July 16, 2008 10:22 PM BST
Sheila, dear--
"there is every reason to not seek medical help when you're poor. is this covered my health insurance? when it is, i'll be the first in line."
There'll be more reasons to seek medical assistance now than after, hon. Regular medical checkups are a must--there are so many things that
can go wrong, things that will cost you far more than a yearly checkup--that you are better off spending the money now than later.
Plus, nobody should be messing with hormones outside a doctor's care. I don't have medical insurance right now, either--so I have to put aside a little each month for doctor's visits, medications (both hormones as well as other meds I take) and so forth. If something major happens to me, I am screwed.
Self-medicating is not safe. I could wish that hormones were available over the counter--but that does not mitigate their effect. I have said it before--
the effects of hormones are permanent after 6-8 months.
Having said all of that...
Congratulations, Selena. Hormones are a big step towards becoming the woman you are. If you're not seeing a medical doc, please at least consider it. (I couldn't tell from your posts if you are or not.)
Luv 'n hugs,
Dr. Mina Sakura
May 21, 2009 12:57 AM BST
Update: 6mg estrofem, 37" band and 39 1/2" over the bust. 38A bra fits quite well, A friend brushed my chest yesterday and I noticed how soft and yielding it was'. I wonder if he dd, too!
September 8, 2007 2:21 PM BST
You can chose to trust any post in this forum from people for whatever you know might just be guessing up random numbers (not saying that they are).... or you can go and see an endochrinologist, take blood tests and then let them prescribe a dosage that is right for you.
Self medicating and playing around with hormones isn't a very good idea and there is no reason not to see a doctor and have hormones prescribed.
September 8, 2007 1:47 PM BST
For some people a low dose of estradiol may be sufficient to achieve good feminisation. For all people it’s best to start on a low dose and ramp up gradually if necessary. Selena is wise to start on this dose of Estrofem. I’m afraid I have my doubts about the Premarin cream though.
It’s not true that taking estradiol alone causes testosterone to rise, maybe it’s a possibility (and if so it will likely be only temporary), but the converse is normally true. Even a low dose of estradiol over time will lower your testo. Things may be unsettled to begin with while your body adjusts to the changes, but a constant dose of estradiol alone should lower your testo. I am living proof of that! A testo blocker is not always essential, it depends on your age, your testo levels to begin with, and your reaction to estradiol. Most people will only be on hormones for a couple of years before they have SRS, so I think too much emphasis is often placed on the need for testo blockers, given that natural production of testo won’t be for much longer, and as I’ve said because it’s likely to be severely reduced by the effects of estradiol anyway.
What’s perhaps most important is that it’s not good advice to suggest that a certain dosage is right for everyone. 6mg is a reasonable ball-park figure, but it won’t be right for everyone, some will need more, some may find they don’t need that much. And, for the record, it’s not true that, “Nobody recommends dosage as low as 2mg for transsexuals…” Charing Cross Gender Clinic in London often recommend that dosage. I’m not saying they’re right to do so, just that they do. Opinion on what and how much is best varies all over the world. If your endo says one thing, don’t take it as the Gospel truth.
There is no “one correct dosage”. Everyone is different and everyone’s hormone regime should be tailor-made to suit them. If you’re getting good breast growth along with all the other expected changes then you’re probably on the right dose. Ignore cookie-cutter advice and listen to your body.
xx
