Are There Any Real Doctors Out There?

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

I have recently changed doctors for my HRT and wish I did not now. I changed because he was closer to where I live and able to get there easily. Wrong move on my part. My new doctor only has me on a low dose of estradiol says that my estrogen levels need to be at a post menapausel woman's level, this is where he is WRONG!!! So WRONG!! The dang guy is underprescribing me!!!! My levels need to be equivlant to a pregnant woman's level not post menapausel. I am so frustrated, confused and angry. He first put me on the patch, and only one patch at that, I mean this guy is ridiculus. Excuse the typing errors. I do not know where to turn anymore. I started self medicating the last couple of days just to increase my estrogen levels. Have no one else to go to now. Not sure if the clinic where they have specialists that specialize in transgender care will take me back. They have a big waiting list there now. If you would like to know what my dosage is PM me. Right now there is no more breast growth, not even tenderness, no fat distribution, no nothing to be honest.

Susan

[Guest John Chiv]

Susan,

Is there any way you can go back to the first doctor? I know insurance does not work so fast. Maybe one of the ladies will help. I know this is hard. Please do not self-medicate, it will only make things worse.

John

[Carolyn Marie]

Susan, how long have you been on this new dose? Days, weeks, months? If its less than months, I would think its too soon to tell what the effect has been. Fat distribution and breast growth don't improve in a straight line, and they certainly don't change quickly. I'm on a regular dose of estradiol tablets, and haven't noticed breast growth in months.

I'm not saying you're wrong or trying to argue, but you do need to be realistic about what to expect. You could get back on your old dosage, and not see any bigger changes than you're seeing now. Frustration at the pace of physical improvements is not at all uncommon, and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Audrey Elizabeth]

Get on that phone girl and see if they will take you back ASAP! Oh, and write this up as one of lifes lessons. Perhaps there is another doctor you can try if they don't take you back. I would suggest increasing the distance of your search until you can find a good endocrinologist with experience treating Transsexuals patients. I drive 4 hours to see mine so I understand how a long commute can be difficult but we are only talking two visits a year and it is so worth it to get the help I need. So although I can understand the emotional reaction to self medicate I think it would be wiser for you to take action now and go whatever distance you have to, to find a good endocrinologist.

Good luck sweetie!!!

Audrey

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Susan, how long have you been on this new dose? Days, weeks, months? If its less than months, I would think its too soon to tell what the effect has been. Fat distribution and breast growth don't improve in a straight line, and they certainly don't change quickly. I'm on a regular dose of estradiol tablets, and haven't noticed breast growth in months.

I'm not saying you're wrong or trying to argue, but you do need to be realistic about what to expect. You could get back on your old dosage, and not see any bigger changes than you're seeing now. Frustration at the pace of physical improvements is not at all uncommon, and sometimes there is nothing you can do about it.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

I have been on this new dose for a couple of months right now, the thing is Carolyn I was on a much higher dose before seeing him, was taking the pills when I first started my transition three years ago at the maximum dose, then I switched to the injectables for awhile before switching to this new doctor who suggested I go on the patch. The patch did nothing for me, infact my T increased quite a bit while I was taking the patch, increased aggression, short tempered, irritable, etc.. I called the new doctor up and said I needed to switch back to the pills so he ended up putting me on a low dose of the estradiol pills even though he knew I was a much higher dose. Each doctor has their own philosophy of what is appropiate I guess. Are we not suppose to be trying to go through a second puberty by taking these hormones? Having levels of a post menapausal woman is not my idea of a second puberty.

Susan

[Carolyn Marie]

The thing is, Susan, we aren't pubescent women, and the risks of E for transwomen over 40 is higher, and the patch is frequently recommended as easier on the system and less prone to complications. What we want and what is best, and safest, aren't always in alignment. As Dr. Murray recently found, giving one's patient whatever they ask for is not always the best medicine. I encourage you to get an explanation from your doctor, but I don't think you should assume he has no valid reasons.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Mia J]

What are your e blood levels? My HRT doctor is not a believer in high doses. She says that studies have shown that as long as the T level is kept low almost any level of Estrogen will cause results. She likes to keep her MTF patients just below the mid point of normal e levels for cis women and the T below the mid point for the normal T range for cis women. She says that going to higher E levels greatly increases the chance of throwing a blood clot.

MIa

[JJ]

Susan,

Every person is different and how well their system tolerates the estrogen is different. Perhaps before you second guess him or even search for a different Dr you should discuss this with your Dr. There are so many complications possible that you really don't want to self-medicate. Fast breast development doesn't mean much if you aren't here to experience it. And to me even worse would be the prospect of surviving but in a damaged state should you throw a clot.

So please talk to the Dr. And if you disagree with his explanation and approach then find one you can relate with better. But don't gamble with your life. This Dr may well have seen some potential problems developing for instance and may not have wanted to alarm you so didn't go into detail.

Remember the old adage about it not being a race. You have time to do this safely

Johnny

[Paula ult]

Susan, i suggest contacting the clinic where you used to go and see if you can get back with them, even if it is further and may take you time to get back with them, you seem comfortable with them and the results you were getting, has this new doctor treated many transsexuals, allot of doctors treat us as post menopausal woman, even my Endo wanted to cut my estradiol after my surgery, my surgeon wanted me to stay on my pre op dosage, hearing this my Endo agreed, patches are expensive compared to pills or injections.

My Endo usually prescribes patches to his over 40 patients, unfortunately i was severely allergic to the adhesive so he switched me to pills, unfortunately it seems each doctor has their own ideas on what is the proper dosage for us, everyones body is different and a dosage that works for me may not work the same for you.

Paula

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Ok I made an appointment at the clinic where I use to go, it is not until May 15 though, they have a huge waiting list. I did call my new doctor and waiting to hear back from him. I do have a question Finasteride though, is it true that Finasteride actually can raise your T levels? I know it blocks DHT but from what I read it does not block the production of Testosterone, it can actually raise tesosterone levels. If this is true I may need to go off this medication as well. I will discuss that with my doctor though.

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

My doctor called back earlier today and from what I described to him he wants me to go to the urgent care tomorrow. Been there done that before for the same reason and they did nothing for me. Will go anyhow to get blood work done and a workup. Not sure when I will get back home tomorrow but when I do I will let you all know of the outcome.

Susan

[Guest Angelgrlsue]

Ok, I was there and my blood pressure was fine. Nothing much they could do. Waste of time. I do not know what to do now. I freeze like about an hour after I take my Estradiol that I am taking sublinqually at a low dose by the way and my Finasteride along with it. Cold pretty much all day long that it is unbearable and today was a warm day.

Susan