Starting HRT today!

[Vanessa Michelle]

Hey y'all, it's been a hot minute since I've posted. To update those who may remember me, I am finally fully out and have started presenting as fully female on my days off, and working on doing the same at work. I have a gender therapist. I moved to northern California a month ago. Today, I had an appointment at Planned Parenthood to get on HRT and just picked up my prescriptions about an hour ago. So, wow! A lot has been going on! Why I am posting this here, is because my mom was on HRT over a decade ago for some hormone rebalancing and got a DVT blood clot as a result. She went to the ER and was ok ultimately, but had to be put on blood thinners and it was an ordeal. I know and support the rule for this forum that we don't discuss dosages and give medical advice. I am wondering though, what, if any, related issues have any of you had starting estradiol and were you concerned as I now am about beginning this process? I got this info after I left PP so I messaged my clinician so she can think about how we want to proceed given  my mother's medical history. I feel bummed that I have come this far and now have this scary thing making me question what I should do. 

[MirandaB]

I usually post what my endo said when I started, 'let's get this party started!' 

 

Not sure if that's the mood you're in, but she also seemed to downplay the blood clot worries, but I didn't have the same history. She did say to take baby aspirin for long sitting spells like long airplane flights. 

 

But you did tell your provider about that medical history of your mom?

[Mmindy]

8 hours ago, Vanessa Michelle said:

Today, I had an appointment at Planned Parenthood to get on HRT and just picked up my prescriptions about an hour ago. So, wow

That's great news Vanessa,

 

There are side affects for most of the medications we take, and keeping you health care team aware of family history, and other factors in our life are important. Risk/Benefit is always considered when taking a daily medication. 

 

Hugs,

 

Mindy🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋

[Charlize]

Sounds like you're on your way!  Fasten your seatbelt!  

As a cardiac patient with a history of heart attacks and clots i am quite sensitive to this issue.  Perhaps you should speak to your medical provider about using a topical E.  That method has been shown to be the safest.  I've been using topical E using sprays, cream or patches for many years without issues beyond those i had experienced prior to starting over 11 years ago.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[April Marie]

What wonderful news, Vanessa. I'm new to the forum...and all of this..so I can't offer anything except my excitement for you.

[Vanessa Michelle]

Thanks everyone! I'm attending my first Pride parade this Saturday. I'm excited and a bit nervous as well. I am going fully female presenting for it with far less makeup than I really should. Lol 

[Vanessa Michelle]

On 5/31/2023 at 6:01 AM, April Marie said:

What wonderful news, Vanessa. I'm new to the forum...and all of this..so I can't offer anything except my excitement for you.

Nice meeting you April! Welcome to TP! We're glad you're here! And, thank you!!

[Susan R]

On 5/30/2023 at 8:50 PM, Vanessa Michelle said:

I am finally fully out and have started presenting as fully female on my days off

What an uplifting update @Vanessa Michelle! It’s great to see you posting again too. Sounds like there have been some big changes since you last visited. I’m so happy you’re able to present yourself more freely now. This is such an exciting time for you I have to assume.

 

On 5/31/2023 at 5:36 AM, Charlize said:

Perhaps you should speak to your medical provider about using a topical E.  That method has been shown to be the safest.  I've been using topical E using sprays, cream or patches for many years without issues beyond those i had experienced prior to starting over 11 years ago.

Charlize has some great advice here. I was using the pill format for years and was worried about experiencing a DVT but then at the advice of my PCP, I switched to patches. I’m able to keep my levels where they need to be and I feel a little less worried about any side effects. It’s also nice to that I no longer have to administer pills 3 times a day as I did in the past. With patches, it’s a once week change out and I never accidentally miss a dose.😃

 

Welcome back to the pulse,

Susan R🌷

[Robin.C]

@Vanessa Michelle that is so lovely to hear.

A friend of mine has DVT issues and not gender related, it was cycling related. Some of the advice he received was to ensure he didn't get dehydrated (thickens the blood) and to have his legs massaged after moderate to high intensity exercise (improves the blood flow of the muscles).

Many of us have in the back of our minds the potential for DVT and blood clots in general due to our medical and family histories. Being informed of the risks and getting to know your primary health provider so that any adverse events can be minimized (urgh Murican spelling - its minimised ).

 

Hugs

Robyn

 

[Vanessa Michelle]

Thank you, Robin and Susan! I appreciate your responses. I started my pills along with a OTC low-dose aspirin regimen just to make myself feel a little better. My PA got back to me today and said after reviewing what I said about my mom she still feels there’s no special risk for me because that was an isolated incident not a family history. I did ask about transdermal estradiol and I’m waiting to hear back about that. It’s great to see you again Susan.🩷 

[Heather Shay]

that is great news - lifted me up. thx.

[natalianatalia]

Welcome my dear vanessa have a nice start! just to know i am in the third month of hrt taking 3 doses everyday and my breast growing and growing my lips changing looking on a mirror just unbelievable also my skin

[Ashley0616]

Congratulations Vanessa! I didn't start too much sooner than you did 19 days ago. The testosterone blocker has made me nauseous but no other nasty side effects. I definitely feel better about myself. I don't feel as depressed. A lot of it has to deal with being over in Iraq but also disgusted with my physical body too.