So is it normal for E to increase slowly?

[Charlie Nicki]

Hi girls,

Here are my E levels since the start. I'm on a full transition dose since February this year and I had orchiectomy on April 5th so the last test is 20 days after the surgery:

First test June 2017 (pre HRT):
T= 426.80 ng/dl
E= 20.83 pg/ml

Second test august 2017 (after HRT)
T= 154 ng/dl
E= 47.34 pg/ml

Third test november 2017
T= 167.20 ng/dl
E= 64.26 pg/ml

Fourth Test jan 2018
T= 0.74 ng/ml (74 ng/dl)
E= 57.92 pg/ml

Fifth test Feb 2018
T= 0.45 ng/ml (45 ng/dl)
E=72.99 pg/ml

6th test Apr 2018 (last week, 20 days after orchi)
T= 0.1053 ng/ml (10.53 ng/dl)
E= 91 pg/ml

I notice my E increases +20 every couple of months...But after increasing to a full dose in February and getting an orchi on April 5th I guess I was expecting my E levels to be higher for the last test. Is E such a weak hormone that it increases so slowly?

[Northern Star Girl]

Charlie Nicki:  The test results that you posted don't look abnormal to me... and I have reviewed quite a few  HRT results with my transitioning mtf friends.   Some were faster and higher E levels and some were slower and lower than what you reported.

Have you discussed this at all with your Endo?  Regular blood tests like you have posted will guide the Endo to adjusting dosages and making certain that things are progressing at a rate that is medically satisfactory.   
I do know that some Endos prefer the slower rather than the faster changes in hormone levels....   I assume since you had an orchi your T levels have dropped significantly... and have have stopped taking a T blocker

I wish that I could satisfy you with a firm answer but this one is best left to your Doctor that is reviewing your test results and prescribing your meds...  be sure to ask about it next visit or before....   you could probably put a call into their office and pose you question to the nurse and have the doctor call you.   I have had success with that with my Endo in the past.

Hugs, and best wishes....  patience is needed but it can be tough to be patient with HRT... I know this!!!
Danielle

[PurplePelican]

How do you take E? Not dose, just delivery method.. And are all these tests done with the same spacing from the last dose? eg For IM delivery, it's suggested to always have your blood draw done the day before your next shot. Both these factors can play a part in resulting levels.

[Deborah]

Yes, that looks abnormally slow to me.  Here are mine for comparison on a standard transition dose.

Jan 15, pre-HRT
T - 826 ng/dl
E- 43.4 pg/ml

Mar 15 (60 days)
T - 158
E - 71.3 (tested 4 hrs after last dose)

Sep 15
T - 120 (Increased Spiro after this test)
E - 117.2 (tested 4 hrs after last dose)

Mar 16
T - 19
E - 152.1 (tested 4 hrs after last dose)

Sep 16
T - <3
E - 187 (tested 4 hrs after last dose)

Mar 17
T - <3
E - 113 (Tested day after last dose)

Sep 17
T - <3 (Decreased Spiro after test)
E - 137 (Tested day after last dose) (Increased E after test)

Mar 18
T - <3 (Decreased Spiro again after test)
E - 329 (tested 4 hrs after last dose)


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[Allison S]

I also think it depends on when you take your estrodial when you get blood drawn.
I think it's definitely a steady increase. Everyone's body reacts differently but you're definitely on your way

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[Charlie Nicki]

I take it orally and actually all tests are taken 24 hours after the last dose. I take the pills in the morning so when I have to draw my blood on an empty stomach I take them afterwards.

[Allison S]

I think that's good for 24 hours after taking your last dose. You're probably getting an accurate measure of your levels this way rather than the hike that comes with taking the meds...

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