Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

is 69 years of age to old to start HRT mtf


debbie jones

Recommended Posts

ive been on herbal estregens off and on for about 6 years the most effective herb for me has been puraria mirifica but i have had side effects from it mainly being moor sensertive to things people might say to me in every day life also had a sore mouth with it in the past.

this time around ive started with a low dose and am graduly increaseing it but doing it slowly .

ive grow a B cup breasts so far and they are starting to look very fem just lately and ive only been back on the puraria a couple of months .

so im thinking at the mo i might never need to go on prescription HRT if progress continues as its going .

i know a lot of mtf say puraria is not any good but for some reason it works on me could be my age im 69 so i dont supose my T levels will be very high anyway .

ive seen where i can buy perscription estregen on line and i am tempted to try it as in self medicating but not realy shure how safe it might be at my age does any one hear have any knoleg of starting hrt later in life ?

debs

Link to comment

Hi, Debbie...

 

The VA had no problem with prescribing me HRT at that exact age.

 

Prior to that, I had been on the same regimen for a couple of years with their knowledge and was being monitored appropriately. That was before they had a formal policy in place regarding the treatment of transgender patients.

 

My first episode of bilateral pulmonary embolism in 2015 was attributed to estrogen, and so I stopped taking it. But I had a recurrence in 2020, and that time the doctors opined that I simply have a genetic tendency to develop blood clots. 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

69 is NOT too old to start HRT. That's when I started HRT with monitoring and it has been a lifesaver.

Link to comment

I, too, started a couple of months before turning 69. I have as family history of cardiac issues, no including heart attacks, and my I have 3 cardiac stents myself. I'm on a blood thinner, and I take me estrogen pills sublingually to minimize adverse effects. Working well for me so far, 15 months in. Cardio workup in the spring was all systems go.

Link to comment

I started on estrogen patches at 71, 2 3/4 years ago. No problems, but it's important to do this under a doctor's supervision with tests to monitor E & T levels.

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

No age is too old to start HRT.  I am 68.  I was a but younger, but not a lot, when I started HRT: 62.

 

It is much better to be under medical supervision than self-medicating, and much better to be on prescription meds then on herbals.  It is important to have your blood levels monitored to avoid complications.

 

I know the MHS is a nightmare of waiting lists, but get your name onto the list right away, to avoid further delay.  I believe there are private options with shorter wait times, though they can be expensive.

 

 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

Self medicating with herbals and E prescription medications is dangerous at best at any age.  The person who founded this forum some years ago suffered from the near fatal results of self medication.  Please do see a doctor whether you are 68 or 16.  

 

Hugs,

Charlize 

Link to comment

I was 68 when I got on estradiol patches with the VA.  I've had no problems with them, but TBH I would prefer better boobage growth.  

Link to comment

OMG, y’all are just lifesavers!!   For sooooo many years, I’ve just considered it out of the question due to age.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator
4 minutes ago, AshleighMarie said:

OMG, y’all are just lifesavers!!   For sooooo many years, I’ve just considered it out of the question due to age.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

 

There are health risks though. They can be mitigated, but let me share the best piece of advice I got from a doctor during my transition: "Be in the best shape of your life."

 

Best of luck and big hugs!

Link to comment
On 9/28/2022 at 9:31 AM, Ivy said:

I was 68 when I got on estradiol patches with the VA.  I've had no problems with them, but TBH I would prefer better boobage growth.  

Maybe it's TMI, but I can report that "my cups runneth over" from the recommended VA HRT regimen. 

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

My cardiologist was extreemly upset as I'm started HRT because of the studies dome using progesterone so i've been using topical e as it is the safest.  I've come to accept what i've got up top.  After all big won't do me much good if a blood colt ends it all.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

Link to comment

I do have the E patches.   I have heard that the progesterone helps it work.

The first clinic I went to (PP) gave me progesterone, but no estradiol.  They said I was too old for their protocol.

My boobettes are barely A cup.  They are quite real though.  If that's all they do, I mean, okay then.  But just a bit more would be nice.  I would not do surgery for them though.  I'm 72 now anyway.

I'm trying some OTC cream stuff.  It's not as strong as Rx stuff, but perhaps it might help a little.  IDK

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I would like to add that I think a lot of us have tried something when we were unsure or unwilling to talk to a doctor about our issues.  That said, I agree with Charlize and others who caution against taking herbs or other medicaitions found on the internet.

 

Answering the original question, is it too late to start, I didn't figure out I was positively Transgender until I was 69.  another year before I was allowed to begin HRT starting with Spiro, then 6 months before Progesterone and finally several months later, or almost another year past before Estradiol injections.  

 

currently I am on Estradiol patches because the injections aren't currently available.  my T is too low to measure but my E levels were insufficient to cause any growth.  basically, the older you are the less chance of growth according to my endocrinologist.  I will have to continue to take E the rest of my life even if it doesn't cause all the changes I was hoping for.

 

Link to comment

Hi Debbie,

 

Just came across your question.  

 

I am 60 and seriously considering HRT, although i have not been taking any herbal or medicines that come close to HRT.

 

I think it would be too dangerous at any age but more so the older one is and ensure go the proper route through GP and clinic.  As i have what i belive is a form of gender dyshoria as i detest my genitals and facial hair (although fair its still noticeable) i am also undergoing gender therapy  for additional guidance.

 

Although likely to delay any HRT treatment i hope for i just want to ensure carried out safely which means i will be older should i hopefully start HRT. 

 

Best wishes to you and would love to hear about your journey to womanhood.

 

Warm regards

Sarah

Link to comment

I started with informed consent.  If I remember correctly the increased risks were not really that much more than what was already there due to my age.  Yes a little higher, but not as much as I had been led to believe.

Link to comment
On 9/30/2022 at 3:01 PM, Jackie C. said:

 

There are health risks though. They can be mitigated, but let me share the best piece of advice I got from a doctor during my transition: "Be in the best shape of your life."

 

Best of luck and big hugs!

I second the opinions of working with a doctor and also being in the best shape of your life. I started  HRT 18 months ago. I’m 67 and I plan to live to a hundred, I hope. I’m looking to get a 30 year return on my investment! I’m also doing something really crazy this year. I’m training to hike the pacific crest trail and I’m getting in shape. I’m amazed how many female hikers there are. Almost 50%. They are my role models. I might not be able to do the whole trail from Mexico to Canada next year depending on what dates I get for surgery now that I have my letter. Maybe just Washington or just Oregon in the summer. We’ll see. 
 

As far as the question of age, it’s never too late. Here’s some advice a hiker gave me on getting started that applies to life in general. “Take the first step. The momentum will carry you through.”
 

 

77B5398E-0B71-426B-8865-B9E0BD404D33.jpeg

AD7E2E37-6584-4279-979C-7BDB3BC71D78.jpeg

Link to comment
4 hours ago, Sarah Victoria said:

I think it would be too dangerous at any age but more so the older one is

 

I'm happy to report that for me, starting HRT at an older age has not been dangerous at all; on the contrary, I started at age 71 and, at 2 yrs. 10 months now, it has been transformative!  But let me add that it's very, very important to work with an experienced doctor/endocrinologist.  They'll monitor your reactions and your blood levels of testosterone and estrogen, among other things. It's not uncommon to adjust the dosage, especially at the beginning.  They did recommend the most conservative and safe approach for me, which is biweekly estrogen patches. No progesterone.  I am so much more happy these days!  It was not a trivial decision, but for me definitely the right one.

 

With best wishes,

 

Astrid

 

  

Link to comment

My issue, and I know this has to be consulted about with an endocrinologist, is that my underlying endocrine status is so complicated.   I had a tumor a few years ago that destroyed the function of the pituitary gland, and I have to take all of the hormones artificially.  
 

I’m concerned about the stroke risk associated with estrogen replacement, so I will thoroughly discuss that prior to any treatment. 

Link to comment

Hi AshleighMarie..... i hope you get the answers and results you want and desire with being able to take the hormones with as little stroke risk as possible. Maybe a very low dose all the time, if so although your journey will take longer you will still achieve being the woman you feel in your soul  safely. 

 

Stay strong with warm hug and regard to you

sarah

Link to comment

Self medicating is not the way to go hun, The hormone management system will not favour HRT at a later age group. Honestly private is the way to go and no it’s not expensive it really isn’t. Avoid estrogen tablets at all costs! Stick with patches as a precautionary as they are the slowest release form of estrogen.  Your t levels usually need suppressing but that comes after the introduction of estrogen usually a three month period to check the blood levels and assist making sure lactane levels and estrogen are within the female puberty range and t is lower than 3 you should be good 😊 

 

Try the London transgender clinic I believe a 3 to 6 month wait at the mo, I got on well with them on the whole.  
 

I find the science of it fascinating any questions just ask I’ll always give honest answer 🤩

Link to comment

I’m terribly sorry if I caused any confusion.  I am most certainly not considering self medicating.  
 

In my personal case, my body no longer produces ANY of the pituitary hormones.  The only testosterone in my body now is from the injections that I am prescribed. 
 

My point was that given my complicated history it HRT will need to be handled very carefully.  

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   2 Members, 0 Anonymous, 99 Guests (See full list)

    • KymmieL
    • KathyLauren
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.5k
    • Total Posts
      767.2k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      11,944
    • Most Online
      8,356

    taxicab
    Newest Member
    taxicab
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. Amyjay
      Amyjay
      (58 years old)
    2. bettyjean
      bettyjean
    3. Breanna
      Breanna
      (52 years old)
    4. Emily Ayla
      Emily Ayla
    5. JET182
      JET182
  • Posts

    • LC
      That is wonderful. Congratulations!
    • Heather Shay
      What is relaxation to you? Nature? Movie? Reading? Cuddling with a pet? Music?
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
      Having just a normal emotional day.
    • Heather Shay
      AMUSEMENT The feeling when you encounter something silly, ironic, witty, or absurd, which makes you laugh. You have the urge to be playful and share the joke with others. Similar words: Mirth Amusement is the emotional reaction to humor. This can be something that is intended to be humorous, like when someone tells a good joke or when a friend dresses up in a ridiculous costume. But it can also be something that you find funny that was not intended to be humorous, like when you read a sign with a spelling error that turns it into an ironic pun. For millennia, philosophers and scholars have been attempting to explain what exactly it is that makes something funny. This has led to several different theories. Nowadays, the most widely accepted one is the Incongruity Theory, which states that something is amusing if it violates our standards of how things are supposed to be. For example, Charlie Chaplin-style slapstick is funny because it violates our norms of competence and proper conduct, while Monty Python-style absurdity is funny because it violates reason and logic. However, not every standard or norm violation is necessarily funny. Violations can also evoke confusion, indignation, or shock. An important condition for amusement is that there is a certain psychological distance to the violation. One of the ways to achieve this is captured by the statement ‘comedy is tragedy plus time’. A dreadful mistake today may become a funny story a year from now. But it can also be distant in other ways, for instance, because it happened to someone you do not know, or because it happens in fiction instead of in real life. Amusement also needs a safe and relaxed environment: people who are relaxed and among friends are much more likely to feel amused by something. A violation and sufficient psychological distance are the basic ingredients for amusement, but what any one person find funny will depend on their taste and sense of humor. There are dozens of ‘humor genres’, such as observational comedy, deadpan, toilet humor, and black comedy. Amusement is contagious: in groups, people are more prone to be amused and express their amusement more overtly. People are more likely to share amusement when they are with friends or like-minded people. For these reasons, amusement is often considered a social emotion. It encourages people to engage in social interactions and it promotes social bonding. Many people consider amusement to be good for the body and the soul. By the end of the 20th century, humor and laughter were considered important for mental and physical health, even by psychoneuroimmunology researchers who suggested that emotions influenced immunity. This precipitated the ‘humor and health movement’ among health care providers who believed that humor and laughter help speed recovery, including in patients suffering from cancer1). However, the evidence for health benefits of humor and laughter is less conclusive than commonly believed2. Amusement is a frequent target of regulation: we down-regulate it by shifting our attention to avoid inappropriate laughter, or up-regulate it by focusing on a humorous aspect of a negative situation. Interestingly, amusement that is purposefully up-regulated has been found to have the same beneficial physical and psychological effects as the naturally experienced emotion. Amusement has a few clear expressions that emerge depending on the intensity of the emotion. When people are mildly amused, they tend to smile or chuckle. When amusement intensifies, people laugh out loud and tilt or bob their head. The most extreme bouts of amusement may be accompanied by uncontrollable laughter, tears, and rolling on the floor. Most cultures welcome and endorse amusement. Many people even consider a ‘good sense of humor’ as one of the most desirable characteristics in a partner. At the same time, most cultures have (implicit) rules about what is the right time and place for amusement. For example, displays of amusement may be deemed inappropriate in situations that demand seriousness or solemness, such as at work or during religious rituals.
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • Heather Shay
    • April Marie
      Good morning, everyone!!! Two cups of coffee in the books and I am just feeling so wonderful this morning. Not sure why, but I'm happy and smiling.   Enjoy this beautiful day!!!
    • Heather Shay
      A U.S. dollar bill can be folded approximately 4,000 times in the same place before it will tear. -You cannot snore and dream at the same time. -The average person walks the equivalent of three times around the world in a lifetime. -A hippo’s wide open mouth is big enough to fit a 4-foot-tall child in. -Chewing gum while you cut an onion will help keep you from crying.
    • Susan R
      Love it! This is great news. We need more of this to combat the excessive hate-filled rhetoric and misinformation. 👍
    • Susan R
      The experience was the same for me @April Marie. I slept much deeper and I woke up each morning feeling so much more restful sleeping with forms solidly in place. For me, wearing breast forms at night started when before I was a teenager. I had no access up to modern breast forms and certainly no way to buy mastectomy bras back then. I wore a basic bra my mom had put in a donation box and two pairs of soft cotton socks. I have some crazy memories of things I did in my youth to combat my GD but regardless, these makeshift concoctions helped me work through it all.   All My Best, Susan R🌷
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Colorado isn't exactly a Republican place, and won't become one anytime soon.  I think those folks might be better off not spending their time playing Don Quixote.    We certainly have our share of California "refugees" moving into where I live, so I wouldn't be surprised to start seeing Coloradans too.  I suspect the trend over the next few years will see the blue areas getting more blue and the red areas getting more red as anybody who can relocate tries to find a place where they fit better.   
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      Well, at least it'll be a place some folks could choose.  Options are a good thing.
    • awkward-yet-sweet
      My family would have gobbled that jar up in a minute or two.  When we do have pickled herring, its usually for Christmas.  I didn't grow up with that particular dish, but I grew up in a Greek family so I like just about any kind of fish if I can get it.  However, ocean fish and freshwater fish taste so different.  We usually have more catfish and tilapia to eat than anything else.    What I can't quite get used to is the tons of cabbage my GF insists on eating.  When you live with a Russian, there is always cabbage soup.  Always.  When I first moved in with her, breakfast was "shchi" for soup and either bread or "kasha" which is a bowl of boiled buckwheat with butter and salt.  Those dishes can be made in any number of ways, some are better than others.  In the winter, it can even be salty and sour like kraut.  Not exactly sauerkraut, but packed in tubs with vinegar and salt so it keeps partially for the winter.  But I drew the line when the cabbage soup included pieces of fried snake one day.  😆
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...