Over The Counter Hormones For Transgender

What Are The Emotional And Intellectual Effects Of Estrogen

People are very different so their emotional and intellectual changes vary widely. People taking estrogen have reported:

• Feeling more emotional and more in touch with their feelings
• Crying more easily
• Depression or sadness
• Thinking differently, having different ways of looking at things
• Feeling more like myself when taking a hormone that aligns with gender identity feeling more comfortable in ones body

What This Natural Estrogen Booster Made Of

it is now possible for your body to produce estrogen at higher continuous levels naturally, safely and comfortably

You can take the time after reading this blog post to do some research on a few of the ingredients I listed above but let me save you some time.

Pueraria mirifica , a plant whose dried and powdered tuberous roots are now widely used in rejuvenating preparations to promote youthfulness in both men and women, may have major estrogenic influence. In this study

Sketchy Pharmacies Are Selling Hormones To Transgender People

Burdened by cost and medical discrimination, many people are taking a do-it-yourself approach to transitioning.

Two years ago at Burning Man, Andrea tripped on ayahuasca and had visions of herself as a woman in a past life. At the time, Andrea, a 33-year-old transgender woman, identified as a man, but she had struggled with gender dysphoria since high school. Growing up I had no transgender role models, and there was nobody to tell me that what I felt was something anyone else had, she says. I was unhappy with how I was living, and I really wished I had been born with a female body.

After meeting a few transgender women at the famed music and arts festival, Andrea decided to pursue her own transition. But when she sought out feminizing hormones through clinics around her home in Philadelphia, she ran into lengthy waiting lists and high costs. So she decided to experiment on her own. She ordered Estradiol, a commonly prescribed form of estrogen, and Spironolactone, a testosterone blocker traditionally prescribed to transgender women, from an online pharmacy without a prescription.

For Andrea, the do-it-yourself method was only a stepping-stone towards a doctor-managed approach. But she may return to DIY to retain the independence and control it gave her, she says. It’s not fun to depend on having sympathetic doctors around every two months to refill prescriptions.

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How Soon Will You Notice Desired Effects Of Natural Estrogen

Like I said earlier different users will have different result. Some users claimed to have had results in as early as 3 months and

others take 8-9 months but you can expect to see noticeable changes within a 6 month time span.

It will also help if you block or lower your testosterone to increase the effect of estrogen you are taking.

Estrogen Supplements For Males Transitioning To Female

Estrogen is the hormone that is primarily responsible to bring about physical feminine changes in ones body during the male to female transition process.

Though estrogen can effective on its own it is best paired with a testosterone blocker which is preferably given weeks prior to starting estrogen hormone therapy.

Estrogen comes in a few different forms which include:

Estrogen pill are the most used method of administering thehormone. Though pills are cheap and effective, doctors believe they can causeyou harm if you are older than 35 and smoke.

Estrogen patches such as climara forte can be very effective and safe but require you to always wear one. However, these patches do have some downside- not only are they prescription only they can also cause skin irritations and rashes.

The majority of transwomen first choice in estrogen hormones to help them transition tend to be interested in getting their estrogen through injections.

Estrogen injections can only be administered by doctors andcan cause a huge fluctuation range in your estrogen levels.

Having unstable estrogen levels is what causes:

Taking a higher doseof estrogen does not mean you will see physical changes faster.

Long term use of prescription estrogen boostingmedication can cause a sever build up of fat inside your heart and or arterieswhich could be fatal.

Taking natural estrogen can trigger your body to be more effective with the hormones that are already produced and produce more of it.

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Supplements For Female To Male

A female to male transgender is an individual whose assigned sex at birth is female but wishes to change their body and/or gender identity to male. FtM are usually referred to as transgender men.

When transitioning from female to male some may choose to undergo testosterone hormone therapy. This will cause an increase in bone and muscle mass, for a period of time.

LDL cholesterol levels, which increase the risk for heart disease, can also be elevated by testosterone.

Testosterone therapy may eliminate the menstrual cycle, meaning iron needs may decrease or change. Iron supplements should be avoided unless recommended by a medical doctor.

Lower Doses And Temporary Use

For some trans people, being on a lower dose of feminising hormones, or using them occasionally or temporarily is a part of how they seek to hormonally affirm their gender.

It can be difficult to try and implement one feminising change and not another, as once a hormonal threshold is reached, a range of secondary sex characteristics will begin to change.

This is especially the case for breast growth, which may occur even at lower estrogen levels .

Consultation with a specialist Endocrinologist may be helpful.

The use of hormonal suppression without gender affirming hormonal therapy can lead to adverse health effects, and so is to be undertaken carefully, and with regular oversight.

It is possible to achieve testosterone and estrogen hormone levels that are between the male and female ranges. However, at this point, there is little evidence for this practice as most research only considers binary gender options.

A Guide To Transgender Health, Heath R, Wynne K 4

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Estrogen Treatment: Topical Creams Gels And Sprays

• What are they? Estrogen gels , creams , and sprays offer another way of getting estrogen into your system. As with patches, this type of estrogen treatment is absorbed through the skin directly into the bloodstream. The specifics on how to apply these creams vary, although theyre usually used once a day. Estrogel is applied on one arm, from the wrist to the shoulder. Estrasorb is applied to the legs. Evamist is applied to the arm.
• Pros. Because estrogen creams are absorbed through the skin and go directly into the bloodstream, theyre safer than oral estrogen for people who have liver and cholesterol problems.
• Cons. Estrogen gels, creams, and sprays have not been well-studied. While they could be safer than oral estrogen, experts arent sure. So assume that they pose the same slight risk of serious conditions, like cancer and stroke.One potential problem with using this type of estrogen treatment is that the gel, cream or spray can rub or wash off before its been fully absorbed. Make sure you let the topical dry before you put on clothes. Always apply it after you bathe or shower.

Because the estrogen is absorbed right through the skin, dont let other people in your family touch these creams or gels. If they do, they could get dosed with estrogen themselves. For the same reason, make sure your hands are clean and dry after applying the medication.

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What Is Natural Estrogen Replacement

Natural estrogen replacement hormones are an alternative hormone replacement therapy for women going through menopause. During menopause, the body produces a much lower amount of estrogen and progesterone, and the woman no longer has a menstrual cycle because her ovaries have ceased releasing eggs on a monthly basis. Natural estrogen replacement therapy consists of consuming products and foods which stimulate or have a high level of phytoestrogen. Chemical estrogen replacement therapy is available, but there have been studies that have shown that these chemicals greatly increase the womans chance of developing breast cancer, so many women look for natural alternatives to chemical hormone replacement therapy.

Soy bean products are extremely rich in isoflavones, a group of foods that contain phytoestrogen. Tofu, edamame, soy milk, and supplements are the most popular food sources containing high amounts of soy beans. Soy bean consumption by menopausal women has been the subject of many studies, and it has been found to reduce the side effects of menopause while increasing the womans bone mineral density.

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Working With Young Trans People & Families

A Family Court of Australia ruling , the medical practitioner and the young person themselves with regard to:

• The Gillick competence of an adolescent or

• A diagnosis of gender dysphoria or

• Proposed treatment for gender dysphoria

Any dispute requires a mandatory application to the Family Court of Australia as per the judgement of Re. Imogen 20206.

Medical practitioners seeing patients under the age of 18 are unable to initiate puberty blockers or gender affirming hormonal treatment without first ascertaining whether or not a childs parents or legal guardians consent to the proposed treatment. If there is a dispute about consent or treatment, a doctor should not administer puberty blockers , hormones or surgical intervention without court authorisation.

Increasing evidence demonstrates that with supportive, gender affirming care during childhood and adolescence, harms can be ameliorated and mental health and wellbeing outcomes can be significantly improved.

Australian Standards of Care and Treatment Guidelines for trans and gender diverse children and adolescents 7

For trans people under 18 whose parents, carers or guardians will not consent to starting hormones, the Family Court must be involved. Unfortunately, in many cases where parents, carers or guardians do not consent, this may result in a trans person simply waiting until they are 18 to access puberty blockers and hormones, or seeking to access them outside of medical care and oversight.

What Are The Types Of Transgender Surgery

Gender-affirming surgery gives transgender people a body that aligns with their gender. It may involve procedures on the face, chest or genitalia. Common transgender surgery options include:

• Facial reconstructive surgery to make facial features more masculine or feminine.
• Chest or Top surgery to remove breast tissue for a more masculine appearance or enhance breast size and shape for a more feminine appearance.
• Genital or Bottom surgery to transform and reconstruct the genitalia.

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Estrogen Treatment For Transgender Women And Transfeminine People

Balancing the risks and benefits

• Treatment and Gender Surgery

Transgender women and transfeminine people are people whose assigned sex at birth is male, yet they exist as women. Transgender people represent a group that includes not just transgender women but also non- people who have a more feminine gender identity than the one that is expected for their recorded sex at birth. The term “transfeminine” is an umbrella term that encompasses both transgender women and feminine people of nonbinary identity. Many transgender people experience what is known as gender dysphoriathis is discomfort caused by people’s bodies not matching their sense of identity.

This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.

Not every transgender person deals with their gender dysphoria in the same way. However, for many people, hormone therapy can help them feel more like themselves. For transmasculine people, this involves testosterone treatment. For transfeminine people, this usually involves a combination of testosterone blockers and estrogen treatment.

Warnings Of Estriol And Estradiol

Using estrogen can increase the risk of endometrial cancer, especially when its not taken with a progestin. Estriol and estradiol also have an increased risk of heart attack , stroke, pulmonary embolism , and deep vein thrombosis in postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years old. In the same population of women, estrogen use can also lead to an increased breast cancer risk, according to the Womens Health Initiative. Estrogen may also increase the risk of dementia in some postmenopausal women over 65 years of age.

Consult a doctor if you have risk factors including a medical history of:

Women who smoke tobacco may be at an increased risk of blood clots. Estrogen-containing products should not be used in these women.

Estriol, estradiol, and other estrogen-related drugs can harm an unborn baby. They should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Estriol Vs Estradiol

Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs containing estriol for humans. Therefore, it is not usually covered by Medicare and insurance plans. Incurin is the brand name for estriol that is approved for dogs with urinary incontinence. The cost can vary depending on the pharmacy you purchase it from. SingleCare discounts for estriol are not currently available.

Estradiol is available as a generic skin patch. Brand names of estradiol include Minivelle, Climara, and Vivelle-Dot. Brand name estradiol average cash price can differ with Medicare and insurance plans but you can purchase a generic version for $33-$63 with a SingleCare discount card.

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Choose An Online Option

Based in the United States

Some legal online options are based in the US. You must sign up and talk with them online to get prescriptions. Some make you subscribe. These are usually only for people residing in the US. They do not ship to all US states. They usually do not ship outside the US.

Listings are not endorsements. You must do your own research.

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When Can People Take It

The age at which people can access gender affirming hormone therapy varies globally.

For example, in Europe, many countries allow people aged 1418 to access it. However, in some countries, such as the Netherlands, people can access it from the age of 12 years with parental consent.

In some other European countries, access depends on the maturity of the person who would like to receive the therapy.

In the U.S., most people can access estrogen hormone therapy at the age of 18 years, when they are capable of consent. At 17 years old, a person may have access, but they will require a parent or guardian to accompany them to appointments. At the age of 16 years or younger, additional paperwork is necessary to access such therapy.

People using estrogen and anti-androgens as part of their hormone treatment may notice:

• drier and thinner skin with smaller pores
• changes in the odors of sweat and urine
• a reduction in sweat production
• the development of breast buds beneath the nipples that will develop into breasts as treatment progresses
• a more feminine facial appearance
• an increase in fat around the hips and thighs
• a loss of muscle mass in the arms and legs
• a reduction in strength

Research also indicates that cross-sex hormone treatment changes the structure of the brain to bring trans people closer to their identified gender.

These changes could potentially affect a persons verbal and spatial abilities and the way they interact with others.

A Warning About Hormone

In doing research for this article, I came across a lot of companies claiming to sell various hormone-altering supplements marketed specifically to the transgender population.

Although these may be appealing, particularly with the cost of hormone therapy and reassignment surgeries being so high, they may also be extremely dangerous.

There is also no evidence that they actually work.

They may alter or negate any treatment that you are already undergoing, therefore I would recommend avoiding these types of products altogether.

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At What Point In My Gender Transition Can I Start Feminizing Hormone Therapy

The timing is up to you and your healthcare provider. Some people affirm their new gender identity first by changing their names and dressing differently. But this isnt a requirement.

Adolescents may wish to consider starting feminizing hormone therapy at age 16. Starting at a young age makes it possible to:

• Block the effects of puberty for their assigned gender.
• Proceed with puberty in a manner consistent with their authentic gender identity.

Do Menopause Supplements Work

As already mentioned, menopause supplements may work for some women, but because the studies on these products and their ingredients are inconclusive, we cannot know for sure.

What we do know is that women taking these supplements claim they offer relief and these claims often come from clinical trials.

Menopause supplements containing black cohosh are most likely to work, but so are those containing other botanicals that affect the hormones, and neurotransmitters.

Some of the botanicals used in menopause supplements address anxiety and depression symptoms, which might directly impact the severity of menopause symptoms.

This is because the severity of hot flashes and night sweats can become worse as a result of depression and anxiety as found in one study published in the journal Menopause.

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If Im Not Dying Im Not Going To The Doctor

Insurance isnt always the issue. Outside of large, urban areas such as New York, Miami and Los Angeles, the odds of finding a caregiver who is culturally competent about transgender health become exceedingly low.Thats why many of us find other ways to procure HRT, Gentili said. If youre going to be misgendered, insulted or mistreated by a doctor, and you can get your meds from India or Colombia, then f— the doctor. I understand it.

These days, Gentili works with a terrific primary care provider, but if she needs treatment in off-hours, she said she thinks twice about going to urgent care.

Every time I go to someone whos not my doctor, I get misgendered, I get uncomfortable questions, she said. So if Im not dying, Im not going to the doctor.

Taking hormones not prescribed by a medical professional comes with a variety of risks. Not only because they may not be checked for content, quality, formulation or dosing, but because treatment isnt likely to be monitored.

Estrogen therapy has been linked to blood clots in the lungs and legs, increasing the risk of stroke and possible long-term risk of breast cancer.