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I'm worried about a fellow ftm...

Started by synthesinner, March 01, 2010, 10:09:54 PM

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synthesinner

Hey..My name is Kaden.
I have a fellow ftm. He's 17. He want's to take t pills BUT he hasn't gone to a doctor or has seen a psychiatrist about going through the changes. He just started taking otc pills for testosterone and I'm worried if that will make him unhealthy or it won't work. He really stubborn and doesn't listen but maybe if someone out there can link me to an official page that confirms that taking otc pills will not work to change him then please help me....THANK YOU SO MUCH! -.-
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Adio

Hey Kaden.  I'm not sure if your friend is taking oral testosterone or dietary supplements that are marketed as testosterone boosters.  Either way, it is advised to consult with a health care provider before beginning any new drug, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement.  New medications, including supplements and hormones, can interfere with current medications and body chemistry (including cholesterol levels, blood pressure and heart rate, potassium and calcium levels, and various other side effects depending on the drug).

OTC supplements are not regulated by the FDA the same way that drugs like testosterone are.  "Conventional" drugs are rigorously tested with clinical trials that can last for many years.  Dietary supplements, including "T-boosters" like DHEA and creatinine, are not required to go through those clinical trials and the manufacturers only have to prove that the product label is truthful and not misleading (advertising can give a lot of leeway here though).  The FDA just assures that the product is safe for human consumption, not the the supplement actually works or does what the manufacturer says it does.

I would stress the importance of going through the proper channels and taking all medications safely.  Let your friend know that you're concerned about his health and that you support him in his transition, just not taking pills that could be dangerous for his health.  If you could find out the name of the medication he is taking, I could try to get you more specific information.  I'm in school to become an RN and have some resources.
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synthesinner

Adio! Thank you. I'll try to talk to him, again about it. I just don't want him sick or anything. I'll make sure he consults his doctor before taking them. Hopefully, he'll understand I'm not being a jerk about it. :3 Thank you once again.
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Sevan

I understand your concern, and it's good that your looking after your bud BUT....attempting to DIY is a pretty sizable indicator of distress. Some therapists will even look at this as marker for dysphoria. A large LARGE number of trans folk have started out with DIY (myself included). That doesn't mean I SUGGEST it...but we have to look at the facts and figures. Maybe helping him get some help will make him feel less like he's GOT to DIY. Removing some of the factors that cause him to go that route is gonna be the fastest way to get him to change his methods. *hugs*
I'm also the spouse to the fabulous Mrs. Cynthialee.


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synthesinner

Thank you, PHX. I'm just more worried about his health then anything. He can't even take certain pills without him going crazy or having bad symptoms. I talked to him again and he swore to me he would call his doctor and ask about it before taking the pills. *hugs back* :3
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