Levels

[Hannah]

So I got my labs back today, and my Estradiol levels have shot up. I was not expecting this, I don't feel any different from the lab prior and the only change was replacing finasteride with dutasteride. If anything I was expecting the dutasteride to raise my boy juice and hurt the estradiol level, but exactly the opposite has happened.

Three months ago it was 210ng/dl, and I was comfortable and quite peaceful and happy with it there. Now it's 345ng/dl...still barely within normal ranges but closing in on clot territory. My doctor isn't worried, but she has natural defenses against clots that I don't have, and I'm afraid she's underestimating the potential.

Nothing changed in terms of dosages. I've lost a fair amount of weight since the last labs, could that account for the changes? How much does this level vary, both labs were drawn about the same amount of time after an oral dose, so that shouldn't be a factor...my overall circulating levels are clearly way up, and it has me a little concerned.

[gothique11]

Clot territory? Where'd you get that from?

My levels are much higher and they've been for a long time. No clots here. I even recently had an EEG and a Thallium stress test -- and I'm perfectly fine. My levels are above "normal" (normal is debatable) at around 2500 for the last three years (we don't know why). My cardo doctor said my levels are fine, and he didn't even blink when it came to smoking and HRT. And he's an expert on the circulatory system (endro's are not).

I had the cardio tests as a just in case test for something completely unrelated to HRT, being trans, etc.  A Thallium stress test is where they put radio active die in you and you run on a tread mill, and then they take x-rays of your heart and arteries.

I wouldn't worry too much about your levels. If you're developing that's what matters most. If you develop symptoms of a clot, get it looked at, but taking estrogen doesn't mean you're gonna get a clot; nor is there an estrogen level that causes clots.

My pregnant friend's levels are around 9000. The normal range is between 250-ish-900-ish, but that's just a range, it will depends person to person. A lot of things can affect your estrogen... stress, the foods you eat, etc.

Also, more estrogen doesn't always = better or faster results. Actually, I just cut my dose (again) and my breasts have been growing like crazy.

Also, over time, you may notice sometimes that your estrogen levels will get slightly higher, that's fine and it happens. Sometimes you might have a bit of a dip in your levels, too, which is fine. Neither is a bad sign and it's not a huge health risk. Womens estrogen levels go up and down all of the time, by hundreds of units, every month.

So, don't sweat it. If you're developing, awesome. If you're not developing at all, talk to your doctor about a higher dose of estrogen and blockers. Most of all, enjoy becoming the woman you are and don't worry so much -- you're gonna be fine.

Good luck,


--natalie

[Hannah]

Womens estrogen levels go up and down all of the time, by hundreds of units, every month.

Thank you, this is what I needed to hear. I don't mean to be a baby about the whole thing, it's just so very fantastic that I just can't believe there isn't a catch. My mind and soul are so free, and you bet my body is developing right along with them. By all accounts it's working perfectly, and I guess it's a touch of cynicism that has me waiting for the other shoe to fall.

When I started in February my doctor made me sign a paper releasing her from liability before she would prescribe. She told me I'd probably get a clot, and it's given me a lil bit of a complex. She's been wrong about a few things, and I'm looking for someone to replace her...pickings are slim but I'll get there. I'd really like to "see" Dr. Bushong, but my insurance plan doesn't include him.

[gothique11]

Some doctors are kinda weird when it comes to trans things (okay, a lot are), so some like to scare you a bit in hopes you don't go through with things. You usually don't have to worry, and if something comes up take care of it and go from there. You'll do fine.

It's pretty common to wonder when the other shoe is going to fall, but don't let it stop you.

[FairyGirl]

Clot territory? Where'd you get that from?

My levels are much higher and they've been for a long time. No clots here. I even recently had an EEG and a Thallium stress test -- and I'm perfectly fine. My levels are above "normal" (normal is debatable) at around 2500 for the last three years (we don't know why). My cardo doctor said my levels are fine, and he didn't even blink when it came to smoking and HRT. And he's an expert on the circulatory system (endro's are not).

I had the cardio tests as a just in case test for something completely unrelated to HRT, being trans, etc.  A Thallium stress test is where they put radio active die in you and you run on a tread mill, and then they take x-rays of your heart and arteries.

I wouldn't worry too much about your levels. If you're developing that's what matters most. If you develop symptoms of a clot, get it looked at, but taking estrogen doesn't mean you're gonna get a clot; nor is there an estrogen level that causes clots.

My pregnant friend's levels are around 9000. The normal range is between 250-ish-900-ish, but that's just a range, it will depends person to person. A lot of things can affect your estrogen... stress, the foods you eat, etc.

Also, more estrogen doesn't always = better or faster results. Actually, I just cut my dose (again) and my breasts have been growing like crazy.

Also, over time, you may notice sometimes that your estrogen levels will get slightly higher, that's fine and it happens. Sometimes you might have a bit of a dip in your levels, too, which is fine. Neither is a bad sign and it's not a huge health risk. Womens estrogen levels go up and down all of the time, by hundreds of units, every month.

So, don't sweat it. If you're developing, awesome. If you're not developing at all, talk to your doctor about a higher dose of estrogen and blockers. Most of all, enjoy becoming the woman you are and don't worry so much -- you're gonna be fine.

Good luck,


--natalie

Thank you for all that! Some good advice there. 

[Naturally Blonde]

A lot of the time my prolactin levels get high which means I have a lot of oestrogen in my system. My oestrogen levels are always very high in blood tests and I also get reasonable progesterone levels (and I don't take progesterone) but it doesn't alter the fact that I'm not getting the right fat re-distribution.