Long post on testosterone IMPLANT therapy and my responses

[trannyboy]

I started the new pellet treatment. We went for a higher dose and I feel great. I did the first implant myself and my overprotective technique caused a seroma (I get them with all surgeries) and caused a rejection process. No big deal, my local implant expert pulled them from my stomach and placed them in my arm. All is good now. I am waiting on my new labs before making any big statements about success. So far my first labs looked good.

In terms of effect it is dramatic. I have been on T for over 7 years and the effects leveled out 3 years ago after my hysto. Since the pellets my voice is changing, my clit has grown, better energy levels, an absence of depression I have had all my life and especially since the hysto, the acne is slightly worse and it is already getting much better, larger muscles (without working out) and my hair is starting to come in. I have chest hair for the first time. My beard is filling out as well. Those I know, even those who don't know about my status or the new HRT are saying I am changing from my voice to muscles, to the fact that my face is no longer boyish.

I have had no serious complications to date. My emotions are changing. I lost my temper a couple of times and once I vented the anger was gone. Before I would hold on to the anger or whatever emotion, brooding over it, turning it over and over in my head until I processed it and could put it away. I went from 0-100 at the person who was treating me unfairly when I normally take a while to get worked up. Not really sure what that means. I am also finding myself much quicker in terms of my actions and judgments. I am reacting to everything at a much faster pace then before. Like if I was going a 50Km/H all my life and now I am 60-70km/H. It isn't as dramatic as the physical effects but it is clearly there.

I am under the care of a reputable caring endocrinologist who has prescribed my treatment. This is experimental and should not be attempted without proper supervision by qualified endocrinologist. There is a real possibility that this may cause serious illness, disability or death and should be only undertaken with realistic understanding of unforeseeable problems. Don't do this just I am. I am receiving regular specialized monitoring to ensure that any problems are caught early and major problem prevented.

We are NOT attempting supraphysical levels, only looking at how much testosterone my body needs to be able to adequately convert to estrogen and DHT. If it doesn't do that in the next few months we will raise my dose until either levels become dangerous, I develop complications or it becomes clear that something is interfering with my ability to convert. We are trying to prove that HRT needs to be provided with custom dosing and that the current methods of administration increase the risks of complications more so then this methods.

I am a competent adult capable of assessing risk and responding appropriately. This is my choice and I am not suicidal. So lets keep the discussion calm, respectful and please remember Susan has asked people not discuss their medication doses. I will discuss it further off the board. I assume that I would be allowed to discuss dosing in PM.

->-bleeped-<-boy

[Sarah Louise]

I am happy that things are looking good for you.

It sounds like you are doing things the right way, with the help of a qualified endocrinologist.

Sarah L.

[trannyboy]

Quick question, are discussions of blood results allowed? Keeping in mind your mileage may vary and these are only my results.

My body converts T to E2 before DHT and doesn't include SHGB.  This explains why I haven't had great effects from T. Since SHGB has a much higher affinity for T and DHT, I am even lower. So the doctor and I think that I might have more changes even after 8 years of treatment.  My doctor thinks it might be normal but doesn't have any reference points. I know on injections my DHT was really bad but I thought that was good. I am going to lower my T dose and supplement with DHT which I am doing. This means my current dose is about .5mg/day off where it should be. Not bad for a first dosing attempt.

I also found out that hormones can effect the gums. According to my dentist it increases the risk of inflammation of gums and ligaments around the teeth. He wants me assessed every 4 months. I knew hormones were global but I never consider the effect on my gums. It also suggests that those beginning HRT should pay closer attention to dental hygiene and have dental exam regularly.

My depression has not returned. I am much calmer now. I think that initial swing made me little edgy. My personality is back in full swing. I am doing better in basic cognitive function tests; spatial, mathematic, logic and memory testing have all improved. My spatial memory has improved the least. My concentration and attention to detail is better.

My body shape continues to change greatly. I have lost fat mainly in the waist, hips and butt; with some thigh fat loss. I lost 2 inches and 5lbs since I started. I gained about half a foot size. My jaw is square. Acne is moderate; more then I would like but no cystic. On shots it was all cystic. I may fit a 28" waist shortly. No hair loss or prostate enlargement but I am scheduled for testing in two weeks. I also have a huge urge to pick up heavy things and do push and chin ups all the time. The incision is healing well.

My sex drive is up, I jerk off two or three times a day. Still totally within my control but we will see what less estrogen does to it.

I think that pretty much sums it up. I pulled the sutures out a few minutes ago. Everything looks good.

->-bleeped-<-boy

[Jamie-o]

This may not be entirely on topic, but you have done a lot of research, so I thought I'd ask.  You mentioned losing weight now that you are getting more effects from the T.  Others say they gained weight after starting T.  Any idea what the factors are in whether you gain or lose?

[trannyboy]

Most weight loss is directly related to DHT, because my levels are higher then before I am having greater effect. DHT main weight loss area is stomach and butt. DHT that isn't impeded by estrogen will also effect fat stored in hips and thighs. DHT will not cause associated muscle growth and you must rely on testosterone or other anabolic steroid for that. However you noticed my stomach is going down and I haven't lost that much weight but lost a few inches. That means that my lean body weight is getting better. DHT is also responsible for HDL and adjusting it should bring my lipids back again control.

The main factors on weight loss is your free E2 and DHT ratio, total body fat, work out level and testosterone type. Yes, there is a difference between effect for different esters or else body builder wouldn't care. For instance ethanate is known for more acne with a less favorable lipid levels. I am guessing that I gained about 5lbs of muscle behind the weight loss, so actual weight loss is around 10lbs and 2 inch around my waist. 

As with all weight loss you have to work out and eat healthy to get good results.

->-bleeped-<-boy