Confused. I had my first doctor's appointment today and...

[EthanD]

It's not unheard of. However, the idea that it prevents your body from converting T into estrogen is absolutely false. That's the part that is worrisome.

I agree with Sean here. That would make me question the doctors knowledge a bit.
One of the things you have to remember is just because a doc has worked with some trans patients does not mean they are 100% knowledgeable about how to provide care to every trans patient. They should design your care around your needs unless you are trying to do something unhealthy.  I was just prescribed T and had a lengthly discussion about what I wanted in regards to my treatment/dose. I have made the decision to go on a lower than typical dose we discussed the issues associated with that and she wrote the prescription. It wasn't what she typically does but, it is my transition, my health and my decision. If your doctor is saying that you HAVE to do something that you don't want to do feel free to say no. If your doc will not prescribe you T without doing it "their way" you should try to find another doctor that will suit your needs. Good luck man!

[Dominick_81]

To regulate periods.

ic. Thanks John.

[xAndrewx]

I appreciate it, but I don't live in Florida anymore; I moved to Wisconsin in the beginning of the year. Makes my username moot :p Thanks anyway though, if this had happened in FL you would've been a great help.

Sorry man, just so you know, you still have your profile location set to say Orlando, FL

[Arch]

Depo stops your periods pretty much instantly. It can be useful for guys who find that T doesn't stop their periods for a few months.

This is what I just read at Hudson's--they have a guide to trans health that says that if the T fails to stop your periods within a few months, you can take Depo as well. But I have heard that Depo doesn't perform consistently and that you can wind up spotting for months.

[Tyler90210]

This is what I just read at Hudson's--they have a guide to trans health that says that if the T fails to stop your periods within a few months, you can take Depo as well. But I have heard that Depo doesn't perform consistently and that you can wind up spotting for months.

Wait what do you mean by not performing consistently?  Do you mean not working as a form of birth control correctly?  Because I've been on Depo Provera since may of last year and I'm still bleeding on it, though not consistently.  And now I still have that monthly thing, but it's so light I basically only bleed when I use the bathroom and push either for a number 1 or a number 2.  There's only a few drops on my thing in my underwear.  And sometimes it's red and sometimes brown.

Does that mean I'm not fully protected or just that I'm really unlucky when it comes to Depo?  Also does me still bleeding mean that I am more *ahem* fertile then most? 

[Arch]

Wait what do you mean by not performing consistently? 

I've gotten the impression that some people love it and some people hate it...and that different people have very different physical responses. So some get immediate relief and others spot for months, that sort of thing.

[sneakersjay]

You also have a right to decline your doctor's recommendations.  She can't MAKE you take Depo if you do not want it.  That said, she may then decline to prescribe T.  But, as stated, she isn't the only doctor out there.  If you are uncomfortable (I would have been in your shoes) then decline until you can inform yourself (as you are).

It is not a standard or required thing.  It may be her preferred way of doing things, but if you do not want it, you do not have to have it.  It is YOUR body.


Jay