Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Asheylov on August 19, 2016, 07:59:58 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: Asheylov on August 19, 2016, 07:59:58 PM
So yay ;D im starting HRT next Week . but i would like to know which is better Pills, Patches or Gels?

:D :D :D

Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: Dena on August 19, 2016, 09:28:59 PM
I keep getting this feeling of dejavu for some reason or another  ;) Patches and gels are pretty similar with the exception that gels can wipe off on a partner or you can lose it if you sweat.

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,97015

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,184491

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,183320

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,182451

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,181756
Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: Harley Quinn on August 20, 2016, 09:39:14 PM
I'm sure that they're all about the same. If you're a smoker stay away from the pills. No Bueno... it's all a craps shoot on how your body likes it... but my vote would be pellets, then IM injection, then patches, then pills, then gels... taking pills all throughout the day doesn't rate high on my list... next to worrying about how much gel I had.. what wiped off etc... less maintenance the better.
Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: j-unique on August 21, 2016, 01:27:30 AM
I like the gel. Dosage is quite easy (take n strokes), and it's absorbed in one or two minutes and then you can forget about it. As far as I have understood it, everything taken orally is a burden for the liver, so I only take Androcur as a pill.
Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: Asheylov on August 22, 2016, 10:43:43 PM
in Australia  ( Melborune ) , my GP has only got Gels, Patches or Pills. none of the others for some reason.

so im trying to see which is best for the body. :(
Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: LizK on August 23, 2016, 02:07:59 AM
Quote from: Asheylov on August 22, 2016, 10:43:43 PM
in Australia  ( Melborune ) , my GP has only got Gels, Patches or Pills. none of the others for some reason.

so im trying to see which is best for the body. :(

I have just had a implant a week ago and am currently feeling pretty good. I think it takes time to get going ...don't know how long but up until yesterday I was feeling pretty flat and I stopped the majority of my pills after the implant. Hopefully we will see what kind of levels I obtain but my understanding is that the implant is far more effective because it releases a constant dose avoiding the nasties that can impact when taking orally, so it is more in line with what a cis female would have in her system. I think the extra pill is just to ensure I remain in the upper "normal E levels" and may even be dropped after my next appointment depending on my E levels.... Good Luck

Liz

PS I am in AU as well
Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: DawnOday on August 23, 2016, 02:28:47 AM
I'm taking the estradiol pill sublingually. Just pop em under your tongue and let it melt. Relatively cheaper also. By letting them melt rather than swallowing them you save your organs. They all have their quirks. Patches don't stay put. Shots have a one and a half inch needle to get into the muscle and let's face it do we really need another masochist. Insulin needles are kind of dainty in comparison. Gel can get messy and transfer to others, or so I've heard from Dena's 5 referenced articles.
Title: Re: Starting HRT Next Week, Which is Better Pills, Patches or Gels?
Post by: LizK on August 23, 2016, 03:57:56 AM
Quote from: DawnOday on August 23, 2016, 02:28:47 AM
I'm taking the estradiol pill sublingually. Just pop em under your tongue and let it melt. Relatively cheaper also. By letting them melt rather than swallowing them you save your organs. They all have their quirks. Patches don't stay put. Shots have a one and a half inch needle to get into the muscle and let's face it do we really need another masochist. Insulin needles are kind of dainty in comparison. Gel can get messy and transfer to others, or so I've heard from Dena's 5 referenced articles.

You should see the size oi this thing they use to implant it...had to cut and stitch me to get in in. All under local...so no real issue...but still..compared to an Insulin needle these things look like sledgehammers....when you see the size of the capsule is it any wonder.

Liz