What did you have to do to prepare your body for HRT?  Are there target numbers a physician would want to see for things like blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, ect?

Chaunte

A quick aside for anyone thinking of self-medicating: DON'T!

Assuming I transition, it will be done under a physician's care and oversight.

Well, my Doctor just did fairly basic blood and urine tests; he said he wanted to make sure my cholesterol and blood pressure weren't astronomical, that I wasn't extremely obese, and that there were no liver or other issues that could present a problem. Unlike many that I've read about, he wasn't terribly concerned with establishing a baseline before starting; he started me on a fairly conservative dosage for my height & weight, checked up at three months, and at six months will do a full panel of tests to see what my levels are. Based on those levels, he'll make any necessary changes to my dosages.

I don't know what specific numbers would have been an issue, but I got the impression that as long as nothing really jumped out at him, there wouldn't be a problem.

I don't know how typical my experience was; the whole thing seemed pretty laid-back, but he has been involved in the transition of over 40 people, so I have to assume he knows what he's doing. I wonder sometimes if some of the endos I've heard of with really extreme requirements might have little experience dealing with TS issues, and are making up for it with an overabundance of caution. Just a thought...

Annie

Hello Chaunte.

For the most part it depends on the thoroughness of the doctor.  Obviously I can't speak for all however my own doctor dealt with me in a most professional manner.  She insisted that I have a complete physical, including blood pressure and blood tests to test for a whole list of things a lot of which I didn't understand.

Everything was fine except that my cholesterol was dangerously high and she wanted to correct that situation before she would go forward with HRT.  And we did.

As for target numbers I believe as long as you fall with in  the range of was is considered normal for a persons age, height, and typical weight then you would be ok.  Definitely high blood pressure is of concern and any other condition that a person has that may be aggravated or complicated by HRT, clotting, cancer etc...

Different people react different ways to HRT that is why it is so important to be as healthy as you can possibly be.  Not that any of us are in perfect health, and such things as you mentioned can complicate or be complicated by HRT.  Additionally HRT affects different people in different ways, another reason that a person should ensure that they and their doctor are fully aware of any issue that may arise from the HRT.

Along with this you should be monitored by your doctor on a regular basis to ensure that your health is not suffering due to HRT, and to keep track of the levels to ensure they stay within accepted ranges.  remember the old saying...  An once of protection... etc

Steph

One of the best things you can do for yourself is to not smoke.  That is one of the #1 things that can be a contraindication to starting HRT.

Melissa

...and has anybody mentioned regular exercise?  When you're in good shape, your body can take more abuse without adverse reactions, and you heal faster from injuries (or surgery...)

Personally, I hate PT (physical training) at least twice a week.  Another benefit is that, at my middle age, I sleep better when I'm working out.

And I believe it has to have positive effects on my HRT and transition (and overall mood.)

Karen

P.S., I second the thing on not smoking.  Though I have to caveat that quitting was one of the hardest things I ever did, even with the help of Army-provided Zyban(tm) 

Smoking is not an issue for me.  Never have.  Never will.

Regular exercise is tough.  Too many late nights grading papers.  This is my break before I go back to the stack of lab reports I need to get through tonight!

Chaunte