Kind of confused....need advice

[PidgeTPN]

So, a couple weeks before starting T, I got an IUD implant.

((For those that don't know, an IUD is a form of birth control. I got the one with progesterone)

Now what I'm worried about is this: I started T on a Wednesday, got my fourth shot this last week. That same day, later that night, my period started and lasted for two weeks. Yesterday, I started spotting like I was going to start again....is it normal to have more than one menstrual cycle a month when first starting out?

[PandaValentine]

Got it once in two weeks my second month, but you should probably see a doctor just to be safe.

[PidgeTPN]

Got it once in two weeks my second month, but you should probably see a doctor just to be safe.

If I had a way to, I would. I moved to Reno after starting T, and when I asked, they said they don't help trans people whatsoever, and that was my only way to get checked out....

[PandaValentine]

Isn't it kind of a doctors job to help you despite your gender? I don't mean to worry you but that can be the sign of a problem. Sounds like a horrible place to live.

[Ratchet]

This area isn't very trans friendly, surprisingly. I've had a great deal of trouble finding a doctor willing to work with me. I've met a few very very nice doctors but since they've never worked with trans people before they don't feel comfortable starting. Vegas is probably a little better about it then Reno though.

I actually never had to worry about the Red death too much. It ended the first month. Though I noticed when I was off T for an extended period of time, and things start to come back, that the blood was heavily clotted. Clotting like what I had, and having more then one period, or an extremely long period, you should see a doctor. I suggest calling up the Reno GLBT center and asking around for some local trans-friendly OBs, or doctors. That's your best bet to figure it out.

[PidgeTPN]

This area isn't very trans friendly, surprisingly. I've had a great deal of trouble finding a doctor willing to work with me. I've met a few very very nice doctors but since they've never worked with trans people before they don't feel comfortable starting. Vegas is probably a little better about it then Reno though.

I actually never had to worry about the Red death too much. It ended the first month. Though I noticed when I was off T for an extended period of time, and things start to come back, that the blood was heavily clotted. Clotting like what I had, and having more then one period, or an extremely long period, you should see a doctor. I suggest calling up the Reno GLBT center and asking around for some local trans-friendly OBs, or doctors. That's your best bet to figure it out.

Well, I know when I was only a few hours later than usual getting my fourth shot, I had some majorly bad cramps, maybe that's why I'm spotting is what I thought.

And I kinda wish I knew more Reno FTMs, but in a week I'm moving to bum->-bleeped-<- nowhere, near Grass Valley, so I hope I can get this worked out soon.

[Ratchet]

Grass Valley? I just happened to google it and there are a few therapists that pop up, one is actually a MTF. You can always start by giving her a call and seeing what she knows about the immediate area and trans-friendly doctors. It's all about the phone calls.

It'll all work out!

[PidgeTPN]

Right now I just need to get out of here....I leave for a con in a couple more days, but I really don't want to stay here anymore.

They gave us till Friday to find a place to live, knowing we were going out of town. They didn't even give us enough time to get all of our stuff out first!

[mm]

I maybe confused, VakarianPride, but why did you get a progesterone IUD when you were starting T.  Do you need  the b.c.?  Taking progesterone and starting T are probably confusing your body, especially your uterus.  Many girls I know have spotting for weeks after getting an IUD.  I hope you find a Dr who can help you.

[James-Alen]

mm: Well, when you get on T you can still get pregnant (which would be a nightmare). I'm sure it is confusing for your body, but you have to find a way to balance two because with the increased sex drive that comes with T, it's unrealistic to be abstinent, especially if you have a boyfriend.

[mm]

I understand that until your T level get to high enough level you can get pegnant.  I don't have that problem, only ever had a tampon in me and don't ever want a guy in there.

[Ryan]

I understand that until your T level get to high enough level you can get pegnant.  I don't have that problem, only ever had a tampon in me and don't ever want a guy in there.

That's not true. There's always a risk of pregnancy from unprotected sex; even after years of being on testosterone.

[PidgeTPN]

Besides, Progesterone helps block Estrogen, so it was a wiser move than getting the copper IUD.

You can get pregnant at ANY time on T if your uterus and ovaries are still there.

[FinnBear]

I have a progesterone based IUD so my doc started be on the full does instead of the standard half dose with the T to kind of make up for the difference but that is a good point that Progesterone is an estrogen blocker. I'd had my IUD over a year when I started T but in my first month or so of getting the IUD I was totally having TONS of pregnancy symptoms and then I had spotting, a period, then light spotting, and nothing since then. Previous to that I had been on a one a year pill birth control so I was surprised to be having a period but like I said I've had nothing since then. When I started T I had some pretty wicked cramps but no spotting or bleeding. So it could be that like me you're just having a period at the end of the first month OR it could be something else. If it seems like menstrual bleeding I wouldn't worry about it TOO much but if it doesn't seem like that then I would definitely contact your doctor/GYN. I guess in a way I'm lucky because the place that I get my T caters almost exclusively to FTMs and they have a GYN on staff so if I had any questions I could just ask her. I know it's not the same for everyone else but wouldn't the person who gave you the T know about the side effects? I mean even though you're not still in that area couldn't you call them for a consult?

[AbraCadabra]

OMG, don't shoot the messenger. But good friend of mine GG also had IUD fitted, actually  "Mirena" (progesterone loaded). Also has PCOS i.e. more that average T due to that.
Short story. Still has some cramps, spotting, and very irregular periods usually of shorter intervals like 20 days or less.
It seems ~"normal" but not desirable mostly because of cramping. Only has one realy good week per cycle rest feeling crap. Low libido because of cramps I guess.

Next: Quite correct, T will NOT prevent getting pregnant. This is really well known. Can be on T for years and still conceive!
Rest you know, hey :-)
Axelle

[PidgeTPN]

Thanks for all the advice, guys!

So, the spotting has stopped, and I may talk to my doctor about upping my dose due to the IUD when I'm down there next.

FInally in a good place to live, and doing much better, so that should help a lot too!