Changing HRT Type

[JenniferB]

I visited my GP today and told here I desired to change my estrogen from oral estradiol to injectable Estradiol Velerate. I will only have to inject it once a month. Of course I'm going to have to have blood work done again in a few months instead of next year. I want to see if it's going to make a difference.

BTW I received my blood work results today. My GP told me my testosterone level is a little high for my age, but perfect for a woman ovulating. And my estradiol level is great.

Jenny

[Guest Elizabeth K]

I already take 4 shots a day that is enough for me! YIKES

Good luck

[Guest]

Hi Jennifer,

I switched to injectable last fall - after about 6 months on pills. I've now been on the injections for about 7 months.

I think that the pills had more effect, but it's so subjective that I can't say that for certain. My doctor just doubled my dose and the E effects are again more noticable.

The dosage I was prescribed was for shots every two weeks, but it's common for people to divide the dose in half and do it weekly. My Saturday morning ritual is coffee and estrogen!

Love, Megan

[Carolyn Marie]

Very cool, Jennifer. I hope it has the intended effect for you. All the best.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Leah1026]

Been doing injectables for almost 8 years and I have no complaints.

[JenniferB]

I was taught how to and had my first monthly injection today. The nurse told me that there is a good possibility changes will start coming much quicker, although it may take 1-2 months. She did say that there may need to be adjustments, like changing dosages, or injecting twice a month instead of once. I'm having blood work done again in 4 months.

One thing that totally surprised me (and the pharmacy) is the estrodial valerate is covered by my insurance. It's actually less expensive than generic oral estrogen.

This is a nice ending to a rough couple of weeks. I'm just glad I made it.

Jenny

[KathrynJulia]

Jennifer:

I'm curious. For testosterone I used a 3 cc syringe and started out with a 1 inch 21 guage needle. Later switched to 23 guage. Still hurt like the dickens if you hit a nerve. Kathryn

Edited May 17, 2012 by JJ
Not edited but I wanted to note that the size of the syringe does NOT indicate the dosage that it isused for. Which varies and can't be discussed of course.

[JJ]

A note on needle gauges-the number is the bore on the inside of the needle-Always, always double check that you got fine wall needles. Fine wall cause very minimal if any pain but the others hurt like the devil. I made the mistake of not checking-but only once!

Johnny

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Jennifer:

I'm curious. For testosterone I used a 3 cc syringe and started out with a 1 inch 21 guage needle. Later switched to 23 guage. Still hurt like the dickens if you hit a nerve. Kathryn

If you are self injecting - the rule is supposedly that the larger needles hurt less. It actually may be that that smaller needle you are using (larger gauge I know - confusing) is the cause, but there are several other factors that cause a painful injection (usually a burning or a sharp pain). Check to make certain there is no air in the chamber of the syringe. Also make certain the serum is your body temperature (hold a loaded syringe, top back on - under your arm or in your waist band for a few minutes. (I take insulin)

BUT if it is unusually painful, call your doctor.

Also, those IM injections? Of course you rotate locations, but after a while try to visualize where you used a site previously and ran into a nerve cluster. It begins to become routine to avoid those spots, you brain remembers somehow. And avoid those spots that result in a puctured small vein (a drop of blood comes out after the injection - usually not serious, but it can lead to a bruise or red spot.

Finally, a quick jab through that tough skin layer minimizes the immediate pain a little, then push it home quickly. Practice at different rates of injection of the serum - some people can tolerate a quick push, some can't. Also slightly pinching the skin and varying the squeeze pressure two or three times a second makes your brain focus on that, and not the pain. And hold the final needle pressure, when the serum is totally emptied, and count quickly to ten (to let the body start to distribute the serum, before pulling it out as fast as you can, which will be a painless exit, with no leaking.

I don't like needles? But it is what it is. I once calculated I take over a 1200 injections a year

Lizzy

IMPORTANT NOTE: this information is for medical purpose injections. Using any of the above techniques for 'drugs or substances intended for illegal purposes' CAN BE FATAL!

[Guest KarenLyn]

Another thing to keep in mind is to keep the muscle relaxed. Injecting into a tense muscle can cause a burning pain. I used to use 18 gauge needles because the estradiol was in an oil based medium and the larger diameter needle made it easier to inject.

Karen

[Guest Lacey Lynne]

Jenny:

Honestly, you'll really rock on IM estradiol, girl! For many T-girls, it's The Way! I believe it will be for you too!

Funny thing, back in January when I last saw the doctor overseeing my transition, she wanted to put me on estradiol shots too. Not my scene, so I declined. The sublingual modality works for me.

You do what works for YOU, and I believe you've found it!

Congrats Lacey

[KathrynJulia]

I used to take 5 shots of insulin a day and most of the pain from the injection comes from anticipation and tightening up of the muscle. I also injected testosterone for about 7 years before going to a transdermal route. The needles produced today have a teflon coating and are much more comfortable to inject with. But yours truely had a very low body fat percentage back then, so I was into muscle almost immediately. Never cared for insulin shots in my legs either as a half inch needle had to go in at an angle or I was injecting insulin directly into muscle tissue. And that resulted in too rapid of an absorbtion of the insulin. I carry a little more insulation these days, but not much more. My legs and butt just never retained much fat. Kathryn

[JenniferB]

I gave myself my first injection today. It was harder than I thought it would be. I knew what to do, my nurse showed me when she gave me my first shot. That wasn't the hard part. Sticking myself with a needle is not natural, and I had to walk away a couple of times before building up enough courage. There was actually no pain involved. I ended up having one drop of blood.

I want to emphasize that this is not something you want to try without a doctor's guidance. Many things can go wrong, and it's a little risky even when you know what you are doing. Don't trust anything on YouTube. There are many videos on giving yourself injections and the ones I saw were wrong.

Jenny

[Guest Elizabeth K]

Diabetic on insulin here - and I also give my partner those deep level injections.

Jen is right, ALWAYS be careful even if you have given yourself 100s of shots. The biggest mistake I make is to sometimes FORGET to thump the air out of the chamber. Air won't kill you but it burns like hell. And always remember to use that alcohol pad before and after.

Another trick is, if you are really feeling pain STARTING to insert, you may be over a nerve cluster. You can stop, pull out and move over a 1/4 inch if needed as long as you haven't started anything.

So best wishes to all who chose to inject. - not so bad. It just takes practice.

Lizzy