is probably lower than other doctors would start.  She deals a lot with Trans patients but also deals with a lot of patients with Turner Syndrome who would never go through puberty without hormones. She admitted there's a lot more in terms of studies and clinical information in that area so it does influence her perspective on treating MTF's transsexuals. So right or wrong, it's an explanation I can comfortably accept and with a clear view of the path forward, I'm much more at ease.

Then she surprised me, she asked me if I was interested in eventually undergoing GCS.  I told her I was still somewhat undecided but that most likely I would. She then shared with me that she had just been at a summit with Dr. Loren Schechter in which he described his approach to GCS and also gave some information on how treating physicians could best help prepare patients prior to seeing him.  She mentioned he's even setting up the first ever surgery fellowship specifically geared at GCS.  She said she was very impressed with how meticulous he is and how he considers every detail when constructing a neo-vagina to make sure it's as authentic as possible. So hearing that she's this active in continuing education on treatment of transgender people reinforces the research I did prior to seeing her and makes me much more comfortable now with continuing to have her manage my care.

In other words, today's appointment went very well.

[AlyssaJ]

OK I know, bad form responding to your own post, but here goes anyway.  Surprisingly I got the results of my blood work back already.  The CBC, Glucose, Lipids and all came back stellar, I'm mid-range or well below threshold on every one.

Of course what everyone is most interested in though are the hormone levels.  Kind of a mixed bag.  My Estradiol level is at 60.4 pg/mL. Considering my extremely low dose, that's a win for me.  Total Testosterone however was a little less encouraging at 534 ng/dL.  Now that's down from 693 three years ago but since she didn't do blood work initially I don't know how much of a drop that is.  I am optimistic now that I'm on full-dose Sprio that the Testosterone number will drop much quicker now. 

So definitely a slow but steady introduction to female puberty is underway.  Looking forward to continued progress

[Balerie]

I'm happy to see that your doctor is not only well informed but wanting to continue to learn more. I also think it's great that she's given you a roadmap of sorts to look forward to as you continue this journey.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Laurie]

 Hi Alyssa,

  I really liked that you are confident in your HRT doc.  That's a good thing as is her commitment to keeping up on the transgender information and processes.
  Your E level is in line with what I saw after 5 weeks at what I think may be the dose you are at now. I stayed at that dose for 4 more months and my E level had gone up to 154 which is still lower than the doc want to see so he doubled my dose a week ago. My T at 5 weeks was 70 and it went up (wrong direction) to 200, 4 months later. No adjustments there yet. I get retested in 3 months and adjustments again at that time. I should be at his max dose with the next increase.
   It takes time for the levels to change so we wait and try to enjoy the ride.

  Hugs,
   Laurie


 

[Saskia_F]

I am glad for you to have achieved another step. Keep on and don't give up albeit there'll also be some downs inbetween!