1. How long have you been on low dose and reasons for choosing low dose.
I was on low dose testosterone for the first month/4 weeks of starting HRT. My doctor does not allow anyone to start HRT on a full dose due to the fatigue and other symptoms that frequently accompany the introduction of new hormones to the body. Based on other people's experiences, I would have asked for a low dose for at least a month even if it had not been recommended.

2. Describe to what extent low dose has helped with dysphoria.
Within a few days of starting, my mood had improved dramatically. My overall mental state was much better. It felt like the hormones were correcting everything from the inside out, and my dysphoria was very low.

3. Changes with low dose.
I started on topical testosterone and within 3 days was experiencing changes. I had a minor voice drop in the first week. My body hair started to fill in. I had large increases to my appetite. My libido actually went down, which is the opposite of what is supposed to happen.

4. If changed to transitioning dose, explain reasons for change as well as length on low dose before change in dose.
I stayed on low dose for 30 days before switching to a full dose. I had enough changes to know that I wanted more, and I hadn't experienced any negative side effects that would have deterred me from increasing the dose.

5. Other thoughts.
I think low dose is excellent to start with for a lot of reasons, and a good way for people to gauge if the effects are truly something that they want. Within a few days, I knew that this was what I had needed for a long time. I also knew that I wanted as much change as possible, so I knew I wouldn't be staying on low dose treatment.

I think it is a great long term option for people whose dysphoria is more of an overall thing that anything localized. It could provide them with more mental comfort. I also think it is great for people who identify as genderqueer, agender, etc. It could perhaps also be helpful for people who are unable or not looking to make a complete physical transition, but would still like to feel like the gender they identify as.

Quote from: Emily R on April 17, 2015, 10:40:42 AM
Ladies,

I too will be starting hopefully very soon a low dose HRT, as I have my first endo appointment in a week.

Since I am 61 Y.O. a have been told that my body measurements will probably change very little.  Would it be possible for you to post your age or PM if you feel more comfortable?  My waist is also 35 inches and I would love it if it would go down to 30 as yours went, but I do want increases on the breast, hips thighs and of course booty measurements.

Emily

Early 40s. Also, 6 feet tall if that helps. I love looking down at the smooth hour glass shape. While my thighs have decreased, they have taken a great feminine shape, and my wife is jealous of my thigh gap . No hips which is disappointing. Overall, I am very happy with where I am at. I hope low dose treats you well.

Quote from: KayXo on April 17, 2015, 11:09:36 AM
Spiro decreases water retention. Also, studies do seem to indicate that enough E keeps one from gaining too much weight and that is why, after menopause, ciswomen gain weight.

Interesting. I appreciate the info.

Stochastic,

thanks for the additional info and as a matter of fact I am also 6 feet tall.   May I ask you how much you weight?  I am at 176 in underwear, used to be around 230 until a year ago.

Thanks

      Hi,
       Is anybody on a low does of minivelli


      Thanks janis

I started at 32 years old, and I'm on Vivelle Dot (which is basically the original, very slightly larger version of the new Minivelle).

I got my E today! Will start it tomorrow! This is the day I have waiting for! I will let you all know how it goes.

ftmax, I was hoping that someone would be able to discuss low dose testosterone. Love the ticker. Oh the PBR days!!!

Quote from: Emily R on April 17, 2015, 02:42:38 PM
Stochastic,

thanks for the additional info and as a matter of fact I am also 6 feet tall.   May I ask you how much you weight?  I am at 176 in underwear, used to be around 230 until a year ago.

Thanks

Wow. That is a lot of weight. Good for you. I was at a high of 207 and dropped to 178 prior to starting low dose. Now I am around 163 which is a good weight as I am active and have good muscle tone.

Quote from: Jenna Marie on April 17, 2015, 05:52:17 PM
I started at 32 years old, and I'm on Vivelle Dot (which is basically the original, very slightly larger version of the new Minivelle).

Same and it is doing quite well for me.

Quote from: islandgirl on April 17, 2015, 06:57:32 PM
I got my E today! Will start it tomorrow! This is the day I have waiting for! I will let you all know how it goes.

Congrats. I hope to hear back from you.

Hi to all

as to the answers most of you girls write, I would align.

i started after being 46 years old, so this could be considered a veteran's testimony - maybe gets helpful to some.


My therapist started me on not-so-low dose, full AA + finasteride then 2 weeks later directly on injections twice a month,
In 3 months, nice and sore A size, definitely showing through T shirts, and beginning to bounce when jogging ; hence use of sporting bra, which is perfect. And an amazing experience.
First blood test came with perfect T levels, and interesting E level of more than 267. But this one has to be averaged with another, measured at the other end of the IM cycle.
So far, emotional changes : YES ; weight loss, mild.
Waist thinning, surprisingly, yes, but no bigger hips.
Some muscle reduction, and a super-soft skin.
And.... food cravings. found myself like some monster rushing to the fridge and gobbling up smoked salmon at 10 AM. 

Have a nice day.

This is such a useful thread.

X

I just find it intriguing that so many people know what low dose is, when that question cannot be asked.  I have scoured the net for a year and have yet to find any reliable dosage table, with the exception of the old standard that is now considered old beyond belief.  For me the ranges usually fall into two catagories:  The Flaky and the Old.  So to "know" what low, med, and high is.....well I suuuure would like to know.  It's kinda like the Harrison Ford adventures.   Dani

HRT dosage is adjusted for the individual till a desired target range iis met.  What that target is depends on the endo in question, but would generally be analogous to hormone levels of the desired gender.

Low dose HRT would then be a dosage at which the serums levels would be lower than the target range for transition.  That level would be somewhat arbitrary between the individual and endo, dependant on how much relief that person attains from their dysphoria.

Dose tables for medications are arbitrary to a certain degree for adults for simplicity of prescription.  Most scripts for children are by body weight, whereas in adults, there is a lot more leeway due to greater tolerance in the system.

This was something I once considered but then the trans feelings died down and I thought I was in a comfortable place.  Unfortunately, this hasn't lasted long and not only are the feelings back, I wonder if I'm dealing with some of the indirect symptoms of gender dysphoria.  It's not extreme, but if there's a chance I can more at ease with myself, then I'd like to take it (through all the proper channels, of course).

I've called up my centre and asked to see my counsellor again.  I'll see what happens from there.

Ladies,

I finally joined the club of E users on April 27 after seeing my endo for the first time earlier that day.  She prescribed half the normal dosage of a CIS female and nothing else after reviewing my blood work results from a few weeks earlier that my GP had done and which I had the results with me.  We made and appointment  to see me again in three months in which she said she will prescribe spiro.

I am very happy to finally start my low dosage trip, but I can see where this could be like and addiction where you want more to see the results sooner, but coolers head must prevail as my wife and I have discussed for everything sake.

I had not posted earlier trying to decide if I should start my own personal transition, but decided that if we all participate on this one it will help all of us and those who will come in the future looking for advice.  I will try to post on at least on a monthly basis and whenever I notice any change in my body or attitude that could possibly be caused by the E.

On that note I can say that I have had a serious case of tinnitus on my left ear for about 30 years now as a result of the retaining fluid which caused deafness on that ear and the tinnitus has decreased significantly or my awareness of it has diminished maybe by the sense of calm induced by E.  GREAT IMPROVEMENT!

Well, until the next one....

Emily

Emily congrats on starting HRT. Hugs
Mariah

Congrats Emily! Your have entered the next stage of your journey. Look forward to hearing from you.

Quote from: Newgirl Dani on April 24, 2015, 12:12:39 AM
I just find it intriguing that so many people know what low dose is, when that question cannot be asked.  I have scoured the net for a year and have yet to find any reliable dosage table, with the exception of the old standard that is now considered old beyond belief.  For me the ranges usually fall into two catagories:  The Flaky and the Old.  So to "know" what low, med, and high is.....well I suuuure would like to know.  It's kinda like the Harrison Ford adventures.   Dani

Haa good question, think the answer is: the Dr/Endo tells you I'm starting you on a low dose, lets see how you go, and come back in a X months for a blood check and lets see how that is... Well that's what I was told.... Then it was we'll up this a bit and that a bit etc...

Well that's how I believe it anyway 

L Katy

This is kind of my monthly report of my progress after starting on April 27 2015 with E only.

Body hair is growing slower, sometime it feels my that breasts are becoming super sensitive to the t-shirt rubbing against them and last night I was awaken by a pain that I have never felt before coming from my left breast, it was like something was growing inside!

No other changes to report, still have some anxiety and have not had any headaches, depression nor exhaustion.

So far so good

Emily

Hi Ladies
I hope to get my first prescription tomorrow on a low dose of estrogen. My blood test was good and hope to hear that the doctor will call in the prescription tomorrow.
Fingers are crossed.


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Melanie, Good luck and fingers crossed for you. Hugs
Mariah

I got my estrogen prescription and just took my first pill. I can't believe it has happened. All these years have gone by. It's a low dose but it is a dose.

I'll let you know how things progress
Melanie 


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