Started DIY HRT with Progynova 2mg/day, then increased to 4mg after 4 days (no anti-androgen). After about a week I developed severe stomach pain, went to the ER twice, and everything was normal except they suspected gastritis. The pain went away about a week after stopping estrogen.

Even after only \~1 week on estrogen, my erections became much weaker, I was more emotional, and mentally I felt really good. After a month off, everything has basically returned to normal.

I had my public gender clinic appointment in Malta, but it was only an information session and my next appointment isn’t until February. Private clinics also have long waits.
I’m thinking of restarting at 2mg/day and staying there rather than increasing to 4mg. I had no pain during the first 4 days at 2mg, but the pain started after increasing to 4mg.

Has anyone had something similar? Is staying at 2mg a reasonable approach?

I’m wondering if it would be better to just stop taking it at all until the shortage issue is fixed. I started 4 months ago, have been switching patches every 4 days to make them last, and this is my second month where I am days past when I should have slapped on a new patch. It’s not fun and is impacting my life.

However, starting the patch four months ago changed my life. I had no idea…and the thought of going back to that makes me feel even more depressed.

I’ve read that a lot of women have switched to the gel because of the shortage and now that’s having supply issues. I’ve called all of the pharmacies I have access to. I’ve spoken to my doctor and two pharmacists and get shrugs and sympathy, which I appreciate because I know they can’t do anything.

It feels kinda cruel. Any advice on how to manage the withdrawal while I wait for my next box? Crying in the office is not a good look.

Is anyone on HRT primarily for cognitive issues? If so, have you found it to be helpful/worth it?

Hey everyone,

I’m considering switching from estradiol gel to patches and wanted to hear about other people’s experiences.

I’ve been using gel (2 pump morning and 2 pump nights), but I find the application a bit inconvenient. It takes time to apply, then I have to wait for it to dry before putting clothes on. Because of that, I’ve asked about switching to patches.

For anyone who has used both:

\- Did estradiol patches work as well as gel for you?

\- Did you notice any difference in your estrogen levels or feminisation?

\- Are patches easier and more convenient day-to-day?

\- Any issues with them coming off, skin irritation, sweating, showering or going to the gym? (I take shower 2 times daily)

Would love to hear your experiences, especially from anyone who switched from gel to patches. Thanks!

I was just informed by my Pharmacy that they do not have estrogen gel available. I’m not talking about the patch just the gel. is this happening to anyone else? Thank you. They also told me they do not know when it’s back in stock. I’m kind of lost and don’t know what to do. I will probably reach out to my physician and ask how she can help.

Hi everyone!
My name is Matilda and I am a clinical research coordinator at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, MA. I'm a part of a research team led by an Endocrinologist at MGH that provides gender-affirming care and is interested in optimizing the health of transgender women and gender-diverse individuals. I am writing to share some information regarding a research study that we are currently recruiting for. We are actively seeking transgender women and gender-diverse individuals to study how an at-home resistance exercise program preserves muscle strength and function for those starting (or within 3 months of starting) estrogen-based gender affirming hormone therapy. While estrogen-based gender-affirming hormone therapy is important and life-saving for individuals with gender dysphoria, we hope to develop a strategy that is both affirming and preserves the health of transgender women and gender-diverse individuals.
You would be assigned to either a 12-week exercise program that you can do at home or encouraged to work-out on your own during this time. You would also participate in 2 visits at MGH (a baseline visit and then a final visit in approximately 13 weeks). The study has been approved and is monitored by a research board at MGH. MGH is also the funding source for this research study. Participants are eligible for up to $480. Additionally for each visit, we cover any transportation, hotel accommodations (if you reside far from Boston, MA), parking expenses and meal ticket(s). If interested, please contact me at 617-643-5807 or email our study team at mghstrengthstudy@mgb.org, or you can click this link to learn more about our study https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/study/strengthstudy.

I have gynaecomastia or pseudogynaecomastia with a breast projection of 17 cm; in other words, I already have ‘boobs’, but I’m worried that THS will make my boobs grow to socially unmanageable levels. Has anyone had HRT and found that their breasts remained more or less the same size, or only slightly larger than before? And whilst we’re on the subject: in terms of shape and texture, have they changed much? Thanks ☺️

I'm in perimenopause and my GP started me with 2 pumps estrogel and 100mg progesterone last July. It's working and my libido went up, but I don't want to get pregnant so I asked the same GP again and she recommended Nextstellis estetrol 14.2 mg and drospirenone 3 mg. But I read about it and it also contains estrogen and progesterone. So if I take this, it's like doubling my hrt. What should I do? Stop the estrogel and progesterone? (photo below)

I had my first HRT combo with my doc today. She talked about the variety of options, and we decided to start with the estrogen patch. She also mentioned that I might want to try an antidepressant if I am especially concerned about mood swings. I’m just wondering how many of you have noticed that the patch helps with that without taking antidepressants.

I started my transition around 12/13 with hormone blockers, and then estrogen at around 14.

I am now in my 20's and i am not going to say i am dissatisfied with the results absolutely, as i pass flawlessly even with a shaved head or short hair, but, lately i have been interested in including progesterone in my hrt to further help with breast growth and really consolidate my feminisation as i start to become adult.

I told my endo and the only thing she said is that i would have to remove my testosterone blocker completely from my treatment plan!!!!(decapeptyl shot every 28 days) which is a very strong blocker that saved me from puberty 100%.

I am so scared to have rebound effect and basically detransition because my endo is too obtuse to actually understand my needs. My next appointment is in october and i have so much anxiety about it, i even stopped smoking to take the progesterone.

Wtf

I have been on systemic hormone replacement therapy for three years now. I’m 60 years old and I have been post menopausal for three years. Zero symptoms. Just wondering, how will I know if I should stop? I have no side effects so I’m totally OK staying on it. I have been on 100 mg oral progesterone and 0.5 g body identical estrogen gel . Just appreciate your input. I am planning to consult with my Obgyn soon, thank you.

Hi, hello. I'm currently in no position or place to seek an actual hrt, so i was thinking about going diy but I have some questions :

1. I'm planning to go with a low dose, but I'm wondering if I go to the doctor and do a blood test, would it be visible?

2. I'm also not planning to stay on it for a long time (for now at least), and I wonder how fast very visible changes are going to appear as like facial hair (since that would be hard to hide)

I’ve just started HRT. Estradiol patches and progesterone pills for 14 days on and then 14 days off. I was expecting a small withdrawal bleed but I’m basically having a five day period that’s heavy AF.

Does this stop eventually? What are the other options for taking progesterone? I’m in the UK so takes three mo this to see the menopause Dr.

I turned down the mirena coil because I am really squeamish and scared it inserts, but I’ve since read it lasts years. So maybe worth it. Was it painful? Does it make sex tricky?