Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I'm post-op, on HRT since 2004. I recently started Estrogel in hopes of stimulating further breast growth. Previous to that, I was on intramuscular injections of Estradiol Valerate, supplementing here and there with oral pills and oral progesterone (Prometrium). I also started taking a small amount of testosterone daily (Androgel) in recent weeks to improve well-being, energy levels and motivation. 

Immediately following Estrogel application, I experienced breast growth. The areola/nipple area became more prominent and there was a hard mass underneath starting to develop. I apply the gel, as agreed upon with my doctor, on my breasts, my chest, abdomen, whole arm (inner), even applying a little under my arms (axillary region). Me and my doctor believe applying the gel on my breasts poses no risks as there has been no actual data showing this to be the case and studies in general have not shown a causal effect between estrogen and breast cancer risk with some studies even suggesting the opposite may be true.

So far, I'm quite happy with results and enjoy this route of administration. It is convenient and the gel dries in a matter of seconds to minutes. :)

Congrats on more progress! That is awesome! I very well might want to try going this route to help my development. If I may ask, about what band/cup size are you at currently?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using Tapatalk

About an A cup. 36A. I also have green eyes, with a tinge of blue, from my mom.  ;)

Awesome! I just passed my 2 year mark for HRT. Depending on brand, I move between 36A and 34B (which should be the same for the most part, but bra size, like everything else, is dumb lol). Is the gel covered by insurance?

No, the gel is not covered. I live in Canada. If my doctor writes that I have an intolerance to the pills (Estrace) which I kind of have because I don't feel particularly great on them, then the gel would be covered.

Im in Canada as well so no coverage for me. I have been doing HRT for 3 1/2 months now and my Dr prescribed Estrogel to start. I have felt the nubs develop at the end of the first two months. My breasts are tender and have to watch to not rub them by accident.

I have my follow up appointment tomorrow and will be curious to see if the prescription is renewed or if Im prescribed something else. Obviously I am way behind you in transition but have noticed the breast changes on the gel and have been told it is a safe solution .

Huggs Niki

Quote from: KayXo on March 21, 2017, 09:07:18 AM
No, the gel is not covered. I live in Canada. If my doctor writes that I have an intolerance to the pills (Estrace) which I kind of have because I don't feel particularly great on them, then the gel would be covered.

What about independant coverage?

I work part-time, am not married. No independent coverage.

I started HRT for 20 months and am now a 36D we all react differently


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

QuoteI started HRT for 20 months and am now a 36D we all react differently

Did you have much before you started HRT?  I'm a 38A without it.

I am post-op and just take E injections. I was prescribed T cream after GCS which was to last 1 month and I was to get refills from my trans health doctor. I used a 1/3 dose for 3 months and still had 20% left in the container.

I discussed T with my trans health doctor and we agreed I would not use T. Mentally I just did not want it in my body and after my labs I had a T of 80 ng/dl. He messaged me and said I really did not need a T supplement for health reasons and we will check my T again next time I am there.

I'm currently a 36DD and tanner stage 5 💁🏼 hrt does the trick lol

I started HRT a few months ago. And I have several questions.
I'm currently able to get hormones by getting a refill six times. I'm not able to see a specialist right now since I live 3 hours away from the nearest one. And I'm so clueless in this.
I'm on Estradiol, and spironolactone
Ever since I've started al I've been experiencing is really thirsty and I'm tired. My elections are harder to get but still able to orgasm. I have not had any breast discomfort or any changes. I've asked my mother and she hasn't noticed anything either.

I want to up my spiro. But I'm asking because I don't want to do anything stupid and I'm worried that I'll be spending time on hormones that are effective  :-\

Welcome to Susan's Place. I am assuming that you have a prescription that you received from a medical provider. If so, you can ask your provider to order lab test to test total estrogen, estradiol and testosterone. Only with those numbers will you know if the dosage is were it should be or if it requires adjustment. It's not really necessary to see the doctor as this can be done by phone or possibly a local GP.

People experience HRT differently. My breast have never been overly sensitive but I feel a small amount of discomfort when they are growing. Others experience a good deal of discomfort. Two months is a little early to see much growth but by the time you have used up your 6 month supply, you should notice something.

We issue to all new members the following links so you will best be able to use the web site.

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html)	Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html)	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.)
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html)	News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html)	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866)

Quote from: renrenegade on March 27, 2017, 09:14:21 PM
Ever since I've started al I've been experiencing is really thirsty and I'm tired.

This may probably be due to Spiro as it increases how much sodium and water is excreted. You need to be sure to drink enough water and consume enough salt to avoid things like cramps, dehydration, fatigue, etc. Also, avoid supplementing with potassium or taking anything that contains too much as excess potassium on Spiro can be dangerous and fatal since Spiro increases its retention.

If not enough estrogen is taken to compensate for the loss of testosterone, you may feel tired and depressed/anxious, also have hot flashes and just not feel well, overall. Measuring levels in and of itself (as far as estrogen and even testosterone goes) doesn't seem to be really useful as there is some fluctuation and everyone responds differently to varying levels. Instead, focusing on how you feel in general and physical symptoms such as breast growth, libido, skin oiliness, body odor, hair growth, fat distribution may give you a better idea. Breast growth usually starts anywhere from 1 week after HRT to up to 2 months with some pain under the nipples, breast budding and a knot forming underneath.

Ultimately, these matters should be discussed at length with your doctor and any change to your HRT be done in accordance with them, always. We express our opinions on the matter but we aren't experts. 

Take care.