Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I was on patches for two years. I just started shots. I much prefer shots , but implants would probably be better.

Stephanie,
What the cost difference between shot and implants?

Luanne

Quote from: luanneph on February 13, 2016, 10:01:43 PM
Stephanie,
What the cost difference between shot and implants?

Luanne

sorry, I really don't know , someone I'm sure will know. I'm on Medicaid so I only pay 10 dollars for shots for 1.5 months . I don't know if there would be much of a difference

I prefer the injections. I started out with the patches, but couldn't get them to stay on. The injections have worked great and results have been pretty good so far. Hugs
Mariah

Eventually shots or implant might be good but super happy to start off on pills as each morning there is this little affirmation ritual of am I happy doing this , is it right for me , damn straight it is and pop the pills. 5 months in and I thought I'd thrown away the full pack of E when it was on my desk all along but for a few minutes I had a bit of a panic and started quickly planning on how to get a replacement prescription filled in the next few days.

I did that too with the vial for the estrogen , totally freaked out. I found it deeper in the bag I had it in.

Implants aren't cheap but they can last for 9-12 months - I don't know if that works out to be a saving or not.

My Endo has said more than once that delivery method is inconsequential; levels are what matters.

I asked because the general idea in the community is that shots are superior and I felt that way too just based on general anecdotal testimonies.

If levels are perfect, I'd say implant is the way to go!

I myself are on implants(ie.e pellets), can't beat that no way. Super convenient for me. Don't have to worry about time schedules about pills, patches or injections. Just go to the doc every 4 months for a check. I started with patches for one years, then injections the 2nd year, then 3 years 1 month, now I'm on e pellets. Expensive, but somebody like me who is super busy and works fulltime(grad school/work fulltime/home to attend too), no time to go to the doc for injections, or refills of patches or pills, and I have to hassle with the pills or patches,no thanks, that's just me. I'm thinking of an orchidectomy, rather than deal with the spiralactone pill hassle, but I'm afraid of the "not enough skin argument" for future grs/srs  :-\.. Anyway, e pellets are the way to go for me

I am thinking about implants if my insurance cover the cost.

Luanne

here are some infos on the methods :

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,197550.msg1757196.html#msg1757196


hugs

I was on shots for a 5 years, i was very happy with the results. My body reacted well and I got good results.

Now I am on a implant. The reason, My days are getting busier and don't need the hassle of getting shots. Its not cheap and I don't think you actually save money in the long run.. but you do save time.

Thanks everyone for the answer about the methods of delivery Estrogens. I about to begin my HRT, and I want to learn all my option.

Luanne

Is there any verifiable difference in physical results between the different delivery methods?  I'm currently on oral with no negative side effects so would there be any point in changing that?  With my insurance the cost would be the same so that's not a factor.  Also, implants are not an option here with my endo.


Sapere Aude

tried patches, they did not stick well, been on pills sub-ligual twice a day now over 2 years, decent results with no major health issues from them.

Quote from: Deborah on February 15, 2016, 09:15:19 AM
Also, implants are not an option here with my endo.


Sapere Aude

Implants are produced by compounding pharmacies and are shipped worldwide...
here is enough info to get any endo or doc started:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,192044.msg1713877.html#msg1713877


hugs

I too was on patches and found the same result. If you are active they just don't stick. I have heard ladies having issues with the pills and with the possible damage to the liver they were not for me. I reentry changed to injection form and so far I think it's amazing. The shots are every two weeks and do not leave any residue or marks. Another bonus is that the injection, even with the needles and the Rx was cheaper than the patches!!

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Quote from: Ⓥ on February 14, 2016, 08:36:50 AM
My Endo has said more than once that delivery method is inconsequential; levels are what matters.

That's a very theoretical approach that misses out on important practical matters. I'd worry a bit if my endo said that.

Implants have very stable levels over a very long time so you don't get swings in levels or emotions. As others have said implants are very very convenient. I find a psychological benefit, in that I don't like being reminded that I'm taking medication all the time, and why - implants allow me to forget that. And when I travel I don't have to worry about getting interrogated by customs about these drugs I'm carrying.

Perhaps the deliver method makes no difference to the endo, but it sure does to the rest of us.

that's some of the reason I like the shots because you don't have that everyday reminder your taking them and you can be normal

Quote from: AmandaDanielle on February 15, 2016, 12:44:00 PM
I too was on patches and found the same result. If you are active they just don't stick. I have heard ladies having issues with the pills and with the possible damage to the liver they were not for me. I reentry changed to injection form and so far I think it's amazing. The shots are every two weeks and do not leave any residue or marks. Another bonus is that the injection, even with the needles and the Rx was cheaper than the patches!!

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

One of the best sticking patches are vivelle/estradot, they are also fairly small.

You might think about switching to weekly or 10 day injections. With 14 days there is a peak at the start and possibly a low at the end, which might affect mood. With weekly or 10 day cycles levels are more stable.

With estrogen pills, if taken sublingually blood clots and strain on the liver is less.
Its also more effective so talk it through with your doc.
Here like with injections it makes sense to divide the daiy dose in a few smaller ones spread throughout the day so peaks and lows are avoided.


hugs

Quote from: AmandaDanielle on February 15, 2016, 12:44:00 PM
I have heard ladies having issues with the pills and with the possible damage to the liver

Not with bio-identical estradiol. This may have been the case with aggressive doses of non bio-identical estrogens such as conjugated equine estrogens and ethinyl estradiol or high doses of cyproterone acetate.

I have had better results and feel better on injections, sublingual/oral wasn't very nice to me. :(

Implants may yield TOO steady levels which may, over time, desensitize cells to estrogen.

interesting