Castration Experience

[0.fj.randi (imported)]

Hi all

I'm 64 and castrated at 30. I didn't do anything about HRT for 9 years, but in my 8th year I started getting migraines and the next year I went to the dr. I let him convince my to start T. Since then I've varied my T levels and was back down to almost zero again. I had bad depression, no e ergy an was lethargic. I was again talked into going back on T. Well since then I've become irritable, angry, still irritable, and no energy even though my dr. said I'm in the low average range. Well 3 weeks ago I said screw this and stopped taking the T. I went to the dr. today to get on estrogen. They were ok with it except that they were unfamiliar with the protocol and are going to refer me.

My big question for you, with my mild liver and kidney issues are, what would recommend as far dosage and "flavor" of estrogen?

Also, are "bioidentical" estrogens worth taking?

Thanks for your help and advice. If this is not place to post this please let me no the correct one.

Randi

[TopManFL (imported)]

Hi all

I'm 64 and castrated at 30. I didn't do anything about HRT for 9 years, but in my 8th year I started getting migraines and the next year I went to the dr. I let him convince my to start T. Since then I've varied my T levels and was back down to almost zero again. I had bad depression, no e ergy an was lethargic. I was again talked into going back on T. Well since then I've become irritable, angry, still irritable, and no energy even though my dr. said I'm in the low average range. Well 3 weeks ago I said screw this and stopped taking the T. I went to the dr. today to get on estrogen. They were ok with it except that they were unfamiliar with the protocol and are going to refer me.

My big question for you, with my mild liver and kidney issues are, what would recommend as far dosage and "flavor" of estrogen?

Also, are "bioidentical" estrogens worth taking?

Thanks for your help and advice. If this is not place to post this please let me no the correct one.

Randi

Hey Randi,

First, welcome home. You are 100pct for sure in the right place.

My experience is that you need two "flavors" of doctors.

1. An endocrinologist. They are difficult to find, hard to get an appointment with and very opinionated. They are also the best doctor when it comes to hormones. Most likely they will test you for every hormone and even micro hormones. Only then, will they decide what "flavor" of estrogen you need. It is a hassle and well worth it.

2. A nephrologist (kidney) doctor. Both the endocrinologist and the nephrologist will look for diabetes. Although that is not your main concern, it is very important. As you point out, you are worried about your kidneys and your liver and both doctors will keep an eye on that as well.

Hope that helped.

TMFL

[seanthomas (imported)]

TRT wreaked havoc on my system including dangerously high levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit as well as raised liver enzymes and exacerbation of BPH. I was completely off hormones for years but concerned about other health issues such as osteoporosis and a cognitive decline I sought estrogen replacement.

At my age and as I was a previous smoker transdermal patches (Climara 25 raised to Climara 50) were considered the safest route. My estradiol level is currently in the lower range of a pre-menopaused woman and yet my doctor relies more on how I feel than the actual levels, as each person is different. Recently I added micronized progesterone, which seems to have helped my moods and sleep patterns as well as slightly increasing my libido. I have never had the desire to become a woman and the HRT has not changed that. Now as with anything you don't get something for nothing. Estrogen has a feminizing effect regardless of if you want that or not but less so after age 35. Gynecomastia, weight redistribution and skin changes are just a few. The only real change I have noticed however is in breast growth and soon after starting progesterone my nipples when into full launch mode and became ultra sensitive.

As for the bio-identical route I have no experience and yet my doctor seems to think highly enough of it to offer it to her patients. All I do know is that I have corresponded with others who report favorable results, especially in growing breasts.

Everyone reacts differently and these are just my experiences so they may not apply to others.

[JessicaH (imported)]

Patches or injections would be best. My doctor prescribes 6mg per week injected subcutaneous but if not looking for feminization yo7 could likely get away with 3-4mg. Feminization is slow so you can easily correct if your boobs are growing too much.

[seanthomas (imported)]

Patches or injections would be best. My doctor prescribes 6mg per week injected subcutaneous but if not looking for feminization yo7 could likely get away with 3-4mg. Feminization is slow so you can easily correct if your boobs are growing too much.

Yes, the oral route is not recommended for anyone over 50 and my doc says the injections cause spikes, whereas the patch gives a constant dose. It is much easier just to change the patch every week. The progesterone is in cream form and I apply it each morning after my shower. As for breast growth she said if it gets to the point they are uncomfortable or embarrassing she can do liposuction to reduce their size. However, I am able to easily conceal them in public with the right bra at this time.

[JessicaH (imported)]

You can also inject into your belly fat every 3-4 days if you want to keep your levels more consistent. If you look at the pharmacological profile for estrodiol valerate, 7 day cycle isn’t bad at all. I just hate patches as they are ugly and don’t stick well to me.