For the benefit of our American sisters, Charing Cross is the main gender treatment centre in the UK. Well, actually Charing Cross is an entirely different place in London, but when we refer to Charing Cross that’s what we mean. Anna-Marie has of course seen her own GP, as well as the counsellor & gender specialist that she mentioned. The doctors at Charing Cross will decide if and what hormones Anna-Marie should be allowed. Can I also remind people that at the top of the Hormones Forum it does actually say, “Before embarking on any course of hormones you should consult your GP and demand to see a transgender specialist.”
Must we repeat that every time someone has a specific question?
Apropos, in answer to your question, in the event of approval for hormones, Charing Cross are likely to suggest a low dose of some form of oestrogen, hopefully 17-Beta estradiol, which is bio-identical to estradiol produced in the human body. (If they suggest Premarin I would ask if there was any alternative, since it’s an outdated, slightly riskier, conjugated oestrogen made from extract of pregnant horses’ urine: PREgnant-MARer’s-urINe). I should find out fairly soon exactly what from of oestrogen they will prescribe since I’m due for my own prescription now.
The consultant I saw on my first appointment there told me they don’t advise the use of an anti-androgen, since a sufficient dosage of oestrogen will reduce testosterone. The results of my blood test show that my testo levels are indeed very low, so I’d agree with that, though my only concern is whether their low dose of oestrogen will actually be sufficient to reduce testo to an acceptable level.
They also do not advocate the use of progesterone, I was told that oestrogen is the main hormone for breast development and progesterone really isn’t necessary. I wholeheartedly disagree, and believe it has other benefits as well as giving more natural breast development (alveo-lobular development).
Whilst I agree that a course of hormones should be undertaken with medical supervision (especially B.P./liver tests etc) I think it is perhaps even more important for one to do one’s own research, to know what you are taking and why, to know what to expect and above all to listen to your body. No doctor will know just “what is right for you”, even with the benefit of blood tests; everyone is different and the only way to find out what works for you is by trial. NHS doctors KNOW this, but their main concern is guarding their own back, and hence they err on the side of caution, to put it mildly.
Your initial dose is likely to be very low, and rightly so, but you may eventually have to encourage them to increase it if you want see real results in the long term. What exactly do you hope to achieve Anna-Marie?
I like the way you stressed the word “MIGHT” in your question, it’s equally stressed in my answer!
Best of luck, babe.
xx