Susan's Place Transgender Resources

So I am questioning for the opinions of others.

I have a T prescription and I want to go on a full dose. I'm on bi-weekly shots.

My script was just raised to 7/8 and I want to know if I'm being unreasonable with just taking it in full. I started at 1/2 for 8 months, Total T at 465 after 3 months. Then I went up to 3/4 for 5 months, Total T at 685. Now my doc has cautiously agreed to only up it to 7/8. Just like one would ask me why that next 1/8 matters, I ask what just 1/8 more from my previous dose will do for me. I get her worries, but I'm being checked in 3 months and so if a full dose is too much, she could just drop it. I also want to go from bi-weekly to weekly shots which she felt was unnecessary. I hate feeling the mood swing effect from the drop in T at the end of my cycle.

So I ask, should I up it on my own and take weekly shots or stick out my frustration until then? I've spent a year at doses I didn't want, hoping for that full dose, and it's just really grinding on me. 

Hi Wolf Man,

What you are feeling and experiencing is nothing unusual for those of us on a HRT programme.

I know we all crave, just THAT bit more, but without the knowledge and experience that comes with our medical professional, it is a very high risk to take matters into our own hands.

HRT, can cause major organ failure that can result in death due to toxicity levels alone. That's why we have Endo's/GP's whatever. And if your Dr. is down to small changes such as 1/8ths, there is an obvious reason.

While ever you are on shots, you'll never lose that roller coaster between shots. Is there a transdermal (implant) option for T? That option would provide you with a constant dosage rate that would even out that roller coaster effect.

Next time you meet, push the envelope and rant and rave. Perhaps you'll find the truth of the matter.

In the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Yeah, yeah. Well if doctors wouldn't pussyfoot around me about my questions, I wouldn't be like this. She treats me like I'm uneducated. I get that the general public is not well school in the medical field, but I'm not a blubbering idiot.

If you're schooled, tell me why she won't raise it. Not accusing, just asking. All I want are answers to settle me before I say, "Screw it, I'll try it out to get my answers."

Quote from: Wolf Man on August 07, 2012, 03:17:27 PM
Yeah, yeah. Well if doctors wouldn't pussyfoot around me about my questions, I wouldn't be like this. She treats me like I'm uneducated. I get that the general public is not well school in the medical field, but I'm not a blubbering idiot.

If you're schooled, tell me why she won't raise it. Not accusing, just asking. All I want are answers to settle me before I say, "Screw it, I'll try it out to get my answers."

Develop a trusting relationship.

Whether you like it or not, the doctor, in this case is a gatekeeper.

If that's your suggestion, then I'm up for a big search on endos in my insurance plan because I don't trust her to begin with. I suppose this helps with that since it was something I had been considering. Thanks.

Yes, I'm thinking that if you don't trust her, you can talk to other doctors.

I understand your frustration, but consider this: if you up your dose, you will run out that much sooner, and she will realized that SHE can't trust YOU.

However, I don't see why she won't agree to half a dose injected weekly. Weekly injections did me a world of good, and I know a bunch of guys who have had the same experience. Odd.

Agreeing with the suggestion to try splitting into the weekly dose. I wouldn't raise the dose on your own, though, especially by "ranting and raving." Nice way to get more testosterone...not! ;)  It is possible that she is worried about interactions with other meds, medical conditions, emotional stuff (anger, impulse control). Or if someone has a history of PCOS, for instance, their body already produces more androgens; too much exogenous testosterone will aromatize into estrogen.

If it helps any, "full dose" is a myth. The dose every two weeks that is the standard in the US and some other places is merely an approximation of what it would take to replace hormones in a non-transsexual man. That dosage wasn't based on studies of transsexual bodies.

If you do raise your own dose, it's important to let the dr know, since her assessment of your blood work, and future prescriptions, will be based on what she told you to take.

I'm disturbed that this thread is 'fishing' for dosage levels. That is clearly against ToS and so I will lock it.

The OP has a very clear and obvious means of dealing with the problem. Talk to your Doctor.