Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Harlow on March 10, 2014, 06:08:22 PM

Title: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Harlow on March 10, 2014, 06:08:22 PM
(My pill dose has been increased 3 times thus far, obviously can't give dosages. As for the shots I was administered the first shot and haven't picked my prescription up yet as far as being comfortable doing it at home. Any tips would be appreciated, my nurse said she could have a free session to show my partner but he works so much not sure if that will work out)

So I've been taking estradiol sublingual tablets daily for 6 months now and spiro for about 7 months now. My T has dropped to that of female range but my E is still under the 200 mark. So they switched me from the pills to shots.

I just had my first shot today so obviously not noticing anything different. Was just wondering what others who've gone from one to the other have experienced.

Was also wondering what benefits there are between the two.

I haven't told my man yet that he will now be playing Dr.B now. I hope he isn't squeemish  ;D

(His name is Brennan  ;) )
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Catherine Sarah on March 10, 2014, 06:31:04 PM
Hi Harlow,

If you have difficulties with either the effect or administration of the shots, have a chat to your prescribing health professional about oestrogen implants. College Pharmacy of Colorado (google them) have information about them on their website.

Huggs
Catherine
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Tori on March 10, 2014, 06:35:08 PM
I have done weekly, every two weeks and every three weeks with shots. If can be an emotional roller coaster. I enjoy the ride. To each their own though.
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: KayXo on March 10, 2014, 06:36:34 PM
Injectables will usually give much higher levels of estradiol (close to ovulation/mid-cycle and early pregnancy levels) and a ratio of estradiol:estrone similar to that seen in genetic premenopausal women. SHBG and all other liver enzymes, functions will be much less affected so that DVT, pulmonary embolism risks do not increase in contrast to orals where risk is very slightly increased on bio-identicals.  Levels will peak the first 2 days and then gradually decline the next few days. It's usually best to inject every 7 days (to avoid pms symptoms) as levels will become too low thereafter but it depends on the person. Some need to inject sooner, some do fine on 10-14 days at most.

So, overall, more convenient...more estradiol, more natural as it goes directly into blood, no effect on liver parameters.

Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: KayXo on March 10, 2014, 06:38:03 PM
Quote from: Tori on March 10, 2014, 06:35:08 PM
I have done weekly, every two weeks and every three weeks with shots. If can be an emotional roller coaster. I enjoy the ride. To each their own though.

Doesn't have to be if you inject frequently enough but I admit that the peaks during the first couple of days can sorta give you that effect. Happy you're enjoying the ride. In the end, that's what counts the most. That you are fine and happy. :)
Title: Re: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Jennygirl on March 10, 2014, 06:39:52 PM
Quote from: KayXo on March 10, 2014, 06:38:03 PM
Doesn't have to be if you inject frequently enough but I admit that the peaks during the first couple of days can sorta give you that effect. Happy you're enjoying the ride. In the end, that's what counts the most. That you are fine and happy. :)

Huge +1! Couldn't agree more :D
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Jessica Merriman on March 10, 2014, 06:44:30 PM
I am going to inquire about switching from patches to pellets myself. Seems easier. :)
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Harlow on March 10, 2014, 07:17:08 PM
Forgot to mention I was prescribed every 2 weeks. Which I remember was the same way back when before I de-transitioned.

I'm kind of excited I feel this is the way to go :)
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Tori on March 10, 2014, 10:34:51 PM
I love it that way. It does work.

There is a rise at the start and a dip at the end, but I do not notice every cycle. My wife frequently does...

... going from the lowest point to the highest within an hour is crazy and kinda' insane.
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Joan on March 10, 2014, 11:12:09 PM
I'm on injections every two weeks too, and I can feel the effect beginning tail off as the next appointment approaches.

As Tori says, the big smile pretty much immediately after the shot takes a good while go away.

It's so good in fact that it almost scares me a bit sometimes :)

The injections are certainly effective too :)
Title: Re: I'm going from pills to shots! Opinions :)
Post by: Mary81 on March 11, 2014, 10:45:34 AM
I switched from pills to injections a few weeks ago. I am super happy with them. The peak and valley is obviously a bit strange, but I had a lot of problems with the pills so that wasn't such a big issue for me.