So, about a month and a half ago I cut my estrace dose down for an experiment and I've found the results really interesting.
First, off, I told my doctor I was going to try this. I'm not on a high dose to begin with (I guess average); howeer, every time I'd get my E levels checked they were very high (higher than he's seen, especially for the dose I'm on). I wanted to see what would happen if I took a lower dose but also spread the dose out. So, instead of one pill at night and one pill in the morning, I cut both in half (making 4 doses), so I can take a lower dose, but also more consistent. I take some other (non-hrt related) pills 4 times a day anyway, so it's no big deal to remember.
Previously, I was slowly developing and I was fine with that except for a little bit of weight in my my midsection that was hard to get rid of.
After the change I noticed I started changing pretty quickly. The little pot belly started going away pretty fast, my hips came out a lot more, my hair started to grow like crazy, and my breasts grew like crazy.
I've been on HRT for 3 years, and that whole time I've had pretty high E levels with every test. I've changed a lot, but with the cut and more consistent dose, I feel like I pushed the fast forward button! I actually didn't expect that much, but I got more than I expected.
I think the most frustrating part about it is that no I don't have clothes that fit anymore! I've got a lot more curves (hips, yes, hips!) so a lot of my pants don't fit anymore. Shirts are starting to fall off of me. And my bra's underwire isn't even sitting on my chest anymore (I'm a 36-B). My breasts have really filled out and started to look great. I think I'm still a B, but just a lot more fuller than before... so I'm going to have to look at bras again. I only have one left that was fitting, but now that one is reaching it's end-of-life.
My breasts are sore all of the time, however. Ouchie, ouchie ouchie! It's a good kinda pain! And my hips also hurt, like growing pains. Does it ever hurt sometimes. I've even lost weight.
I went to see my doctor again and he noticed the changes in just a month and a half. He though it was interesting 'cause he thought that with my high numbers that I would be changing like crazy and faster, but I wasn't as fast with the lower dose.
Weird, eh?
I still have to go get my blood tests to see where my levels are at now, but they should be lower.
I got the idea 'cause I kept noticing that my breasts would start hurting near my next dose, but they didn't after I took my dose. I also did some research on estrogen dominance. I also was wondering if such high levels could lead to breast cancer, which I wouldn't want.
Through out my HRT my T levels have been very low, even for a woman. I've never seen them get past 1.5, and the chart they use says the T levels for women are between 0.5-8.5 (different lab kits will use different testing methods and measurements, the paper work usually has it or you can ask for it).
My E levels would be average around 1800 (lowest I've had was 1300 and highest is 2500, with no dose change -- the doc doesn't know why they would change like that). The lab report says the range is 150-900 (it would depend on what cycle you were on). If you're pregnant it's different, however.
SRS didn't seem to make much of a difference with my T or E levels. But, my T was already low, so I didn't expect it would change 'cause it really couldn't get any lower.
So, anyway, one shouldn't completely rely on levels 'cause in the end it's about if it's working or not. If you're in the range, which is pretty big, it works. Levels, however, can be helpful to figure out how to balance dose.
Sometimes, less E is more; And more E (higher estradoil levels) doesn't always equal better or faster feminization. It will happen, but in my case it seemed much slower. Too little E, then you get the same issue. More isn't always better; and too little isn't good at all.
It's about balance.
Everyone's body is different. So, getting your tests, listening to your body, and balancing out your HRT is the best route. In the end, HRT takes time to work. Changes happen over time and not over night. But, having a hormonal balance is a great step forward. That's why having a doctor and getting your blood tested at least every 3 months is important.
--natalie
