Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: rachel89 on February 29, 2016, 12:24:16 PM Return to Full Version
Title: T levels.
Post by: rachel89 on February 29, 2016, 12:24:16 PM
Post by: rachel89 on February 29, 2016, 12:24:16 PM
When I went in to the doctor a few months ago to start HRT, I my hormone levels were tested. At that point I had been on an a dose that was at the high end of the typical dose range for spironolactone, but the results came back and my T was at 416 ng/dL. I was pretty upset that it was that high. Now, 2 1/2 months later, i'm still on the same dose of spiro and taking E, but I am afraid T is still way too high. I think this because I don't think I am sterile yet and I still have a libido, although its greatly reduced. Does anyone know if this is normal, or if my T levels were abnormally high for an MTF, and if there is anything that can be done to quickly bring them down.
Title: Re: T levels.
Post by: Rachel on February 29, 2016, 06:33:03 PM
Post by: Rachel on February 29, 2016, 06:33:03 PM
I would assume you will have a blood test soon and can discuss the results with your doctor. You may ask what your total and free T is. Free T is all that matters.
HRT takes time to make it's effect. My T was 36 ng/dl on pills at the three month mark and less than 20 on IM. I never had a starting T blood test.
HRT takes time to make it's effect. My T was 36 ng/dl on pills at the three month mark and less than 20 on IM. I never had a starting T blood test.
Title: Re: T levels.
Post by: KayXo on March 01, 2016, 04:46:25 PM
Post by: KayXo on March 01, 2016, 04:46:25 PM
You need to also consider the blocking effects of Spironolactone such that part of that T measured is blocked by Spiro, hence useless. Free or bio-identical T would also be a more accurate measure as total T includes T that is bound to SHBG and thus inactive.
Enough E will help further reduce T but the effects are usually more significant when taken non-orally, by injections or pellets. Cyproterone acetate which can be requested by your doctor even though not FDA approved can suppress T effectively. There is bicalutamide which BLOCKS T quite effectively. And finally LhRh agonists such as Lupron, Zoladex or Synarel which suppress testicular production of T.
Enough E will help further reduce T but the effects are usually more significant when taken non-orally, by injections or pellets. Cyproterone acetate which can be requested by your doctor even though not FDA approved can suppress T effectively. There is bicalutamide which BLOCKS T quite effectively. And finally LhRh agonists such as Lupron, Zoladex or Synarel which suppress testicular production of T.