Just Can't wait any longer!!

[Joanne ONeal]

I have spent many hours reading posts about the effects of starting HRT. The last T level blood test I had was 1. That was before I accepted being Trans, and still holding on to my secrete. Can and low T level make me feel so depressed? I have had ED for a number of years, and after prostate surgery, the term dysfunctional has a new meaning. I have submitted the paperwork required to meet with an endocrinologist that specializes in HRT, but that will take a few months. The pain of waiting for this change is unbearable!! I don't know how to cope. 

[Dena]

I suspect that some of the discomfort your feeling isn't the result of low hormones but is the result of being socially uncomfortable with your roll in life. How much I don't know as some member have reported feeling better after starting HRT even though they had low T levels as the result of blockers. Not everybody reacts the same to hormones. CIS women are an examples as some really suffer when experiencing their period while for others it's just a minor inconvenience. I would expect these differences to exist within the transgender population as well.

I happen to be one that low but normal T levels caused severe gender dysphoria but I feel little difference with or without estradiol. Estradiol does affect my appearance and is needed to maintain bone health so that is the reason I continue to take it.

I think it's likely that estradiol may help some but you should consider what the next step will be if HRT isn't the full solution. This isn't something new has I have had discussions with member who used HRT to delay their transition. It worked for a while but it wasn't the full solution to their problem. As for your test results, you might find the following table interesting.


ESTRADIOL LEVELS
SEX                     pg/ml
Women (> 18 years old)   
      Follicular Phase  30-120
      Ovulatory Peak   130-370
      Luteal Phase      70-250
      Post-Menopausal   15-60
Male                    15-60

TOTAL TESTOSTERONE LEVELS
SEX      ng/dl        ng/ml
Females  6 - 86     0.1 - 1.2
Males  270 - 1100   2.4 - 12
Conversion factor: 1 ng/ml = 3.47 nmol/l