Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Pipes on October 01, 2015, 02:27:06 PM Return to Full Version
Title: HRT for 2 1/2 months, 2nd endo appointment later today, test results?
Post by: Pipes on October 01, 2015, 02:27:06 PM
Post by: Pipes on October 01, 2015, 02:27:06 PM
I am having trouble finding information online about where my levels 'should be' as I progress on HRT.
Basically, it would be nice to be able to go into my appointment with the knowledge of where I want my levels to be so I can advocate for myself with my endo who I have heard likes to play everything on the very conservative side when it comes to dosages etc.
I have been on Spiro (orally) 4x day (pills) & trans-dermal patches of Estradiol (changing 1x week).
My original Pre-HRT blood-work levels were as follows:
Test name Result units Ref.range
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL 525 ng/dL 250 - 1100
Test name Result units
Estradiol 20 pg/mL
Estradiol, Free 0.43 pg/mL
Test name Result units Ref.range
SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN 49 nmol/L 10 - 50
Basically, it would be nice to be able to go into my appointment with the knowledge of where I want my levels to be so I can advocate for myself with my endo who I have heard likes to play everything on the very conservative side when it comes to dosages etc.
I have been on Spiro (orally) 4x day (pills) & trans-dermal patches of Estradiol (changing 1x week).
My original Pre-HRT blood-work levels were as follows:
Test name Result units Ref.range
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL 525 ng/dL 250 - 1100
Test name Result units
Estradiol 20 pg/mL
Estradiol, Free 0.43 pg/mL
Test name Result units Ref.range
SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN 49 nmol/L 10 - 50
Title: Re: HRT for 2 1/2 months, 2nd endo appointment later today, test results?
Post by: KristinaM on October 01, 2015, 03:55:28 PM
Post by: KristinaM on October 01, 2015, 03:55:28 PM
I have no definitive information, but those numbers look pretty standard for a "male" body. Bear in mind that blood hormone levels will fluctuate somewhat throughout the day though, so your T could be even a couple hundred points higher or lower if your blood were drawn at a different time of day.
But, every doctor is going to attempt to maintain levels within their own comfort zone. Some will occasionally go outside that comfort zone (say, pushing E levels higher than "normal") in order to achieve feminization though. Higher levels are not recommended though for health reasons, so the lowest dosage possible to attain adequate results is what they will shoot for, so numbers are almost irrelevant for feminization purposes, but should be monitored for health reasons.
With all that being said, I would say you're looking for Testosterone levels under 100 ng/dL, and Estradiol levels over 100 pg/mL, but those are just my gut-feelings. I'm not familiar with Free Estradiol or SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN levels, and I'm barely familiar with the others. :)
In the end, your doctor will monitor your levels and adjust your dosages accordingly to produce the best results. You should trust them, not me.
But, every doctor is going to attempt to maintain levels within their own comfort zone. Some will occasionally go outside that comfort zone (say, pushing E levels higher than "normal") in order to achieve feminization though. Higher levels are not recommended though for health reasons, so the lowest dosage possible to attain adequate results is what they will shoot for, so numbers are almost irrelevant for feminization purposes, but should be monitored for health reasons.
With all that being said, I would say you're looking for Testosterone levels under 100 ng/dL, and Estradiol levels over 100 pg/mL, but those are just my gut-feelings. I'm not familiar with Free Estradiol or SEX HORMONE BINDING GLOBULIN levels, and I'm barely familiar with the others. :)
In the end, your doctor will monitor your levels and adjust your dosages accordingly to produce the best results. You should trust them, not me.
Title: Re: HRT for 2 1/2 months, 2nd endo appointment later today, test results?
Post by: JennX on October 02, 2015, 11:56:38 AM
Post by: JennX on October 02, 2015, 11:56:38 AM
Google: Endocrine Society Transgender
1st link is their clinical guidelines for treatment. You may wish to print and share with your provider.
General Guidelines:
Serum Estrogen: 120-200 pg/ml
Total Testosterone: < 60 ng/dL
PS: They all play on the conservative side as they don't want to get sued. They don't want to loose their nice house, office, and job they worked many years to achieve. :)
1st link is their clinical guidelines for treatment. You may wish to print and share with your provider.
General Guidelines:
Serum Estrogen: 120-200 pg/ml
Total Testosterone: < 60 ng/dL
PS: They all play on the conservative side as they don't want to get sued. They don't want to loose their nice house, office, and job they worked many years to achieve. :)