Hi, I just joined this site, hence my recent post in the introductions. My name is Cara. I am going to see a specialist who is trans friendly this week to start HRT. My therapist is faxing a letter over their office for me. I'm curious though. What kind of approach should I have with the doctor about how to start. I'm interested in taking Estradiol and Spironolactone. I'm in the USA. Is there anything that may be better to start with or are those two a good choice for me? I am extremely healthy and I stopped drinking Alcohol 8 days ago. I only consume one or two caffeinated beverages per week. I also signed up for unlimited YOGA at a local studio in order to facilitate the transition. I plan to post to this forum about my blood tests results, feelings on hormones, results and anything else that comes up related to HRT. I'm going to be reading through this forum alot. I want to pickup on ANYTHING that will enhance the results. I want to feminize myself as completely as possible and I'm a true believer in the power of the mind,body and spirit.
Just be honest and write down any question you feel important.
Seems we go brain dead when we are at the doctors.
Not ME! I'm full of questions. I always share my intentions. I'm just wondering what other girls' regiments seem to have been the most effective for them. I'm just curious. I know there are an almost endless combination of t-blockers and estrogen types to administer someone but I don't want to short change myself, especially in the beginning by taking some generic setup that just doesn't measure up to something else that may be even more effective. I suppose this is an open ended topic. I'll be certain to let you all know what I end up starting on and how things go. Thanks again!
I have found that while my Doctor is very experienced with trans patients, he values my opinion too and assumes I am well informed (as many trans patients are). I remind him when labs are due, prescriptions need renewing etc. I ask for letters when I need them. He is openly interested in my wellbeing and that is always his first question - "how are you?" I am always open and honest. For the doctor-patient relationship to work (and it is your health we are talking about), it must be about great 2-way communication. I have been to similarly qualified doctors who just rubbed me up the wrong way and I moved on until I found one I wanted on my support team (primary care doctor, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, speech therapist and wife!). He hasn't given me a single moment to doubt that he is a good one. I do see him every 2 weeks for allergy shots so we are getting to know each other pretty well!
With regard to HRT, I asked for the average dose to get done what I need done. There has been no need to change E (hit the target level inside 3 months) but I was moved off spiro recently as my blood pressure started to get too low. It did the right thing for my T levels but caused other issues. My Doctor did say it was nice to not have to fiddle with dosages as it made the process much harder. However, everyone is different and you really need to be willing to observe, communicate and listen
Emma.
Hi Cara,
The general consensus is to move towards bio identical E. My endo uses estradiol valerate (progynova), along with spironolactone. Cyproterone acetate isn't as popular in Aussie land as our PBS doesn't cover it as well.
Most endos will start on one drug, see what happens, then start the other for safety reasons.
Work with your endo, be clear bout your aims, and you'll find that help will be coming your way. It's when there is no end point in mind that Docs get worried.
Good luck!
Quote from: luna nyan on August 03, 2014, 08:46:23 AM
Hi Cara,
The general consensus is to move towards bio identical E. My endo uses estradiol valerate (progynova), along with spironolactone. Cyproterone acetate isn't as popular in Aussie land as our PBS doesn't cover it as well.
Most endos will start on one drug, see what happens, then start the other for safety reasons.
Work with your endo, be clear bout your aims, and you'll find that help will be coming your way. It's when there is no end point in mind that Docs get worried.
Good luck!
I don't think CPA is available in the US. Likely I'll be on Spiro for blocking the testosterone. I hear they are equivalent. As far as estrogen. Not sure, but BIO-Identical is what I personally want.
Spiro is good and with it I use Estradiol Cypionate and Progesterone. No complaints here! :)
Sounds great! Well, I'll be sure to let you know what I end up on.
Welcome ^ definitely keep us posted I just started spiro on Friday
I am here in the US as well if you need advice or help on insurance etc. you can private message me
What was your experience finding out you were trans if you don't mind me asking and approximately how old are you?
Quote from: Kassie on August 03, 2014, 06:45:38 PM
Welcome ^ definitely keep us posted I just started spiro on Friday
I am here in the US as well if you need advice or help on insurance etc. you can private message me
What was your experience finding out you were trans if you don't mind me asking and approximately how old are you?
This is my introduction post:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,170601.0/topicseen.html
I've known I am female most of my life. I learned the term 'trans' when I was 15. I am 35 years old. I would be happy to PM you later tonight. ATM, I'm getting ready to leave for Yoga classes. Thanks!
Two more days until D-Day! YAY! The excitement and nervousness are building in me. Arrrrrrrghh!
Just remember there is always a chance you will not walk out the first day with a script. Some doctors will not write them until blood test results are back making appointment two the one where you get them provided nothing is wrong with your blood work. Not being a downer just saying it is possible you will not get them appointment one. I hope you do though!! :)
Yeah, I thought about that. I had a blood test done a while back. I had the results copied and put in an envelope for me. I'm very healthy. I think there is a good possibility I will walk out there with something. Anyway, if so, tomorrow will be that day. :)
Well, I just got my first prescriptions. I got Estradiol and Spiro. I already took them at 10am today, (of course!). I will admit there seems to be a bit of calmness that has washed over me a few hours later. I'm very excited about what changes occur over the next three months when I'm scheduled to go back to get my dosages bumped up. Plus he said that he would add in Finasteride. Anyway, I'm very thankful that I'm finally on HRT. Now, I just need everyone to stop calling me dude and man, lol.... :)
You're on your way then! Congrats.
Now for the really hard part... Waiting...
I'm wondering how long it'll be before your first post questioning the sanity of your endo when you don't sprout C cups overnight. :D
Congrats. Keep us posted. Hugs Shannon