Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Madeline182 on August 17, 2014, 06:36:16 AM

Title: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: Madeline182 on August 17, 2014, 06:36:16 AM
I didn't get blood work done before I started my regimen of weekly e injections and daily spiro, because at the time I couldn't afford the cost of the rest and the hrt at the same time.  Tomorrow I am visiting my NP to get a baseline established. 
I'll ask him the same question, but I'd like to know how y'all feel about the results of these tests and how much one should read into them.  At the beginning he said that typically he likes to run these test at least twice within the first three months and every three months after that.  I'm not against this, but how long should I expect to go on with doing blood work?
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: KayXo on August 17, 2014, 09:22:52 AM
I've been on hormones for more than 10 yrs now and I have bloodwork yearly. Seems to be the norm to have it done quite frequently at first and then less and less often as time passes. Depends on your doctor too and probably on your health.
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: Ltl89 on August 17, 2014, 09:33:50 AM
I was doing every three months after getting established.  Now, it seems my doctor wants every 6 months.  This may change, however, as I'm going to see a new doctor for a consult in order to discuss switching from pills to injections.  As for results, pay attention to your levels because that's important; although, keep in mind that they fluctuate.  MY e levels went from 110-120, 70 to 140 with doing nothing different.   Just make sure they are in the proper range in general (for example, 70 is way too low).
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: KayXo on August 17, 2014, 09:40:24 AM
Quote from: learningtolive on August 17, 2014, 09:33:50 AM
although, keep in mind that they fluctuate.

Usually a lot more on injections and especially sublingual than other routes.

QuoteJust make sure they are in the proper range in general (for example, 70 is way too low).

Range in ciswomen during menstrual cycle can be anywhere between 20 and up to 650 pg/ml. During pregnancy, from about 1,000 pg/ml to up to 75,000 pg/ml. I'm basing this on several sources (labs, studies) I've come across.
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: Rachel on August 17, 2014, 07:36:33 PM
My labs were at start, 3 month mark, 6 month mark, 9 month mark then ever 6 months.

I want to start with injections too. My PA looks for certain indicators being good and results.
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: Madeline182 on August 17, 2014, 09:59:22 PM
Thank you all for the responses.  I feel much more comfortable with this frequency of blood test.  I am doing injections weekly and daily spiro.  I was thinking only of him checking hormone levels, but surely there's other red flags to look out for too, huh?
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: Madeline182 on August 18, 2014, 08:41:19 AM
Blood has been collected!!!
:icon_headache:
Title: Re: 2 month mark is approaching
Post by: Newgirl Dani on August 21, 2014, 10:16:03 PM
Hi, glad your getting the real you.  Due to the fact that I am much much older (63, I cant even remember 22  :) ) my Dr. over the first two months ordered three separate and very complete tests.  All passed with flying colors so now I dont need another for three months then twice a year.  I inject EV every two weeks and take Spiro.  Happy Trails.  Dani