Hey everyone, got a couple of questions regarding HRT methods.
I am going to be making my first appointment with a doctor to get started on hormones fairly soon (it takes a while to get in, so it will probably take a month to two months before I actually get in for the initial visit) and I wanted to get some input about the different options. I understand that ultimately I should listen to the doctor (the place I am going to specializes in the LGBT community and is where basically all of the transgender folks around here go, so they definitely know what they are talking about) but I want to have as much knowledge before hand as I can get. I've done a few Google searches and will most definitely do a whole lot more before I make it into the doctor, but as I said, I would like some input from all of you.
I've known about the pill and injection for a while now, however, I recently found out about the patch (through a trans friend of mine who started her transition a few years ago, she came over a couple weeks ago so I could talk to her about the whole process and she told me that she uses the patch). I know that each form/method has its own pros and cons, but I was hoping to hear from some of you about your experience with them.
The questions I have are the following:
Knowing that every person is different and that its very much dependent on things like genes, age, etc., what tends to be the most effective method? Meaning what method tends to have the biggest effects? I know there are certain things that HRT will not change, but out of the effects you are likely to have from HRT, which method tends to have the best effects?
I've heard that the injection can cause something like a calcium build up in the area that you recieve the injection and that this can cause a tremendous amount of pain and such. Is there any truth to this? Is this a common side effect or is it relatively rare?
If any of you use the patch method, what are your opinions of it? Are there any side effects (other than the ones that are wanted, obviously :p)?
Are any of these methods "age sensitive"? Meaning, since I am 29 and turning 30 in May, would I have better results from one method over the other methods?
I am going to discuss all of these with my doctor, but as I've said, I would like some input from people who have had experience with this stuff. Any help or insight you can give me would be great! Thanks everyone!
Emma Rose