Quote from: Andrea Souza on October 12, 2017, 11:11:46 PM
I have a big dilemma between start the prescribed HRT treatment from my doctor, which includes cyproterone valerate and ethinyl estradiol. I have read horrible things about the two of them and really don't want to use them at all.
Good news: you don't have a big dilemma because the choice is quite straightforward. [emoji6]
Cyproterone ACETATE (not valerate) is THE standard anti-androgen for MtF transgender persons in Europe. It has a very decent historical background, is quite safe (as long as your doctors regularly monitors your liver parameters and your development / symptoms) and effective. It also has the (albeit theoretical) advantage of being a progestative drug, which some anecdotal evidence says is good for breast development.
Evidence says that ethinylestradiol is probably not the safest choice because of its association with thromboembolic complications. A better choice would be, for example, estradiol valerate. It also has a very good track record concerning safety and effectiveness. You may suggest this to your doctor...
I cannot speak for the generality of patients, but I've been on these two drugs for the last few months, with VERY good results and no undesirable effects so far.
Quote from: Andrea Souza on October 12, 2017, 11:11:46 PM
In other hand it seems safer and pretty attractive the use of raw ovarian glandular pills, there is plenty of forums, blogs, and other anecdotal resources about it. But why is always at the beginning of the transition? I understand that with 6 months of use, you are done in most cases. You have to stop taking them because your body start producing its own female hormones.
But, what happen in the long run after 3, 5, 10 years? Or after castration? Side effects?
As you apparently know, there is no science whatsoever concerning raw ovarian glandular pills. Which means that when you take those, besides shedding your hard-earned money, you'll be taking pills whose content you don't have a clue about (no trustworthy entity controls its production or quality - for all you know, the producer may have stuffed it with flour or ethynilestradiol...); even if it does contain what it states, there are no scientific studies about it (remember that the vast majority of people who took it without effects won't post about their bad experience in forums, blogs, etc.; in other words, your sources for this info are biased big time). There is a very real possibility that it might harm you or delay your transition because of ineffectivity and/or adverse effects.
Quote from: Andrea Souza on October 12, 2017, 11:11:46 PM
I wonder if anyone had taken this kind of therapy and what can tell me about it? Please don't comment if you didn't ever take Raw ovarian glandular, there is enough comments about people who believe this, think that, etcetera. Apparently there is no scientific data, or research; the closer approach is to openly ask long time users, or ex users for their personal experience.
There's a saying in my country: the worst kind of blind is the one who doesn't want to see. [emoji4] As a transwoman and medical doctor, I have the duty to comment on this. If you don't want to read or to follow the advice, no problem, but you can not say that you've not been warned.
Choose wisely Andrea!
Peace & hugs, Sarah
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