Biology

[Tank Grrl]

I want to tell my transition (so far) story since I feel that there is something more going on with me than just being 'psychologically transsexual', i think there is a biological component to it too.

So when I FINALLY got my hormone letter, I went to the doc and he had my T levels checked. he said my T was pretty low for a 'male'. He prescribed me a low dose of Spiro and estrogen, which I thought was ridiculous. He did say he would increase it as necessary. I began taking more Spiro as all I felt was nothing, but stuck to the same level of Estrogen.

So here I am, a year and a half later, and I look just as feminine and beautiful as almost any trans woman my age(and some younger girls too). My breasts are just shy of a B cup, my face and body have feminized very nicely(except i have NO ass), and I have shed lots of arm muscle. My last T level check revealed that I was just a bit above normal female levels.

A bit of background: i remember my girlfriend (of years ago) remarking how freaky it was that I kinda had breasts and had 'girl orgasms'(her words). When I reconnected with her recently, she wasn't the least bit surprised I was transitioning(i used to 'crossdress' a lot back when we dated) she said that I looked so happy when she saw pictures of me now.

So, yeah, that's my story. Any opinions?

Edited out dosage information - Nicki

[Nicky]

If you T was low anyway so I can see why they wanted to start with a lower dose. And he did say he would increase it if necessary. I think it was pretty irresponsible changing your dosage. More does not nessesarily mean you will get a better result. Ideally you use as little as possible to get the results - they can be a bit hard on the body.

[K8]

I agree with Nicky.

I had my T checked and it was in the high-normal range.  I was really surprised because I had never felt all that male.  My doctor prescribed a normal dose of anti-androgen and estrogen to get me started and see how it went.  I felt the AA kick in on day 3.  I have no idea whether that's normal, but there was no way I was going to screw with the dosage without talking to my doctor first.  These are powerful drugs and can mess you up.

My doctor checked my levels at two months - normal for a woman on HRT.  (I'd be post-menopausal as a cis-woman.)  I've only been on HRT for 5 months, so it's too early to tell how it will work out but so far everything's good. *fingers crossed*  I had my liver checked and it's handling the drugs well.

If I disagree with my doctor I discuss it with him.  But that's just me.   Still, he knows a lot more about all this than I do.  To me, my future as a woman is a precious gift.  I want to do everything I can to make sure it is long and full.

I'm glad for you that your treatments are going well, Tank Grrl.  

- Kate

[Tank Grrl]

In retrospect it wasn't the smartest idea to change my dosage on my own. There is, however, pressure from some folks in the TS community here to hook down as much spiro and estrogen as one can, doctor recommendations be damned. Even recently, a trans woman I know implored me to take three times what I am taking. I'm sure others have experienced this also.

[Danya]

It is not a good idea to fool around with the doses. I admit I have some premarin sitting around left over from before I started Estradiol injections and I am tempted to take it as a supplement. And that is despite my endo telling me I am in female hormone level range. So, the urge is strong.

I would love to see more breast development, just a large-ish A on me would look great. But I am already nauseas the day after an injection so piling more on would not be wise.

Just make sure your levels are being monitored and your endo or GP is on top of things. You really cannot do more than that safely.