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Blood Test Result Questions

Started by yokosoko, February 05, 2016, 02:34:05 AM

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yokosoko

Hey Gals,

Just wanted to inquire before i actually post anything, that its allowed! I'm NOT asking for dosages, medication advice etc. While I'm dying to start HRT,  I can't quite yet due to various reasons. However i'm educating myself about the current state of my body, and have some degree of knowing what I'm talking about when I meet my endo. And thus wanted some additional opinions on people on my blood results. I'm also doing this to explore the causes of my hair loss (apparently its not DHT (or not anymore anyhow). I feel like I might be in a pretty good condition for HRT? Maybe?

Anyhow, let me know if I can go ahead and post them, and If i can I will!
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Dena

Dosages are not permitted but blood test results are. The rule is to prevent other from self medicating with your information but to get blood results, you need to be under a doctors care. I might be able to save you a step and am providing you with a link that will help you understand the test results. I am returning to HRT and in my discussion, we were aiming for a estrogen level of 300. I had many years where I may have had levels of 150 or less but my levels were never tested so the numbers are a guesstimate. It appears numbers between 200 and 300 are a good place to be but sometimes the transition dose may go even higher.
http://www.hemingways.org/GIDinfo/hrt_ref.htm
Rebirth Date 1982 - PMs are welcome - Use [email]dena@susans.org[/email] or Discord if your unable to PM - Skype is available - My Transition
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yokosoko

Great! Thanks so much for that! Ignore this if the link covers it, but incase it doesnt, what is the difference between what HRT achieves and estrogen dominance symptoms?

As far as I understand it, the aim of HRT is to decrease androgens & increase estrogen. However wouldnt that cause estrogen dominance symptoms? Or does estrogen have to be abnormally high for that to happen (Or do you need to have high estro & high testo?)

I ask, becasue as you'll see my testo results skew towards the low end, which is great! However I seem to be struggling severely to rid myself of my belly fat & reverse mild hair loss. I'm going to see my doctor(gp), therapist ,and hopefully meet the assigned endo in about two weeks (they are in Singapore, so I have to keep flying in and out), so i'd like to discuss theories with them, and see if any further blood tests need to be requested (or if I can do them at the hospital where i'm based).

I will also say that the May 2015 test was actually done due to SEVERE lethargy. My more recent tests are prep for HRT & my hair loss (DHT)

So...Thoughts?

May 2015


Jan 2016 Results



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KayXo

Quote from: yokosoko on February 05, 2016, 03:22:44 AM
estrogen dominance symptoms?

Estrogen dominance is a MYTH not based on any science and which has profited many compounding pharmacies who prepare progesterone. This term may have come from the common practice of prescribing a progestogen to women who take estrogen and have a uterus, to prevent uterine cancer as a progestogen downregulates estrogen's effects. That's all. Many transwomen do FINE on estrogen alone, sometimes quite high levels. They don't seem to be needing a progestogen to "balance" things out.

QuoteAs far as I understand it, the aim of HRT is to decrease androgens & increase estrogen.

In broader terms, to feminize the body and arrest further masculinization. Some women add a progestogen, usually bio-identical progesterone, to help with further feminization or because it has other benefits, for instance, mentally.

Quotedo you need to have high estro & high testo?

That would be very hard indeed and would be an extremely rare thing because when E increases in the body, T naturally decreases (in genetic males) due to negative feedback at the pituitary gland and hypothalamus (unless in addition to taking E exogenously, you also take T) and when T increases, E decreases (in genetic females) due to negative feedback. The body either needs E or T so when it senses there is enough circulating of one, the other stops being produced.


QuoteI ask, becasue as you'll see my testo results skew towards the low end, which is great! However I seem to be struggling severely to rid myself of my belly fat & reverse mild hair loss.

Your levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) may still be too high for you. DHT is a form of androgen that is significantly stronger than T and which is harmful to scalp hairs/follicles. Finasteride/dutasteride may help as it reduces DHT levels.

Low T may account for your belly fat (and severe lethargy) and/or eating excess carbs (causing high insulin levels).




I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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yokosoko

Wow! Thanks so much! Very informative!!! Just a few more top up questions :D

1. Thanks for the insight on Estrogen Dominance!

2. Will bring up progestogen when I see my endo

3. Seems i'll need to check my E levels to see if its high (and may be casing my low T

4. I suspected as much, but my GP said its too low to be causing MPB, but its still within the reference range...just on the low side, so i'd like to try reducing it further to see if I experience any results. As it is, I think i'm finding minor success on Minox thusfar, however I need to arrange to freeze some sperm before I do anything hormonal as my partner & I want to have kids...and the process in Singapore is slow...and Expensive xD

5.Regarding belly fat, thanks again, i'm highly active, and watch my diet like a hawk (nothing extreme or anything, but, I reward myself appropriately, salads for lunch, medium heavy dinners, with protein in every meal to keep me full, Almost no processed sugars, etc. I always seem to plateau when i've got a small pouch, kind of like the last layer before you might actually begin to see some tone...drives me insane.

Could increasing E Help with this? as in theory, the remaining fat should shift to more...desirable areas correct?

Thanks again!
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Deborah

I'm not sure about high T shutting down E.  At my first blood test I had T near the top of my range, well above average for my age.  I also had E above the top of the male range.  826 ng/dl T and 43.4 pg/ml E.


Sapere Aude
Love is not obedience, conformity, or submission. It is a counterfeit love that is contingent upon authority, punishment, or reward. True love is respect and admiration, compassion and kindness, freely given by a healthy, unafraid human being....  - Dan Barker

U.S. Army Retired
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yokosoko

Sigh... Humans, instructions not included xd


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KayXo

Quote from: yokosoko on February 05, 2016, 09:43:41 AM
Will bring up progestogen when I see my endo

Not absolutely necessary, especially in the beginning as it is slightly anti-estrogenic. Your focus should be on E, bio-identical estradiol and an anti-androgen if necessary. Avoid Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate), contraceptive pills and conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin). These are all more harmful than they need to be.

QuoteSeems i'll need to check my E levels to see if its high (and may be casing my low T

As it stands, your E is low which is normal. It's best, I think, to not get so caught up in numbers but focus on what dosage feels best for you and your feminization.

QuoteI suspected as much, but my GP said its too low to be causing MPB, but its still within the reference range...just on the low side

I disagree. First, sensitivity to levels varies from one individual so while this level may be fine for one person, this may be too much for another due to genetic susceptibility. A test cannot reveal sensitivity. Second, your DHT levels are smack right in the middle of normal range so definitely not low. 2.11 is the middle of the range, you are just above it. Not on the low side.



QuoteRegarding belly fat, thanks again, i'm highly active, and watch my diet like a hawk (nothing extreme or anything, but, I reward myself appropriately, salads for lunch, medium heavy dinners, with protein in every meal to keep me full, Almost no processed sugars, etc. I always seem to plateau when i've got a small pouch, kind of like the last layer before you might actually begin to see some tone...drives me insane.

It's not about how many calories you eat but more about what types of macronutrients...carbs will make you gain weight. Read Good Calories, Bad Calories (or Why we get fat) by Gary Taubes.

QuoteCould increasing E Help with this? as in theory, the remaining fat should shift to more...desirable areas correct?

E could help as it is know to keep weight off the waist. It will also increase insulin sensitivity, decreasing insulin levels in the process which contribute to increase fat deposits.

Quote from: Deborah on February 05, 2016, 10:55:28 AM
I'm not sure about high T shutting down E.

This applies to genetic females, I think I mentioned this. When T increases in genetic females due to exogenous intake, LH, FSH decrease so ovaries stop producing estradiol. This is what happens in transmen who take T.

QuoteAt my first blood test I had T near the top of my range, well above average for my age.  I also had E above the top of the male range.  826 ng/dl T and 43.4 pg/ml E.

In your case, your E was being produced from T (aromatized) so the more T, the more E. 43.4 pg/ml is normal for a male and quite low for a female.

I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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WendyA

Quote from: yokosoko on February 05, 2016, 11:09:01 AM
Sigh... Humans, instructions not included xd

Ain't that the truth.  Congrats on your progress thus far and I'm glad these knowledgeable people have provided you with so much help.  I apologize ahead of time because my next comment will be slightly off topic.  I promise not to hijack your thread more than the following statement.  If more needs to be said hopefully it can be said in a new, separate thread.

Quote from: KayXo on February 05, 2016, 02:12:11 PMIt's not about how many calories you eat but more about what types of macronutrients...carbs will make you gain weight.

You constantly say carbs will make you gain weight without regard to the type of carbs.  I average about 400g carbs a day and have lost over 100lbs and I'm now currently well inside the "normal" BMI for my height.  Refined carbs when combined with high fat (30% or more of caloric intake) is a killer combination that will contribute to all the ills you refer to.  But whole food carbs combined with low fat (10% or less of caloric intake) comprise a health promoting diet that has been clinically proven to halt and reverse most chronic diseases.  Making generalizations does no one any good.
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KayXo

Quote from: WendyA on February 08, 2016, 04:09:26 AM
You constantly say carbs will make you gain weight without regard to the type of carbs.  I average about 400g carbs a day and have lost over 100lbs and I'm now currently well inside the "normal" BMI for my height.  Refined carbs when combined with high fat (30% or more of caloric intake) is a killer combination that will contribute to all the ills you refer to.  But whole food carbs combined with low fat (10% or less of caloric intake) comprise a health promoting diet that has been clinically proven to halt and reverse most chronic diseases.  Making generalizations does no one any good.

It is true that refined carbs are the worst but for some, cutting even some carbs like lentils, whole grains and some very sweet fruits is the only means of achieving better weight loss and improvement in health. High fat is not the problem, refined carbs are. Studies have shown high fat, low carb to be safe and healthy. Fats are important for health.

Nutr Res. 2013 Nov;33(11):905-12.

"We hypothesized that a CRD (<50 g carbohydrate/d) for 6 weeks would improve lipid profiles and insulin sensitivity, reduce blood pressure, decrease cellular adhesion and inflammatory biomarkers, and augment VEF (flow-mediated dilation and forearm blood flow) in statin users. Participants (n = 21; 59.3 ± 9.3 y, 29.5 ± 3.0 kg/m(2)) decreased total caloric intake by approximately 415 kcal at 6 weeks (P < .001). Daily nutrient intakes at baseline (46/36/17% carb/fat/pro) and averaged across the intervention (11/58/28% carb/fat/pro) demonstrated dietary compliance, with carbohydrate intake at baseline nearly 5-fold greater than during the intervention (P < .001). Compared to baseline, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased after 3 and 6 weeks (P < .01). Peak forearm blood flow, but not flow-mediated dilation, increased at week 6 compared to baseline and week 3 (P ≤ .03). Serum triglyceride, insulin, soluble E-Selectin and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 decreased (P < .01) from baseline at week 3, and this effect was maintained at week 6. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that individuals undergoing statin therapy experience additional improvements in metabolic and vascular health from a 6 weeks CRD as evidenced by increased insulin sensitivity and resistance vessel endothelial function, and decreased blood pressure, triglycerides, and adhesion molecules."

Lipids. 2009 Apr;44(4):297-309.

"We recently proposed that the biological markers improved by carbohydrate restriction were precisely those that define the metabolic syndrome (MetS), and that the common thread was regulation of insulin as a control element. We specifically tested the idea with a 12-week study comparing two hypocaloric diets (approximately 1,500 kcal): a carbohydrate-restricted diet (CRD) (%carbohydrate:fat:protein = 12:59:28) and a low-fat diet (LFD) (56:24:20) in 40 subjects with atherogenic dyslipidemia. Both interventions led to improvements in several metabolic markers, but subjects following the CRD had consistently reduced glucose (-12%) and insulin (-50%) concentrations, insulin sensitivity (-55%), weight loss (-10%), decreased adiposity (-14%), and more favorable triacylglycerol (TAG) (-51%), HDL-C (13%) and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (-14%) responses. In addition to these markers for MetS, the CRD subjects showed more favorable responses to alternative indicators of cardiovascular risk: postprandial lipemia (-47%), the Apo B/Apo A-1 ratio (-16%), and LDL particle distribution. Despite a threefold higher intake of dietary saturated fat during the CRD, saturated fatty acids in TAG and cholesteryl ester were significantly decreased, as was palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7), an endogenous marker of lipogenesis, compared to subjects consuming the LFD. Serum retinol binding protein 4 has been linked to insulin-resistant states, and only the CRD decreased this marker (-20%). The findings provide support for unifying the disparate markers of MetS and for the proposed intimate connection with dietary carbohydrate. The results support the use of dietary carbohydrate restriction as an effective approach to improve features of MetS and cardiovascular risk."

Am J Epidemiol. 2012 Oct 1;176 Suppl 7:S44-54.

"The effects of low-carbohydrate diets (≤45% of energy from carbohydrates) versus low-fat diets (≤30% of energy from fat) on metabolic risk factors were compared in a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. "

"Compared with participants on low-fat diets, persons on low-carbohydrate diets experienced a slightly but statistically significantly lower reduction in total cholesterol (2.7 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval: 0.8, 4.6), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.7 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval: 1.0, 6.4), but a greater increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.3 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval: 1.9, 4.7) and a greater decrease in triglycerides (-14.0 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval: -19.4, -8.7). "

Am J Med. 2004 Sep 15;117(6):398-405.

"In this 6-month study involving severely obese subjects, we found an overall favorable effect of a low-carbohydrate diet on lipoprotein subfractions, and on inflammation in high-risk subjects."

Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Jun;286(1-2):1-9.

"Various studies have convincingly shown the beneficial effect of ketogenic diet (in which the daily consumption of carbohydrate is less than 20 grams, regardless of fat, protein and caloric intake) in reducing weight in obese subjects. However, its long term effect on obese subjects with high total cholesterol (as compared to obese subjects with normal cholesterol level is lacking. It is believed that ketogenic diet may have adverse effect on the lipid profile."

"This study shows the beneficial effects of ketogenic diet following its long term administration in obese subjects with a high level of total cholesterol. Moreover, this study demonstrates that low carbohydrate diet is safe to use for a longer period of time in obese subjects with a high total cholesterol level and those with normocholesterolemia."

JAMA. 2007 Mar 7;297(9):969-77.

"In this study, premenopausal overweight and obese women assigned to follow the Atkins diet, which had the lowest carbohydrate intake, lost more weight at 12 months than women assigned to follow the Zone diet, and had experienced comparable or more favorable metabolic effects than those assigned to the Zone, Ornish, or LEARN diets [corrected] While questions remain about long-term effects and mechanisms, a low-carbohydrate, high-protein, high-fat diet may be considered a feasible alternative recommendation for weight loss."

Nutr Metab (Lond). 2006 Jun 21;3:24.

"Because of its effect on insulin, carbohydrate restriction is one of the obvious dietary choices for weight reduction and diabetes. Such interventions generally lead to higher levels of dietary fat than official recommendations and have long been criticized because of potential effects on cardiovascular risk although many literature reports have shown that they are actually protective even in the absence of weight loss. A recent report of Krauss et al. (AJCN, 2006) separates the effects of weight loss and carbohydrate restriction. They clearly confirm that carbohydrate restriction leads to an improvement in atherogenic lipid states in the absence of weight loss or in the presence of higher saturated fat. In distinction, low fat diets seem to require weight loss for effective improvement in atherogenic dyslipidemia."

Nutr Metab (Lond). 2005; 2: 21.

"We believe restriction of saturated fat is not warranted on a low-carbohydrate diet because of our work showing favorable responses in clinical risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease in low-carbohydrate diets that were rich in saturated fat [2]. In addition, German & Dillard [3] have reviewed several experimental studies of the effects of saturated fats and the results are found to be variable and there is a general failure to meet the kind of unambiguous predictions that would justify the recommendation to reduce saturated fat in the population [3]. Other critical reviews of the evidence [4] have questioned whether public health recommendations for reducing saturated fat intake [5] are appropriate."

"For these reasons, we believe that the recommendation to restrict saturated fat in favor of unsaturated fat on a low-carbohydrate diet is unnecessary and may even diminish some of the beneficial physiological effects associated with carbohydrate restriction. At the very least, the food restriction required to reduce saturated fat will compromise the palatability of the diet and ultimately the acceptance of the approach to diabetes management"

Ann Intern Med. 2014 Mar 18;160(6):398-406.

"Current evidence does not clearly support cardiovascular guidelines that encourage high consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and low consumption of total saturated fats."

Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Mar;91(3):535-46.

"A meta-analysis of prospective epidemiologic studies showed that there is no significant evidence for concluding that dietary saturated fat is associated with an increased risk of CHD or CVD. More data are needed to elucidate whether CVD risks are likely to be influenced by the specific nutrients used to replace saturated fat."

BMJ. 2003 Oct 4;327(7418):777-82.

"These findings do not support associations between intake of total fat, cholesterol, or specific types of fat and risk of stroke in men."

Am J Clin Nutr. 2010 Oct;92(4):759-65.

"SFA intake was inversely associated with mortality from total stroke, including intraparenchymal hemorrhage and ischemic stroke subtypes, in this Japanese cohort."

Cutting fats to 10% or less isn't something that appears desirable. Carbs will be eaten in excess, even if not processed or refined, you will be hungrier and over time, most likely, you will suffer for it...increased insulin levels, increased triglycerides. Taking in so much sugar is just not healthy even if from whole foods, sugar is sugar! My 2 cents, based on all my readings and experience.

I have personally benefited from including more fat and less carbs in my diet. My test results, my overall health are a reflection of this.

Should you wish to pursue this discussion, please PM me. Let's get back to the main subject of this thread. But, I insisted on replying to you publicly and providing these studies because I think these may be important for everyone to know, for their health and just general knowledge. I am not a licensed nutritionist, nor a doctor but I have researched extensively on this matter and personally tested it out.
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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WendyA

Quote from: KayXo on February 08, 2016, 11:19:47 AMBut, I insisted on replying to you publicly and providing these studies because I think these may be important for everyone to know, for their health and just general knowledge.

None of those studies actually test against a 10% fat diet.  They also measure markers of health comparing various folks who eat a crap diet.  They are valid but any deviation from the Standard American Diet will see improved numbers.

Quote from: KayXo on February 08, 2016, 11:19:47 AMCutting fats to 10% or less isn't something that appears desirable. Carbs will be eaten in excess, even if not processed or refined, you will be hungrier and over time, most likely, you will suffer for it...increased insulin levels, increased triglycerides. Taking in so much sugar is just not healthy even if from whole foods, sugar is sugar! My 2 cents, based on all my readings and experience.

I was very interested in avoiding my father's fate of heart disease.  A whole food plant based no oil diet sans all animal products (meat, fish, dairy, cheese), nuts, olives, coconut has been clinically proven to halt and reverse coronary artery disease.  The diet responsible was under 10% fat about 10-15% protein and 75-80% whole food carbs.

The same whole food plant based diet was compared to the diet recommend by the American Diabetes Association and found that the whole food plant based diet did better at halting progression, reducing medications and improving associated markers of diabetes. 

Again the diet was used to see if prostate cancer patients were able to halt or reverse the progression of their cancer.  PSA measurements were used as a marker for the disease progression.  The PSA of those eating this diet improved over time, those in the control group continued to get worse.

The list goes on, but since this low fat (approximately 10%) diet has a proven track record of preventing and reversing most chronic diseases and has helped me lose 100lbs in 2 years and keep it off for another year I think I'll stick to it.  BTW you are never hungry on this way of eating, when you are hungry you eat, simple as that.  Whole plant foods are not the same as simple sugar.  For more info on the science behind whole plant foods check out Nutritionfacts.

For a wider array of information you might want to read this article by Denise Minger.  She is a definitely an advocate of what you propose, but in this article she acknowledges the science and benefits of the low fat diet.  You might find it interesting to find that there may be more than one path to optimal health.

Bottom line we both agree we all should eliminate processed junk.

Peace!
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KayXo

I agree with the idea of minimizing/cutting processed foods, of course and eating whole foods but why cut out animal/dairy fat when studies unequivocally show no association (and especially no cause and effect) between those types of fat and health risks, when an inverse association between increasing its intake and body weight is observed, when markers of health improve on high intake of fat (when carbs are low)? Why not include whole carbs AND fat? Going vegan also requires that you supplement on B12. Animal protein, animals source of omega 3 are also better suited to our human body, used more efficiently.

I will however read those studies in detail. Thank you for providing links. :)
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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yokosoko

So about the first half of that lengthy post went over my head and will require further time and research on a desktop with lots of real estate for extra tabs!

However! Having said that! Since we're onto the food topic! Let me go tbru my diet, exercise  & results! I'd love to hear feedback on it! Particularly in relation to the above.

1. I've been a vegetarian my whole life. Since I was born. It didn't however stop me from living awfully unhealthily (sugar addiction, high carb, high fat, high everything diet xd). Became overweight with fatty liver, heartburn and the like by the time I was 24.

2. Got married at 24 and my wife introduced me to healthy living. Now I'm more of an addict than she is. At the time I was 10% vegan

2. My workouts used to be a crazy intense barre class first thing in the morning 7am , intermixed with yoga daily with one rest day, supplemented with a green protein shake, (Alfa Alfa sprouts and the like). Before the class if have a banana and soy latte



3. Lunches at 11am were a light salad for lunch (can't do heavy lunches or I need to take a nap in the afternoon. Light lunches keep me able to work till the end of the day).

4. Usually a carb or vegetable afternoon snack with tea around 3-4

5. Heavy protein based dinner at 6

6. 1/2-3/4 of a single date for desert

7. Cup of warm unsweetened almond milk at 8-9.

8. Sleep by 11

2. About a year to a year and a half ago, I was getting severe energy drain, so something wasn't working. I did however get as close to my desired physique as I've ever gotten.

Adjustments I've made since then have given me my energy back but not my physique :(. I regained a small belly I've been trying to loose.

At present these are the changes I've done. I hope its sustainable, but I'd like your input

1. Workouts are now an at home workout with 20-40 mins yoga + 20-40 barre or hiit class on grokker.com at home

2. Lunch salads now contain lots of protein.

3. I'm now 95% vegan. I only "cheat" once or twice a week with high end dairy. Either fine cheese or Greek yoghurt. Don't touch milk, regular yoghurt, or dairy treats. Also don't do eggs (but that's for religious reasons).

4. I've introduced brown gluten free carbs a few times a week to meals, as I suspect previously I was barely getting any carbs at all.


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yokosoko

I'll post a picture tomorrow of where I'm at and where if like to be.


Going back to the blood tests, it's worth noting, that my suspicion is that if I start hrt, the fat I want to loose should in theory be transferred to more desirable areas right? Looking for your input once pics are up


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yokosoko

Actually I'm impatient, so here they are!


Where I'm at now (actually these picture are better than my usual! I usually stick out a bit more, but I just recovered from food poisoning in Asia, so now, I'm hoping I can keep the momentum instead of reversing)




What I'm aiming for





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KayXo

Just be sure to either eat enough carbs or fat for energy. Stay away from processed, refined stuff and empty calories. Eat whole foods like full fat yogurt, liver, meat (lean or fatty), butter, or quinoa, oatmeal, lentils, legumes, green veggies, fruits that aren't too sweet. My point is...eat foods that are nutritious. You should be fine and don't obsess about food. Eat when hungry, don't deprive yourself.
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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yokosoko

Yeah that's what i've been trying to do. I dont touch anythign with refined sugars, and my carbs are carefully chosen...

Anyhow going back to the blood tests - I'm not sure if I asked this, but I actualy wanted input on whether my natural numbers might indicate a good starting point for HRT, considering male hormone levels are not particularly high.

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KayXo

Impossible to predict in advance how you will do on HRT, even with your numbers now. Depends on SEVERAL factors. Some start with very high T and low E and do very well on HRT. High or low numbers at the start don't necessarily mean you will do good or bad.
I am not a medical doctor, nor a scientist - opinions expressed by me on the subject of HRT are merely based on my own review of some of the scientific literature over the last decade or so, on anecdotal evidence from women in various discussion forums that I have come across, and my personal experience

On HRT since early 2004
Post-op since late 2005
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yokosoko

Oh phtuey, i'm just itching and dying to start. I actually dont really care too much about the results, as whatever I get is what i'll assume i would have been born with had I been born a girl (although like many people i'll hope for best results). I just want to know i'm doing what I can to push my body along....sigh obstacles.


Anyhow thanks again everyone for your input! It's been particularly helpful!
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