Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: FridayJones on May 05, 2019, 07:11:42 AM

Title: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: FridayJones on May 05, 2019, 07:11:42 AM
hey  :)   in Reading all the instructions for using hrt gel, it always says not to use on breasts. I've always accepted that without question but today it occurs to me, is that really just meant for cis women who's skin on their breasts is micro thin?  I would say the skin of my breasts is thinner that it used to be but marginally, nothing at all like a cis woman's skin there...

so I'm wondering if it might be OK for a trans woman to apply gel there? does anyone have any opinions or lived experience in this matter? thanks x
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: KathyLauren on May 05, 2019, 07:53:59 AM
I suspect it is because the flesh below the skin where it is applied will get a higher dose of E than the rest of the body.  You don't want to overdose the breasts, since E can trigger breast cancer.  The risk may be low, but doctors want to keep the risk as low as they can.
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: FridayJones on May 05, 2019, 08:56:20 AM
Hi KathyLauren, thanks for the response, it does make sense  :)  I'm having quite good results, and am reasonably content with my lot, but more wouldn't hurt  ;D  but health is paramount of course x
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: DebbySoufflage on May 05, 2019, 01:12:26 PM
I apply my HRT patch to the breasts once every other week.
I alternate between tummy and breasts.

When applying them on the breasts I feel more energetic.
Probably because much more gets absorbed that way.
I'm not worried about breast cancer personally.
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: KayXo on May 05, 2019, 02:09:31 PM
Quote from: KathyLauren on May 05, 2019, 07:53:59 AM
E can trigger breast cancer.

Not so. No studies have so far established a causal effect. High dose E is used in ciswomen with advanced breast cancer. Certain studies found the risk was reduced with E alone.
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: DebbySoufflage on May 05, 2019, 02:12:58 PM
Quote from: KayXo on May 05, 2019, 02:09:31 PM
Not so. No studies have so far established a causal effect. High dose E is used in ciswomen with advanced breast cancer. Certain studies found the risk was reduced with E alone.

I feel much more energetic on high levels of E.
I have applied E2 to my breasts for years and honestly never have noticed anything negative.
I self control my breasts regularly but I don't think my risk is elevated by applying my E2 on the boobs.
The absorption also seems to be better there based on how I feel.

Luv,
Debby
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: Bea1968 on May 05, 2019, 10:38:15 PM
I had wondered about that too.  Thanks for bringing it up. 
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: pamelatransuk on May 07, 2019, 03:37:27 AM
This is interesting and merits further investigation.

It would be worthwhile knowing why doctors advise against the practice of applying to boobs and secondly any further examples of transgirls who have practised it and any noticeable result.

Hugs

Pamela
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: GingerVicki on May 07, 2019, 05:47:34 AM
I was informed that it was a really bad idea from multiple sources. Now I am interested.
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: Linde on May 08, 2019, 12:01:54 AM
The best transdermal absorption rates are through soft skin over fatty tissue. I assume that most boobs have soft skin, and if they are large enough, they also have a lot of fatty tissue.  I just would be concerned with adverse skin reactions, for the case that somebody is allergic to the adhesive, or has very sensitive skin (like I).
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: FridayJones on May 13, 2019, 10:52:01 AM
Quote from: pamelatransuk on May 07, 2019, 03:37:27 AM
This is interesting and merits further investigation.

It would be worthwhile knowing why doctors advise against the practice of applying to boobs and secondly any further examples of transgirls who have practised it and any noticeable result.

Hugs

Pamela

Interesting that trans women are doing this and so far it seems without ill effect.   I'm not a fan of combining the adjective and noun into a new word, I'm an old fuddy duddy  :angel:
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: FridayJones on May 13, 2019, 10:55:38 AM
Quote from: Linde on May 08, 2019, 12:01:54 AM
The best transdermal absorption rates are through soft skin over fatty tissue. I assume that most boobs have soft skin, and if they are large enough, they also have a lot of fatty tissue.  I just would be concerned with adverse skin reactions, for the case that somebody is allergic to the adhesive, or has very sensitive skin (like I).

That was what I wondered, if anything it seems an ideal part to put it on, where the skin is likely thinnest!  I'm using gel so no need to worry about adhesive, I'm going to try!
Title: Re: Transdermal hrt question
Post by: FridayJones on May 13, 2019, 10:57:14 AM
Quote from: KayXo on May 05, 2019, 02:09:31 PM
Not so. No studies have so far established a causal effect. High dose E is used in ciswomen with advanced breast cancer. Certain studies found the risk was reduced with E alone.

very interesting!!