Charlotte's scratch post

[Lori Dee ✅]

However I question the WPATH levels when the reference ranges on my test docs show <500pmol/l E to be post menopausal. Surely for feminization wr should be aiming above menopause levels, at least later in the process. 

The reference ranges posted on lab tests are not from WPATH. They are standard references for typical biology. You are correct about post-menopausal levels being the wrong target. My Endos and I have had many arguments about this. They point to my age and think I should be in the post-menopause range. I am 68.

I asked them what they do when a post-menopausal woman has symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats. They put them on HRT to raise their levels.

I told them that I am not post-menopausal. Since I started hormones six years ago, I am barely through puberty. Those are where my ranges should be.

Some women post-op want to decrease their levels to age-appropriate ranges. I do not. I am no expert here, but I know that hormones control a lot of functions unrelated to "sex characteristics". So my logic is that if I keep my levels within a "young" range, maybe I can fool my body into believing I am young. I am not about to allow my body to wear out and deteriorate one minute before I am ready.

Of course, my body disagrees with me and will occasionally make me feel my age just for spite. But I won't give up.

[Devlyn ✅]

Thanks Sarah and Laura.

My levels have always been well within the WPATH recommendations though never near the top. In fairness in the early days I was mindful not to push too high due to risks of premature cessation of brest growth and in cis puberty the first year levels are lower. Now seems the right time to increase. However I question the WPATH levels when the reference ranges on my test docs show <500pmol/l E to be post menopausal. Surely for feminization wr should be aiming above menopause levels, at least later in the process. 

I think also certain bodies e.g. mine need much higher levels on average. Maybe some feminise lower but I feel this is all still very much understudied. Anecdotally the benefits people cite after going to injected support the theory that large peaks of E are beneficial.

Honestly i feel a lot more emotionally stable and awake since injected, although exercise undoubtedly is helping. 

I'm keeping this exactly as it is for now.

And non-anecdotally, those people have been exposed to estradiol for a longer period of time. Lennon said "give peace a chance". Dr Dev says "give puberty a chance". 🙂

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Good or bad doctors won't have any control of my HRT for a good 6 years yet! By that point it'll be maintenance. I agree in having no plans to go below menopausal levels. Menopause is something thats treated as a condition so why encourage it trans women.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Menopause is something thats treated as a condition so why encourage it trans women.

Remember that healthcare providers are more focused on risk management than the results you want. They will try to meet somewhere THEY are comfortable with. More than a few times I have had to tell them to put in my records that I am giving my "informed consent". I am aware of the risks, and this is what I want.

That helps them relax when they realize that you are assuming the risk and not them. A good doctor will discuss it with you, point out flaws in your logic, explain things you hadn't considered, then let you decide. As long as you are open to their suggestions, they seem to be open to yours. It is a negotiation at times.

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

One of the first dresses I wore after my egg cracked. I really like it and wore with my black heels. Feels just too good wearing heels and a dress like this at work.  Its a very flattering fit, empire line I believe.

[Laura Squirrel]

Right on.

Got a tat, eh? I could never do that. I'm a wuss, and I don't like the permanence of it. My brother and sister-in-law have all kinds of tats. But they also know people who have the knowledge and the equipment to do things properly. So, that saves them a lot of dough.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I love the dress, and I really love the glasses. So chic.

Those are great pics, Charlotte.

[Stottie Girl]

You look genuinely happy there Charlotte. Hey, is that a new tat Charlotte? Thought you only had the kitty tat?

[Petunia]

For a moment there you had me convinced that was an old photo, but then I recognised the tattoo Charlotte.

You look fabulous in that photo. The dress looks perfect for you, the glasses really suit you, they make you look intelligent and draw attention to your smiling sparkly eyes.

You'd certainly attract my attention if I saw you out and about.

What do you wear on your feet with this?