The doctor overseeing my treatment has recommended I have triptorelin injections (similar to goserelin/zoladex) to cover the 6 week period I need to be off estrogen and oral anti-androgens before surgery.  I talked to my local doctor today and she needs to ask the PCT (NHS bean counters) if they'll fund them.  I suspect they'll refuse to cover this, particularly as I'm going private for surgery (but get my HRT and blood tests on the NHS).  If I have to pay, it'll be two injections at £91 each *wince*  Not sure I can really afford it...

So...  How much, if any, body/facial hair regrowth did people experience while being off HRT.  I've almost finished laser on my face and it'd be annoying (and expensive) to have to have more laser/electro to deal with any regrowth.  Also, just how bad were the mental effects of stopping HRT?  I'm reaaaaaaaaaally not looking forward to having high levels of testosterone again. The last few weeks leading up to surgery will be stressy enough anyway.

(Please don't take this as an official notification of "woo, I'm having surgery", I'm going for my second psych opinion assessment on the 15th of May, so not saying anything definite till then).

Anti-androgens and low T is what keeps the hair growth down, so you should be OK.

Quote from: Keira on April 28, 2008, 06:57:07 AM

Anti-androgens and low T is what keeps the hair growth down, so you should be OK.

That's the point.  If I have to have 6 weeks off anti-androgens... eep

Why not take a DHT inhibitor like dutasteride or finesteride.
These are very benign, I'd be surprised they'd want you to stop this?

Quote from: Andra on April 28, 2008, 09:22:40 AM

Quote from: Keira on April 28, 2008, 06:57:07 AM

Anti-androgens and low T is what keeps the hair growth down, so you should be OK.

That's the point.  If I have to have 6 weeks off anti-androgens... eep

If I remember well, Dr.Brassard asks 3 weeks off hormone before the operation. I stopped all pills 3 weeks in adavance, and I didn't find there was big change other than I got a bit more horny during the last week before the operation.

6 weeks is excessive. 2-4 weeks is more common.  And remember the T doesn't start up immediately full-bore, it takes time for the system to re-awaken.  2-4 weeks isn't bad, 6 weeks may be tougher.  YMMV.



I avoided all that by going to Dr Bowers.  She lets you stay on estrogen right up to and through surgery.