Mild.
I was originally put on the "smallest" dose available (estradiol), and a month later the doc increases it to twice that amount...so a month later he says, "well, everything looks good...we'll keep the dose as-is for 3 months and check again." (Blood draw this time, also)
No liver problems, BP is good, no illnesses/aches, etc. Sure, I can wait for the bloodwork to get back (and I'm sure that's going to be good, too...*knocks on wood* )
But I was kinda hoping he'd up the dosage again, just a wee bit. It's funny, but when I was on menopause supps they didn't do much for me--other than letting my body know "I WANT THIS!". When I took the small dose, it was about equal to the menopause supps, in terms of well-being etc. (although the estradiol did make my nips itchy)
When I took the "twice" amount, much more well-being, and soreness/etc behind the nips...but still I feel like I'm nowhere near my dose for my needs. It's hard to describe, but maybe something like, "I'm starving...go to a friend's house for dinner...he gives me one bite of food, then sends me on my way...go to another friend, he gives me a small plate of food, then sends me on my way..."
I know I'm getting nourishment, but it's just not enough!
Should I just have patience until next appointment (3 months), or is it alright (not rude to the doc, who I like a lot) to suggest a higher dose sooner (given the bloodwork is ok)?
Any advice or experience shared would be appreciated! *hugs*
*waves at everyone*
My doctor told me it takes about 3 months for levels to shift enough to send you from male to female levels. What were your levels?
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 11, 2012, 10:03:45 PM
My doctor told me it takes about 3 months for levels to shift enough to send you from male to female levels. What were your levels?
That's in the bloodwork that was done; I'll find out in a week or two. I've been on E and Spiro for (eta:
nearly) two whole months! LOL!
Baseline (for me, done in Dec 2011) was T = 140ish, E = 40ish.
I'm very sure the T levels are darn near zero, I can't feel any of that yuck anymore. (Yay!)...and I tell you what, "girlie" doesn't begin to describe what E does for me... ;) :D
Wow your T was low. I can see why she put you on low E. Just wait it out. If your E levels are low on this blood draw she may call you back to up your dosage.
I was put on what some would call a "regular" dose for MTFs and my E levels were through the roof and my T was close to non existant. It took about 5 months to get to that point, too.
I had no baseline (self medding for 2 months).
For example, 2 months into HRT, my E = 175, my T = 25.
5th month = 722 E, 9 T.
I was on the exact same dose on month 5 since the day I started HRT. Your levels may decide to sky rocket. I would be patient imo.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 11, 2012, 10:14:56 PM
For example, 2 months into HRT, my E = 175, my T = 25.
5th month = 722 E, 9 T.
I was on the exact same dose on month 5 since the day I started HRT. Your levels may decide to sky rocket. I would be patient imo.
Ok, thanks. Maybe it will go up, hence the cautious approach.
fwiw, my levels are currently:
E = 255
T = 49 (total)
Your levels are good. Female range for T is 5-85, and doctors try to keep transsexual women in the 150-250 range for estradiol (at least mine does). Just let it do its thang baby girl :)
You can always discuss with your doctor and suggest another increase. In the worst case, you'll have a "no" with a reassuring explanation of the refusal.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 11, 2012, 10:14:56 PM
Wow your T was low. I can see why she put you on low E. Just wait it out. If your E levels are low on this blood draw she may call you back to up your dosage.
I was put on what some would call a "regular" dose for MTFs and my E levels were through the roof and my T was close to non existant. It took about 5 months to get to that point, too.
I had no baseline (self medding for 2 months).
For example, 2 months into HRT, my E = 175, my T = 25.
5th month = 722 E, 9 T.
I was on the exact same dose on month 5 since the day I started HRT. Your levels may decide to sky rocket. I would be patient imo.
It is important to differentiate between "Free Testosterone" (normal male range 35-155 pg/mL) and "Total Testosterone" (normal male range 250-1100 ng/dL)
Free T for me is 0.3.
I think I'll just wait. I'm doing good otherwise, even getting another growth binge on the boobies. :)
They want to be extra careful, to see how you do over time on a set dose. If your body takes too much of the estrogen it will start converting into testosterone and that is no good. I've been on a steady dose for a while and it seems to be working okay but my spiro dose was upped a bit. We'll see what happens. >.<
Quote from: The Passage on April 17, 2012, 04:15:12 AM
They want to be extra careful, to see how you do over time on a set dose. If your body takes too much of the estrogen it will start converting into testosterone and that is no good. I've been on a steady dose for a while and it seems to be working okay but my spiro dose was upped a bit. We'll see what happens. >.<
Not necessarily. While it's true that aromatase cconverts T to E, I do not think there's a mechanism within the body that converts E to T. However if your body sees too much E in the body, there's a chance that the pituitary gland will tell you to pump out more T, blocking the E from taking hold.
But I'm not schooled on this or anything so I could be wrong.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 17, 2012, 07:01:01 AM
However if your body sees too much E in the body, there's a chance that the pituitary gland will tell you to pump out more T, blocking the E from taking hold.
But I'm not schooled on this or anything so I could be wrong.
I think your right!