Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hello all, I'd like to ask you for advices regarding troubles with varicose veins during HRT.
I've been on hormones for two months (each day 2 x ***CENSORED*** mg Progynova and 2 x CENSORED mg Androcur – morning and evening). Started on July 20th. Everything went well until early September when I started feeling occasional pains in both legs, as well as formication. I had a surgery to remove varicose veins in March so I naturally got worried about the possibility of return of the problems. :( I have observed my legs for last several weeks and I noticed several spider veins that weren't there previously. My friend (also MtF) from whom I got Progynova, thinks that the cause of the problem might be that I effectively killed all my testosterone with Androcur (checked in early September with the results of 0,56 nmol/l) but did not repalce it adequately with oestrogen (181,1 pmol/l according to the aforementioned test) and that I should raise the dosage of Progynova or replace it with injections (which she also offered to me). Do you think she might be right, or should I, in contrary, quit hormones completely? :'( Did anybody experience similar problems on HRT? (I have read that women are more prone to varicose veins than men) Thanks much for any advice... 

Hi Michaela  and welcome!

Firstly,  our forum rules are no dosages allowed,  so can I ask you please edit your post and remove these.

In response to your question,  I've been on HRT (E and GNRH blockers)  for three months,  but have not noticed this problem. HRT can make the skin more translucent,  so maybe it is this? X

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I'm not sure of the situation where you are,  but HRT can cause DVT and blood clotting. Pain in legs could be caused by this,  and you should seek trained medical support if at all possible.

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Quote from: meganjames2 on September 23, 2017, 02:47:37 PM
Hi Michaela  and welcome!
Firstly,  our forum rules are no dosages allowed,  so can I ask you please edit your post and remove these.

Sorry, original message updated.

Quote from: MichaelaF on September 23, 2017, 03:49:31 PM
Sorry, original message updated.

It's fine [emoji5],  figured I'd let you know before an administrator changes it for you [emoji6]. X

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I did a little looking at the web and while they don't really know much about Varicose veins, it was mentioned that pregnant women are likely to develop them. That might suggest if your estrogen levels are high, lowering them a bit might help you and could cause them to fade. What I don't know is if estradiol or estrone is responsible for this and if it's estrone, switching from pills to another delivery system could make a difference.

Quote from: Dena on September 23, 2017, 04:49:58 PMThat might suggest if your estrogen levels are high, lowering them a bit might help you and could cause them to fade. What I don't know is if estradiol or estrone is responsible for this and if it's estrone, switching from pills to another delivery system could make a difference.

Thanks, Dena – what I know for sure, my E level is rather low yet, below female normals. So I can perhaps discard the level as a potential cause. As for the second part – I plan switching to injections as soon as I get my sperm freezed (due in early November, if there will be anything to be freezed). Hopefully that will fix my problems.

I would strongly counsel seeking medical advice. You are at high risk of a DVT and if you notice any pain or swelling in your legs do please get to an Emergency Room ASAP.
A DVT, deep vein thrombosis is a clot in the vein and it can kill you.