Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Ladies,
I had my appointment with my Endocrinologist today, and she has decided to switch me to a Estrogen gel called "estrasorb".   I started my transition (officially anyway) Jan of this year, but really have been living as Alexandria off and on for about 2 years (I am 22 years old).  However, I have been on hormones for only 3 months.  She states that she is impressed by the "safety" of absorbable estrogen vs. oral (or iv).  I also have been given spirnolactone. 
Has anyone had experience with estrasorb for their transition ?  I read on their webpage that you get pretty good serum levels.  But is that enough E for good overall transition and breast growth? 
Alexandria (a relatively "newbe" to this forum)

As long as the free estradiol level in your blood is withing the normal female range, you should do fine.

Maybe it does not matter how you get the E (topically or oral),,,,,but I have my doubts.  I do not think my Endo has much experience with HRT in MTF.   

I guess my main concern is that I could be going down the wrong road....

Has anyone had experience with effects of topical E for transitioning?

Everyone reacts differently due to immune systems, skin types, and any other variable you can name. The only way you will know is if you stay on one form of Estrogen and have several blood tests done periodically. then change methods and have the same tests performed. Comparing those results will be the only way you know for sure what will work for you.

Would you prefer to snort it? Because they have a nasal spray as well.

Anytime you bypass your digestive track it will be safer. Injection, transdermally through a patch or a gel is safer than oral.

Quote from: Lori on June 08, 2007, 05:41:37 PM
Would you prefer to snort it? Because they have a nasal spray as well.

Anytime you bypass your digestive track it will be safer. Injection, transdermally through a patch or a gel is safer than oral.

What makes it "safer" is it isn't going through the liver at all. this why it is essential to be monitored by medical professionals. some oral medications can actually be left under the tongue to dissolve and absorbed through the mouth. The medicine usually tastes like butt and takes a long time to dissolve so it isn't always the first choice of people.

Estrofem in the calendar dial pack is sweet and disolves under the tongue very quickly for me. But then again I'm told I'm not human so it may be my pickle acid that does it.

I am thinking the same as Kiera.....but I get the idea that it all depends on your blood levels.  Mine have been "good" accorrding to my doc....

Still....I wonder if others have used topical as their main E source for transition ?
What were there results?
Did their doc keep them on this or change later ?

I am so confused....(and worried)....

Quote from: Alexandria on June 08, 2007, 06:23:00 PM
Still....I wonder if others have used topical as their main E source for transition ?
What were there results?
Did their doc keep them on this or change later ?

All I have ever used is patches.  I don't know anything about the gel, but it should work at least as well as the patches.  My results have been excellent, but blood monitoring makes it much easier for the doctor to get those results.  My doctor has indicated that she prescribes only patches or injections, never pills.  So ya, she's going to keep me on them until I decide it's time for "menopause."

Lisbeth,
Thanks, so it probably is cool for my Endo to keep me on topical.  Really, it was just kinda a shock when she just switched me from oral to gel E.   She doesn't communicate really well with me, but she comes well recommended ...

Although she said to spread the gel on my legs or arms....I was wondering if it might be more effective spread on my baby boobs, only a 40A, but my nips are "perky" most of the time these days. 

In my research on the gel, it doesn't say you cannot use it there, and hey, it might help encourage a little growth.

As far as I'm concerned Estrasorb has not been approved by the FDA as a
cross-gender hormone therapy in transsexual patients, for its effects are minimal to cause any feminization at all.

Estrasorb (http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2003/ANS01255.html)


tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Alexandria on June 08, 2007, 09:08:04 PM
Although she said to spread the gel on my legs or arms....I was wondering if it might be more effective spread on my baby boobs, only a 40A, but my nips are "perky" most of the time these days. 

In my research on the gel, it doesn't say you cannot use it there, and hey, it might help encourage a little growth.

The transdermal absorption rate is based on tests using the arms and legs.  The instructions with my patches say not to apply them to the breasts.  I'm sure the gel is similar.  It would not provide the right dosage, and wouldn't be any more effective for breast growth by being applied there.

Quote from: Ell on June 08, 2007, 09:50:04 PM
i am a little appalled when i hear anyone is taking oral estros, except the kind that are dissolved under the tongue. based on that alone, i'd definitely get a new endo.

Topical gels are not taken orally.

Quote from: Lisbeth on June 08, 2007, 09:53:15 PM
Topical gels are not taken orally.

LOL  ;D  I hope not.  You should read the detailed labels we make for patients: "unwrap and insert one suppository rectally as needed for constipation"....yeah, some people think that you don't have to unwrap it....LOL  :D

tink :icon_chick:

Quote from: Lisbeth on June 08, 2007, 09:53:15 PM

Quote from: Ell on June 08, 2007, 09:50:04 PM
i am a little appalled when i hear anyone is taking oral estros, except the kind that are dissolved under the tongue. based on that alone, i'd definitely get a new endo.

Topical gels are not taken orally.

ha ha, Lisbeth, you are so funny, my dear.
however, Alexandria originally said she had been on orals, and i quote, "it was just kinda a shock when she just switched me from oral to gel E."

Yeah, this is sorta the problem...IF oral E is supposed to be so bad for your liver, but topicals are "not approved for MTF transition"....then what's best? injections?

My therapist is very good and I really like her, but I think she does not like to play favorites when it comes to Endos,and it was on her suggestion that I made an appt. to see this Endo doc.  I am always the youngest in the waiting room, I alwasy dress kinda drab, and I REALLY out of place.   I like her, but I just don't have a warm and fuzzy feeling with her.  Maybe I should ask my therapist for another Endo, but I don't want to create waves right now.

Maybe I will just double the dose of the E gel and stick with it for a while.  As far as effects, I have only this week started with the topical, and I can't say I feel any different that taking orals. 

I think I may get my nails done today, that usually calms down my stresses.

I never used gels, because the serum levels are hard to acheive.  I now use high dose patch every 3 days, plus sublingual estradiol morning and night to give it a boost.  That, and Spiro.  That's what I did long before I saw my doc.  She likes it, and keeps me on it.
btw...estrofem don't taste like pickle juice......special sweetish femme flavor.

Bev

Thanks for all the replies......After enduring 2 hours of "electrocuetion" (aka electrolysis) today, and then a soothing 1 hour with my nail girl,.....I feel much less stressed.

I will trust my Endo for now, but plan to ask more questions next time.

What is her experience with topical for transition ?
What are my blood levels ?
Should I take a higher dose ?
Should she switch me to the injection ?

Quote from: Alexandria on June 09, 2007, 06:19:00 AM
Yeah, this is sorta the problem...IF oral E is supposed to be so bad for your liver, but topicals are "not approved for MTF transition"....then what's best? injections?

That's what my doctor says.  If the patches don't work out, then she prescribes injections.

Quote from: Alexandria on June 09, 2007, 06:19:00 AM
Maybe I will just double the dose of the E gel and stick with it for a while.  As far as effects, I have only this week started with the topical, and I can't say I feel any different that taking orals. 

Two points:

1. I wouldn't expect to feel much difference going from one kind of estrogen to another.

2. I wouldn't expect to feel much difference anyway after only one week.

Quote from: Ell on June 09, 2007, 07:09:18 AM
but you're talking about doubling your dosage, and spreading it on your breasts. why would you do that? please don't do that.

I'll second that motion.

Quote from: Alexandria on June 09, 2007, 04:17:00 PM
What are my blood levels ?

Assuming that it's been tested.

Whenever I get blood work done, they automatically send me copies of all the lab reports.

Quote from: Alexandria on June 08, 2007, 09:08:04 PM
....I was wondering if it might be more effective spread on my baby boobs, only a 40A, but my nips are "perky" most of the time these days. 

I've read copies of meds inserts online, and I can say they all warned against applying gels or patches directly to the breasts.  I would heed so many warnings.....

Bev

Thanks Lisbeth and Bev,
I have been on oral estradiol for 3 months, and as I said, when my Endo abruptly switched me to topical get without an explaination, I was caught by surprise and kinda off guard.  I guess I didn't really ask her why, but maybe she saw something in my blood tests she didn't like.  She was busy, but is not very communicative anyway.....

I would personally rate my progress after 3 months on E as excellent,,,,,I feel much more at peace, and finally feel that things are moving in a positive direction.

On a related topic, did either of you get very emotional during your early months on E.....I will "choke up" and fight back tears at the least little thing.  (I guess I'm not destined to be a very "tough" girl).  Maybe my demeanor and shyness keeps me from asking a lot of questions to my doc.  I will see my Therapist this week, and talk this out with her.

Anyway, thanks for old the good advice.....

The road is long, with many a winding turn..........

We all get a little more emotional after starting HRT. Movies like "the fastest indian" and "Secondhand lions" make me burst every time. :)

Next time you see your doctor i would highly suggest talking to her about your concerns and questions. They are very much legitimate and if she can't give you clear answers, find a new doctor. :)

Quote from: Alexandria on June 10, 2007, 10:21:39 PM
On a related topic, did either of you get very emotional during your early months on E.....I will "choke up" and fight back tears at the least little thing.  (I guess I'm not destined to be a very "tough" girl).  Maybe my demeanor and shyness keeps me from asking a lot of questions to my doc.  I will see my Therapist this week, and talk this out with her.

Estrogen tends to exagerate any tendency you have to either depression or mood swings.  In my case it's managable (except when I get PMS, but that's my unique biochemistry).  Everyone experiences it a little bit differently.