I love hormones so much but I hate taking them if that makes any sense at all. But I know they're important for my wellbeing and quality of life and dysphoria so I do it. Over and over. But it sucks that this is my life from now on. I appreciate the blessing of having HRT but I often wish I didn't need them to survive.

Totally understand what you mean. Fortunately I have a sub dermal estrogen implant that only needs to be replaced very six months or so - yes, I'm still essentially taking them, but because I don't have to think about doing it every day it's a bit out if mind.

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 28, 2014, 11:21:22 PM
Totally understand what you mean. Fortunately I have a sub dermal estrogen implant that only needs to be replaced very six months or so - yes, I'm still essentially taking them, but because I don't have to think about doing it every day it's a bit out if mind.

I heard sub dermal was super effective. How is your experience with it?

My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about.

Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!

Me..fricken..too! So many times a day, it's like...I know it takes literally under a minute but it's a pain in the patooty! I kinda wanna switch to shots, so I can do it less often

When I forgot to take mine a couple of times it was the worst feeling in the world.  After the orchi, I am so getting a pellet.  It would be amazing to never have to worry about it.

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 12:38:22 AM
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about.

Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!

Isn't that excessively high? lol

Quote from: Abbyxo on April 29, 2014, 12:46:13 AM
Me..fricken..too! So many times a day, it's like...I know it takes literally under a minute but it's a pain in the patooty! I kinda wanna switch to shots, so I can do it less often

Yes, girl. A BIG pain. But shots are an actual pain pain thought so idk haha

Quote from: Jill F on April 29, 2014, 12:47:50 AM
When I forgot to take mine a couple of times it was the worst feeling in the world.  After the orchi, I am so getting a pellet.  It would be amazing to never have to worry about it.

I just double up when I miss one. Idk if that's good or bad lol

Yeah >w< taking hormones is so much work

Quote from: sad panda on April 29, 2014, 01:06:01 AM
Yeah >w< taking hormones is so much work

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 12:38:22 AM
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about.

Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!

I don't care what anyone says, the way you take your hormones matters. When I was still using gel, I would always wake up feeling slugging and a little depressed, and I think it's because the dose that gel delivers hits you all at once and then drops off gradually, which is not a good feeling. Since switching to a 3.5 day patch, which delivers a much more consistent dose, I've felt a lot better. I had wanted to try implanted estrogen pellets because I really like the idea of just having a normal supply of estrogen in my body without having to do anything or even think about it, but I had trouble finding anyone in Minnesota that would administer them. But the patch is working pretty well for me, so I'm happy to stick with it for now.

If you don't like to deal with the pill popping, I would definitely recommend looking into the other options. Overall, I think pills are the worst way to take estrogen. There is a higher risk of complications, and it puts your hormone levels on a rollercoaster that might be negatively affecting your mood without you even realizing it.

Yeah me too. I'm currently trying to find a place/Doctor that does pellet implants in my area(Houston/Dallas. I also heard that taking it orally does an extensive amount of damage on liver. Also pellet implant seem to be safer. You could take a lower dose and get better results than you would taking higher doses on pills.

Quote from: PrincessPatience on April 29, 2014, 01:22:51 AM
Yeah me too. I'm currently trying to find a place/Doctor that does pellet implants in my area(Houston/Dallas. I also heard that taking it orally does an extensive amount of damage on liver. Also pellet implant seem to be safer. You could take a lower dose and get better results than you would taking higher doses on pills.

I take my estrogen sublingually so liver damage is not a huge factor. I want to know about pellet in New Orleans. It seems great!

Quote from: PrincessPatience on April 29, 2014, 01:22:51 AM
Yeah me too. I'm currently trying to find a place/Doctor that does pellet implants in my area(Houston/Dallas. I also heard that taking it orally does an extensive amount of damage on liver. Also pellet implant seem to be safer. You could take a lower dose and get better results than you would taking higher doses on pills.

If all else fails, and if I can ever afford it, I might consider going to Dr. Odea in California. Apparently he administers estrogen pellets without any need for a referral. He seems a little sketchy, but I've heard good things said about him here, and so far I haven't found any better options.

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 28, 2014, 11:21:22 PM
Totally understand what you mean. Fortunately I have a sub dermal estrogen implant that only needs to be replaced very six months or so - yes, I'm still essentially taking them, but because I don't have to think about doing it every day it's a bit out if mind.

I did have implant once with Dr.Jones many years ago and I didnt like it  with the injction/cut/stiches/scar lol >_< .. so I asked her to have oral tablets (progynova) instead, i dont mind taking it everyday

now i have hormone patch/sticker on my tummy, i have some rash on my tummy now, i will see her next 2 weeks , will ask her if i can change it back to progynova .. its easier for me

Quote from: W-DIANA-W on April 29, 2014, 01:54:25 AM
now i have hormone patch/sticker on my tummy, i have some rash on my tummy now, i will see her next 2 weeks , will ask her if i can change it back to progynova .. its easier for me

Yea, I've heard some people do have issues with getting a rash when using the patch. It's probably the biggest deal breaker that keeps people from sticking with it. Which is too bad because if you're like me and don't get a rash from it, it really is a great and convenient option. You might want to try alternating areas before giving up on it. Always putting the patch on the same area makes it worse.

Don't even get me started about pellets, I will talk your ear off to no end. I should actually probably be some sort of pellet activist.

Add me to the list of people super happy about sub dermals!

Pellets every time! Even better than Bacardi and Coke!!

For your rash, use some 1% Cortisol cream, it is an non prescription item and will give relief quickly.

Quote from: llerret on April 29, 2014, 01:01:20 AM

Quote from: Ms Grace on April 29, 2014, 12:38:22 AM
My E reading has been over 1000 "whatevers" for six months now. My endo tells me this is a very good reading. He's the one with the degree so I guess he knows what he's talking about.

Have been feeling quite emotionally stable which is another good sign!

Isn't that excessively high? lol

Dunno, I think it was even higher three months ago. Doc said the pellet didn't need to be replaced until it went under 800 whatevers so presumably that's the baseline...??