1. What does chemical castration entail?

2. Does it block both sexual and testerone producing functions of the penis and testicles?

3. For a t girl that plans srs is this a wise path to follow?

4. How much does it cost to have the procedure done or can this be

self imposed in an safe environment?

AmberChalise (imported) wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2004 9:42 am 1. What does chemical castration entail?

2. Does it block both sexual and testerone producing functions of the penis and testicles?

3. For a t girl that plans srs is this a wise path to follow?

4. How much does it cost to have the procedure done or can this be

self imposed in an safe environment?

1. Take estrogen and/or an antiandrogen pretty much every day for at least six months to one year as ymmv. A baby asprin once daily when taking estrogen was highly recommened by a leading surgeon. There is some disagreement in the medical community about spironolactone as an anti-androgen. Dosages must be fine tuned to your body.

Example: 2 mg estradiol taken one to three times per day with 50 mg spironolactone taken twice per day.

Example: 1 mg estradiol taken three times per diem

Example: 2 mg estradiol taken three times per diem on days 1-25. 10 mg medroxyprogesterone taken days 16-25. No pills days 26-28.

premarin is sometimes used, but i don't have info on it.

2. Depends on the drug. You can read about the drugs at your local library by consulting the Physician's Desk Reference. Spironolactone competitively inhibits the testosterone cycle by competing for receptor sites. Progesterone (i.e. provera) does something with the metabolic pathways, but I forget the details of the action. In general, this will mean the function of the sexual organs will be severely impaired, but not eliminated completely.

3. As part of your gender transition, if you choose to undergo srs, you will have already been castrated chemically by your hormone replacement therapy by the time you are eligible for surgery.

4. Yes and no. It can be done for pretty much the same cost whether ordering from overseas without a script or with a doctor doing no blood tests. Furthermore, even with a doctor, you are dealing with drugs that you need to say if there is honestly not enough or too much. It's not a proceedure, but a process. Once you stop taking the drugs, the body heals itself slowly.

Budget at least $100-$150 per month for hrt/chemical castration.

AmberChalise (imported) wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2004 9:42 am 1. What does chemical castration entail?

Castration in itself can entails several types of medications, all of which are androgen blockers. Some of the more popular anti-androgens are Androcur, Spironolactone and Depo-Provera.

AmberChalise (imported) wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2004 9:42 am 2. Does it block both sexual and testerone producing functions of the penis and testicles?

Anti-androgens will block the effects of testosterone. In effect this will reduce or eliminate sexual desire and erections. Over time the penis and testies may atrophy.

AmberChalise (imported) wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2004 9:42 am 3. For a t girl that plans srs is this a wise path to follow?

Yes. Most SRS surgeons will require at least a 6 month period on androgen blockers and female hormones. Although the penis and testies may atrophy, this should not pose any huge concerns for those seeking SRS. Skin is very elastic and if needed the surgeon may require a graft from other areas to insure adequate vaginal depth.

AmberChalise (imported) wrote: Sat Sep 25, 2004 9:42 am 4. How much does it cost to have the procedure done or can this be

self imposed in an safe environment?

Surgical castration, on average, costs about $2,000 USD. Chemical castration can cost much less. With the help of a doctor (highly reccomended) the cost may not be very much. I spend about $40 a month for hormones and anti-androgens (with the help from my insurance company, less doctors fees). Even without the help from an insurance company, a doctors prescription can be had at a much lower price than shopping for them from places that don't require prescriptions.

Although many have self medicated on these drugs, it's always best to be in good health and have a doctor monitor you for any problems should they not be apparent in the begining. Doing it wrong, or having a problem that you don't know about and going ahead on your own, could cause you to not be a canidate for hormones in the future and jepordize your desires.

I mentioned Depo provera to the students' nurse as a method of calming me. She said she gave it to a few of the female students but not to any of the males. But she didn't throw up her hands.