Effects of low Testosterone levels

[Danya (imported)]

Hi DonFL,

The endocrinologist is the one specifically for the transgendered clients at the university Center for Human Sexuality, where I've been going since early November. So, she'll be very aware that I'm transgendered.

She'll also be aware of my MMPI-2 and Tennessee Self-Concept Scale results. My therapist's interpretation of the results was that there was absolutely no indication that hormonal or surgical intervention would be detrimental at this time.

So, I should be good to go with the endocrinologist as a transgender patient who's been reported fit for hormonal treatment.

-kirit aka todd

[gpb3aol (imported)]

He Todd,

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you been active does help. It's that getting out the door that's the problem but your right I've just got to do it. Long as your so kind as to respond, I'd like to ask another question (anyone can answer). I want to try estrogen. I think from what I've read that it well help protect me from bone lost, along with magnesium. I've tried to ask my GP and he just didn't hear me. So I was thinking of going to a Shrink. I don't want to become a women I just want to not be a guy and I do love the emotions and want more. I would mine the feminizing effect either. So anyhow do you think that's a good idea, seeing a Shrink even though I'm not depressed or feel I'm crazy?

Gary

[Danya (imported)]

Hi Gary,

I totally understand how the 'getting out the door' part is the hardest. After work Wednesday, I felt like I just wanted to crawl into bed. I had next to zero desire to exercise. I went to the gym anyway and was really glad I did. I felt super afterwards.

I've found that I may need to start exercising off more slowly now that I'm chemically castrated. I'm still able to do just as much exercise, though. It just may take a bit longer. Don't overdo on exercising. You may have to allow some for the low T. I suspect you'll be able to work back up to your regular routine, though.

I'm not sure seeing a shrink would help, except he/she might be able to refer you to a gender therapist who could get you on the path you want to be. It doesn't sound like you're crazy at all! DonFL may have some good advice on how to get help.

I'm lucky in that I live near a really top-notch gender clinic. I'm exactly like you. I don't want to be a guy but I don't want to be a woman. This is really who I am and I love the emotions, too. It's like I've finally come home to my true self.

BTW, another issue with bone health is being sure you have enough vitamin D. I was tested for this and my level was just 1/3 of where it should be. Without enough vitamin D, you won't properly absorb the calcium your bones need. Now, I'm taking a once a week prescription vitamin D supplement.

I wish you the very best Gary. Don't hesitate to write about more questions or concerns.

Good luck.

-todd

[kristoff]

He Todd,

Thanks for the reply. I agree with you been active does help. It's that getting out the door that's the problem but your right I've just got to do it. Long as your so kind as to respond, I'd like to ask another question (anyone can answer). I want to try estrogen. I think from what I've read that it well help protect me from bone lost, along with magnesium. I've tried to ask my GP and he just didn't hear me. So I was thinking of going to a Shrink. I don't want to become a women I just want to not be a guy and I do love the emotions and want more. I would mine the feminizing effect either. So anyhow do you think that's a good idea, seeing a Shrink even though I'm not depressed or feel I'm crazy?

Gary

Get adamant with your GP. Demanding if need be. Insist that he MUST listen to you. Or drop him/her like a ton of bricks. Doctors are like a box of cheerios, as I have said many times before. If you decide you no longer like cheerios, buy some goddamned corn flakes, and piss on the bastard. YOU are the consumer with rights. Exercise them. Fire the bastard if needed. And tell him so, if needed. It is no different than buying a non-functioning stereo at Worst Buy, and demanding a return/refund. Get what you need, please.

[gpb3aol (imported)]

Hi Todd,

My nutritionist told me that I get enough Calcium in my diet but she said you need magnesium to convert the Calcium into bone material. So I take it. Who the hell knows. I don't. Oh and thanks I probably well be asking questions, I'm dealing with getting use to no testosterone or not much, and I seem to run into things everyday that are new to me. So thanks in advance for some help getting though this change of life.

Gary

[gpb3aol (imported)]

Get adamant with your GP. Demanding if need be. Insist that he MUST listen to you. Or drop him/her like a ton of bricks. Doctors are like a box of cheerios, as I have said many times before. If you decide you no longer like cheerios, buy some goddamned corn flakes, and piss on the bastard. YOU are the consumer with rights. Exercise them. Fire the bastard if needed. And tell him so, if needed. It is no different than buying a non-functioning stereo at Worst Buy, and demanding a return/refund. Get what you need, please.

Hello Kristoff,

You sound like me before becoming a enunch. I don't feel or want to be demanding, I now understand why women get treated so badly there like me and don't want confrontation. Also in my little town I don't have a large choice of Doctors. But, thanks for thinking of me.

Gary

[gpb3aol (imported)]

Hi Todd,

Sorry I left this out of my last post. I said Shrink but mean gender therapist. One that can write me a prescription.

Gary

[Danya (imported)]

Kristoff,

I agree with your basic philosophy on firing the bastard if he's/she's unresponsive. The only problem I see, and you may be more knowledgeable here, is finding any GP who will prescribe estrogen for a low T male and who also clearly understands the ramifications of doing that.

My personal doc tried searching for endocrinologists who would help me with chemical castration. The few he contacted didn't feel comfortable with it because it's outside their area. Chemical castration is not a standard use (i.e. FDA approved) use for drugs like Depo-provera.

It's true that many doctors prescribe approved drugs for non-approved treatments. Feedback I've gotten is that in those non-standard prescriptions, if it's common practice, doctors will feel comfortable with it because there are many others doing the same thing.

There are very few physicians providing depo-provera for men, a non-approved use unless perhaps you're a sex offender. Few feel comfortable, or even competent, to prescribe it for chemical castration.

I strongly suspect that there are likewise few GPs who would feel comfortable with prescribing estrogen for men. Even if Gary found one, this GP would be working outside his experience and training.

I'm not saying Gary couldn't find a doc to do this, simply that I haven't had much luck. If Gary can find a regular doc to help him out, and who knows what he's/she's doing, terrific. He could try calling around to see if there's a GP who will help him. If he can't find one, though, finding an endocrinologist recommended by a gender therapist may be a relatively easy route. I'd think in the Portland area this approach would not be difficult. A knowledgeable endocrinologist who regularly uses estrogen on transgender men should be a safer alternative than a doctor who is unfamiliar with the ramifications of what he/she is doing.

-vanya aka todd

[Danya (imported)]

Hey Gary,

OK, I get your point. A gender therapist should be able to help you directly or get you to someone who can.

Good luck.

-todd

[kristoff]

Hello Kristoff,

You sound like me before becoming a enunch. I don't feel or want to be demanding, I now understand why women get treated so badly there like me and don't want confrontation. Also in my little town I don't have a large choice of Doctors. But, thanks for thinking of me.

Gary

Yeah, you're right, I WAS rather pissy last night. Much too much wine. The comment was rather harshly stated. But the sentiment remains the same...

My apologies, to you and all.