FTM's and Transitioning

[atomiczombie]

Ok so I got my blood test results in the Mail today, for the test I took a couple weeks ago. Here's what it said about my T level:

Free Testosterone: 46.6pg/mL
Total Testosterone 315ng/dL

Anyone know if that's a normal level for a guy, or if it is the right level for an FTM? My doc is supposed to call me but she hasn't yet. Thanks in advance.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

Ok so I got my blood test results in the Mail today, for the test I took a couple weeks ago. Here's what it said about my T level:

Free Testosterone: 46.6pg/mL
Total Testosterone 315ng/dL

Anyone know if that's a normal level for a guy, or if it is the right level for an FTM? My doc is supposed to call me but she hasn't yet. Thanks in advance.

According to a study in the April 1999 Journal of Behavioral Medicine, higher-than-average testosterone levels offer certain benefits but also carry some serious risks. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Penn., reviewed the records of 4,393 men between the ages of 32 and 44 who had served in the military between 1965 and 1971. Their blood had been drawn to determine testosterone levels -- which ranged from 53 to 1,500 nanograms per deciliter, with an average of 679. (The normal range in males is 270 to 1,070 nanograms.)

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51013

Looks like you're in the range.

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by Linus

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51013

Looks like you're in the range.

Thanks bud, you rock.

Looks like I will just be staying at the 2.5g of Androgel per day.

[Jet]

Dry patches in the face and oil. kinda weird. I grew up with oily skin. I feel like I'm 17 again.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by Linus

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51013

Looks like you're in the range.

Good ol' Linus...we can always count on you for information.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

Ok so I got my blood test results in the Mail today, for the test I took a couple weeks ago. Here's what it said about my T level:

Free Testosterone: 46.6pg/mL
Total Testosterone 315ng/dL

Anyone know if that's a normal level for a guy, or if it is the right level for an FTM? My doc is supposed to call me but she hasn't yet. Thanks in advance.

Here's another link to an FTM specific site

Serum total testosterone test
An individual's testosterone levels are usually confirmed through a blood test called a "serum total testosterone test." Testosterone exists in your bloodstream in two forms-- "bound" testosterone and "free" testosterone. The majority of bound testosterone in the body is chemically bound to a protein called "sex hormone binding globulin" (SHBG). The remaining bound testosterone in the system is mostly bound to albumin, another protein. Free testosterone is not chemically attached to any proteins and is considered the "active" form of testosterone, as it is readily available to bind to androgen receptor sites on cells.

A serum total testosterone test measures the total of bound and free T in the system. What is considered a normal test level of combined bound and free testosterone in male bodies can range anywhere from 300-1100 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter). Levels will vary with age and individual factors.

It is useful to also separately measure the level of free testosterone in the system, as this may be more indicative of how hormone therapy is progressing. Levels of free testosterone can range between 0.3%-5% of the total testosterone count, with about 2% considered an average level. Ask your doctor to check for both total and free levels of testosterone in your system.

Remember that because every body has a different sensitivity to androgens, T levels themselves will not necessarily indicate results in terms of masculinization. The levels are merely a guideline by which you and your doctor can begin to measure progress. Your results and your dosing should be guided by your overall health (especially the health of your heart and liver), your progress in masculinization, and how your body and moods react to different dosages. Testosterone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach-- be sure to monitor your health and feelings closely, and remember that even a small adjustment in dosage (in either direction) can make a big difference. Your doctor should rely on the tests below to monitor your overall health.

The link


Dylan

[Jet]

My voice is changing.

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by Jet

My voice is changing.

That's awesome.

[Leigh]

Hey guys, just wanted to say hi to everyone

I finally got the chance to call My doctor here who is going to help Me transition, and he is on holiday so I left a message for his nurse. She should call Me back within a business day, which will officially mean that the ball will be rolling again to begin My transition

Jet ~ fantastic news about your voice changing, I can't wait to start My T and have that change as well as many of the others too

[Jet]

4 weeks into my 5th injection today.
I'm starting to get rowdy. I don't like that; I'm hot headed anyway and I really have to keep the swing in check now. I do have anti anxiety meds. But I feel impatient, resteless and in your face. lol

I kind of went off on customer service on the phone for being slow and complacent (sp). So I need to keep in mind what's going on here. How long should I expect this?

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by Jet

4 weeks into my 5 injection today.

Can you please clarify?


Dylan

[Jet]

sorry, i got busy.

okay
It's my 5th week and 4th injection having skipped a week.
The last injection was last week at 1/2cc and we will continue with 1/2 cc every week instead of 1 cc every other week.

[The Oopster]

Originally Posted by Jet

sorry, i got busy.

okay
It's my 5th week and 4th injection having skipped a week.
The last injection was last week at 1/2cc and we will continue with 1/2 cc every week instead of 1 cc every other week.

You might want to journal how you feel each day and see if there is a pattern.

For the most part the shots actually have made me mellower ... more even keeled.

However if I don't take the shot say by 1 or 2 in the afternoon I'll wait to the next day because I can't settle down at night. That's mainly the only edginess i've had ...

also does being physically active in some way help decrease the edginess?? Just a suggestion ... I think ocassionally i may get it but I just automatically know when I start to feel away to do something to wear it off.

Also I do take a lower dose ... i only do .3 ml every 10 days ...

[Soon]

Judge Rules For Transgender Woman Fired by Georgia

ATLANTA (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled in favor of a former Georgia state legislative aide who claimed she was fired after telling her boss she would come to work dressed as woman as she transitioned from man to woman.

U.S. District Judge Richard W. Story ruled Friday that Vandy Beth Glenn's firing violated her constitutional rights under the Equal Protection Clause.

Glenn is a transgender woman formerly known as Glenn Morrison. She claimed that Legislative Counsel Sewell Brumby fired her from her job as a legislative editor because the gender transition would make her colleagues feel uncomfortable and would be seen as "immoral" by Georgia lawmakers.

Brumby told The Associated Press Tuesday he had no comment on the ruling.

(Copyright © 2010, The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


---------------

p.s. despite this good news, some of the comments are abhorrent.

[Soon]

H.R. 3017, Employment Non-Discrimination Act of 2009: Vandy Beth Glenn

[Jet]

This belongs in the smile thread, too. I have been on T for about 5 weeks now. I don't notice anything different except a skin rash which is clearing up and that I feel like my voice has dropped. We sound differently to ourselves than to other people so its hard to tell.

But....

the other night I was on the phone with someone to whom I'm sending music. I've collected about 80 years worth and I asked her if she would want some Gershwin. So I played this tune over the phone which was sung by Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland.

And she said "OMG how did you put your voice to an orchestra? How did you sing that? I know that's Judy Garland but is the guy you?" I said God no, that's Mickey Rooney. She said she swore it was me and that I sound just like him.

I didn't think the affects of T would start so soon understanding that it was a gradual process. It made smile though...I was kind of nice.

Hope everyone is doing well.


For grins, here's the tune I was thought to have sung...out of 1938 or so...

[Stearns]

Originally Posted by Jet

4 weeks into my 5th injection today.
I'm starting to get rowdy. I don't like that; I'm hot headed anyway and I really have to keep the swing in check now. I do have anti anxiety meds. But I feel impatient, resteless and in your face. lol

I kind of went off on customer service on the phone for being slow and complacent (sp). So I need to keep in mind what's going on here. How long should I expect this?

I never had this reaction, so I can't help you out here. T made me feel more settled and just better all the way around. Maybe you are having some kind of adverse reaction? I think you should discuss it with your doctor.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by Stearns

I never had this reaction, so I can't help you out here. T made me feel more settled and just better all the way around. Maybe you are having some kind of adverse reaction? I think you should discuss it with your doctor.

He told me there could be mood swings. Maybe it just depends on the person.
I'm okay, I just feel uptight realizing that it "could" be the T and my reaction to it.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Jet

4 weeks into my 5th injection today.
I'm starting to get rowdy. I don't like that; I'm hot headed anyway and I really have to keep the swing in check now. I do have anti anxiety meds. But I feel impatient, resteless and in your face. lol

I kind of went off on customer service on the phone for being slow and complacent (sp). So I need to keep in mind what's going on here. How long should I expect this?

It could be the "coming down" effect. One of the things that is known about T is that if it's not even, you could get a few days where you're sort of down on T. I would say if it's still like this after 3 months on "full injections" you may need to look at both medical and possible non-medical causes.

My understanding is that it is a myth that T causes rage. I wonder if the mood swings are due to the anti-anxiety medication that you are taking as well? Is it the same doctor giving you both? If not, does the other doctor know of the amount and kind of T you are taking?

[Jet]

My anti anxiety med is only 1mg a day. 1/2 day 1/2 night.
I've never had this edginess before. But then, I have a lot going on and a lot to deal with.