Mild.

I was originally put on the "smallest" dose available (estradiol), and a month later the doc increases it to twice that amount...so a month later he says, "well, everything looks good...we'll keep the dose as-is for 3 months and check again." (Blood draw this time, also)

No liver problems, BP is good, no illnesses/aches, etc. Sure, I can wait for the bloodwork to get back (and I'm sure that's going to be good, too...*knocks on wood* )

But I was kinda hoping he'd up the dosage again, just a wee bit. It's funny, but when I was on menopause supps they didn't do much for me--other than letting my body know "I WANT THIS!". When I took the small dose, it was about equal to the menopause supps, in terms of well-being etc. (although the estradiol did make my nips itchy)

When I took the "twice" amount, much more well-being, and soreness/etc behind the nips...but still I feel like I'm nowhere near my dose for my needs. It's hard to describe, but maybe something like, "I'm starving...go to a friend's house for dinner...he gives me one bite of food, then sends me on my way...go to another friend, he gives me a small plate of food, then sends me on my way..."

I know I'm getting nourishment, but it's just not enough!

Should I just have patience until next appointment (3 months), or is it alright (not rude to the doc, who I like a lot) to suggest a higher dose sooner (given the bloodwork is ok)?

Any advice or experience shared would be appreciated!  *hugs*

*waves at everyone*

My doctor told me it takes about 3 months for levels to shift enough to send you from male to female levels. What were your levels?

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 11, 2012, 10:03:45 PM
My doctor told me it takes about 3 months for levels to shift enough to send you from male to female levels. What were your levels?

That's in the bloodwork that was done; I'll find out in a week or two. I've been on E and Spiro for (eta: nearly) two whole months! LOL!

Baseline (for me, done in Dec 2011) was T = 140ish, E = 40ish.

I'm very sure the T levels are darn near zero, I can't feel any of that yuck anymore. (Yay!)...and I tell you what, "girlie" doesn't begin to describe what E does for me...

Wow your T was low. I can see why she put you on low E. Just wait it out. If your E levels are low on this blood draw she may call you back to up your dosage.

I was put on what some would call a "regular" dose for MTFs and my E levels were through the roof and my T was close to non existant. It took about 5 months to get to that point, too.

I had no baseline (self medding for 2 months).

For example, 2 months into HRT, my E = 175, my T = 25.

5th month = 722 E, 9 T.

I was on the exact same dose on month 5 since the day I started HRT. Your levels may decide to sky rocket. I would be patient imo.

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 11, 2012, 10:14:56 PM




For example, 2 months into HRT, my E = 175, my T = 25.

5th month = 722 E, 9 T.

I was on the exact same dose on month 5 since the day I started HRT. Your levels may decide to sky rocket. I would be patient imo.

Ok, thanks. Maybe it will go up, hence the cautious approach.

fwiw, my levels are currently:

E = 255
T = 49 (total)

Your levels are good. Female range for T is 5-85, and doctors try to keep transsexual women in the 150-250 range for estradiol (at least mine does). Just let it do its thang baby girl

You can always discuss with your doctor and suggest another increase. In the worst case, you'll have a "no" with a reassuring explanation of the refusal.

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 11, 2012, 10:14:56 PM
Wow your T was low. I can see why she put you on low E. Just wait it out. If your E levels are low on this blood draw she may call you back to up your dosage.

I was put on what some would call a "regular" dose for MTFs and my E levels were through the roof and my T was close to non existant. It took about 5 months to get to that point, too.

I had no baseline (self medding for 2 months).

For example, 2 months into HRT, my E = 175, my T = 25.

5th month = 722 E, 9 T.

I was on the exact same dose on month 5 since the day I started HRT. Your levels may decide to sky rocket. I would be patient imo.

It is important to differentiate between "Free Testosterone" (normal male range 35-155 pg/mL) and "Total Testosterone" (normal male range 250-1100 ng/dL)

Free T for me is 0.3.

I think I'll just wait. I'm doing good otherwise, even getting another growth binge on the boobies. 

They want to be extra careful, to see how you do over time on a set dose. If your body takes too much of the estrogen it will start converting into testosterone and that is no good. I've been on a steady dose for a while and it seems to be working okay but my spiro dose was upped a bit. We'll see what happens. >.<

Quote from: The Passage on April 17, 2012, 04:15:12 AM
They want to be extra careful, to see how you do over time on a set dose. If your body takes too much of the estrogen it will start converting into testosterone and that is no good. I've been on a steady dose for a while and it seems to be working okay but my spiro dose was upped a bit. We'll see what happens. >.<

Not necessarily. While it's true that aromatase cconverts T to E, I do not think there's a mechanism within the body that converts E to T. However if your body sees too much E in the body, there's a chance that the pituitary gland will tell you to pump out more T, blocking the E from taking hold.

But I'm not schooled on this or anything so I could be wrong.

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on April 17, 2012, 07:01:01 AM
However if your body sees too much E in the body, there's a chance that the pituitary gland will tell you to pump out more T, blocking the E from taking hold.

But I'm not schooled on this or anything so I could be wrong.

I think your right!