Good morning!

First and foremost, I'd like to say how wonderful and helpful this site has been. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks now and I couldn't stop myself any longer from joining the conversation.

My name is Alexis, 30, started HRT last Friday morning. I know I have a long journey ahead of me, but I'm certainly glad and I feel privileged to be a part of this community.

A few questions off the bat. My apologies in advance for coming off really naive and whiny:
1. What are the normal testosterone and estrogen levels to aim for to fully transition? I'd like to monitor these closely with my doctor.

2. I go to the gym in the mornings at least four times a week - cardio and core exercises with my own body weight. Will being physically active slow down my progress? Especially when it comes to muscle breakdown?

3. Could someone please teach me how to properly take Estrace sublingually? I've been placing it under my tongue and on one side of the big vein in the middle. Apparently I salivate a great deal and I end up with a pool of blueish spit all over and some even get on my teeth. I check under my tongue a couple of times to see if it's completely dissolved. The pool of saliva makes me swallow and when I'm done, I get this dry mouth/gritty teeth type of sensation. How does the estrogen get into my bloodstream if my saliva breaks down the pill but just gets washed away? I feel like I'm wasting the pills and therefore not helping with my progress.

4. Should I be taking spiro first then the Estrace?

I'm only 5 days in and I don't think I've seen/felt any changes (aside from a smoother palm?) and I feel quite sad thinking that I'm doing everything incorrectly.

My apologies for coming off like a whiny baby. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

xo

1. I wouldn't worry about that to much the real key is the testosterone level is low enough and to the doctor will keep a close eye on that for you. What you need to watch for are any side affects your are seeing as in how are you feeling and in time are you getting the results you were hoping for depending on the dose they have you on.
2. It shouldn't at all. You want to be as healthly as you can due to the risks that can come with HRT.
3. I can't answer this one sincce I'm on Estradiol IM injections.
4. I started on Estraiol patches for 6 weeks before Spiro was started. You may or may not need Spiro at all so the answer is not necessary should you be on it first.
Relax you have just started it takes time for many of the affects to be even seen or felt and welcome to Susan's.
Mariah

Quote from: gyalicious on December 24, 2014, 06:52:10 AM
Good morning!

First and foremost, I'd like to say how wonderful and helpful this site has been. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks now and I couldn't stop myself any longer from joining the conversation.

My name is Alexis, 30, started HRT last Friday morning. I know I have a long journey ahead of me, but I'm certainly glad and I feel privileged to be a part of this community.

A few questions off the bat. My apologies in advance for coming off really naive and whiny:
1. What are the normal testosterone and estrogen levels to aim for to fully transition? I'd like to monitor these closely with my doctor.

2. I go to the gym in the mornings at least four times a week - cardio and core exercises with my own body weight. Will being physically active slow down my progress? Especially when it comes to muscle breakdown?

3. Could someone please teach me how to properly take Estrace sublingually? I've been placing it under my tongue and on one side of the big vein in the middle. Apparently I salivate a great deal and I end up with a pool of blueish spit all over and some even get on my teeth. I check under my tongue a couple of times to see if it's completely dissolved. The pool of saliva makes me swallow and when I'm done, I get this dry mouth/gritty teeth type of sensation. How does the estrogen get into my bloodstream if my saliva breaks down the pill but just gets washed away? I feel like I'm wasting the pills and therefore not helping with my progress.

4. Should I be taking spiro first then the Estrace?

I'm only 5 days in and I don't think I've seen/felt any changes (aside from a smoother palm?) and I feel quite sad thinking that I'm doing everything incorrectly.

My apologies for coming off like a whiny baby. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

xo

Congratulations on starting HRT.

I was on E pills for 15 months and now on IM. I use to put three pills at a time twice a day under my tongue. I took my spiro first then the E. Anything that I swallowed went to the liver than into my blood. Do not worry. In time you may want to go the IM (inter muscular injections) route. I wish did IM from the start but had to overcome needles to get there. Funny how wanting better results cured my needle phobia.

I go to the gym and have a trainer. We concentrate on core functional exercises and a cardio warm up. Stay healthy and exercise. Lean muscle is the target. Sculpt the body you want.

Drink 9 to 12 glasses of water a day or more, get sleep and eat well. Do not smoke, drink or do drugs.

Hugs.

Quote from: gyalicious on December 24, 2014, 06:52:10 AM
What are the normal testosterone and estrogen levels to aim for to fully transition? I'd like to monitor these closely with my doctor.

As far as estrogen is concerned, me and my doctors believe there is no ideal, it varies from one girl to another and even in ciswomen, it constantly fluctuates. Also remember that comparing us to them is fallacious because they developed at a time when growth hormone was WAY higher and they didn't start out with masculine traits due to male puberty. Apples and oranges.

T levels also cannot really be aimed for because first, it depends on what anti-androgen you are taking, some only blocking T, also...it may vary so levels at a given point in time may not represent the true average, there is also sensitivity...to T so that higher levels are ok in some while in others, lower is required. But, as long as it is close to female range, it should be fine. Anyways, you will notice it in how you feel (sex drive, aggression, emotions) and your body (oily skin, hair growth, erections, etc.).

Quote
Will being physically active slow down my progress? Especially when it comes to muscle breakdown?

If you continue working your muscles and they are making you look masculine, yes. But, some cardio is ok. Lightweights are ok too. You could also perhaps focus on certain muscle groups like butt to enhance this area. But, no heavy stuff.

Also, you might burn your hormones faster so your doctor should, I think, take into this account.

Quotehould I be taking spiro first then the Estrace?

Do as instructed by doctor/pharmacist but I don't think it makes a difference. Some prefer to take Spiro with food to avoid upset stomach.

QuoteI'm only 5 days in and I don't think I've seen/felt any changes (aside from a smoother palm?) and I feel quite sad thinking that I'm doing everything incorrectly.

Changes take time! LOL.

Quote from: Mariah2014 on December 24, 2014, 07:22:06 AM
You want to be as healthly as you can due to the risks that can come with HRT.

HRT today for transwomen is quite safe compared to the past. The risks are minimal in most cases, I think. But, I agree that anything that keeps you healthy should not be stopped. Cardio is good.

Your doctor should have informed you properly about your risks with HRT. I'm not a doctor.

My statement was only in response to their question. I fully know the risks and the OP clearly didn't coming into this thread. I was never in doubt of the safety of HRT. HRT is extremely safe especially when monitored by a qualified doctor.

Quote from: KayXo on December 26, 2014, 01:14:04 PM
Your doctor should have informed you properly about your risks with HRT. I'm not a doctor.

Thank you to those who have replied.

Yes, my doctor had disclosed all of the risks and complications from HRT. I just didn't get to ask her about the extent of my exercise regimen and corresponding impact. I'm a runner, so I'll definitely stick with that - as well as using my own weight for weight-bearing exercises.

I'm still very frustrated with how I'm taking my Estrace pills. I tried the buccal method this morning and ended up waiting for two hours and I ended up with a bunch of mushy stuff between my bottom gum and lip. I feel like I'm just wasting these pills and causing myself unnecessary stress. I'll go back to sublingual tomorrow and see if that's a regimen I can stick with for the next six months or so before exploring injections. I feel like giving up and just taking it orally, but am aware of the reduced effectiveness and adverse impact on the liver.

Ughhhhhhh my first week was a disaster

Orally is not a huge impact on your liver if you are healthy.

It sounds like your pills are not dissolving ( when I was on pills they dissolved in 5 minutes). Perhaps there is another type of pill that is meant to be swallowed, IDK. Swallowing provides a longer release of E while sublingual provides a  quicker release. Keep in mind when the e is released quickly it peaks quicker and then the amount in the blood decreases quicker.

I would not stress about swallowing or sublingual.

I was on pills for 15 months then I felt they were not as effective as when I started. I have bin on IM for 14 weeks and went from 14 day to 10 day cycles. IM, for me, was a significant change and I wish I was IM from the start. I feel so much better (now I am on 10 day cycles) and I feel much more change in my breasts and my skin is softer, like butter. Also, I take one injection every 10 days and just 4 pills ( I use to take 14 pills a day) a day now and I use to be afraid of needles.