Susan's Place Transgender Resources

1. I have kind of read differing things on the matter, but how long would it take on average to be on HRT before going sterile? I have read as soon as 6 months yet my doctor told me he does not think it would happen.

2. If I am about 3.5 months on HRT, would electrolysis be successful? That is, will the hair regrow even if I am on anti-androgens but am pre-op?

3. This one is not directly related to HRT I suppose, but is there somewhere I can go locally to find out if I am fertile or not? I worry that I could be sterile due to an extra chromosome as well because of my two different colored eyes.

Thanks =)

Quote from: FallenLeaves on October 30, 2008, 01:54:14 PM
1. I have kind of read differing things on the matter, but how long would it take on average to be on HRT before going sterile? I have read as soon as 6 months yet my doctor told me he does not think it would happen.

No one really knows. Lots of opinions, but I never found a definitive answer.

Quote2. If I am about 3.5 months on HRT, would electrolysis be successful? That is, will the hair regrow even if I am on anti-androgens but am pre-op?

IMHO, a dead hair is a dead hair, HRT/SRS not being a factor. Others disagree. FWIW, I started laser six months before starting HRT, and didn't have any regrowth in the treated areas.

Kate

for #1 it would depend on your regime I think. From what I have read the chances of going permanently sterile in the first 6 months are not huge but beyond that it becomes a significant possibility.


#2 Yeah, dead hair is dead hair. There is not reason to believe it won't be successful. Electrolysis is permanent (taking into account you have growth cycles, so it might look like regrowth but in reality it is just dormant folicals activating). Per-op and on hormones vs post op should make no difference.

#3 Um, my guess is a fertility clinic or go to a sperm donar place and make a donation(probably the cheaper option). They will check the health of your sperm.

I was unaware that HRT could make you sterile, I knew it was chemical castration but when stopped everything returns and ya dead hair is just dead, I suppose there would be less to do the longer your on HRT

I'm not even sure you get back function once you stop much less the ability to conceive. If you have any
thoughts about having children later maybe a banking of sperm is a possibility.

The reports on hair re-growth vary. I think the standard line is that electrolysis done
correctly is permanent and  laser some times needs to be re-done after several years. But I
think many of those reports were from people that had it done many years ago when lasers
were not as effective. I think it pays to do a LOT of research on types of lasers and get
it done by a very experienced operator.

Amanda

I can say with certainty that when you stop HRT unfortunately the function returns I have no idea if I'm shooting blanks but everything works again :( one good thing my body hair has remained in a more femine pattern incuding any male pattern baldness I have a very full head of hair :)

That will be good to know for some that are "trying before they buy" Cyndi... how long were you on HRT?

Amanda

Quote from: Always Amanda on October 30, 2008, 03:58:09 PM
I'm not even sure you get back function once you stop much less the ability to conceive. If you have any
thoughts about having children later maybe a banking of sperm is a possibility.

The reports on hair re-growth vary. I think the standard line is that electrolysis done
correctly is permanent and  laser some times needs to be re-done after several years. But I
think many of those reports were from people that had it done many years ago when lasers
were not as effective. I think it pays to do a LOT of research on types of lasers and get
it done by a very experienced operator.

Amanda

I called a few places in my area. One using "Aurora" hair removal system was pretty outrageously priced. $195 per 15 minute session just to do my upper lip, and they said probably 6 sessions. Another one I called said it was 60 dollars per hour and they could probably do each treatment in around 20-40 minutes depending on how thick it was. I scheduled a consultation as amazingly that is within my price range. Hopefully they don't suck, but honestly I have no idea how to go about checking that sort of thing out.


Banking sperm is something I guess I am going to have to do and do fairly soon. Seems pretty expensive though (looked like about $500 to get started at most places with between 20-40 per month), and asking for it from my mom would be hard, especially since even if she is okay with that she would have to find a way to get me the money without my dad knowing. Stopping HRT is not really an option for me either, so I'm not really sure. Time to start looking for another job I suppose.

On the topic of hair removal, ask the place your about to go to if its intense pulsed light or something like that. IPL isnt really a permanent removal method at all. Its more like a very advanced shaver that cuts hair rather than kill it at the root. This is what I have been told by the place I go to (Ideal Image) and they warned me not to go anywhere that advertises IPL. Hope this helps!

Quote from: Kiera on October 31, 2008, 07:21:53 AM

Quote from: Cyndigurl45 on October 30, 2008, 04:06:51 PM
I can say with certainty that when you stop HRT unfortunately the function returns I have no idea if I'm shooting blanks but everything works again

Carrier output from the prostrate resumes with function but if your fluid is clear (as opposed to white) then yes, you are shooting "blanks".

I went to this stage in 4 months of starting HRT, i cannot say for certain that im completely sterile as some thinking is you regain some back if you stop but as of now im not even producing which suits me just fine.

Alright, one more question. If I came off either estrogen or testosterone blockers temporarily, which would have the greatest effect on my sperm count? Is it the estrogen or lack of testosterone that causes the lack of sperm?

QuoteI called a few places in my area. One using "Aurora" hair removal system was pretty outrageously priced. $195 per 15 minute session just to do my upper lip, and they said probably 6 sessions. Another one I called said it was 60 dollars per hour and they could probably do each treatment in around 20-40 minutes depending on how thick it was. I scheduled a consultation as amazingly that is within my price range. Hopefully they don't suck, but honestly I have no idea how to go about checking that sort of thing out.

I found a lot of good hair removal info at hairtell.com (http://hairtell.com).

I have a question about hrt thats just slightly off the theme. During my last visit with the endo, he said my  thyroid levels were slightly elevated. Over the last several tripos they have been up and down to normal. The question is , are the hrts creating this condition. I have been on hrt for over 3 years

I've heard that HRT can affect the Thyroid but I don't know any specifics.

Amanda

my Dr checked my thyroid function before i started HRT, but again not sure of the effect.
seems to effect liver function more from what i understand.

hi fallenleaves.  generally speaking, starting and stopping hrt is not a good idea.  i understand the questions you are asking but i think the only good answers you'll get will come from your doctor as they relate specifically to your body.

as for the thyroid, my doc always took a specific look at the enzymes connected to thyroid production.  according to her elevated levels aren't all that common with the introduction of cross sex hormones and can be fairly easily managed in most cases where they do occurr.  probably something to stay aware of but not worry about.  God bless with...