I recently had some blood work done but not sure quite how to read the results? Here is a link to my results - if someone could help me try to understand this better to see where I am at with everything that would be incredibly helpful. Thank You.
Estrogen Results: http://i45.tinypic.com/z4xe9.jpg (http://i45.tinypic.com/z4xe9.jpg)
Testosterone results - http://i49.tinypic.com/1265kxh.jpg (http://i49.tinypic.com/1265kxh.jpg)
Misc results - http://i46.tinypic.com/mazbdk.jpg (http://i46.tinypic.com/mazbdk.jpg)
Your CMP (metabolic panel - the last link) looks perfectly fine. Your liver functions are well within normal limits. If you'd like me to interpret or explain anything on the CMP I'm happy to do so. I'm a nurse if you want to know my bonafides. :)
Your endo would need to interpret the hormones for you as I'm not sure what the ranges should be for your time on HRT. Obviously the testosterone is quite low.
My Endo said my T was too low at 4 and wanted it up near 45 or 50, and that my estradiol was too high at 308 and he lowered my prescription to get it below the 200 range that he uses becuse it was recommended by American Endocrinology. It really hurt to cut my E, but I promissed I'd keep quiet about it.
I complained a bit on Susan's about the lower doses, but finally realized that there's not much I could do about it in my position.
Take care. Kathy
My doctor was freaking out when my E was at 722, it was WAY too high. She was fine with my T being at 7.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 16, 2012, 01:30:01 PM
My doctor was freaking out when my E was at 722, it was WAY too high. She was fine with my T being at 7.
That is where I get confused at, according to my lab work I am at 713 for my total estrogen? so do I look at that number or the estrogen/serum levels which is at 513. I still do not even really know if my levels are normal or high? I go to a normal Doctor so I am awaiting for a call back to try to make heads or tails out of it? Do you know your current Estrogen levels?
My test was for total estradiol. Mine wanted me around 200. You are high either way you look at it
hmmm OK - well I am awaiting a reply back from my Doctor so I can ask him what he would recommend for me to do next? I only once a week injections for my estrogen, so not sure what else I can change?
I FINALLY received back my labs from my Doctor about some blood tests I had several weeks ago. My Estrogen levels were at 329 (from 700+) so that came down A LOT and more in the normal female range. A bit high still but no where near the levels before. My testosterone level was at 1 (from 4) so that also that went down as well and from what I understand 1 is VERY low. Hopefully at least from what I have read having THAT high of Estrogen my body was not metabolizing it and could be why my results were lacking so hopefully with it being more in range I will see some more physical changes? at least that is what I am hoping...
Yikes, I'm wondering if different doctors measure things in different standards. My testosterone level is 22 and my estrogen level is 77. My doctor is extremely enthusiastic about those numbers and says they're in the normal female range; the changes are also very obvious to me and anyone who knows me, they definitely show. Why would the estrogen number in particular be so different?
My doctor also talks about two kinds of testosterone: a form it takes initially and a form it takes after something binds to it, which she calls free testosterone. She tells me that my initial form is a little high but that my free testosterone looks great, which is the type that has any effect.
From what I can gather, the average female has a testosterone level of 15-70 ng/dL and an estradiol level (when not menstruating) of 25-75 pg/mL. Maybe this is what my doctor is going by. I don't know what else it could be that would make the numbers so wildly different.
Any literature I've read online about where doctors SHOULD keep us at are around 175 pg / ml. I know when mine was around 90 I was slowly re masculinizing after what my doctor called "excellent results" on the previous visit. Normal male range for E is up to 40 pg / ml ... so I'd say 77 is low. Keep in mind females have consistently high estradiol levels during puberty.
However your results may vary and the changes you're experiencing are more important than any literature can advise on. I don't think any of us could tell you what levels are going to give you the maximum feminization.
Thanks for sharing that, Alainaluvsu. I some times feel like my results haven't been truly adequate, but I dismiss that as an insecurity because I take progress pictures and the difference is pretty enormous. I also feel it in my skin and emotions and stuff like that.
Still, I think I'll bring it up to my doctor again and discuss that figure with her. In the past, I've talked to her about dosages (which I know we can't share here, so I won't share mine) and expressed concern that mine was much lower than other trans women have reported. She told me that those dosages were extremely high and not something the hospital usually did, but one year later and I was moved up to that dose.
Whatever the case, I can't help but let it really concern me that my situation is so different from the norm. I hope that I simply respond to it differently rather than not receiving the appropriate amount. My hospital is considered wonderful for treatment of trans people (Fenway Health in Boston), so there is some comfort in that for me.
Thanks again!
You're welcome honey :)
And I went through... and still am going through some of the doubts and what nots as you are. I still look in the mirror and see the same freaking person sometimes... or some totally non passable ... thing at least. But I know that's not true because reactions from people are COMPLETELY contrary to what I think of me when I look in the mirror.
<----- What the world sees when they see me
What I see when I look in the mirror: (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs10.postimage.org%2Fqgzzdnqrp%2FClint_Eastwood_Western.jpg&hash=7379970116a3b3222c395b2b704e07135c23819d) (http://postimage.org/image/qgzzdnqrp/)
We are our own biggest critics.
Hahaha! That is definitely my experience and how I feel when I look in the mirror. I sit there in front of it every day, picking myself apart, and wonder if anything's really changed -- "thing" is definitely how I feel about myself most of the time. Despite that, other people commune a totally different message; I've even reconnected with old friends who have no idea it's me when they see me and talk to me.
Anyhow, you really got a laugh out of me just now and I left a message with my doctor about what you said and asked about her feelings on the subject, so hopefully that will get sorted and really help me with my concerns. I really appreciate the push! (in other words, thank you [again] for being awesome <3)
:) I'm glad!!
I hope your doctor has all the right answers for you sweet pea! Keep us updated!
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 23, 2012, 02:41:50 AM
You're welcome honey :)
And I went through... and still am going through some of the doubts and what nots as you are. I still look in the mirror and see the same freaking person sometimes... or some totally non passable ... thing at least. But I know that's not true because reactions from people are COMPLETELY contrary to what I think of me when I look in the mirror.
<----- What the world sees when they see me
What I see when I look in the mirror: (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs10.postimage.org%2Fqgzzdnqrp%2FClint_Eastwood_Western.jpg&hash=7379970116a3b3222c395b2b704e07135c23819d) (http://postimage.org/image/qgzzdnqrp/)
We are our own biggest critics.
I 100% agree that we are own worst critics. I know I am VERY hard on myself when ti comes to how I view myself. People say that I am pretty passable right now and I can start going full-time, but in my eyes I still see everything wrong with me, not the good. I honestly do not know how to change this and try to see myself in a better light? It is hard for sure to see the good especially in our situation where we are literally changing everything about us to be complete and happy.
-Emily
Sometimes it's easier to say "Well okay maybe I don't pass as a girl... but do I pass better as a guy? ..."
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 23, 2012, 09:22:29 AM
Sometimes it's easier to say "Well okay maybe I don't pass as a girl... but do I pass better as a guy? ..."
I think it still comes down to how critical we are on ourself? Speaking for myself but I do not think that I am passable as a girl right now and seem to fit into that androgynous male role right now. I am looking hopefully here very soon to try some new hair styles and also also get my eyes brows done to help my over all feminine appearance?
I'm a hairstylist, maybe I can help you find one?
And doing your eyebrows is easy and quick if you have a wax kit... just painful if you want them done perfectly because you're going to need to pull out the tweezers no matter what. I did mine myself. Just get everything below the eye socket bone, pluck the strays up top, and shape it in an arch. Get some nose hair trimmers and a fine tooth comb, comb out the eyebrows and shave everything that comes above the teeth. If your hair grows like mine (as in... faster than grass after it rains), you'll have to use tweezers to maintenance every day. The maintenance is not as painful as the initial clearing because for some reason, short hairs don't hurt as much, but it is tedious. I spend at least 5-10 minutes a day keeping up with my eyebrows and people compliment me all the time on them.
Go by this guide on how they should look: (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs14.postimage.org%2Fu3yyw2xr1%2Feyebrows.jpg&hash=020ff1a343936bf6c19ab539a0961a2ee23f4ee4) (http://postimage.org/image/u3yyw2xr1/)
Quote from: girl you look fierce on October 23, 2012, 10:34:54 AM
@alaina is trimming the length down normal? Or is it meant for people w/ long or bushy eyebrows? Just curious 'cause I thought I heard some people do that but I wasn't sure where, and I just shape mine personally. :)
Well... if you don't need to trim it you're not gonna cut any off anyways by using the fine tooth comb, it'll keep you from cutting too much :)
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 23, 2012, 10:29:58 AM
I'm a hairstylist, maybe I can help you find one?
And doing your eyebrows is easy and quick if you have a wax kit... just painful if you want them done perfectly because you're going to need to pull out the tweezers no matter what. I did mine myself. Just get everything below the eye socket bone, pluck the strays up top, and shape it in an arch. Get some nose hair trimmers and a fine tooth comb, comb out the eyebrows and shave everything that comes above the teeth. If your hair grows like mine (as in... faster than grass after it rains), you'll have to use tweezers to maintenance every day. The maintenance is not as painful as the initial clearing because for some reason, short hairs don't hurt as much, but it is tedious. I spend at least 5-10 minutes a day keeping up with my eyebrows and people compliment me all the time on them.
Go by this guide on how they should look: (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs14.postimage.org%2Fu3yyw2xr1%2Feyebrows.jpg&hash=020ff1a343936bf6c19ab539a0961a2ee23f4ee4) (http://postimage.org/image/u3yyw2xr1/)
Thanks for the information about my brows, I will have to do this and see how it will look on me. I am not new to pain (just part of the process) so to get it waxed will not be an issue I do not think. Mine are not overly bushy but yes I know that constant maintenance is really key to making it look nice and keep it feminine.
I am still not sure on what I want to do with my hair still? I know that bangs is a must to hide my huge forehead LOL but just not sure which will work for me? I am thinking about this one shown below? not blonde color but maybe a copper brown or a chocolate brown color? So yes ANY suggestions will be greatly appreciated. :-*
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi49.tinypic.com%2F339umis.jpg&hash=418a1239bab002944d0aea602f8315a78bad7e79)
Direct Link: http://i49.tinypic.com/339umis.jpg (http://i49.tinypic.com/339umis.jpg)
That look is definitely a good choice. As you said, bangs help with the forehead and having something flowing and voluminous helps make your shoulders appear less broad -- if that's an issue for you at all! It also has a very natural texture which won't draw too much attention, fits well with a wide age range, and is fairly modern.
As for your hair, what hair color looks best on you depends on your skin tone: warm, cool, or neutral (pale). Warm skin tends to better compliment skin with warm hair colors, like red, blonde, or copper brown, and cool skin tends to sit better with darker colors, like chestnut brown, black, or deep red. If you have very pale skin, it tends to go equally well with anything. Some hair colors can be hard to place, like platinum blonde, and in that case you can always try the sunlight method (I'll explain that below) to see if you like it. The one exception here is dyeing your hair a deep black -- this often looks very off in general because of the way black dye works, especially on someone with a pale tone. If for whatever reason you absolutely must dye your hair black, try to aim for a charcoal like color and be wary of your skin tone and dye with a blue (cool) or red (warm) tint in it.
A good method for finding out what type of skin you have is to find something gold (warm) and something silver (cool) (jewelry, watches, shimmery shirts) and hold them next to your hand in direct sunlight: which one brings out the color of your skin better? I can't tell for certain from your avatar, but for what it's worth, it certainly looks to me like you have a warm skin tone and that your natural hair goes very well with it. At the very end of the day, if you REALLY like a certain color and just want to rock it, I say go for it even if it doesn't "match" -- but you may stick out a little!
I hope this helps!
Edit: here's a link that explains warm and cool a bit better and far more thoroughly than I do: http://styles101.homestead.com/haircolor2.html (http://styles101.homestead.com/haircolor2.html) - on that note, I've seen it argued that there's no such thing as a pale tone, and I can't really vouch for or against it myself: I've seen some pale people who look great in different hair colors and I've seen otherwise. I think it depends on if your skin's tint is a deep purple or yellow (what looks good with "anything") or if it's somewhere in the middle. lol I really hope I'm not overcomplicating this for you!
Something in that general area would look good on you. However I'm pretty sure you don't have that much hair to make it look anything like that (unless you spend a ton of time every other day back combing it). Plus you don't want a lot of volume at your chin because that is a strong feature on you. Anything to divert attention away from the chin would be wonderful. You probably should look for something that tapers down very gradually from the sides (which the cut you've shown does). I'd also go with something shoulder length because you do have a long face, and long hair elongates it further.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 23, 2012, 12:22:38 PM
Something in that general area would look good on you. However I'm pretty sure you don't have that much hair to make it look anything like that (unless you spend a ton of time every other day back combing it). Plus you don't want a lot of volume at your chin because that is a strong feature on you. Anything to divert attention away from the chin would be wonderful. You probably should look for something that tapers down very gradually from the sides (which the cut you've shown does). I'd also go with something shoulder length because you do have a long face, and long hair elongates it further.
Do you have a example that you can show me? seeing it actually will help me better picture it. I like though in what you recommended. It does not look like it since I keep my hair in a pony-tail but I do have quite a bit of hair. And YES I comb it a lot LOL.....
Quote from: Sybil on October 23, 2012, 12:07:33 PM
That look is definitely a good choice. As you said, bangs help with the forehead and having something flowing and voluminous helps make your shoulders appear less broad -- if that's an issue for you at all! It also has a very natural texture which won't draw too much attention, fits well with a wide age range, and is fairly modern.
As for your hair, what hair color looks best on you depends on your skin tone: warm, cool, or neutral (pale). Warm skin tends to better compliment skin with warm hair colors, like red, blonde, or copper brown, and cool skin tends to sit better with darker colors, like chestnut brown, black, or deep red. If you have very pale skin, it tends to go equally well with anything. Some hair colors can be hard to place, like platinum blonde, and in that case you can always try the sunlight method (I'll explain that below) to see if you like it. The one exception here is dyeing your hair a deep black -- this often looks very off in general because of the way black dye works, especially on someone with a pale tone. If for whatever reason you absolutely must dye your hair black, try to aim for a charcoal like color and be wary of your skin tone and dye with a blue (cool) or red (warm) tint in it.
A good method for finding out what type of skin you have is to find something gold (warm) and something silver (cool) (jewelry, watches, shimmery shirts) and hold them next to your hand in direct sunlight: which one brings out the color of your skin better? I can't tell for certain from your avatar, but for what it's worth, it certainly looks to me like you have a warm skin tone and that your natural hair goes very well with it. At the very end of the day, if you REALLY like a certain color and just want to rock it, I say go for it even if it doesn't "match" -- but you may stick out a little!
I hope this helps!
Edit: here's a link that explains warm and cool a bit better and far more thoroughly than I do: http://styles101.homestead.com/haircolor2.html (http://styles101.homestead.com/haircolor2.html) - on that note, I've seen it argued that there's no such thing as a pale tone, and I can't really vouch for or against it myself: I've seen some pale people who look great in different hair colors and I've seen otherwise. I think it depends on if your skin's tint is a deep purple or yellow (what looks good with "anything") or if it's somewhere in the middle. lol I really hope I'm not overcomplicating this for you!
I personally think I am kind of pale, I almost always burn when I am in the sun - I never could tan. I think I have kind of broad shoulders but other say that I do not really so it is hard to say honestly? but anything to help 'hide' that will always be welcome. I was looking at one time to die my hair deep black but I did not want to look like Morticia Gomez either. I do like though the suggestions of a blue or red tint to it. I think that will look great honestly? Thanks for the link as well and when I have bit more time I will have to look at it more in depth.
Your skin looks like it could be pale to me (orange-yellow tint) but cameras and fluorescent lights are kind of misleading that way, so I'm not sure! If you want to go black with your hair, I really do recommend reading that link and learning about tints and the color wheel (it's toward the bottom of the article); some times it can be a lot more complex than just a blue or red tint.
Shoulders are tricky. Knowing if they're broad or not is a matter of proportion to the size of your head, ribs and hips, with hips being I think the biggest indicator. Being overweight also tends to make them look bigger and broader, especially by collecting fat in your upper arms. You can fluff up your hips, butt and abdomen a bit with exercise, too, which helps with the shoulders -- but that's another tangent.
Quote from: Sybil on October 23, 2012, 01:02:40 PM
Your skin looks like it could be pale to me (orange-yellow tint) but cameras and fluorescent lights are kind of misleading that way, so I'm not sure! If you want to go black with your hair, I really do recommend reading that link and learning about tints and the color wheel (it's toward the bottom of the article); some times it can be a lot more complex than just a blue or red tint.
Shoulders are tricky. Knowing if they're broad or not is a matter of proportion to the size of your head, ribs and hips, with hips being I think the biggest indicator. Being overweight also tends to make them look bigger and broader, especially by collecting fat in your upper arms. You can fluff up your hips, butt and abdomen a bit with exercise, too, which helps with the shoulders -- but that's another tangent.
I have not had the chance to really look at that link but later on tonight I probably will. I know you can't really tell from a picture everything about a person so I am sure that just playing around with different colors and see what works for me is what would really tell me what looks good or not? It would be nice if it were as simple as just a blue or red tint but most of the time it is not.
I don't think I am overweight per-say - I am a size 8 right now. although I would not complain about getting down to a size 6! ;D
Okay, I'm glad you'll take a look. I'm crossing my fingers that it helps you out. And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you were overweight or anything like that - I'm a smidge overweight myself and do sit there in the mirror and stare at my shoulders some times feeling uncertain, so I was more speaking from my experiences in order to share them with you. I'm sure you'll get a handle on what's best for you!
Quote from: Sybil on October 23, 2012, 03:39:13 PM
Okay, I'm glad you'll take a look. I'm crossing my fingers that it helps you out. And I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you were overweight or anything like that - I'm a smidge overweight myself and do sit there in the mirror and stare at my shoulders some times feeling uncertain, so I was more speaking from my experiences in order to share them with you. I'm sure you'll get a handle on what's best for you!
I know that you were not trying to imply anything about my weight or what not. Sorry if I came off sounding like you were. I knew what you were trying to say about about if I did have broad shoulders and what I could do to try to minimize that. I am looking at that link now that you sent me and I find is so far very helpful and a lot of useful information. I wanted to take a look at it last night but for work we have a lunch in on Friday so I needed to start to make something for that, and tonight I have my evening class so right now I do not have a lot of time. I will look at it more a bit later on when I have some free time. Thanks again and I am sure that it will work out great for me! /Hugs
-Emily
Quote from: EmilyMI on October 24, 2012, 07:30:08 AM
I know that you were not trying to imply anything about my weight or what not. Sorry if I came off sounding like you were. I knew what you were trying to say about about if I did have broad shoulders and what I could do to try to minimize that. I am looking at that link now that you sent me and I find is so far very helpful and a lot of useful information. I wanted to take a look at it last night but for work we have a lunch in on Friday so I needed to start to make something for that, and tonight I have my evening class so right now I do not have a lot of time. I will look at it more a bit later on when I have some free time. Thanks again and I am sure that it will work out great for me! /Hugs
-Emily
I found this style/hair coloring that I love and I think it will look amazing. Maybe some red tinting will help bring it out a bit more?
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi48.tinypic.com%2F2lvxpwy.jpg&hash=32f1f9ac1bb12f8905ac85dc47f4121182d87fa8)
Black is best on an olive complexion. I can't say you have that going on for you but I can't see your avatar very well. Not to mention if you want to go back, it is VERY difficult and can be damaging to your hair to lift black - let alone black color! The style does suit you fairly well, but the color I would probably go with a level 5 brown and maybe some very subtle level 3 red violet lowlights. I'd probably also get a style that is just *slightly* more voluminous at the sides. You have an elongated face so look for something along those lines. Do not get side swept bangs, yes they are good for elongated faces but you have a strong jawline and that will make it stick out. If you want bangs I would taper them down on the sides to blend in to a side cut that tapers down the jaw... the sides should end just under your jaw like it does in that picture.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 24, 2012, 01:43:32 PM
Black is best on an olive complexion. I can't say you have that going on for you but I can't see your avatar very well. Not to mention if you want to go back, it is VERY difficult and can be damaging to your hair to lift black - let alone black color! The style does suit you fairly well, but the color I would probably go with a level 5 brown and maybe some very subtle level 3 red violet lowlights. I'd probably also get a style that is just *slightly* more voluminous at the sides. You have an elongated face so look for something along those lines. Do not get side swept bangs, yes they are good for elongated faces but you have a strong jawline and that will make it stick out. If you want bangs I would taper them down on the sides to blend in to a side cut that tapers down the jaw... the sides should end just under your jaw like it does in that picture.
Thank you, this helps a lot actually! After what you said that this black color is more for an olive complexion, I can see that now and yes it would not do me justice at all. Ugh.... I can't wait until I can get my FFS done so I can get rid of my jawline and other masculine features of my face.
In the meanwhile, hair helps dramatically. It's astonishing how much a good style can help you pass.
And you're very welcome :)
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 24, 2012, 02:29:30 PM
In the meanwhile, hair helps dramatically. It's astonishing how much a good style can help you pass.
And you're very welcome :)
Not the hair style but is this the type of coloring that you were recommending for me?
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.becomegorgeous.com%2Fimg%2Fuser%2Fd%2F1%2F1%2F4%2Fbarbipixi%2Fanswers%2F50641.jpg&hash=28fe535a5706a06c926aa2555a0b04f44cce4c68)
0r
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.londonbobhairdesign.com%2Fimages%2Fmakeovers%2Fa_reina2_big.jpg&hash=c473a908165f49ce19db1d3ed887b317a89b43c7)
You should stay away from anything that could be seen as black, that includes level 2 / 3 browns. Also, I'd start out lower than your natural color. Red being colored with blonde will turn bright orange after a while. The stylist would have one hell of a guestimate trying to formulate your color, and color correction is expensive. Stick with deposit only (which is lower than your natural color.. which I'm guessing is a level 6).
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 24, 2012, 03:28:07 PM
You should stay away from anything that could be seen as black, that includes level 2 / 3 browns. Also, I'd start out lower than your natural color. Red being colored with blonde will turn bright orange after a while. The stylist would have one hell of a guestimate trying to formulate your color, and color correction is expensive. Stick with deposit only (which is lower than your natural color.. which I'm guessing is a level 6).
OK good to know, would this scale be pretty accurate then to go by?
Link: http://haircolor.wikia.com/wiki/Level_6 (http://haircolor.wikia.com/wiki/Level_6)
Thanks for being so helpful, I am still learning with how to do hair correctly so again thanks :-)
That's a good color scale.
Imagine this http://verohernandez3.blogspot.com/2011/05/lowlights-using-voilet-red.html (http://verohernandez3.blogspot.com/2011/05/lowlights-using-voilet-red.html) with much darker reds. This will make the brown actually look brighter in the sun, yet it'll give your hair depth in low light.
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on October 24, 2012, 03:37:25 PM
That's a good color scale.
Imagine this http://verohernandez3.blogspot.com/2011/05/lowlights-using-voilet-red.html (http://verohernandez3.blogspot.com/2011/05/lowlights-using-voilet-red.html) with much darker reds. This will make the brown actually look brighter in the sun, yet it'll give your hair depth in low light.
This helps out a lot actually. My electrologist actually knows a local stylist who does a lot of work with TG Woman and according to her she is one of the best for finding a style that works for you! so I was going to see if I can get schedule something with her here soon! /crossing fingers....