Hello everyone, I'm in need of some info I'm not sure where else to find. I'm trying to transition and I'm waiting on a gender therapist to get with me so we can start sessions and I can be prescribed HRT. However due to situations in my life I feel like I need to start it before I can see her. I was wondering if anyone going from MTF could tell me what you're taking and how much your dosage is. I realize it's a poor idea to do this without the proper measures but I feel like I don't have much of a choice anymore, so I'd at least like to know how safest to go about it.

Quote from: Vyx405 on April 19, 2014, 06:38:39 PM
I realize it's a poor idea to do this without the proper measures but I feel like I don't have much of a choice anymore, so I'd at least like to know how safest to go about it.

I would think about this some more before self-medicating. It is a very dangerous thing to do. And frankly transition doesn't happen overnight even with HRT. Whatever the "Situation" you need to step back and breath. This is not something you want to rush, and a gender therapist is very important.

Vyx405,

be patient and wait for the specialist and your prescription. listing dosages isn't allowed on this site, and the way it works is that you get started on a specific dose, and your doc will study your blood to make sure it is working. everyone responds differently so there's no set amount that is safe for anyone, it is variable for everyone and for anyone over time. i know it is tough waiting, but it is well worth it to do things properly and safe

Vvx405

I can understand your urgency but hormones are dangerous.  Please don't self medicate.  Even if you take the normal starting regimen your body may rebel.  Seeing a therapist and then an endo is critical psychologically and medically.

Please be safe and wait.

Aisla

I'll admit ive considered self medicating but like others said, its a really bad idea. I understand the need and desire but its so much better in the long run to go about things the right way. Ive been seeing a therapist for several months now and still waiting for the letter which is frustrating but at least in the end I'll be getting the right care.

Everyone is right sweetie. Under TOS #8 talks of self medicating, dosages and means to acquire are not allowed. Please see a Therapist and they will set you on the road to successful HRT.

Vvx405-

As others have said - wait. It is actually possible to affect your health with hormones such that you can never be prescribed them again. Some here can share that story.

I don't know where you live so I don't know what healthcare situation is there - is it going to be a long time before you get to see a therapist?

Some things you CAN do while you are waiting - experiment with clothing and makeup, get yourself in better shape if you need to, paint your nails, start a new skin care regimen for your face, start keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings, and maybe if you are brave find a trans support group in your area. Doing something to move forward will help keep your anxiety at bay about the hormones.

Quote from: Eva Marie on April 20, 2014, 02:04:10 AM
Vvx405-

As others have said - wait. It is actually possible to affect your health with hormones such that you can never be prescribed them again. Some here can share that story.

I don't know where you live so I don't know what healthcare situation is there - is it going to be a long time before you get to see a therapist?

Some things you CAN do while you are waiting - experiment with clothing and makeup, get yourself in better shape if you need to, paint your nails, start a new skin care regimen for your face, start keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings, and maybe if you are brave find a trans support group in your area. Doing something to move forward will help keep your anxiety at bay about the hormones.

Very well said Eva... And she is right. Two and a half months ago I was totally fired up about getting my girl on, and nothing was going to get in the way.... I had too. It was that or something far worse. Thankfully I walked into the local LGBTQ center and said I really needed some help. I was accepted right there on the spot. Turns out there was a absolutely fantastic therapist there who I now see once a week. But I had to wait a week to see her. After the first session, which was more like throwing up 45 years of crap that was stuffed in my head, I stepped back and took a deep breath and decided it would be better to lose some weight before starting HRT. But I didn't put things on hold by any means... I joined the local transgender group that meets weekly. I got on the internet and found Susan's Place and did a diligent search of everything I could find out about transition. Even without HRT at this point in time I have grown so much. My therapist even told me last week she felt she was talking to just a women and that guy is not there anymore. Anyway, my point here is this is a total transition and HRT is just part of the transition. It is what is inside your head that will cause you to transition after all that is where it started in the first place. Think of it as a fork in a road, it is your choice to go either way. However, either way you choose the journey still take times to walk the road. May as well enjoy the pleasures of the journey along the way.

The others are right - hormones need to be properly and safely administered and monitored. Because everyone is different there is no safe dose, that can only be determined and monitored by an endocrinologist or similar qualified health professional. Hormones can screw with your body and/or your mind if not handled properly. Whatever reasons you might feel you need to try self medication it ultimately won't be worth your while or your health, frustrating as it might be it will be better to wait a few more months and do it properly.

Just my thoughts.  I also am waiting to see a gender therapist and will hopefully start hrt in the not to distant future if they think they are needed.  I know they are but I still have to have them say it.  But I have been a nurse for more than 20 years and have done my own research and would be able to do my own dosing pretty easily with one exception.  You need the required lab work to make sure the meds are being metabolized safely and not causing you harm.  You only have one liver and unless yellow is your favorite color for your skin and eyes please don't attempt this on your own.  You have waited this long and a little longer will not change much except for your anniversary date of starting hrt.  Also if you start on your own and then see an MD they need to know what you have been taking or else they will prescribe the wrong dose or med.  that will just slow things down even more.  Please try to have patience and it will be worth it in the end.