Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: LJfusion on March 19, 2016, 03:04:41 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Starting testosterone
Post by: LJfusion on March 19, 2016, 03:04:41 PM
Post by: LJfusion on March 19, 2016, 03:04:41 PM
I just had my first therapy session and my therapist said he will write me a letter to start HRT after 2 or 3 visits with him. This means in one month I will be starting hormones!
I was curious as to how much others pay for their testosterone and how long it lasts. Also, the price of syringes and needles. I know the price varies on location and the time a bottle will last depends on the dosage and all of that but I'm just looking for ideas on what to expect. And if anyone lives in Texas, preferably closer to San Antonio, that is where I live and the cost and pharmacy you use would be a great help.
One more thing, I am afraid of the shots. I have no fear of needles, I don't mind getting my blood drawn(I get it done a lot), I even have 4 tattoos. But the thought of giving the shots too myself, plus having such a long needle scares me. People say it doesn't hurt once it breaks skin but even if it doesn't hurt, I'm not sure I can stick myself. I had to test myself for diabetes and just a pin prick on my finger tip took me almost an hour to do. Any tips on how to overcome this fear?
I know some people get a shot every other week and have mood swings because of it, but does it still work as well as weekly shots? Or does it take longer to see changes if you do a shot every other week? I was hoping to do every other week until I am comfortable with giving myself the shots but I don't want to do that if I won't see results as fast as if I do it weekly.
Any info would be great. Thank you.
I was curious as to how much others pay for their testosterone and how long it lasts. Also, the price of syringes and needles. I know the price varies on location and the time a bottle will last depends on the dosage and all of that but I'm just looking for ideas on what to expect. And if anyone lives in Texas, preferably closer to San Antonio, that is where I live and the cost and pharmacy you use would be a great help.
One more thing, I am afraid of the shots. I have no fear of needles, I don't mind getting my blood drawn(I get it done a lot), I even have 4 tattoos. But the thought of giving the shots too myself, plus having such a long needle scares me. People say it doesn't hurt once it breaks skin but even if it doesn't hurt, I'm not sure I can stick myself. I had to test myself for diabetes and just a pin prick on my finger tip took me almost an hour to do. Any tips on how to overcome this fear?
I know some people get a shot every other week and have mood swings because of it, but does it still work as well as weekly shots? Or does it take longer to see changes if you do a shot every other week? I was hoping to do every other week until I am comfortable with giving myself the shots but I don't want to do that if I won't see results as fast as if I do it weekly.
Any info would be great. Thank you.
Title: Re: Starting testosterone
Post by: Laura_7 on March 19, 2016, 03:58:25 PM
Post by: Laura_7 on March 19, 2016, 03:58:25 PM
You could have a look here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,206087.msg1829070.html#msg1829070
and here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,199138.0.html
Concerning biweekly usually the levels are really high the first days and there is a low phase the last few days.
So weekly injections where levels are more stable should be better.
It should be better for mood. And it should be better for development....
here is more and a resource for medical personnel:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,80762.0.html
*hugs*
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,206087.msg1829070.html#msg1829070
and here:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,199138.0.html
Concerning biweekly usually the levels are really high the first days and there is a low phase the last few days.
So weekly injections where levels are more stable should be better.
It should be better for mood. And it should be better for development....
here is more and a resource for medical personnel:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,80762.0.html
*hugs*
Title: Re: Starting testosterone
Post by: FTMax on March 20, 2016, 12:39:47 PM
Post by: FTMax on March 20, 2016, 12:39:47 PM
I go to a private pharmacy associated with the clinic I go to for HRT. I pay less than $80 for 24 syringes, 24 drawing needles, and a 10ml vial of T. I have a regular weekly dose and the vial I get lasts me around 5 months. I've never actually tracked from start to finish, but that is my estimate. I always have syringes left over at the end, so I know it's not a full 6 months. It may last longer now, as I need to get my dose adjusted post-hysterectomy.
If you have insurance, call them and see what they'll pay for. Some will only pay for a 1 month supply, which is a very small vial and it's tough to get the last dose out. See if you can get them to cover a larger 10ml vial. If not, download the GoodRx app and see which pharmacy near you is cheapest. Also be aware that some pharmacies don't carry larger vials and will need to order it in advance for you, so calling ahead to see if they have the size you need may be helpful.
As far as needle anxiety, I had a ton of it. I started on gel and only switched to injections when the price went up too much for me to afford it. Initially it would take me an hour to do everything. My advice would be to get into a routine as early as possible and do the same thing every time. Find some kind of activity that relaxes you. For me, I would listen to music. I'd get one song to get all my supplies laid out and ready to go, then I'd get another song to do the injection. It helped to have something to limit the amount of time I was taking. I also made a point initially to do my shot in the morning, so that it couldn't take too long or I'll have wasted half the day and been late for other things. And even though it may not be your first inclination, I recommend doing your shot weekly not only to get used to the hormones, but also to get used to the injection process. Doing it biweekly puts it more out of sight, out of mind, and you may find that the infrequency causes greater anxiety because it takes you longer to get used to it.
Also, for shots and pain: ice the area before and after your injection, massage the whole area after your injection, and consider taking an OTC pain killer.
It shouldn't take you longer to see changes if your dose is correct. My biweekly dose would be the same as two of my weekly doses. You might experience some moodiness in the days leading up to your shot, but as far as changes and masculinization, frequency should play no part as long as the dose is the same.
Just out of curiosity, have you found an endocrinologist or someone to prescribe your T? Just asking because people sometimes get confused about what the referral letter from their therapist gets them.
If you have insurance, call them and see what they'll pay for. Some will only pay for a 1 month supply, which is a very small vial and it's tough to get the last dose out. See if you can get them to cover a larger 10ml vial. If not, download the GoodRx app and see which pharmacy near you is cheapest. Also be aware that some pharmacies don't carry larger vials and will need to order it in advance for you, so calling ahead to see if they have the size you need may be helpful.
As far as needle anxiety, I had a ton of it. I started on gel and only switched to injections when the price went up too much for me to afford it. Initially it would take me an hour to do everything. My advice would be to get into a routine as early as possible and do the same thing every time. Find some kind of activity that relaxes you. For me, I would listen to music. I'd get one song to get all my supplies laid out and ready to go, then I'd get another song to do the injection. It helped to have something to limit the amount of time I was taking. I also made a point initially to do my shot in the morning, so that it couldn't take too long or I'll have wasted half the day and been late for other things. And even though it may not be your first inclination, I recommend doing your shot weekly not only to get used to the hormones, but also to get used to the injection process. Doing it biweekly puts it more out of sight, out of mind, and you may find that the infrequency causes greater anxiety because it takes you longer to get used to it.
Also, for shots and pain: ice the area before and after your injection, massage the whole area after your injection, and consider taking an OTC pain killer.
It shouldn't take you longer to see changes if your dose is correct. My biweekly dose would be the same as two of my weekly doses. You might experience some moodiness in the days leading up to your shot, but as far as changes and masculinization, frequency should play no part as long as the dose is the same.
Just out of curiosity, have you found an endocrinologist or someone to prescribe your T? Just asking because people sometimes get confused about what the referral letter from their therapist gets them.