Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: LilKittyCatZoey on September 01, 2011, 04:23:28 PM

Title: for estrogen injections or oral ?
Post by: LilKittyCatZoey on September 01, 2011, 04:23:28 PM
ok so i see my endo this month and i am sure he will up my e dosage i was just wonder are injections healthier and cheap and more effective than oral tablets?
Title: Re: for estrogen injections or oral ?
Post by: mechakitty on September 05, 2011, 02:57:34 AM
Injections are a hassle, but they're easier on your liver, because they bypass it and go directly into the bloodstream.

That said, the risk of liver inflammation is pretty low anyway, even with pills. It's one of the reasons you do frequent blood tests and the main reason why no one should do unsupervised hormone therapy; if there's any sign of a stressed liver, they can alter your dosage. I don't know what the price of injections is compared to pills, though. I'd imagine injections are cheaper, but don't quote me on that.

If you're worried about your liver health, eat lots of milk thistle supplements. ;)

But, really, tons of people take estradiol pills without issue. Side effects are rather rare.
Title: Re: for estrogen injections or oral ?
Post by: Sunnynight on September 05, 2011, 03:12:17 AM
I think the price works out to about the same, depending on where you get each. Injections are what me and my doctor prefer because they are easier on your liver and don't have the side effects of increasing blood clots which can be very serious.
Title: Re: for estrogen injections or oral ?
Post by: mechakitty on September 05, 2011, 03:17:54 AM
Estradiol in general has a risk of increasing thrombosis (blood clotting), but you're right in that the risk is greater with pills than other methods of administration. Any form of estradiol still has this risk though, even injectables, as far as I'm aware.

Anyway, your doctor can probably better explain the risks and help you weight the pros and cons than we can.

We ain't doctors. Well, some of us might be. Just not me.  :laugh: