Hello

After a long battle, I finally have my prescriptions. A huge leap forward, and I've been very grateful to get this far. Still sorting out issues though. My new provider from my local planned parenthood hood seems to be winging it so far, but is definitely more professional than the first provider I saw. The clinic is new to transgender services, and openly says so. Anyhow, I'm not complaining because I am making progress. It just that at times I'm feeling like I'm the doctor, and my provider is my pupil.

I chose the injection form over the patch, because my provider couldn't tell me which would be better for me -which gave me pause. I was thinking that the patch might not be as effective, and could just fall off during a workout. I asked some questions about that sort of thing, but didn't get a real answer, just "we are new to this."

I had my local pharmacy (in North Idaho) order my prescriptions just over a week ago, but the injection prescription still hasn't come yet.

Let me break it down...

I don't even know the brand names because I can't get a direct line to my provider. I can't give specifics.

I'm trying to come up with a plan for my following appointment, because it's looking like I won't have any product in my system which is counter intuitive. "How do you feel? "Well doc, I haven't taken anything yet, how much do I owe you for that?"

Just looking at random information on the internet doesn't provide much. I was hoping maybe anyone had some advice based on experience - of which is better...

Injection, or patch. I'm 38, and in great health.

I've done a lot of homework, but I'm also doing my doctor's homework as well. Not having any experience taking the medications, or knowing the different brands/generics.


I hope this makes sense. I get headaches using my tiny touch screen.

PS, I just reread my post here. I'm not lazy, really I'm not. Just overwhelmed lacking experience living in an area that is extremely backwards. I do appreciate any advice, I take it all very seriously. Thank you.

I personally prefer injections, more convenient, once a week and it can effectively suppress T on its own whereas with patches, they can come off, leave red marks, irritate the skin, you need to change them every 3 days and you will probably need an anti-androgen to suppress/inhibit T.

KayXo

Thank you! Knowledge is power, and I'm getting there. I know I'm just starting out, earning my dues so to speak. There are a lot of variables it seems may be the case concerning supply, and availability for injectables in particular. Once they are available, I'll begin. Medications pertaining to transitioning can be so very subjective. Getting an inside track is beneficial, and appreciated. Thank you

I haven't tried injections.  My doctor figured that patches had a lower risk of infection, less training required, and a more stable release rate.  She didn't want me on oral because of my age: less wear and tear on the liver, even though I am in excellent health.

I have had no trouble with the patches.  I use Sandoz brand, and they stick really well.  Occasionally, I will have one lift slightly at the edge, but mostly, they stick tight even in the shower.  They do leave a red spot when I remove them, that clears up in a week.  The only hassle is remembering to change them.

The pharmacy never has them in stock.  So, even though their online refill service says it will be ready to pick up the following day, I know to wait an extra day.

I've only been on patches and they are working fine so far.  I asked my endocrinologist about injections, she said that was an option but didn't recommend it because they require IM (intramuscular) injection which is a bit more difficult.  I have also heard good results from injections.  For patch schedule, I simply set up a recurring appointment reminder on my phone.

If you don't have your prescription in your system before next appointment, you might consider postponing the appointment. 

Mostly it comes down to what works for you. For me it's pills because I pop one a day with breakfast  and I am done. Pills are cheap if your paying out of pocket however injections, pills, patches, jells and implants all work. Look  at your routine and decide what you are most comfortable using and ask for that.

I started on pills and I have no complaints about their effectiveness for me.  They worked well.

I made the switch to injection about a month ago just for the once a week convenience.  So far everything that the pills did the injected estradiol does a bit better.  Needles aren't for everyone but thankfully my partner is a nurse practitioner and LOVES stabbing people, so she takes care of it for me.

Thank you everyone for the input! Very very much appreciated.

I'm figuring that since I'm just starting, or rather I haven't got any product in my system that I will continue holding out for the injectable Estradiol. It seems that my Spiro is not coming in either. It may be my pharmacy since it's just a "mom n pop" country pharmacy. I called, and asked some questions, they are trying to reorder from a distributor in Seattle.

As soon as do get them, I'll reschedule my follow up. So far there hasn't been any mention of an endocrinologist, or exactly who (Provider) will be refilling my future prescriptions. I read somewhere that if you as a patient have to educate your own doctor, that you should find a new one - I wish I could, but this is a way things go in my area.

Besides that, the thing that bothers me is always being on the edge, not having security, or a better foothold for peace of mind. I've scoped out all corners of the Continental US. I know what better security feels like, and someday I'll make my new home where I can find it. Believe me when I try to convince my mom to move out of North Idaho on a weekly basis lol. It's a long story, and Idaho is where she wants to be, and I've chosen to be there for her needs that keep her out of a nursing home.

I'm just glad spring is on the way, holy freeholies it's been a long winter!

I'll add my experience.  My provider gave me any option I wanted when I first started.  I choose injections since it was once a week and I was worried about patches falling off during workouts.  My ex-wife was on patches for bc and I remember she wasn't thrilled with it.  Once you get past the needles injections aren't too bad. 

I inject subcutaneous, into the stomach area, which has a benefit of requiring a smaller needle (25G 3/4 inch) though there usually is a bump where I inject and the area can get irritated and develop redness (not very pretty for crop tops with low waist bottoms).  It took a couple of months for my levels to stabilize, I could tell when injection day was nearing.  But lately I have enough E that I don't notice the change in moods as much.  Lab tests all come back great. 

I get prescribed the same E for intramuscular my box even says for IM use only but I don't think that matters.  My provider is a very large trans resource in my area and I'm sure they prescribe the same stuff for their other clients.

Regarding the prescriptions, does her plan offer mail order?  I get my prescriptions mailed to me from a pharmacy my provider deals with.  Since they deal with a lot of trans clients they usually have what I need in stock.

Dana you might want to contact Dr. Geoffrey Stiller's office in Moscow Idaho.  Dr. Stiller performs GCS - his office probably knows which local pharmacies have HRT supplies in stock.