Getting to normal female levels

[Marbabar]

Just curious, what would be a typical timeframe for how long it should take for my hormone levels to get into that female normal range? Of course different bodies, different doses, yeah yeah yeah. I’m only on day 5 but I’m just wondering if that’s a milestone that is weeks, months, or years away?

[Charlize]

It's hard for me to remember but it was certainly a few months.  My doctor checked levels once a month and then went to every 6 now it's yearly.  Your in for a bit of time yet.  I had mood swings as things changed.  Sometimes ecstatic at others crying.  Over time that leveled off and apart form being a bit weepy at times, which i like, i feel quite good and even.

Try to relax.  the train takes some time to build up steam as it leaves the station.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Jani]

It will depend on several points;  how high your base level of T is, the dosage level you take of E and anti-androgen (Spiro), and your bodies reaction to it.  I am sure if you are trying to adjust your weight that might play into it as well.

 

For me, it was a good 45 days on low dosage before I noticed any emotional difference in how I approached things.  I'm thin so physical changes came along later.  I eventually ramped up my dosage, twice to get into a strong female range.  It's not super high but its working for me.  I'm post op so no more anti-androgens or T to counter the E I take. 

 

Like Charlize, early on I had severe emotional changes too.  OK bursts of tears.  But things eventually evened out and I am happy.  

 

Be patient as it will happen.  You really wouldn't want this to be like turning on a switch.  As you move along you will see the enormity of the changes we go through.  As each day progresses we get the opportunity to adjust to and absorb the changes.  Just about right!  

 

Cheers, Jani

[Rox]

Everyone is different. In my case, we weren't able to get the T under control. We kept the E in the right range but it required several adjustments. You know what? It didn't matter or affect my transition one bit. This was such an exciting time!

 

Now that I'm post-op, it's taken care of. 

[Rachael]

For me it was about 4-6 weeks and the emotional changes were just like someone flipped a light switch. This alone made hrt worth the effort. 

Enjoy your journey. 

[Julie J]

I've been on Spironolactone and Estradiol for 3 months now and 1 month ago my blood test for testosterone and estrogen levels showed my estrogen level was mid normal female levels and my t-levels were in the lower male range. It was funny to see the blood test results on my doctors computer screen showing everything was good, except for the estrogen and testosterone levels which were highlighted in red for abnormal levels for my male gender... which was actually a good thing for a transwoman! My estradiol dosage was increased so I might attain a better estrogen level. It's been a month on the new dose, and 3 months on HRT and the results are very reassuring so far. I'll let you know if I have any difference in my levels from the lab tests today after I see my doctor next week. 

Cheers! 

[JBfox]

 I saw prescription adjustments all the way to my 10th month mark. My estradiol levels reached about where they were suppose to be at 6 months, but my testosterone levels just wouldn't come down properly. I'm on my 14th month now, and at the end of aug. I have another endo follow up in hopes of hearing good news that this last change was what needed. In order to combat the T lvls my endo went out and a limb in hopes that bringing my E as high as it could be for my age that it would help settle the T down. But I feel good, and the changes just need patience. You never know, so I'd recommend preparing for the long haul and if it works out faster then that's awesome.

 -Vaelyn

[Marbabar]

This is so awesome informative, not to mention comforting. Thanks for all your replies! What I’m seeing is a wide range of experiences, which means that no matter what my next follow up reads it will be perfectly fine. I have always been lucky in life, so I tend to be overly optimistic... I’ll work on reigning in those expectations! :)

[Wendy Girl]

My doctor in Thailand is useless, I have to ask him for the tests, I don't think they know how to deal with a westerner transitioning in our little town! Lol... I'm supposed to be having tests this month!! I imagine that my hormone levels are pretty close to that of a woman, was on XXmg of Estrodiol for 7mths, then my B.P was under control and I was put on Andorcur XXmg for the last 2mths. Can't wait to actually see my hormone levels, hopefully this month! I'm 45, smoke and drink, so I want to be as safe as possible.

Edited August 13, 2018 by Jani
Dosage Amt not allowed

[Jani]

Sometimes we have to drive the process, so be it.  I don't think drinking in moderation is hurting but smoking is.  Be safe! 

 

Jani

[jae bear]

  Wow there’s already so much good information here there’s little I can add, I just really love how I lost my bad temper around four months HRT ... My dosage is rather moderate and my endocrinologist wants to raise it up quite a bit more, however I felt very good over the last 17 months and plenty has happened to my body, so I’m not certain having the higher levels of female estrogen are as required as some people think. Even being in the low range on E has been just fine for me,  Time is your best friend,  and sometimes your worst enemy,  transition is a long process, but trust me when I say you need every minute of that long process to get from point A to point B, enjoy the journey but keep your seatbelt on!

 Hugs, 

 Jackie 

[Kirsten]

I’m at 3 months this week. My first test post starting my t levels had been cut in half. And my e was 1/2 way to low normal female levels. He upped my t blockers that day but not e. 

My second test 3 weeks ago had my e at the exact same number but my t had dropped again down to 1/2 of what it was the last time. So they doubled my e. And now I can feel it working like crazy! 

As you can see it really is very personal. We are all different. Your dr will get it right. Just takes time. But things will start changing pretty quickly. Well before you hit the “right” levels.