October 14, 2008 11:21 PM BST
Hi Faten.
I’d agree with Marsha that 4mg is a good starting point. Androcur (cyproterone acetate) is a far more risky drug than Estrofem (estradiol) and it’s something I have never taken. 50mg is a reasonable dose to begin with, from what I’ve read. I believe the need for any anti-androgens reduces with age, so I shouldn’t worry too much about thinking you might need more.
Doctors around the world are notoriously inexperienced in hormone regimens for TS people. The only way to know if your regimen is right for you is from the effects you notice, and for that you must be patient; it takes time. Blood tests are necessary to monitor your general health, but as far as measuring estradiol levels are concerned they are meaningless and pointless, and I say that quite confidently after 4 years on hormones and having levels checked regularly. Achieving/maintaining a certain level of estradiol does not mean you will get a satisfactory level of feminisation. So you have to listen to your body, and be aware of any changes that are occurring.
Some people achieve good results with the dosage you are on now, some people need more. Give it time and see how it goes.
The only other thing I would add is that if you have any problems with receding hair then it would be worthwhile adding Finasteride, of which a very small amount is needed daily; one quarter of a 1mg tablet per day is enough.
xx
October 15, 2008 4:08 PM BST
Yes Marsha’s right. Unfortunately if you ask if hormones or a drug like Finasteride will affect you in a certain way, the answer is, maybe. It varies between individuals. Finasteride is probably not going to make lost hair grow back (though some claim it does), but may help stop any further loss. As I said, tiny amounts are needed to do this (it’s actually a side-effect of the drug which was originally developed to treat prostate cancer, amongst other things). I’m unsure whether higher dosages will have more effect on reducing body hair. Most people notice some reduction with estradiol alone (which in turn will reduce testosterone), and I believe Androcur may also help so I wouldn’t have thought Finasteride would make much difference to your body hair given your current regimen. Only take it if you wish to halt receding hair on your head.
If you’re just starting out on hormones there is no need to take Progesterone. There is some debate about whether it will improve breast growth, I believe it does, but won’t do much on its own. So get started on estradiol first, you may see good results if you’re lucky, and think about adding progesterone later. 100mg is a reasonable dose, some take it for part of the month, some every day, some every other day.
Your doctor can’t tell you what regimen is going to work for you any more than we can, so some experimentation may be needed under his supervision.
What he’s started you on though sounds fine to me, so just be patient and see what happens.
xx