I love hormones so much but I hate taking them if that makes any sense at all. But I know they're important for my wellbeing and quality of life and dysphoria so I do it. Over and over. But it sucks that this is my life from now on. I appreciate the blessing of having HRT but I often wish I didn't need them to survive.
Totally understand what you mean. Fortunately I have a sub dermal estrogen implant that only needs to be replaced very six months or so - yes, I'm still essentially taking them, but because I don't have to think about doing it every day it's a bit out if mind.
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 28, 2014, 11:21:22 PM
Totally understand what you mean. Fortunately I have a sub dermal estrogen implant that only needs to be replaced very six months or so - yes, I'm still essentially taking them, but because I don't have to think about doing it every day it's a bit out if mind.
I heard sub dermal was super effective. How is your experience with it?
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about. :)
Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!
Me..fricken..too! So many times a day, it's like...I know it takes literally under a minute but it's a pain in the patooty! I kinda wanna switch to shots, so I can do it less often
When I forgot to take mine a couple of times it was the worst feeling in the world. After the orchi, I am so getting a pellet. It would be amazing to never have to worry about it.
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 12:38:22 AM
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about. :)
Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!
Isn't that excessively high? lol
Quote from: Abbyxo on April 29, 2014, 12:46:13 AM
Me..fricken..too! So many times a day, it's like...I know it takes literally under a minute but it's a pain in the patooty! I kinda wanna switch to shots, so I can do it less often
Yes, girl. A BIG pain. But shots are an actual pain pain thought so idk haha
Quote from: Jill F on April 29, 2014, 12:47:50 AM
When I forgot to take mine a couple of times it was the worst feeling in the world. After the orchi, I am so getting a pellet. It would be amazing to never have to worry about it.
I just double up when I miss one. Idk if that's good or bad lol
Yeah >w< taking hormones is so much work
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 12:38:22 AM
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about. :)
Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!
I don't care what anyone says, the way you take your hormones matters. When I was still using gel, I would always wake up feeling slugging and a little depressed, and I think it's because the dose that gel delivers hits you all at once and then drops off gradually, which is not a good feeling. Since switching to a 3.5 day patch, which delivers a much more consistent dose, I've felt a lot better. I had wanted to try implanted estrogen pellets because I really like the idea of just having a normal supply of estrogen in my body without having to do anything or even think about it, but I had trouble finding anyone in Minnesota that would administer them. But the patch is working pretty well for me, so I'm happy to stick with it for now.
If you don't like to deal with the pill popping, I would definitely recommend looking into the other options. Overall, I think pills are the worst way to take estrogen. There is a higher risk of complications, and it puts your hormone levels on a rollercoaster that might be negatively affecting your mood without you even realizing it.
Yeah me too. I'm currently trying to find a place/Doctor that does pellet implants in my area(Houston/Dallas. I also heard that taking it orally does an extensive amount of damage on liver. Also pellet implant seem to be safer. You could take a lower dose and get better results than you would taking higher doses on pills.
Quote from: PrincessPatience on April 29, 2014, 01:22:51 AM
Yeah me too. I'm currently trying to find a place/Doctor that does pellet implants in my area(Houston/Dallas. I also heard that taking it orally does an extensive amount of damage on liver. Also pellet implant seem to be safer. You could take a lower dose and get better results than you would taking higher doses on pills.
I take my estrogen sublingually so liver damage is not a huge factor. I want to know about pellet in New Orleans. It seems great!
Quote from: PrincessPatience on April 29, 2014, 01:22:51 AM
Yeah me too. I'm currently trying to find a place/Doctor that does pellet implants in my area(Houston/Dallas. I also heard that taking it orally does an extensive amount of damage on liver. Also pellet implant seem to be safer. You could take a lower dose and get better results than you would taking higher doses on pills.
If all else fails, and if I can ever afford it, I might consider going to Dr. Odea (http://gendermedical.com/home/index) in California. Apparently he administers estrogen pellets without any need for a referral. He seems a little sketchy, but I've heard good things said about him here, and so far I haven't found any better options.
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 28, 2014, 11:21:22 PM
Totally understand what you mean. Fortunately I have a sub dermal estrogen implant that only needs to be replaced very six months or so - yes, I'm still essentially taking them, but because I don't have to think about doing it every day it's a bit out if mind.
I did have implant once with Dr.Jones many years ago and I didnt like it with the injction/cut/stiches/scar lol >_< .. so I asked her to have oral tablets (progynova) instead, i dont mind taking it everyday
now i have hormone patch/sticker on my tummy, i have some rash on my tummy now, i will see her next 2 weeks , will ask her if i can change it back to progynova .. its easier for me
Quote from: W-DIANA-W on April 29, 2014, 01:54:25 AM
now i have hormone patch/sticker on my tummy, i have some rash on my tummy now, i will see her next 2 weeks , will ask her if i can change it back to progynova .. its easier for me
Yea, I've heard some people do have issues with getting a rash when using the patch. It's probably the biggest deal breaker that keeps people from sticking with it. Which is too bad because if you're like me and don't get a rash from it, it really is a great and convenient option. You might want to try alternating areas before giving up on it. Always putting the patch on the same area makes it worse.
Don't even get me started about pellets, I will talk your ear off to no end. I should actually probably be some sort of pellet activist.
Add me to the list of people super happy about sub dermals!
Pellets every time! Even better than Bacardi and Coke!!
For your rash, use some 1% Cortisol cream, it is an non prescription item and will give relief quickly.
Quote from: llerret on April 29, 2014, 01:01:20 AM
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 12:38:22 AM
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about. :)
Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!
Isn't that excessively high? lol
Dunno, I think it was even higher three months ago. Doc said the pellet didn't need to be replaced until it went under 800 whatevers so presumably that's the baseline...??
Quote from: Cindy on April 29, 2014, 04:00:07 AM
For your rash, use some 1% Cortisol cream, it is an non prescription item and will give relief quickly.
thank you ! :D
Quote from: Miyuki on April 29, 2014, 02:04:17 AM
Yea, I've heard some people do have issues with getting a rash when using the patch. It's probably the biggest deal breaker that keeps people from sticking with it. Which is too bad because if you're like me and don't get a rash from it, it really is a great and convenient option. You might want to try alternating areas before giving up on it. Always putting the patch on the same area makes it worse.
yes i changed from one spot to another, and still have rash lol :-X
you are so lucky with no rash issue ! ;)
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 04:19:10 AM
Isn't that excessively high? lol
Dunno, I think it was even higher three months ago. Doc said the pellet didn't need to be replaced until it went under 800 whatevers so presumably that's the baseline...??
I think that baseline tends to be higher on pellets and is of course constant, mine is around 800,
Maybe another reason that pellet girls are happy girls :laugh:
While I can understand the frustration of having to take the hormones in pill form, (oh for a magic wand to give me the form I so truley desire). Take it from someone who has been on medication for the majority of their life, it will become mundane and you soon will not notice it. They are just one more on the pile of medication I take to get through the day
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 04:19:10 AM
Dunno, I think it was even higher three months ago. Doc said the pellet didn't need to be replaced until it went under 800 whatevers so presumably that's the baseline...??
He's expecting mine to be around the 400s.
And yes, I hate popping pills, so I switched to a pellet as well.
Sometimes I get tired of popping the pills, but after waiting to do this for 40+ years I'm still more grateful than bothered. I think it's amazing how much those little pills can do.
Jane
I don't mind the taking it that much, but I have a TERRIBLE memory. I'm lucky I ended up on the patch, so at least I only have to remember to "take" it twice a week (and sometimes I still forget for a day or so, oops). Oh, and the rash was a problem for me until I started scrubbing the area with rubbing alcohol first; for me at least, I was getting a rash from soap/dust/skin oils/etc. being trapped under the patch.
I take so many medications, that hormones are "just one more". I don't mind taking them, but I DO Hate "Needing" to take them, I wish estrogen was naturally flowing through my body.
:)
Quote from: Jenna Marie on April 29, 2014, 06:29:21 PM
I don't mind the taking it that much, but I have a TERRIBLE memory. I'm lucky I ended up on the patch, so at least I only have to remember to "take" it twice a week (and sometimes I still forget for a day or so, oops). Oh, and the rash was a problem for me until I started scrubbing the area with rubbing alcohol first; for me at least, I was getting a rash from soap/dust/skin oils/etc. being trapped under the patch.
my hubby told me to use medical wipe to clean up first , but still some rash (bleeding sometimes) because of the dirt/black sticky thingy that i had to scrub off everytime ughhh >_< .. i want to continue using patch , will see, maybe i will use it again tomorrow night (every Thurs night & Mon morning)
also my gyn doctor told me to use the cream insert inside vagina, i feel a bit tickle lol, so i dont use it often >:-)
I got switched to shots last week. In fact, today is my day to give myself my second shot, in about an hour or so.
I like it way better than taking sublingual estrogen. 4x a day sucks compared to 1x a week, even though I now have to stick a 1.5" needle into my thigh to get my hormones.
I also feel much better, and another thing is my nipples hurt -way- more than before I went on shots, and they already hurt before.
Still twice daily on spiro but I can deal with that.
Quote from: Sarah Louise on April 29, 2014, 06:34:42 PM
I take so many medications, that hormones are "just one more". I don't mind taking them, but I DO Hate "Needing" to take them, I wish estrogen was naturally flowing through my body.
:)
It probably helps that we had that 'discipline'? beforehand. But yes why do we NEED to take them. Oh why did all of us on this thread inherit the stupid annoying distasteful even 'y' chromosome
Quote from: immortal gypsy on April 29, 2014, 06:49:44 PM
It probably helps that we had that 'discipline'? beforehand. But yes why do we NEED to take them. Oh why did all of us on this thread inherit the stupid annoying distasteful even 'y' chromosome
As far as it pertains to the subject at hand, I don't feel any resentment over my chromosomes when it comes to hormones. The only time I am ever even reminded I am even on HRT is when it is pellet implantation day (which happens only 3 days a year). If you struggle with pills/patches/shots, I highly highly recommend checking implantables out with your endo.
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 29, 2014, 06:53:46 PM
As far as it pertains to the subject at hand, I don't feel any resentment over my chromosomes when it comes to hormones. The only time I am ever even reminded I am even on HRT is when it is pellet implantation day (which happens only 3 days a year). If you struggle with pills/patches/shots, I highly highly recommend checking implantables out with your endo.
Jenny .. what if i get implant (again) and I can do VFS with Dr.Kim , i have to stop taking hormone 2 weeks prior before operation .
is that mean i have to ask my gyn to take implant out ? what do you reckon ???
Quote from: DianaVV on April 29, 2014, 06:57:50 PM
Jenny .. what if i get implant (again) and I can do VFS with Dr.Kim , i have to stop taking hormone 2 weeks prior before operation .
is that mean i have to ask my gyn to take implant out ? what do you reckon ???
The way I timed it I was nearing the end of a treatment cycle, but Dr. Kim said not to worry about pellet implants at all- they don't have nearly the same clotting risk. That said, I probably wouldn't go under the knife for anything right after a fresh implantation.
There is a slightly higher risk of clotting with high levels of estradiol, but not nearly the same as oral which converts to estrone in the liver (this is where the severe clotting risks come from as I understand it). High levels of estrone = gnarly side effects
It doesn't bother me too much. It's only annoying when I am on the run and forgot to take them. Then I got to take everything at once sublingually which is just a minor inconvenience but annoying all the same. Overall, I wish I could get off the pills, but it's the only method that would work for me. Patches are just irritating and not as effective from what I hear, injections are terrifying for me, and pellets are way out of my budget. I literally pay no copay for my oral estradiol and spiro, so that was the deciding factor for me other than my fear of needles. If only there was a way to get pellets covered by insurance.
Quote from: learningtolive on April 29, 2014, 07:16:05 PM
If only there was a way to get pellets covered by insurance.
True that. Then I might actually GET insurance ;)
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 29, 2014, 07:08:09 PM
The way I timed it I was nearing the end of a treatment cycle, but Dr. Kim said not to worry about pellet implants at all- they don't have nearly the same clotting risk. That said, I probably wouldn't go under the knife for anything right after a fresh implantation.
There is a slightly higher risk of clotting with high levels of estradiol, but not nearly the same as oral which converts to estrone in the liver (this is where the severe clotting risks come from as I understand it). High levels of estrone = gnarly side effects
oh yes, thats so true, about the clotting , thanks Jenny ! ;D
Though, is clotting a big risk considering that even higher doses are fairly minimal in the grand scheme of things? Just wondering what the real chances of developing dvt are. My endo is super aware of clotting and probably only put me on the dose that I am because I'm younger and don't seem to show problematic signs conducive to clotting. Still feel concerned about it all though because she told me one of her patients had a stroke. Kinda scares me a bit.
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 29, 2014, 07:19:33 PM
True that. Then I might actually GET insurance ;)
Yeah, it seems like it's more in the experimental phase right now, right? I've been intrigued by many here, but it seems like its all still a new way of administering hrt. It seems like very few endos do it that way (I notice almost everyone that does it is from Australia excluding Jenny). Maybe I'm wrong in that which is very possible because I know very little on the subject. If it were more widely available and more affordable, I would really consider switching over. I'm not too fond on using oral forever.
yeah the implant one is quite pricey .. i cant remember how much does it cost here, around AUD$150+ i think ... and medicare doesn't cover
I've been on little 3.5 day patches. They work great for me but soon I'm going to a pellet so there is nothing to think about or change.
Quote from: learningtolive on April 29, 2014, 07:46:49 PM
Yeah, it seems like it's more in the experimental phase right now, right? I've been intrigued by many here, but it seems like its all still a new way of administering hrt. It seems like very few endos do it that way (I notice almost everyone that does it is from Australia excluding Jenny). Maybe I'm wrong in that which is very possible because I know very little on the subject. If it were more widely available and more affordable, I would really consider switching over. I'm not too fond on using oral forever.
Actually pellets have been around since the 1930s :D
http://www.collegepharmacy.com/images/download/PelletFAQ.pdf
This document is a great read for anyone interested!
It doesn't bother me at all, taking pills. I'm not allowed to get delestrogen anyway. The endo said me E levels would get too high. But, the orals work well in any event, so whatevs. The only thing that bothers me is like I was at my BFs for five days straight and didn't want to go home to get me hormones. I don't think it had any effect. And it's not like it happens all the time. I'm pretty good with taking them, except when I sleep out. I might start carrying a replacement stash in my purse for these types of things.
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 29, 2014, 09:12:24 PM
Actually pellets have been around since the 1930s :D
http://www.collegepharmacy.com/images/download/PelletFAQ.pdf
This document is a great read for anyone interested!
Will read, lol.
Like I said, I'm the worst with this stuff. I feel like every other transwoman is like a specialist when it comes to hormones and all I know is I take those blue pill thingys a few times a day, lol.
I like taking them at the moment. The happy blue pills.
Reminds me of the long and hard road I had to take to get this far. Each is one more step closer.
I love it and how I feel. :)
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 29, 2014, 09:12:24 PM
Actually pellets have been around since the 1930s :D
http://www.collegepharmacy.com/images/download/PelletFAQ.pdf
This document is a great read for anyone interested!
That's right. My endo told me it was just that they went out of style for a while for injections and pills and whatnot but are coming back in again.
ughh I really despise taking the pills, can't afford shots and my doc doesn't offer pellets anyways..REALLY SUCKS
end rant
Quote from: Ms Grace on April 30, 2014, 05:50:02 AM
That's right. My endo told me it was just that they went out of style for a while for injections and pills and whatnot but are coming back in again.
It does seem like that!
Let's hope that the demand increases which would drive cost down and possibly get them covered under insurance ;)
That'll be the day!
I'm hoping to get on pellets eventually. I'm barely more than a month in right now though and my E is only about 178, my Doc says I need to be somewhere between 300 and 800. So once my E level gets to where it needs to be and my dosage stops getting adjusted, I'm going to try to get on pellets.
Quote from: Jessika Lin on April 30, 2014, 10:31:33 AM
I'm hoping to get on pellets eventually. I'm barely more than a month in right now though and my E is only about 178, my Doc says I need to be somewhere between 300 and 800. So once my E level gets to where it needs to be and my dosage stops getting adjusted, I'm going to try to get on pellets.
You are still very early in the game. Give it some more time, and let your endo do adjustments as they see fit. Eventually, things should get better.
Free E levels don't mean much at all because they don't measure how much E is actually getting absorbed... (only you will know this by the way you feel). So I wouldn't worry too much about it- especially if you are planning on switching to pellets. I would say go for them as soon as your endo will let you.
My endo started me on a high dose of pellets, and I've never had anything but... never had a single negative side effect physical or mental. The craziest part, I've never had my E or T level checked... there is no need! It is pretty useless information.
I think the bottom line is, don't let endos push you around. If you don't think you're getting the care you deserve, don't just "take their word for it" and let them gatekeep you. There is a lot of BS methodology leftover from the old methods (or lack thereof really), so if you feel held back it might be time to find someone else who knows more / cares more about their transgender clients.
Did I not warn about getting me started? ;)
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 30, 2014, 11:19:33 AM
Did I not warn about getting me started? ;)
I, for one, do not mind in the slightest Jenny!
Offtopic: Btw, Dr O'Dea's site is great. I took a look at it a while ago and got some great info from it!
Sidenote: I haven't even seen my Endo yet, the waiting list is SO SO long! Fortunately my regular Dr. is willing to walk this path with me or I would have gone bonkers long ago!
Hmm...four exclaimation marks in one post...maybe I'm starting to go bonkers after all... :laugh:
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 30, 2014, 11:19:33 AM
Free E levels don't mean much at all because they don't measure how much E is actually getting absorbed... (only you will know this by the way you feel). So I wouldn't worry too much about it- especially if you are planning on switching to pellets. I would say go for them as soon as your endo will let you.
My endo started me on a high dose of pellets, and I've never had anything but... never had a single negative side effect physical or mental. The craziest part, I've never had my E or T level checked... there is no need! It is pretty useless information.
I think the bottom line is, don't let endos push you around. If you don't think you're getting the care you deserve, don't just "take their word for it" and let them gatekeep you. There is a lot of BS methodology leftover from the old methods (or lack thereof really), so if you feel held back it might be time to find someone else who knows more / cares more about their transgender clients.
Did I not warn about getting me started? ;)
Wow you nailed it. I find the medical establishment leans toward the apathetic side to our health interest, taking a too restrictively cautious and drawn out grace period wait and see approach to see if we'll change our minds during the course of what basically amounts to ineffectual starting treatments.
Load this bitch up already!
I've had to take pills for various things to keep myself healthy almost all my life. What's one or two more? :-\
Quote from: Evelyn K on April 30, 2014, 12:17:07 PM
Wow you nailed it. I find the medical establishment leans toward the apathetic side to our health interest, taking a too restrictively cautious and drawn out grace period wait and see approach to see if we'll change our minds during the course of what basically amounts to ineffectual starting treatments.
Load this bitch up already!
Yeah, this is very true and very wrong, if the person knows their stuff, to treat a patient. If the patient is lackadaisical and iffy about HRT, then maybe a more cautious approach would be correct. For me, I self-medicated before starting treatment on a moderate to low dose (though it worked very well), so when I went to the Mazzoni Center, I was seen very quickly and put on a high (or higher dose) than most patients. At least that's what he said. He's a great doctor but he won't allow me to have injectable E (delestrogen), as he feels I'm developing perfectly, there's no need and some other reason I don't get.
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 30, 2014, 11:19:33 AM
Free E levels don't mean much at all because they don't measure how much E is actually getting absorbed... (only you will know this by the way you feel). So I wouldn't worry too much about it- especially if you are planning on switching to pellets. I would say go for them as soon as your endo will let you.
My endo started me on a high dose of pellets, and I've never had anything but... never had a single negative side effect physical or mental. The craziest part, I've never had my E or T level checked... there is no need! It is pretty useless information.
I think the bottom line is, don't let endos push you around. If you don't think you're getting the care you deserve, don't just "take their word for it" and let them gatekeep you. There is a lot of BS methodology leftover from the old methods (or lack thereof really), so if you feel held back it might be time to find someone else who knows more / cares more about their transgender clients.
Did I not warn about getting me started? ;)
I agree with this, though I'm one of those people that are fairly uninformed on endocrinology. It's sort of pathetic given the fact that I depend on this medication and my entire family works in medical (and I used to give blood work results to patients myself), but what are you going to do, lol. Sadly, this leaves me dependent on what my doctor says without really knowing if it's right or wrong. For example, I've been told pellets are more experimental and I've never been in the position to question it. Luckily, I'm finally on the right dosage for myself, but I wish I had more control over the method of hrt that I use (though I will only switch to pellets once they are more affordable).
Quote from: Joanna Dark on April 30, 2014, 12:58:17 PM
Yeah, this is very true and very wrong, if the person knows their stuff, to treat a patient. If the patient is lackadaisical and iffy about HRT, then maybe a more cautious approach would be correct. For me, I self-medicated before starting treatment on a moderate to low dose (though it worked very well), so when I went to the Mazzoni Center, I was seen very quickly and put on a high (or higher dose) than most patients. At least that's what he said. He's a great doctor but he won't allow me to have injectable E (delestrogen), as he feels I'm developing perfectly, there's no need and some other reason I don't get.
That sucks that he is dictating how you administer hrt, but at the very least you are having results, right?
Quote from: Evelyn K on April 30, 2014, 12:17:07 PM
Wow you nailed it. I find the medical establishment leans toward the apathetic side to our health interest, taking a too restrictively cautious and drawn out grace period wait and see approach to see if we'll change our minds during the course of what basically amounts to ineffectual starting treatments.
Load this bitch up already!
It's funny because my endo acted like starting hrt was like the matrix. Like you either take the red or blue pill and there is no going back,lol. No exactly true, especially early in the game. Though she was cautious because she had a trans patient that had a stroke, so it took me forever to get where I am now.
Quote from: learningtolive on April 30, 2014, 01:48:58 PM
That sucks that he is dictating how you administer hrt, but at the very least you are having results, right?
It doesn't bother me. I wouldn't call it dictating since I have various co-concurring intersex conditions and he is wary of my E levels being too high and my T dropping too low. It's more expensive anyway and if breast growth is used as an indicator of the quality of transition, then my transition is miraculous lol My Free T was 182 at baseline, which is extremely low and at the level of a woman with PCOS. I blame my primary condition, De La Chapelle Syndrome, for my being transsexual. I also do not tell people I am intersexed usually, excpet for my BF, since it is really complicated and in the end, doesn't really matter. Either way I am a transsexual. All things being equal, I wish I wasn't intersexed as then I wouldn't have had to spend so much time in the hospital as a child. I was supposed to be the hospital all year when I was 3, but my mom AMA'd me because I was already a very emotional child and she was frightened of me being left alone there all night, every night. It gets even more depressing, but am trying to forget all that. it doesn't matter anymore.
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 30, 2014, 11:19:33 AM
Free E levels don't mean much at all because they don't measure how much E is actually getting absorbed... (only you will know this by the way you feel). So I wouldn't worry too much about it- especially if you are planning on switching to pellets. I would say go for them as soon as your endo will let you.
My endo started me on a high dose of pellets, and I've never had anything but... never had a single negative side effect physical or mental. The craziest part, I've never had my E or T level checked... there is no need! It is pretty useless information.
I think the bottom line is, don't let endos push you around. If you don't think you're getting the care you deserve, don't just "take their word for it" and let them gatekeep you. There is a lot of BS methodology leftover from the old methods (or lack thereof really), so if you feel held back it might be time to find someone else who knows more / cares more about their transgender clients.
Did I not warn about getting me started? ;)
Thanks Jennygirl I downloaded and will read the document later.
I really do hate taking the pills. I'm going to ask my Endo at my next appointment about shots. Patches don't work for me cause they won't stay on, no matter how well I clean the area beforehand. Must be my Native American skin, lol!! Though my last recent bloodwork showed great E levels & very low T, and that for my age with the exception of my chronic pain issue I'm in extreemly great health, I do worry about clotting and liver damage. I'd love to have the pellets but in my case I'm afraid I'll have to stick to what my insurance covers. I've waited sooooooo long for this though, I'll take whatever form I can get my E in. I just hope the shots are covered. :icon_flower:
Does anyone have a USD amount per pellet & implant cost? I read the cost on that pdf, and it doesn't give a dollar amount.
O'Dea charges somewhere around $75usd per pellet and that is with implantation.
Lower doses last longer, so they are much much cheaper. Higher doses need to be replaced more frequently, so they are vastly more expensive.
You could probably compare a low dose of pellets (2-4 pellets) to a high dose of oral HRT in terms of feminization. With that few of pellets, you could likely go about 6 months in between implantations... Meaning as low as $150 every 6 months. A more moderate dose of 4 pellets would be $300 every 6 months or roughly $50 a month.
Considering how very little estradiol (by weight) goes into your body, it is by far the most efficient way to do it.
It is, believe it or not, a rather large trigger topic for me when I think about endocrinologists prescribing oral HRT at all. I believe that all hormone methods (except for pellets) plague our community with a host of nasty side effects... which leaves a lot of people blaming themselves. Soo messed up and sad if you ask me :( The fact of the matter is that most endocrinologists don't care enough or have been taught not to question the medical literature (which is a joke when it comes to transgender care). And there are enough of us who don't question as well, and we end up depressed, anxious, tired, screaming, and sometimes hospitalized unless monitored closely (luckily at least endos seem to be good at this). Pellets solve all of those problems, though; they are the closest things we can have to ovaries.. And [big surprise] they are incredibly effective, safe, and use just the tiniest amount of estradiol for the greatest effect.
What I wish would happen first is to see doctors stop pushing E levels and T levels on their patients. It is SUCH a waste of everyones time, money, and anxiety. What they need to be focusing on is our happiness, not some numbers on a chart or whether negatives outweigh positives. With the right treatment, there are no negatives
Ignorant ltl is coming for more schooling, lol.
Don't e and t levels matter though? I thought the goal was to get your body at a certain level in order to ensure the changes happen, am I wrong?
If 2-4 pellets are comparable to a high dose of oral hrt, you may have just won me over. I'm not a fan of paying 50 dollars a month, but hell that isn't so bad and I can find a way around that once I'm back at work. Do you have any further information on this? I'm seriously going to look into this now considering it's not all that bad price wise compared to what I originally thought.
And one last thing, do you know how one would go about finding an endocrinologist that uses this method? It seems it's hard enough to find a trans friendly endo and most don't seem to use pellets. I'm sure there is bound to be someone in the NY area, but I've got no idea.
P.S. Sorry for all the questions, but you've really piqued my interest.
Quote from: Lady_Oracle on April 30, 2014, 06:32:01 AM
ughh I really despise taking the pills, can't afford shots and my doc doesn't offer pellets anyways..REALLY SUCKS
end rant
My injectable, that I get from a compounding pharmacy, only costs me about $125 a year including supplies (syringes, alcohol pads and band-aids).
Mattie- you just have to search around by calling. You might get lucky and find one in your area. Even if they end up being a little far, you only have to make the trip a few times a year, so not really that big of a deal. There is actually someone on the forums that flies from the UK to see my endo for treatment ;) I know a big part for you is cost though, so I can understand why they would need to be close.
I'm happy to have sparked your interest :) If you can somehow manage it I can say with nearly 100% confidence you won't regret it!
god I want pellets now... I've been on the near maximum oral estradiol for so long now and my T levels still aren't dropping below low male levels
New doctor tomorrow, maybe he'll be able to refer me to an endo that can do it in St. Louis
Quote from: Evelyn K on April 30, 2014, 12:17:07 PM
Wow you nailed it. I find the medical establishment leans toward the apathetic side to our health interest, taking a too restrictively cautious and drawn out grace period wait and see approach to see if we'll change our minds during the course of what basically amounts to ineffectual starting treatments.
I would like to disagree on that. In the world of health care, there are agreed/accepted standards of care. These are supposedly supported by evidence based treatments and outcomes. To go counter to that, is to invite major trouble should something go wrong.
We, as patients are often very pushy for treatment _our_ way, and when we get it _our_ way and it goes wrong, well, it's the treating doctors fault right? They should know best, even if we insist differently right? You can understand the reticence of the high level of caution (AKA CYA, cover-your-A**) that treating doctors go by, given the current medico-legal climate. On the other hand, it does mean that a lot of stuffing around happens as a result of caution.
In other words, if you find health care providers overly cautious, blame the lawyers!! j/k ;D
Quote from: Jennygirl on April 30, 2014, 09:42:21 PM
Lower doses last longer, so they are much much cheaper. Higher doses need to be replaced more frequently, so they are vastly more expensive.
You could probably compare a low dose of pellets (2-4 pellets) to a high dose of oral HRT in terms of feminization. With that few of pellets, you could likely go about 6 months in between implantations... Meaning as low as $150 every 6 months. A more moderate dose of 4 pellets would be $300 every 6 months or roughly $50 a month.
If my Dr is willing to offer pellets as an option at comparable prices I think it'll be a no-brainer for me! I'm wondering though, what kind of oral dose would 2-4 pellets be equivalent to?
Quote from: luna nyan on May 01, 2014, 06:17:11 AM
I would like to disagree on that. In the world of health care, there are agreed/accepted standards of care. These are supposedly supported by evidence based treatments and outcomes. To go counter to that, is to invite major trouble should something go wrong.
We, as patients are often very pushy for treatment _our_ way, and when we get it _our_ way and it goes wrong, well, it's the treating doctors fault right? They should know best, even if we insist differently right? You can understand the reticence of the high level of caution (AKA CYA, cover-your-A**) that treating doctors go by, given the current medico-legal climate. On the other hand, it does mean that a lot of stuffing around happens as a result of caution.
In other words, if you find health care providers overly cautious, blame the lawyers!! j/k ;D
I get it with standards of care, thing is the medical establishment hasn't reached a consensus on -our- standard of care except for whats currently out there by the W.H.O. Not every doctor is following the W.H.O transsexual guidelines.
It's true however at least in the US the lawyers will ultimately dictate how slow or fast your treatments are going to go. The physicians are nothing but a proxy.
Given such, what Jennygirl said is right on and deserves a repost and highlight!
"I think the bottom line is, don't let endos push you around. If you don't think you're getting the care you deserve, don't just "take their word for it" and let them gatekeep you. There is a lot of BS methodology leftover from the old methods (or lack thereof really), so if you feel held back it might be time to find someone else who knows more / cares more about their transgender clients."Wherever possible, make sure you get a 2d and 3rd opinion so your transition isn't pidgeonholed to some quack who isn't up-to-date themselves (or paranoid).
Though I won't see him again until the 1st week of June, I can contact my Endo through a special Web Portal he has setup for his patients for Q&A, Med Records & Bloodwork Analysis, Refills, etc. I'm going to ask him both about the pellets and shots. Anytime I can take less pills per day I'm a happy girl. And I'm becoming more and more concerned about my liver.
Ally :icon_flower:
Jessika- we can't discuss oral dosages because it could lead to people using the information for self medicating.
On that note, I want to thank everyone for keeping oral dosage information out of this thread, y'all are some great posters!
Also I'm relieved to see that so many people see my point. Every time I hear of someone switching to pellets, I get the warm n fuzzies because I know how much happier and better off you will be. That in turn makes me happy too :D
Ever since I made my 1st and only mistake my 3rd day as a member Jennygirl I've been real careful about that, and I've even stopped a few newer members later on from making the same mistake. I'm very thankful for the info on the pellets. I didn't even know they existed until reading this thread. And of course anything I can do to make my transition more comfortable and effective I'm happy to do it. I just don't know yet if my Endo offers the pellets, or the shots. I just hate having to take so many pills per day so if I'm able to cut down on that and protect my liver at the same time sounds like a win win to me.
Ally :icon_flower:
I started with my doctor giving me shots (hated it), then added the patch (hated it), then gave myself shots (hated it more), then gel (didn't like). The combo of Estro & Spiro have been my favorite. Now, pills and gel is too overwhelming for my system. I get my bloodwork at least once a year. So far so good. :)
Quote from: Beyond on May 01, 2014, 02:46:37 AM
My injectable, that I get from a compounding pharmacy, only costs me about $125 a year including supplies (syringes, alcohol pads and band-aids).
OMG could you pm the details of this pharmacy. I have an appointment coming up with my doc super soon, definitely will talk to her about it! I have hope yay ;D!!
Jennygirl: Could I get pellets from a compounding pharmacy??
There used to be two places in the US, but due to higher restrictions the one in Chicago doesn't do them anymore. So, we are left with the place in Colorado.. It's the same place as the document I linked earlier. I'm pretty sure this is where most endocrinologists (even internationally) get their pellets from!
HOORAY! sooo excited for my appointment now. Can't wait to talk to my doc about pellets. The cool thing is my docs do prescribe pellets but they don't offer it in estrogen. I feel kind of dumb now, since I just remembered they did recommend me a compounding pharmacy for shots but I never followed up on it.
Thanks for the info! HUGS! <3
Is there any difference to a doctor who does cis pellet therapy vs trans pellet therapy? Will most endo doctors who do ciswomen accommodate transwomen as well? I found a couple of doctors here who do pellet therapy here in the Houston area. Like this guy http://www.drstlaurent.com/hormone-replacement.html
Quote from: PrincessPatience on May 02, 2014, 12:23:31 PM
Is there any difference to a doctor who does cis pellet therapy vs trans pellet therapy? Will most endo doctors who do ciswomen accommodate transwomen as well? I found a couple of doctors here who do pellet therapy here in the Houston area. Like this guy http://www.drstlaurent.com/hormone-replacement.html
If I had to guess, I would think the main difference would be that they wouldn't necessarily know the right dosage or have experience with the higher doses necessary to feminize a body. They might not be comfortable with it, but it's
definitely worth a shot! I think Dr. O'Dea recommends a minimum of 3 if I remember correctly.
Dr. O'Dea mentioned at some point that he had heard other endocrinologists in LA were afraid to prescribe more than 4 at a time. I am on the max he will give, which is 12 :o For cis females, the amount would be 1. I'm not sure what O'Dea's post op care is like, not quite there yet... but I'm working on it ;)
Do not post links of pharmacies to get medication, that is against ToS and I shall impose penalties.
Cindy
Quote from: Jennygirl on May 03, 2014, 03:06:03 AM
Dr. O'Dea mentioned at some point that he had heard other endocrinologists in LA were afraid to prescribe more than 4 at a time. I am on the max he will give, which is 12 :o
Do you think there's really any benefit from a dose that high? If what you said earlier was correct, twelve pellets would be four times as potent as a high dose oral regimen. I'm not an expert, but from what I understand, your body only has so many estrogen receptors, and at a certain point you would just saturate them so that any additional estrogen just wouldn't get used. Also, wouldn't a really high dose like that significantly increase your risk of breast cancer?