I'm currently taking a raw vitamin suppliment called vitamin code, but it's formulated for men. Should I switch to a suppliment for women when I start hrt? Also, what other suppliments should I take? I'm currently taking fish oil tablets daily
Just take a normal multivitamin, probably cheaper ... you don't lose blood like a woman every month, don't have fluctuating levels of estrogen/progesterone every month, etc. Fish oil is advised for omega-3 if you don't eat fatty fish regularly and especially if you consume too much omega-6 (some nuts, seeds, some vegetable oils). Taking vitamins is also debatable. Some say only needed for those undernourished.
;D
I take a muti vitamin, have for years, I also take fish oil, vitamin D and Ive been taking Estroven, the mood and anxiety variety. It has soy in it. I rarely if ever get sick or catch a cold...where my wife who is non vitamin, catches all the bugs that float around. I also take Zinc if she or anyone near me is sick... did that answer your question...not at all....lol :-\
I considered the "female" variety of vitamins, but I think they are just sales hype??? but I do like the Estroven as I feel it helps with my mood swings
Estroven is used to relieve menopausal symptoms in women who don't take HRT. Why would you take this? You are already on E, no?
The only problem I have with fish oil is the high amount of Vitamins A and D, especially the A as it can be toxic if too much accumulates in the body. I agree that Omega-3 is important if one consumes a high amount of foods high in omega 6 and not a lot of seafood, especially fatty fish.
KayXo I love your general knowledge of the endocrine system. You must be the only other girl in here with that interest and I'm not very active on the site always. I hope people use the knowledge you share with them.
I will say though, I myself am pro vitamins if people know what they are doing A general multi and a few targeted to special needs can be good. Particularly for those who eat out a lot or can't really control their diet a whole lot. Now for those who are on blockers, particularly on Cyproterone acetate and to a lesser extent spiro. I would actually say taking fish oils would probably be beneficial, because it combats the possible metabolic effects of both . It is vitamin A itself that is also necessary to restart the adrenal glands if they have been suppressed in the case of Cyproterone. And the fish oils can always help with high triglycerides and cholesterol changes. Although no one should stay on Cyproterone for too long! (This applies to people in Europe only cause this drug isn't available in the US) Metabolic changes are the reason why Places like the UK have switched to GNRH agonists these days despite the high price tag. Kay is totally right certain vitamins like A & E need to be done on and off and not given too much so people need to be aware of what they are taking how much of it and take vacations to prevent overdosing.so I would agree that if that close attention isn't paid oeople would be better off not taking any!!
And for the ladies who are on estrogen injections of only once or twice a month or doses of oral e that are kept low due to co morbidities calcium supplements can always help so your bones don't suffer. Really all this should only be done if people go see their Doctor often and have blood tests done often as they should. Or just go with a safe multivitamin like Kay said.
To the OP you are probably safe finishing what vitamins you have now but you can move on from men's to just unisex general stuff afterwards.
I take a multivitamin with added iron as I do tend to be low on iron often.
This is what I take daily. Some may not be needed but I take them anyway. I rarely get sick and have not been hospitalized since I was 5.
Multivitamin (either men's or women's, whichever container isn't empty)
Vitamin E
Biotin
Vitamin C
Calcium (1/2 dose)
Omega 3-6-9 (1/2 dose)
Sapere Aude
I've always taken a multivitamin because pizza isn't compete nutrition. ;D My daily list is:
Multivitamin
Glucosamine/chondroitim
A femininizing supplement the Forum rules won't allow me to discuss
A rotation of biotin, fish oil, or garlic. One or the other each day.
Since you mentioned garlic, I eat two large garlic cloves with breakfast everyday. It lowers blood pressure and cures all sorts of ailments. It also repels any vampires I might run across.
Sapere Aude
I take a daily multivitamin/multimineral; I usually take Centrum for women in my age group, but I ran out a couple of weeks ago, so I've been taking a generic that my husband has, and the contents and daily values are comparable to the Centrum.
Vitamin D3 probably falls under category MUST for many of us with its deficiency. Its recommended to do at least once per year check.
Quote from: calicarly on February 11, 2016, 10:47:27 AM
Now for those who are on blockers, particularly on Cyproterone acetate and to a lesser extent spiro. I would actually say taking fish oils would probably be beneficial, because it combats the possible metabolic effects of both
What metabolic effects exactly?
Spiro will increase sodium excretion and potassium retention. Just eat more salt, drink plenty of water, don't overdo on diuretics and limit things that are high in potassium like salt substitutes, fruit juices, perhaps bananas/potatoes, etc.
Androcur does indeed have glucocorticoid effects but in general, based on my readings, will not have detrimental effects on the adrenal gland functioning. I have never once come across a report of a transsexual women having these complications despite decades of prescribing quite high doses to tens of thousands. It may cause extreme fatigue and lethargy; I once read one of the reasons for this may be an interaction with B12 and that taking B12 *might* help.
QuoteIt is vitamin A itself that is also necessary to restart the adrenal glands
Any scientific basis to this?
QuoteAnd the fish oils can always help with high triglycerides and cholesterol changes.
The one thing that seems to help most with decreasing triglycerides and resulting in a favorable lipid profile with high HDL seems to be the lowering of carbs AND intake of animal fats (especially saturated). Time and time again, I have seen this in studies and in myself!
Fish oil, as far as I'm concerned, is really best for omega-3 supplementation considering our intake of omega-6 is so high, to bring things more into balance (inflammation vs. anti-inflammation).
QuoteMetabolic changes are the reason why Places like the UK have switched to GNRH agonists these days despite the high price tag.
I was more under the impression that the reason was that it caused mental problems (depression) in some although there may be other concerns like increasing prolactin to dangerous levels and resulting in prolactinoma and/or making one more insulin resistant over time. It can also apparently have adverse effects on clotting. The last two effects due to its glucocorticoid effects.
QuoteKay is totally right certain vitamins like A & E need to be done on and off
Fat soluble vitamins (A, E, D, K) accumulate in the body and can, over time, lead to serious problems.
QuoteAnd for the ladies who are on estrogen injections of only once or twice a month
Once or twice a month of estradiol injections would result in severe mood swings and PMS symptoms in most. Usually, women find it best to inject every 7-10 days. I would seriously question anyone prescribing injections once or twice monthly, you are putting your patient in harm's way, in my opinion.
Quotedoses of oral e that are kept low due to co morbidities
This could have been the case in the past when non bio-identical estrogens were prescribed like conjugated equine estrogens or ethinyl estradiol but now with bio-identical estradiol, studies have shown it to be much safer, for blood pressure, clotting, etc. Worst case scenario, you put the patient on non-oral estradiol, which in low or high doses, has shown to be quite safe despite comorbidities and provide ample benefits.
I would seriously question anyone putting someone on low doses of oral E for that reason. This reflects ignorance on the part of the doctor.
Quotecalcium supplements can always help so your bones don't suffer.
If one is guided and treated by a reputable, competent, informed doctor, this shouldn't be required. Estrogen, even in low doses, prevents osteoporosis.
QuoteI take a multivitamin with added iron as I do tend to be low on iron often.
What are the symptoms YOU experience if you don't take iron, apart from low blood levels?
Quote from: Deborah on February 11, 2016, 10:55:40 AM
Calcium (1/2 dose)
Omega 3-6-9 (1/2 dose)
I read that excess calcium can lead to calcification of arteries and problems. You should perhaps look into that, talk to doctors and/or pharmacist, just to be sure.
As most of us are already getting plenty of omega-6 in our diets, I don't personally see why take a combo of omega 3 AND omega 6. Omega 3 is the one most of us aren't getting enough, relative to omega 6. Too much omega 6 leads to inflammation in the body.
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on February 11, 2016, 11:07:34 AM
A femininizing supplement the Forum rules won't allow me to discuss
Why if you are already taking E?
Quotegarlic
I love garlic, don't get me wrong. Smells and tastes soooo good. I find that it is hard to digest though so I wonder if it is really useful for our bodies. I would have to do some research to really find out if it's all that's it's cracked up to be.
I once ate and bit into a whole clove, had severe nausea and almost threw up. Never again! :embarrassed:
Quote from: mmmmm on February 11, 2016, 12:21:48 PM
Vitamin D3 probably falls under category MUST for many of us with its deficiency. Its recommended to do at least once per year check.
As I've learned recently, they actually don't ever test the levels of the ACTIVE form of Vitamin D known as 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] or calcitriol (a hormone), but the levels of our inactive form, Vitamin D3 (or D2). It seems, in the vast majority of us, despite living in higher altitudes and being exposed to less sun, we have enough active Vitamin D so that supplementation might be useless and a marketing scam.
Studies have also not been able to show
causality (association does not necessarily imply causality) in terms of the effect of Vitamin D on health.
Quote from: KayXo on February 11, 2016, 12:29:14 PM
I read that excess calcium can lead to calcification of arteries and problems. You should perhaps look into that, talk to doctors and/or pharmacist, just to be sure.
I track my daily diet and nutrient intake. With the half calcium dose I approach 100% RDA. The normal foods I eat are all pretty low in calcium.
Sapere Aude
You might try :
-a multivitamin from time to time to make sure its all there
-a supplement called brewers yeast which amongst others contains biotin. Its good for health and hair and nails. I saw an article where this was recommended as one of the few supplements that really help with hair growth, and to a good degree. If using Mao antidepressants ask your doc. It should also be availalable from organic sources.
-in general a mix of fruit and vegetables, and cutting down on high sugar drinks
-avoiding food that has a high ratio of additives like preservants or flavour enhancers
In general imo the body shows by a craving what is missing (not chocolate ;) ). So listening to a craving of a certain fruit or for example for lentils might be a good idea.
Quote from: KayXo on February 11, 2016, 12:29:14 PM
I love garlic, don't get me wrong. Smells and tastes soooo good. I find that it is hard to digest though so I wonder if it is really useful for our bodies. I would have to do some research to really find out if it's all that's it's cracked up to be.
I once ate and bit into a whole clove, had severe nausea and almost threw up. Never again! :embarrassed:
You might :
-use a press and eat it together with some oil and whole grain bread
-use garlic powder
-try some replacement like spring onions
hugs
http://www.thevitamincode.com/Formulas/MultivitaminFormulas/Men/tabid/1313/Default.aspx
This is the current vitamin I am taking. Is there any issue with me continuing on this vitamin, when I start transitioning?
When using garlic you get the best effects consuming it raw. The active ingredient that benefits you is allicin and it is at least partially destroyed by heat. You also need to activate it by crushing the garlic clove. My preferred method of crushing is my teeth, LOL
WARNING - If you do it my way brush your teeth afterwards. If you don't you might repel more than just vampires.
Sapere Aude
Quote from: Adchop on February 11, 2016, 12:52:26 PM
http://www.thevitamincode.com/Formulas/MultivitaminFormulas/Men/tabid/1313/Default.aspx
This is the current vitamin I am taking. Is there any issue with me continuing on this vitamin, when I start transitioning?
Parts are even organic.
Providing select nutrients to support the primary areas of prostate health with added vitamin E, lycopene, selenium and zinc, mental and physical energy with vitamin B complex and chromium, and heart health with vitamin B complex, vitamins C and E
Well its simply a selection. So there are additional parts there the team of the composers found useful.
"a comprehensive multi-vitamin"
says it should do .
Well since parts of you are growing you might even try a mix for adolescents from time to time ;) .
hugs
Kay, I'm only using an herbal supplement, it's my sole source of E. I've done well. :)
Hugs, Devlyn
Remember if you are on hrt it might be a good idea to avoid too much phytoestrogen, like from soy or flaxseed.
Normal doses like some of it from time to time should be ok.
It might compete with estrogen for estrogen receptors. Estrogen makes for a stronger effect there.
hugs