Life Of Michelle K

[Lilis]

Just a thought. Kind of wondering if maybe a year ago, the endocrinologist noticed the scars on my wrists and sent me to a psychologist to make sure that my depression was under control enough to receive estrogen. Maybe deciding that I was too depressed to get the estrogen.

Hey Michelle, yeah, it's frustrating when healthcare systems drop the ball like that, especially with something as crucial as estrogen.

Those scars from your wrist surgeries shouldn't have been a red flag without context tho.

Just to clarify one thing, even if there had been a history of self-harm or depression, that's not an automatic "no" for HRT under current guidelines like WPATH's Standards of Care.

Mental health concerns need to be managed, sure, but they're not contraindications, on the contrary, studies show gender-affirming hormone therapy often reduces depression and suicidality significantly.

For example, trans folks who start HRT report lower rates of moderate to severe depressive symptoms and fewer suicidal thoughts over time.

It's ironic how withholding care can sometimes make things worse.

Is there any way to contact your endocrinologist for an explanation of the denial?

~ Lilis 🌷

[Michelle_K]

I had two other appointments prior for my estrogen therapy. Both were canceled by the VA. This appointment was for after d.j.t. was elected, at a gender clinic connected with the university.

At the my appointment with the endocrinologist, I was asked what I expected estrogen to do. I told her I wanted to look more feminine and have bigger breasts. I was told estrogen would not do that. I mentioned that I might have Klinefelter Syndrome, and got told it was not in my records, so it was not possible. My thinking was that due to my very low testosterone, I will not need a testosterone blocker. She recommended a psychiatric therapist, and the appointment was made for Feb 6 (after D.J.T. made his executive orders). The VA paid for the endocrinologist and Medicare paid most of the therapy, with me paying the rest.
It was my understanding that the therapist wold talk to the endocrinologist about seeing me again. It may be due to d.j.t., the VA would no longer pay for gender treatments and would not approve future appointments.

I am looking at a website from North Memorial Health Clinic. Advertised gender care. Still, it would be about 80 miles one way. I haven't heard anything from my local provider since she messaged me about getting me a statin prescription after looking at my test results.
Michelle

[Michelle_K]

A little clarification about the local provider. About two years ago my cholesterol was in the normal range, both the LDL and HDL. I needed tests for clearing me for the operations, and on both, my LDL was slightly elevated above normal. It got put into my records that I have a genetic condition for high LDL, without the test being made. Back in October, she sent a message, that my LDL was still above normal and because of the genetic part, she has sent the prescription order to the pharmacist. I was not consulted, and there has been no followup. The timing was bad, starting a statin the day after hernia surgery. Not knowing if my pain was from the statin, the surgery, or if my hip was just out of place again. The day after my surgery my blood pressure was back to normal at 117. Does it drop into the danger zone with a statin. My last testosterone test showed 262, how much lower does it get with the statin.
I had been told that my LDL needs to be in the normal range, before I can get estrogen.
I don't know if there was no intention of getting me estrogen to begin with, and the whole deal was to get her points with the hospital by getting me on a statin.
The provider at the VA has pretty much ignored the LDL being above normal, making me wonder what is going on.

About my car, I think I finally have the answer. I stop at the stop sign, I start out turning the wheel to turn right, and the car goes straight. It is very unnerving going almost into the lane of oncoming traffic. I know the road is slippery at that part. but at that low speed I should still be able to turn. My problem is the traction control doesn't know I turned the wheel, and is using the brake system to keep the car from turning. The cure is to push the button on my dash to turn the system off. The way the car acts has made me afraid to drive when there might be ice on the road.

If I can get things sorted out, the little KIA soul under control, new glasses with anti-glare, then make a pest of myself at the urgent care at the VA. The aches and pains are legitimate, as was the back pain from shoveling corn into the feed grinder when I was no older than a teen.

I'm a bit tired downloaded an update for my navigation system, and it took several hours to transfer to a SD card. It could take another hour to do the update once I plug the SD card into the system. It is suggested to have the motor running to keep the battery from going dead during the update.
Michelle

[Lori Dee ✅]

My last testosterone test showed 262, how much lower does it get with the statin.

Michelle,

High LDL and statin use can slightly lower testosterone levels. However, you are nowhere near "low testosterone" levels at 262. My last two labs showed my testosterone at less than 12. Ideally, my endocrinologist wanted to keep it just below 50. I think you might be confusing different things and assuming they are related.

I also have a genetic condition where my white blood cell count is barely higher than the lab reference range. Not high enough to signal an infection, but slightly elevated. My healthcare team now ignores that, but monitors it for any changes. The same could be true for your genetic LDL condition. They are not alarmed by it, just watching to see if it will change.

You are correct about turning off the ABS in your car under certain conditions. In my Jeep Owner's Manual is a discussion about how that affects braking and turning off-road or during braking/turning on ice or snow. Normally, leaving it on is safest. Check the Owner's Manual and see if you can find a similar discussion for your vehicle.