Hormone Pellets instead of Pills or Injections?

[Jayne01]

Mmmmm TimTams. I wouldn't mind some of those right now.

[Bianka Allure]

I have heard wonderful things about pellets. In the medical literature I have read comparing various hormone delivery methods, the pellets were able to achieve the highest serum concentration in the bloodstream, second best was injections.

With the people who complain that they didn't get good results I suspect the reason why is that their physician didn't use an aggressive enough dose. In California Doctor John O'dea who specializes in HRT for transgenders is willing to use an aggressive dose if his patients desire it and everything I have read here from his patients has been very positive. 

[KayXo]

I have heard wonderful things about pellets. In the medical literature I have read comparing various hormone delivery methods, the pellets were able to achieve the highest serum concentration in the bloodstream, second best was injections.

My levels have gotten as high as 4,000 pg/ml with injections, I've read studies where levels were above 6,000 pg/ml. I never came across anyone having such high levels on pellets.

[Bari Jo]

With the people who complain that they didn't get good results I suspect the reason why is that their physician didn't use an aggressive enough dose. In California Doctor John O'dea who specializes in HRT for transgenders is willing to use an aggressive dose if his patients desire it and everything I have read here from his patients has been very positive.

Just curious what you would consider an aggressive dose.  Don't say the dose, just the e level.  My doctor is targeting close to 400 using pellets for me.  She's upping the dose this week, so if I'm going to say anything about others going higher, I'd love to know:)

Bari Jo

[Denise]

From all I've read, 200 -> 400 is the goal.

My second blood test came in at 740.  My Dr walked in to the exam room and said "oh look, you're ovulating.". I love my Dr; he's a riot.

By the way, last blood test was 919 and T below 10. I do weekly injections considered to be "transition dosage." I may cut them down in size if it stays up that hi. 

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[Harley Quinn]

That's because Australia is the land of Kangaroos, Hugh Jackman, and Tim Tams!
You all have everything going for you!! Lol.

-Quinn💖

I love Tim Tams! Best part of joint assignments with the Aussies.  Yummy!

[KayXo]

From all I've read, 200 -> 400 is the goal.

For my doctors, the goal is not a number. Levels may fluctuate over time, they may not reflect levels inside the cells, no studies have established an optimal level in transwomen and sensitivity to levels may vary across individuals. Levels also range widely in ciswomen, from 20 to up to 75,000.

Instead, the goal is (sustained) feminization, health and well-being. Blood tests are taken regularly.

By the way, last blood test was 919 and T below 10. I do weekly injections considered to be "transition dosage." I may cut them down in size if it stays up that hi. 

So far, studies seem to show that even those higher levels don't pose a significant a health risk to even women and men of a certain age, more so if bio-identical estrogen is taken non-orally. I've been on injections before, with levels in the 1,000-4,000 range. Both my endocrinologist and family doctor reviewed my blood test panels on several occasions and deemed it was safe to continue. I was on injections for three years.

[AnonyMs]

I'm on implants and not due for another one until 6 months from now. However I recently visited my endo because I've been feeling very lethargic for the last few months and wanted to find out what was wrong with me. Turns out the implant was running down early and my estrogen level was low - 880 pmol/L. I realise I've felt like this before, sometimes when it's been 1100.

I can't imagine how I'd survive on the even lower levels that many doctors aim for.

I may also experiment with increasing my testesterone levels a bit, though that's a bit scary.

[Bari Jo]

I'm on implants and not due for another one until 6 months from now. However I recently visited my endo because I've been feeling very lethargic for the last few months and wanted to find out what was wrong with me. Turns out the implant was running down early and my estrogen level was low - 880 pmol/L. I realise I've felt like this before, sometimes when it's been 1100.

I can't imagine how I'd survive on the even lower levels that many doctors aim for.

I may also experiment with increasing my testesterone levels a bit, though that's a bit scary.

My levels have been 770 pmol this last time.  I was hoping the new implant today would be double, but it wasn't.  I doubt I'll be in the magic range for this time, disappointed:(

I'll check levels in six weeks to find out.

Bari Jo

[AnonyMs]

My levels have been 770 pmol this last time.  I was hoping the new implant today would be double, but it wasn't.  I doubt I'll be in the magic range for this time, disappointed:(

I'll check levels in six weeks to find out.

Bari Jo

I check levels a week before getting the new one, so 9 months post-implant recently and a year on the one before that. In the weeks after the implant I expect my levels are in the thousands.

[Bari Jo]

Thanks.  I'll mention that to my doctor.  I'm not sure if she will go for that, but I'm hoping.

Bari Jo

[Bari Jo]

That was fast.  My doctor agrees with everything here.  She's saying that an absolute minimum value of 1100 will be the floor of my cycle.  The target is more 1450, but sometimes it'll be above, sometimes below.  If it's ever around 1100 though, time for more implants. This is all new for me, so I'm glad I'm learning about my treatment

Bari Jo

[Ellement_of_Freedom]

I may also experiment with increasing my testesterone levels a bit, though that's a bit scary.

I brought my dosage of anti-androgen down and it's been great. Just a little, tiny bit of T makes a difference. I'm not as tired and I actually have a mild sex drive now. It's nice.

[AnonyMs]

I brought my dosage of anti-androgen down and it's been great. Just a little, tiny bit of T makes a difference. I'm not as tired and I actually have a mild sex drive now. It's nice.

I'm suffering from tiredness. Not sure what libido's meant to be like these days, but its certainly nothing like it used to be.

[KayXo]

I brought my dosage of anti-androgen down and it's been great. Just a little, tiny bit of T makes a difference. I'm not as tired and I actually have a mild sex drive now. It's nice.

I'm post-op and since adding some T, my sex drive has definitely increased, skin has improved considerably (softer, more supple, shinier and plump) and my energy seems to have increased somewhat. A little T makes a difference in my case too.

[Quinn_Elizabeth]

My T levels are super low. But I've never had any issues with having fun time with the boyfriend. I think that's just because he's such a cutie. ☺️

-Quinn💖

[Claire_Sydney]

I've been on the pellet implants for a few years.  I love them!  They deliver a much higher E level than was observed with any of the other methods of administration.  Unlike tablets, they do not pass through the liver, but are directly delivered to the bloodstream. They keep the levels very stable which is good for my emotional wellbeing.  And they are cheap (at least, in Australia).  Best of all, I don't have to remember to take a tablet throughout the day. 

I get a new one put in every 6 months, which takes about 20 minutes at the endo's office.

I'm considering moving to the US very soon, and I've heard they are not available there which has me a bit worried.

I'm thinking about whether I can plan trips home to visit the family around visits to the endocrinologist...

I love my 'hip ovaries'.  :-)

[Bari Jo]

I'm considering moving to the US very soon, and I've heard they are not available there which has me a bit worried.

I'm thinking about whether I can plan trips home to visit the family around visits to the endocrinologist...

I love my 'hip ovaries'.  :-)

Pellets are available here in the states.  I'm on them.  Pellets aren't common here though.  It's not cheap here either.  I'd say about twice as much as pills if you bought outright.   Pellets aren't covered by my insurance either.

Bari Jo

[Jayne01]

I love my 'hip ovaries'.  :-)

"Hip ovaries" I love it!! I might steal that term for myself. I just got my hip ovaries on Monday and I am thrilled to have them.

Jayne

[AnonyMs]

I just got my hip ovaries on Monday and I am thrilled to have them.

Do you feel the difference yet? It usually takes me a few days, then I feel really good.