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I think I need a 2nd opinion


LaurenA

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Got a voicemail from my Dr. about the blood tests run last week.  He said my blood levels were getting close to what he wants.  What I don't understand is how that can be when I have very minimal effects from the E (which is at a very minimal dose).  A slight amount of sensitivity in the nipples and that's it.  I realize that at 6 weeks I can't expect much.  I guess from reading messages here I assumed there would be more that I would discern.  I've been thinking of trying to get into a clinic run by the local teaching hospital the is all inclusive.  Maybe they might have a different opinion.  Who knows.

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The World Professional Association for Transgender Health says that your HRT will kick in on an average of 3 to 6 months, and will finish its work in 3 to 6 years.  It is not the amount of hormone on your blood that counts, and small doses can yield big results easily.  It is the amount of hormone put to work by your body and that amount is not all of what you take.  Your family genetics are going to play in this as well, so check with your close female relatives to get their history of body development.  I have been on HRT for 12 years as of a couple weeks ago and my dosage was laughed at by some of my friends, but I am comfortable with my 44B's that look good and feel good when the weather is not as hot as it is.  By all means ask another doctor, but be careful.  I did get a Blood Clot at 6.5 years and it was scary and cut off my E for 6 months.  I am back on but with patches and an even lower dose, but no loss and I am here to talk to you.

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What Vicky said.  Also, it is wise not to put too much stock in what you read of other's accounts concerning HRT.  1st, people do exaggerate.  2nd, everyone is different, every body is different, and every reaction to whatever you've been prescribed will be different from how other folk's bodies react.

 

So my advice is to relax and enjoy the ride.  But feel free to get a 2nd opinion; it's your right as a patient.

 

Carolyn Marie

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1 hour ago, Carolyn Marie said:

Also, it is wise not to put too much stock in what you read of other's accounts concerning HRT.  1st, people do exaggerate.  2nd, everyone is different, every body is different, and every reaction to whatever you've been prescribed will be different from how other folk's bodies react.

Yeah, I should have said that!!  You can get some 5'10" girls telling 12' tales about their results, and they probably got a 1/4 of what they talk about.  I just had that happen on another site I was on.  I caught them and now I am a baddie.

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I have a theory that many of us don’t really pay much attention to our bodies until we transition. Unless your a beanpole or really fit, your going to have some moobs when you start your journey. I thinks it’s easy to start HRT and suddenly become blind to the fact you had some manmaries to begin with. I laugh at how many cis men I see who are perkier than me and I’m 5 months on HRT.
 

As for my family history and how much growth I think I’ll get after a few years? Two words: boob job ?

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I had nothing for first six months.  Even after I noticed changes, it was never like reports of soreness and omg pain sensitivity, etc that others share in forums or elsewhere.  My female ancestral genetics are not promising me large breasts or hourglass anything either.  

I will have to be cyborged for that.

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My HRT experience is all Inclusion, btw @LaurenA
its no guarantee you'll have different results there.  Alot seems to ride on how healthy our bodies and blood work are.

 

 

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I will concur with everything said above. Do not be too anxious to get higher doses of estrogen, you have to be careful that you do not put your body in a dangerous place. I recently started back on hormones after being off of them for 20 years. Within one week I was taken to the hospital for a stroke. Fortunately for me, everyone involved did everything right and I am ok with only a few minor residual effects. I just saw my cardiologist yesterday and she is ok with me starting back on hormones using patches instead of oral. I am not trying to scare anybody, just trying to impress upon you the need to be careful, monitor your levels and follow your caregivers advice. 

Good luck Lauren on your journey, good things will happen in time.

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