Ask a trans person!

[cathexis]

Originally Posted by cathexis

/bump

Started T 125mg IM every other week for gender dysphoria. When have folks on this thread started to notice results?

Know it's a small dose, but the doc who has a clinical interest in treating trans folk doesn't seem willing to increase the T. When I asked her, she claimed to be uncomfortable increasing the dose due to the fact that I smoke cigarettes. Does this sound like an excuse to anyone?

Any advice would be helpful expect changing docs. She the only one in a 50 mile radius whose clinical interest is in transgender services.

Yes, I'm sorry guys. Made a error in writing the dose down. The dose the doc ordered is 25 mg (or 0.125 ml) IM every 2 weeks. I think it's a low dose and confused why. Asked her if she would increase it, but would not for the reasons above.

Had told her that I was genderqueer, and that a higher level of T improved me body and mind. She diagnosed me with "gender dysphoria," and ordered T at this dose. I am concerned and confused. Anyone with any ideas why?

[kittygrrl]

Originally Posted by cathexis

Yes, I'm sorry guys. Made a error in writing the dose down. The dose the doc ordered is 25 mg (or 0.125 ml) IM every 2 weeks. I think it's a low dose and confused why. Asked her if she would increase it, but would not for the reasons above.

Had told her that I was genderqueer, and that a higher level of T improved me body and mind. She diagnosed me with "gender dysphoria," and ordered T at this dose. I am concerned and confused. Anyone with any ideas why?

Just wondering why you are not on a patch?? I hear that is the usual modem of delivery..I am not current on this subject but would like to understand too.

[Liam]

All I know, is that my doctor was relieved that I was not a smoker, and would have been hesitant to even prescribe testosterone for me, if I were.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by kittygrrl

Just wondering why you are not on a patch?? I hear that is the usual modem of delivery..I am not current on this subject but would like to understand too.

The patch is unusual in the U.S. It is most often used by cis males for low testosterone. In fact, I have never even heard of a trans man on the patch and I am on a number of trans social media group and work in trans healthcare.
Subcutaneous injection is becoming the preferred method, but intramuscular injections is still the most common, in the U.S. The gel is also popular in the U.S., but expensive. Testosterone pellets are common in the U.K. There is also injections that are done once very 3 months, also more common in the U.K.

[cathexis]

Dapper, I had my ovaries removed in 1980. Aware that this effects the T dose.

kittygrrl and Liam, cannot use patches or most probably the gels due to skin allergies. Tried to quit smoking with nicotine patches and blistered under the patch. The second one caused shortness of breath. They say my reaction due to my latex allergy that I've had for years. Got the allergy as an RN starting in 1987 when they used powdered latex gloves. Worked ICU so we used them for most patient contacts. The allergy developed to causing shortness of breath each shift. When they did the allergy testing, I had an anaphylatic reaction.

These latex allergies are very common with us older nurses which is why hospitals changed to nitrile or vinyl. Healthcare workers and patients were developing latex allergies from repeated use.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by cathexis

Yes, I'm sorry guys. Made a error in writing the dose down. The dose the doc ordered is 25 mg (or 0.125 ml) IM every 2 weeks. I think it's a low dose and confused why. Asked her if she would increase it, but would not for the reasons above.

Had told her that I was genderqueer, and that a higher level of T improved me body and mind. She diagnosed me with "gender dysphoria," and ordered T at this dose. I am concerned and confused. Anyone with any ideas why?

cathexis, did you see a gender therapist prior to your decision to seek out testosterone?

[cathexis]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

cathexis, did you see a gender therapist prior to your decision to seek out testosterone?

Did not see a gender therapist; however, I did see a regular therapist then a psychiatrist. We don't have good medical resources where I live. Also, I had been on testosterone with my ERT.

Had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and told that I would probably benefit from T. It was suggested that I consider using injectable T.

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by cathexis

Did not see a gender therapist; however, I did see a regular therapist then a psychiatrist. We don't have good medical resources where I live. Also, I had been on testosterone with my ERT.

Had been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and told that I would probably benefit from T. It was suggested that I consider using injectable T.

I would suggest writing down/printing out the Endo protocol for testosterone treatment and bringing that into your physician. Ask them why they are not following this. Is this a PCP or an Endo? It does not need to be an Endo for good care, as an aside, as long as the person has experience. If she is a PCP and does not have experience seek out an Endo. However, I also realize, as you said, with little resources you can only go with what you got.

If you identify as genderqueer, I assume, that you do NOT want to masculinize to the point that you look male to yourself and male to others. Be aware, that no matter how small the dose, you will eventually look like every other male, including lose your hair.

You asked if we thought the reason your physician had you at a low dose was because you are genderqueer. There is not 'genderqueer dosing".

If she is starting you out on .125ml every other week, it sounds like she might be following current Endo guidelines for a 16 year old. These guidelines are most often used by Endos who are new to the work. I understand that these guidelines are being changed and new ones will be out next year.

Providers in large trans healthcare systems usually start a 16 year old boy on .3ml in order to catch up with his peers as he will not be able to pass as a 16 year old starting on such low doses. Endo guidelines are too slow and causes greater dysphoria for the teens. An adult FTM is most often started on .5ml and stays at that dose until they are about 3 years in. Then some guys drop down their dose. That is not set in stone.

I am going to assume that if your goal is to look "more masculine" as a genderqueer, that this means that you would like to look androgynous. I suspect that an experienced trans healthcare provider would start you at .2ml or .25ml, but I can't really say for certain. The problem is that we cannot pick and choose how masculinized T will make us, based on dosage (a nod to Liam here). Most physicians will not provide individuals who "just want to look more masculine" for this reason. If they do provide "low dose T", it is to give the person time to determine if they would like to transition.

If you would like, I can email the head of the trans healthcare department at the Mazonni Center in Philly and ask them their protocol. They are one of the leading programs in the U.S. I know the answer will be something like "we would talk with the pt. about their goals and then go from there", but I will push for something general.

Good luck to you.

[cathexis]

Thanks your all your advice. Definitely gives me food for thought. Am seeking more of the positive male emotional and mental attitudes. Also, wish to masculinize my appearance somewhat. Have a few more sensitive questions that I would like to ask you by PM.

Thanks to all for your assistance!

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by cathexis

Thanks your all your advice. Definitely gives me food for thought. Am seeking more of the positive male emotional and mental attitudes. Also, wish to masculinize my appearance somewhat. Have a few more sensitive questions that I would like to ask you by PM.

Thanks to all for your assistance!

You are very welcome to PM me.

[Esme nha Maire]

Wow, I have learnt so much about you FTM gents from reading through this thread! Thank you all for sharing. May you all find inner peace and much happiness in your lives!

But I cannot help but wonder - are there any other MTFs here? I transitioned quite a while ago, but would be interested to hear of other MTF's experiences with the lesbian scene.

[JDeere]

Originally Posted by cathexis

Yes, I'm sorry guys. Made a error in writing the dose down. The dose the doc ordered is 25 mg (or 0.125 ml) IM every 2 weeks. I think it's a low dose and confused why. Asked her if she would increase it, but would not for the reasons above.

Had told her that I was genderqueer, and that a higher level of T improved me body and mind. She diagnosed me with "gender dysphoria," and ordered T at this dose. I am concerned and confused. Anyone with any ideas why?

One is because you're a smoker, second could be the doctor either has no clue what she is doing or is not an endocrinologist.