Will I notice any changes with minimum dose of E?

[Rosa]

My doctor has agreed to start me off on E next week; she just wants to review some of my medical history.  However, she says that she is going to start me off low.  I was expecting more from what I have read from HRT protocols online (I'm trying to stay within the rules here and not mention these doses).  She says that I might notice big changes with even a small increase.  She is not a specialist and I suppose she may just want to be cautious or give me time to adjust.

Do you think I'll notice any changes with that low of a dose and is it common to start off low and bump up gradually?  My situation is a bit different in that I won't need anti-androgens due to my Kleinfelters.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

She will see how you do and probably bump you up as things go along.  You may see somethings, but nothing major.

[Ave]

I think mostly you'll reduction of acne and smoother skin, nothing too major.

[Rosa]

I don't produce much T - my level is normal to low even for a natal woman.  I was just hoping that she would start me out higher since I don't think the minimum dose is going to start female puberty.  But I'm so desperate to get on E that I'll take what she gives me.  I just hope it is Estradial and not some herbal thing.  I'll find out next week. 

[luna nyan]

With all medications, a doctor is going to aim to get best therapeutic effect from the lowest possible dose.

I would ask her what her plan is - whether she wishes to start you on low dose, review at 6 weeks and then adjust dosage.  She may very well be planning that for you.  Some people on the androgyne section report changes in spite of being on low dose.

[DianaW]

I just made my first appointment so I haven't even gotten to start ywt but I read somewhere that lower doses are actually more effictive.

[Noah]

Definitely ask about her intentions - i.e. is the small dose standard as an initial starting dose? I just started HRT two weeks ago, and I am on a low dosage as well, however I am not quite clear on how low it is. I would post my dosage here, if not for the restrictions (which I understand). I am curious to know if my regimen is normal or what, but c'est la vie. My doctor works at a Transgender Health Clinic so she has done this for years, and knows what she is doing. She starts off low and goes up from there in time. In two weeks I have only noticed slightly puffed nips...

[DianaW]

as I undersrand it if you start off with too high an estrogen dose your body responds by increasing Testosterone, so you have to start out low

[justmeinoz]

My Endo started me off on a low dose contraceptive pill, and is quite happy with my results.  My T level is very low and changes are marked, so it really is "one of those things".  Try it and see, is all I will say.

Karen.

[Rosa]

I'm happy to know that starting off on a low dose is not uncommon.  I think that I had some quams because my doc is general medicine and I don't think she has to much experience in this sort of thing, but I need to confirm.  I'm glad that she is willing to help me since I really can't afford (or even find) a nearby endo that will work with transexuals.  I'm probably a bit impatient since its been so long.  I suppose the most important think is the blood levels.

Thanks girls!

[Rosa]

I'm very dissapointed that I'm not on HRT yet.  I finally was able to talk to my doctor on the phone and she doesn't want to prescribe estrogen yet because of my high cholesteral and low thyroid problems.  I told her I've had high cholesteral most of my life and all my family has it, so I think it is genetic.  I'm taking meds for both cholesteral and thyroid, so I don't know why she thinks estrogen could give me a heart attack or mess up my system.  I don't feel like I can keep going on like this without estrogen and I swear I'm at the point that I think I would self medicate if I was only able to.  I would rather get on estrogen and begin to get my body in tune with who I am and die of a heart attack than to keep living in this crazy in-between limbo state.