DIY HRT???

[Tomie]

I want to know if there's anybody here using DIY HRT here. Are they really safe?





If there are more safe DIY HRT that you know of, let me know. I haven't started HRT yet.

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[Cindy]

No Tomie it isn't safe. People do get away with it but many suffer serious side effects and a large number blow their money on useless potions and drugs that are not what they are thought to be.

The side effects are essentially blood clots. If the clot appears in the lung or in the brain then it is all over or you are crippled by a stroke. You will also find it extremely difficult to get medical transition help.

The drug availability is very variable. Many of the websites are selling rubbish or worse and of course there are no guarantees.

Without medical supervision people have unrealistic expectations so just take more drug - see blood clots above.

Most surgeons want you to have transitioned with medical supervision other wise you may not get the clearance papers for surgery.

Don't to it.

[Tomie]

No Tomie it isn't safe. People do away with it but many suffer serious side effects and a large number blow their money on useless potions and drugs that are not what they are thought to be.

The side effects are essentially blood clots. If the clot appears in the lung or in the brain then it is all over or you are crippled by a stroke. You will also find it extremely difficult to get medical transition help.

The drug availability is very variable. Many of the websites are selling rubbish or worse and of course there are no guarantees.

Without medical supervision people have unrealistic expectations so just take more drug - see blood clots above.

Most surgeons want you to have transitioned with medical supervision other wise you may not get the clearance papers for surgery.

Don't to it.

Yeah, not surprised. Lately, I've been growing impatient because I want to start HRT asap. I know that my parents won't accept me, so I decided to live my own life without any restrictions since I'm an adult (20 yrs. old). My dysphoria is getting worse day by day.

[krobinson103]

Be  patient and do it right. You only get one life...

[amydane]

I self medicated for about 5 years. I even took hormone tests to see where my levels were. It took a lot of research to make sure the source was something i could trust. I never felt like my life, or health was in any harm beyond the normal liver risk which is there regardless of where you purchase your meds, but I wouldn't recommend it.

I was nervous to see a doctor, because I didn't know a doctor I could trust. I finally got a referral from the local transgender community and made an appointment.

That was 6 years ago, and I have to say it has been better than self medicating. The funny thing is that my hormone regimen didn't change, just the source for my hormones and blockers.



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[CarlyMcx]

DIY hormones is like removing the airbags in your car to install a custom steering wheel and custom seats.  You're fine until something bad happens...

And messing with your own dosages is like fixing the brakes on your car.  You need professional levels of skill and knowledge.  You'll be fine if you get things exactly right, and severely injured or dead if you don't.

Don't do it.  Find a doctor with the right knowledge and skill set.

[Laurie]

Hi Tommie,

  These are all good  comments and  you cannot help but notice they all have two things in common... Don't do it on your own and enlist the aid of a qualified doctor. I too started the wrong way. Like Amy it took  a lot of research into the subject to become confident with my choices. I soon confessed my errant ways to my doctor and found out he was qualified and willing to help. Through him, I not only am getting my HRT meds but all the rest of my medications. He also led the way to me getting help in other medical fields like gender therapy and voice therapy. I have confidence in him for my routine health because he has the whole picture of what I need to keep me going. Doctors really are our friends.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[JoanneB]

Somewhat like Amy, I self meded for about 5 years before I was able to access the resources I needed to be legit. I have somewhat of a medical background and did my homework. Like Amy I even had my blood worked up to self monitor as well as self med.

Like Cindy said, you can't be sure of what you actually are getting. I saw a BIG difference between the "off-shore" E I was using vs the USA made E.

I can justify my self meding because I was about 2-3 hours away from an endo or clinic who would be willing. I was living and working in rural WV at the time. When I got back to the NYC metro area I quickly found myself a gender therapist and a doc who can care for me and my needs

[KarynMcD]

I've been growing impatient because I want to start HRT asap.

Where do you live? Maybe there is someplace nearby so you can start under informed consent.

[Kendra]

I have rebuilt my own engines and installed the transmission in my Audi A8.  I rebuilt a house myself, passed all building inspections.  All electrical including service entrance, all of the plumbing, windows, siding.  I have re-roofed two houses by myself.  I hate asking or paying for help. 

But we aren't something to refinance or trade in.  Some mistakes don't get a re-do with a trip to the hardware store. 

When I decided to do HRT I went to a licensed professional.  A few hours on Google is not a replacement for a decade of medical school and a career in the medical field...

[bobbisue]

   Tomie  I understand your wish to get started I was on HRT all legit DR supervised I developed a DVT after a surgery I am now off hormones until cleared by my doctor I have all the meds sitting on the shelf I am tempted every day but waiting is the right thing to do HRT is a risk do it right


     bobbisue

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. The site has rules about self medication discussion and as a moderator, I need to review posts for self medication violations. In the process I see places where medications can be purchased and it surprises me how costly it is to go that way. My medication for a 6 month supply is $20 where as it sells for about a dollar a pill on some of the sites. The difference in price would cover my doctors visits and much of the lab costs. For the small additional cost, I see no reason to DIY it as I receive far better care doing it the right way.

[Tomie]

Where do you live? Maybe there is someplace nearby so you can start under informed consent.

I live in Houston, Texas

I found one place where they operate on informed consent, so no therapist needed. Luckily, only around 18 mins. away. It's my first time starting hormones so I'm completely clueless on what to expect.

[Kendra]

Tomie, very glad to hear you have that option - I think you'll find that far better than messing with mail-order mystery chemicals.   Your brain and body will thank you. 

[Tomie]

Welcome to Susan's Place. The site has rules about self medication discussion and as a moderator, I need to review posts for self medication violations. In the process I see places where medications can be purchased and it surprises me how costly it is to go that way. My medication for a 6 month supply is $20 where as it sells for about a dollar a pill on some of the sites. The difference in price would cover my doctors visits and much of the lab costs. For the small additional cost, I see no reason to DIY it as I receive far better care doing it the right way.

I've decided to be under supervision while doing HRT. I don't want to take any risks, my health has already gotten worse physically and emotionally after an eating disorder.

[Tomie]

Tomie, very glad to hear you have that option - I think you'll find that far better than messing with mail-order mystery chemicals.   Your brain and body will thank you. 

Thank you for the information. Not only do I want to transition, but my life would be amazing if I had a job to help transgender people. Someone like a plastic surgeon who specializes in SRS (sex reassignment surgery) or a gender therapist. I've always been interested in creatures/humans morphing into a new identity (I loved the movie "Splice"). It helped me visualize as a girl (mtf videos) when I was young (at that time, I never knew transition was even possible).

[Kendra]

There are many ways to help each other in this community - online which has worldwide reach, local support groups in some of the larger cities, and other opportunities.  I have seen simple gestures of kindness change someone's life for the better. 

There are people who focus their profession in an area where they have personal experience.  I've heard of a few gender therapists who are transgender although that is rare.  The lady who will be performing my SRS surgery next month is transgender. 

[Tomie]

There are many ways to help each other in this community - online which has worldwide reach, local support groups in some of the larger cities, and other opportunities.  I have seen simple gestures of kindness change someone's life for the better. 

There are people who focus their profession in an area where they have personal experience.  I've heard of a few gender therapists who are transgender although that is rare.  The lady who will be performing my SRS surgery next month is transgender.

I agree.

I'm still confused about my profession. I can't think of any other except for one that involves spending most of my time helping trans people, as it fits with my interest because it involves helping people with their new identity. I want to go to medical school but I'm struggling because of financial issues.