Alright, I started HRT in December of last year (2014).
I have been told by many people that I would either have my shots biweekly or monthly.
I haven't, though.
I was having them every month the first three months then it skipped to every two months. Now, it's every three.
Has this happened to anyone? My doctor hasn't said why she does this. She's very vague about details regarding this. She says I am in great health and my blood levels are great. Also, how did most of you start shots at home? Did you have to ask? Did they offer?
It all depends on the type of T you are taking. My shots are also three months apart because my T (Nebido) is slow releasing. Most other guys are on Sustanon, which is a weekly or biweekly shot. As long as your bloodlevels are fine, you shouldn't worry.
Mr. X is right. It's all about the type of T you're taking. I do my shots weekly (with the option to do them biweekly if I'm so inclined by doubling the dose). There are slow releasing types of T like Nebido that are good for several months. I don't think they prescribe it in the US, but it is fairly popular in Europe from what I understand.
Quote from: Mr.X on September 17, 2015, 02:34:32 AM
It all depends on the type of T you are taking. My shots are also three months apart because my T (Nebido) is slow releasing. Most other guys are on Sustanon, which is a weekly or biweekly shot. As long as your bloodlevels are fine, you shouldn't worry.
She has never even mentioned what type of T I am on. She's very vague with what she tells me. I had no idea there was slow releasing type HRT. Thank you so much. I'll have to look into it. It makes more sense!
This isn't information she should be vague on, IMO. That's the kind of thing that you need to know for medical purposes, I'm a little concerned that she's hesitant to give you that information.
Quote from: veniamviam on September 18, 2015, 12:50:00 PM
This isn't information she should be vague on, IMO. That's the kind of thing that you need to know for medical purposes, I'm a little concerned that she's hesitant to give you that information.
I have been too. She hasn't explained much to me. I feel like I know nothing about anything. Just gives me small little things like "Your blood work is fine." or "I can see that you're gaining muscle.". Nothing more or less than that. I wish I could find another doctor for this, to be honest. It sort of scares me with the way she won't explain it. It is important.
Quote from: ftmax on September 17, 2015, 06:55:24 PM
Mr. X is right. It's all about the type of T you're taking. I do my shots weekly (with the option to do them biweekly if I'm so inclined by doubling the dose). There are slow releasing types of T like Nebido that are good for several months. I don't think they prescribe it in the US, but it is fairly popular in Europe from what I understand.
I do live in the USA. There just isn't any doctors besides her that do any health related transgender care in my area. I don't know what type I am on. She just sort of tells me the dosage then has someone else give me the shot.
I'd highly recommend trying to find someone else--even someone not specialized in trans healthcare would be better than someone who refuses to give you information about your own healthcare. I get my hormones from my GP, and while I'm his first trans patient, he's very willing to learn and consult specialists if we have any problems he's not prepared to handle. Perhaps there are GPs in your area who are willing to do the same?
Are you asking her specific questions? Or is she just not giving you detailed information because it's not being asked for? Also - are they doing your shot for you, or are you doing it? You'd be able to find out a lot just by looking at the vial of T.
I'd write down all the questions that you have on paper and take them in with you next time. Ask her if she would write down the answers to them. If you don't want to seem confrontational, say it's for your parents or something and you aren't sure you'll be able to remember the answers long enough to tell them.
Quote from: ftmax on September 21, 2015, 10:34:37 AM
Are you asking her specific questions? Or is she just not giving you detailed information because it's not being asked for? Also - are they doing your shot for you, or are you doing it? You'd be able to find out a lot just by looking at the vial of T.
I'd write down all the questions that you have on paper and take them in with you next time. Ask her if she would write down the answers to them. If you don't want to seem confrontational, say it's for your parents or something and you aren't sure you'll be able to remember the answers long enough to tell them.
I have asked her tons of questions. What the dosage is, what it's called, the effects, even right down to if it's more like syrup or water. She will give me this "It's testosterone. You're taking one shot." and that's about it. It's always been weird to me. I've asked so much to her and learned so little. Last time I went, she commented on how much more muscular I've got and left the room to let her nurse give me the shot. Maybe, I need to look for a better doctor. I just feel concerned for myself and had to ask around here just to see if anyone had a similar experience. Thank you so much.
Hmm. Do you get appointment summaries/paperwork after your appointments? I do, and it tells me about my diagnoses, current medications, etc. I've also heard of doctors emailing this stuff, or posting it to an online medical chart or something like that for the patient. If not, I'm pretty sure you can request a print-out.
But yeah, that's really weird. As for me, my doc started me on shots every two weeks, and a nurse taught me how to inject my own testosterone after I picked up my first prescription.
I specifically asked her about changing my injections to weekly because I noticed I was feeling "down" by the end of my two-week doses and I'd read that weekly injections can keep your levels from fluctuating as much between shots. She's new to treating trans patients but was very open to this and lowered my dose to let me switch over.
I'd suggest calling or emailing your doc (or request an appointment) to let them know that you'd like to talk about your medication and be counseled on exactly what it is, how it works, how it differs from similar types, etc. Also ask if they prescribe other forms or Testosterone that you can administer to yourself at home.
With many doctors, you have to be firm and persistent or they won't respond to you, unfortunately. Just ask for specifics and don't let them leave without clueing you in.