Here is some very
basic information I have put together about hormones. Some of it is based on
personal experience but the primary source of information....especially about dosing....is
a friend who is a working pharmacist. I hope this information is useful
to you.
THE BAD STUFF
Hormones can cause cancer in sensitive tissues. For example taking estrogens
or progesterones can cause breast cancer. Your risk would be similar to a female
sibling though, so don't worry too much, just be aware. Estrogens can damage the
kidneys and liver so its a good idea to have your blood tested every 3 months or so to
monitor kidney and liver function. Estrogens can also affect your cardiovascular
(heart, blood) health. They can increase your risk of heart attack if dosed too high
too fast so beware. One bad thing about estrogens that can happen is called Deep
Vein Thrombosis. This is a blood clot that forms in the large veins usually of the
legs. The problem with this is that the clot or a piece of it can break off and
travel to the lungs where it gets trapped and cuts off blood supply to part of the lung.
This is extremely dangerous and life threatening and equires IMMEDIATE medical
attention. It starts as a sharp pain in the affected area.
Progestins (progesterones) can cause weight gain. Otherwise, they are pretty
safe. The only benefit in taking progestins for a TS that I have seen detailed is
possible darkening and increase of size of the areola (ring around the nipple).
THE MEDIUM STUFF
Progestins are used in combination with estrogens in post-menopausal women who
still have an intact uterus. This is because estrogens alone can cause endometrial
carcinoma (cancer in the uterus tissue). This is not a problem in M-T-F TS or TV's
because there is no uterus to worry about. Progestins also have a weak androgenic
(male hormone) effect on the body.
Taking female hormones will not change the voice or facial hair. There may also be a
thinning of the scalp hair. 'Mones may cause a gradual lessening of the body hair (arms,
for example).
THE GOOD STUFF
Estrogens and progestins will cause gradual breast development which is reversible
once the 'mones are stopped (up to a point). I am not sure of the reversible point, but I
believe it is up to 6-to-8 months. Breast development will be approximately 1 (ONE)
cup size smaller than sisters or mother and will maximize in about 1-2 years (usually 2).
Hormones will also cause a gradual shifting of body fat into feminine distribution
patterns (away from belly towards hips). My waist shunk and my hips grew and in my
case, the results are very obvious. Don't forget to work out!
While on estrogens, your sexual drive will probably decline and you may notice a
warm "desire" type feeling rather than "lust". Your moods will
mellow but be prepared for mood swings. Depression is a real risk in our situation partly
from the change in hormonal levels, partly in response to social conditioning about what
we are doing for (not to) ourselves. Having a good social or support group will help
immensely with the depression.
Spontaneous erections will cease while on estrogens and the penis will appear to
shrink unless erections are achieved periodically (usually physical and psychological
stimulation is required). The testes will also begin to shrink over time. Since
estrogens offset testosterone, you will also become sterile after several months of
therapy. You should still orgasm, but the ejaculate will be minimal or non-existent.
Hormones can also affect other body systems as well, including the Thyroid.
This is why it is very important to have periodic check-ups with a doctor.
The hormones can be purchased in Mexico without a prescription and the price will
vary on where you shop. In the States, they require a prescription. If you are
doing your own dosing stick to the oral products (Premarin, Provera, or cycrin) instead of
the injections. This is because you cannot be sure what you are buying and injecting
into your body unless you get it from a pharmacy. I recommend against trying to buy
injection hormones from Mexico (no guarantee of quality) but the oral tablets are fine.
Just remember that there's a danger to your kidneys and liver when self dosing.
DOSING
The most common dose of Premarin in M-t-F is 5 mg daily. Progestins (provera or
cycrin) range from 2. 5 -to- 10 mg daily and can be taken daily or cycled similar to
biological levels in GG's. Cycling can give you PMS though so beware!
Some others I have read about also use Spironolactone (Aldactone brand) or generic
which helps flush the testosterone from the body. The down-side of Aldactone is
electrolyte imbalances which can have serious heart problems. I recommend you not
use spironolactone unless monitored by a physician. |
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