Hello there

So my testosterone levels dropped to 0 after SRS and I'm going to have to take low doses of T because my body doesn't work as well as it used to.
My GP told me she doesn't have experience with giving T to transwomen so I'd like to hear from someone who does this.

What kind of testosterone do you take?

My GP recommended to stay away from injectable T because it would be too hard to keep low levels. And the other forms deliver different variants of testosterone and I don't know which one is usually given to post-op transgirls.

hugs

A 24-hour patch is highly controllable.

Patches are not paid for by health insurance here unfortunately (and they're extremely expensive) :/ I can't afford to buy my hormones
HI will only pay for injectable T, and T taken orally, and maybe androstanolone goo

Cis women can have the same problem, and as far as I know the treatment for transwomen is the same. In Australia there's a gel for men and women available, at different strengths.

Even after SRS you should have some small amount of Testosterone that is produced by your adrenal glands. Most post op transwomen do not take Testosterone because of this. If your Testosterone levels are below the normal female range, some women have been taking low dose Testosterone to increase stamina and libido.

Testosterone can be taken by injectable, patches and topical creams. Some areas also have an oral tablet as well. Steady blood levels are not critical and blood levels that fall within the normal female range is easy to achieve with smaller than normal doses.

If your GP will not prescribe Testosterone, then request a consult with an Endocrinologist.

Right now, some General Practitioners are reluctant to prescribe hormones because of the possible cardiac side effects. However, for us in the trans community, the benefits are much greater than the risks. Thankfully this is where an Endocrinologist has professional expertise in dosing and what method of Testosterone to use.

Thanks for the replies
My GP isn't reluctant to prescribing testosterone (she actually gave me a prescription for oral tablets), she just wasn't sure how to proceed with regards to my goal: trying to have the blood levels that I had before surgery when I was under AAs, while taking the least amount of risks possible.
I don't have the possibility of seeing an endocrinologist unfortunately, we've yet to find a reliable one around.
My hope in posting here is to know what variant of T an endocrinologist would prescribe, from someone who sees a reliable endocrinologist.
I know it would be best for me to see a specialist but I don't have access to any trustworthy doctor apart from my GP, and I'm not willing to try my luck with someone I don't know because I have a fear of doctors because of past experiences.

The treatment for transwomen really is the same as for cis-women. Its not special just because you're trans. I know a post-op transwomen who's been prescribed Androfeme cream in Australia by an endo.

https://www.nps.org.au/medical-info/medicine-finder/androfeme-1-cream

I expect your GP would have you start on a low dose and see how it goes. Do blood tests and adjust accordingly.

I started T 2 years ago, had my SRS in 2005. I feel and look better. I started with Androgel, applying a small amount daily, discarding daily or you can try and close it with pin, reuse it until you use all of it. I later switched to injection of testosterone cypionate, a small amount every 3.5-4 days combined with estradiol valerate. That is when I really started to see improvements in my body (weight loss, less cellulite, better skin tone, etc.) and my libido really improved! Injections for me worked way better but I also take a good amount of estrogen to balance/to avoid side-effects from too much T like acne, body hair growth, etc.

Another option is to have a compounding pharmacy prepare a cream/gel for you, customized to your needs.

Quote from: Dani on October 27, 2018, 05:46:52 AM
Even after SRS you should have some small amount of Testosterone that is produced by your adrenal glands. Most post op transwomen do not take Testosterone because of this. If your Testosterone levels are below the normal female range, some women have been taking low dose Testosterone to increase stamina and libido.

My endo mentioned the adrenal supplied androgens after I had the orchi done. From what he said DHEA is the main estrogen / androgen hormone made by the adrenal glands. It can activate ERb receptors but barely the ERa receptor. It gets turned into T and DHT in low quantities in the skin and some other tissues and is what encourages body hair growth.

I have not had my levels checked at all since the orchi but my body hair goes in cycles of barely growing to seemingly coming out of everywhere at once.


All I know is I don't feel the want for anything extra. I do take 1 dose of oral progesterone every evening and that has made me feel decent ever since I started taking it.

I like to try things without without medicine first. I understand that medicine is quicker and may have better results, however we have to eat.
https://www.healthline.com/health/low-testosterone/boosting-food

I am not sure of your age or health, but this is an option as well.
https://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/how-women-should-train-for-optimal-testosterone-levels