So I went and saw my endo yesterday, and we talked about some stuff.  Anyway, he had this really cool way of putting the risks of HRT.  Well, its not even a way to look at it, its true.

So he said, "HRT isn't really any more dangerous than being born a woman.  Men and women both have things that they are more prone to than the other.  For example, men are obviously more prone to getting testicular cancer and prostate cancer than women (for obvious reasons).  Men are more at risk for high cholesterol and heart disease.  Women have a higher risk for strokes and hypertension, but have better cholesterol levels and a lower chance of heart disease.  Woman are also at a higher risk for breast cancer than men.  He said you are not really at any more risk than a natal woman.  When you do HRT, you end up trading one risk for another."

I never really thought of it like this.  Cool.

that is something I have wondered about before, too. Also, doctors have to present all the risks, even those that are unlikely or not common. I'm no doctor, but in my highly unprofessional opinion there may be less risk simply because of the additional good psychological factors brought about by helping to alleviate the gender dysphoria. Very interesting. Thank you for sharing!

...oh and the potential damage to your liver, but I guess that one wasn't worth your doc mentioning.

Are hormones safe for the liver now?  I thought that was the biggest risk.

Quote from: interalia on March 06, 2009, 11:50:17 AM
...oh and the potential damage to your liver, but I guess that one wasn't worth your doc mentioning.

Are hormones safe for the liver now?  I thought that was the biggest risk.

We tend to over emphasis this a bit.  They really are not that bad on the liver in reality.  The stress HRT puts on the liver is nothing compared to the stress we put on it with all the junk we already put into our bodies.

Quote from: Valerie Elizabeth on March 06, 2009, 09:23:57 AMWomen have a higher risk for strokes and hypertension

No doubt a major factor in this is having to deal with men. Since we have a kind of leg up on them in this respect, maybe that's a bonus.

So was there any news? Did he adjust your doseages any or are you right on track?

Keep in mind that this doctor's is right but it ONLY applies

If you are using bio-hormones, correct Dosage, you take care of yourself well, You have had castration or SRS.

Then it applies. Nonetheless the earlier you start in my opinion is not only better for quicker results but also for your health.

Not that older women can get better results on HRT- They can and I have heard of plenty women getting better results.

Quote from: Ashley315 on March 06, 2009, 12:53:40 PM
We tend to over emphasis this a bit.  They really are not that bad on the liver in reality.  The stress HRT puts on the liver is nothing compared to the stress we put on it with all the junk we already put into our bodies.

I could not agree more.

Quote from: Hannah on March 06, 2009, 01:13:12 PM
So was there any news? Did he adjust your doseages any or are you right on track?

No news.  Basically just wanted to see how everything was going, make sure I wasn't feeling sick or anything.  Got some more blood work done this morning.  I swear, with all of this stuff, I have lost so much blood.

Quote from: interalia on March 06, 2009, 11:50:17 AM
...oh and the potential damage to your liver, but I guess that one wasn't worth your doc mentioning.

Are hormones safe for the liver now?  I thought that was the biggest risk.

CAN be a a risk.. not always is...

My liver is perfectly fine after 2 years hrt... and its only a problem with oral... which i am on btw

Those reasons ive heard before, its quite true you really dont get any worse off