Start hrt

[SheenaT]

What is the best and safest method to start? I was thinking patches might be safer. I was on a short regimen of progynova but am concerned about liver damage with oral hrt.

[Jackie C.]

Depends on age, genetic factors and how healthy you are. Injections and patches are considered pretty low risk, but there are also gels and sprays. Because you're so active, you might have trouble getting the patches to stay put (I know I did). I use oral, but my liver is indestructible (no, seriously, I SHOULD have liver damage but my liver laughs at your puny drug regimens. I blame my Irish constitution).

 

Talk to your endocrinologist. After they run your blood work and assess your general health, they'll come up with a plan that works for you. Then they'll fiddle with the dose every couple of months to fine tune things.

 

If you do go with patches, request the small ones. The generics are the size of like half an index card. The smaller ones apparently work much better for adhesion.

 

Hugs!

[rainflower]

Yeah it is whatever your endocrinologist recommends. The pills are fine if you have no history of clotting issues or liver issues, plus they are super cheap. Keep in mind that the pills that were really bad with clotting issues were the older class of synthetics, the pills they make now are much much safer. The patches and injections can be very expensive, they are cost prohibitive for me because of my high deductible insurance plan. I have had good results with the estradiol pills and spironolactone. Apparently if you let the estradiol pills dissolve under your tongue it is much easier on your liver and you get better bioavailability of it. I am not sure how true that is, I can't personally speak to it. I tried it for a brief time, I got tired of waiting for pills to dissolve under my tongue four times a day and it was irritating my throat.

[Natalie99]

I would recommend gels, or shots. I heard it from a lot of trans women that pills are not healthy. Still, every body is different. You should ask your doctor about it.

Wish you all the best!

[SheenaT]

1 hour ago, Natalie99 said:

I would recommend gels, or shots. I heard it from a lot of trans women that pills are not healthy. Still, every body is different. You should ask your doctor about it.

Wish you all the best!

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[SheenaT]

1 hour ago, AwesomeClaire said:

Yeah it is whatever your endocrinologist recommends. The pills are fine if you have no history of clotting issues or liver issues, plus they are super cheap. Keep in mind that the pills that were really bad with clotting issues were the older class of synthetics, the pills they make now are much much safer. The patches and injections can be very expensive, they are cost prohibitive for me because of my high deductible insurance plan. I have had good results with the estradiol pills and spironolactone. Apparently if you let the estradiol pills dissolve under your tongue it is much easier on your liver and you get better bioavailability of it. I am not sure how true that is, I can't personally speak to it. I tried it for a brief time, I got tired of waiting for pills to dissolve under my tongue four times a day and it was irritating my throat.

I let Progynova dissolve under my tongue

[rainflower]

Ok. I know of progynova but haven't known anyone to use it. I use estradiol, which is the generic of Estrace. Your endocrinologist will know based on your medical history and vitals what best to do. Also they do blood draws to see how your liver is doing. But don't feel bad or worry if they recommend the pills, they are quite common, especially to start. They have been good for me.

[SheenaT]

4 hours ago, AwesomeClaire said:

Ok. I know of progynova but haven't known anyone to use it. I use estradiol, which is the generic of Estrace. Your endocrinologist will know based on your medical history and vitals what best to do. Also they do blood draws to see how your liver is doing. But don't feel bad or worry if they recommend the pills, they are quite common, especially to start. They have been good for me.

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