for mtf transsexuals is it ok to take anti-androgens for a while before taking estrogen pills?
Posted on | February 12, 2010 |
are anti-androgens less risky if you want to take those for a while before taking estrogen?
I am 18 and I don’t think i can get a handle on estrogen legally from where I’m from, so i am seeing if i could at LEAST get something like spironolactone before I move somewhere else.
In my state there ARE NO trans-friendly doctors who know what dosage to give me on estrogen. i know i am 18 but i can’t get it legally from where i live.
i at least want to know how to get spironolactone or some other anti androgen.
Category: Anti-Estrogen Questions
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7 Responses to “for mtf transsexuals is it ok to take anti-androgens for a while before taking estrogen pills?”
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February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
absolutely! please see your md or endo…..many people prefer to start out on androgen blockers.
i don’t know where you are from but it’s a lousy place is estrogen is illegal. i’d look into to that seriously.
much love and hope. pj
February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
If you’re in the U.S. you can start estrogen w/o parents consent when your 18. Of course you’ll still most likely need a referral from a therapist.
>_>
EDIT:
2 thumbs downs? If I said something incorrect please inform me, constructive criticism is always welcome(:
February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
You need to see a Dr before taking any meds. These meds change things in your body. They can mess with it in ways that if not done correctly can Kill you. Or as with a few of my friends they can never have moans again becuase it will kill them, just because of what they did.
It is not a toy or candy, this is your life you are talking about.
I know not what you wanted to hear, but I have to be honest and tell you what you need to hear.
Hugs
Kim Lynn
February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
Don’t you think it wiser to ask this of medical professionals, rather than perfect strangers with no medical schooling?
February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
What State are you in, because I don’t believe that there is a State in the U.S. that doesn’t have resources available for a person who wants to Transition. Have you spoken to a GENDER THERAPIST. That is ALWAYS the first step in starting Transition. To do otherwise would be foolish, and put your health, or YOUR LIFE, at risk. Anti-androgens like Spironolactone can kill you FASTER than estrogen. If you want to know how to start Transition (which does not automatically mean you get hormones BTW) you need to see a gender therapist. After an evaluation period (typically 3 months) the therapist will write you a recommendation letter to take to a doctor. Most likely you would need to see a specialist - an endocrinologist or gender specialist - to ascertain your baseline hormone levels, and how that change when taking hormones. There are a number of blood tests for the first 6 months or so, and it is important that the doctor monitors your blood carefully.
Hormones and anti-androgens are not "candy" that you just try because you think you might be suffering from Transsexualism. That is a surefire way to hurt yourself. If you are serious about Transitioning, you will seek out experts who follow the Standards of Care, and you will do things THE RIGHT WAY. If you take no other advice from anyone in your life, take this advice.
Here is a state-by-state directory of gender therapists. Most gender therapists can recommend a doctor.
http://www.drbecky.com/therapists02.html
February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
I could take an hour with this question. I see so many issues with these few lines.
You can take spiro or the like alone. As with any other type of medication it needs to be supervised by a doctor. Spiro is also commonly given to people for high blood pressure. (Also common for pilots to be on this as it is an FAA approved med.)
Self medicating is non- productive and too dangerous. The idea is to live your life as the woman you are. Dieing from a blood clot wont get you there.
I could be wrong but I believe 18 is the legal age of consent in the states. So if you are i would call the AMA and tell them you cannot find a trans-friendly doctor in your area and ask for a referral. The AMA has recently taken a stand on our side of this issue and called for an end to discrimination in our treatment.
On the therapist issue (which is really the smartest thing to do) There is no set time or number of visits. It can be as few as one, It’s the therapist comfort level that you are ready to begin that’s important. And technically a family physician can give you a script for estrogen and spiro without ever going to a therapist if they are comfortable with you as well. I still don’t believe this is the smart way to go. As a good therapist will be invaluable as you go along.
February 12th, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
typically speaking, most doctors start TS’s on low dosages of Anti-androgen’s for a while before they start them on estrogen.
but aside from that, like everyone else has said talk to a endo or a regular doctor… like said in the movie TransAmerica playing with hormones is like playing with fire.. the idea of things like the Standards of Care is to keep you safe and alive.. And finally with the new tax laws.. You can write medical treatments surrounding GRS off on your taxes so you’ll also be able to save a little more money by working with a doctor.
remember, the idea of transitioning is to keep you alive and healthy, not to kill yourself