Effectiveness of the patch

[plix (imported)]

I was wondering how effective taking estrogen in patch form is for feminization compared to other methods like the pill.

I am currently taking Estraderm 25, but I am wondering whether this will really be as effective as taking oral estrogen. I've heard that it is not, and I know it is not the most common way to transition.

I am taking the patch because it is supposed to be the safest method. If I were to take the pill I'd have a higher chance of blood clots and liver damage. But would it provide more effectiveness?

I have thought about maybe taking the pill for the actual transition and then switching to the patch for maintenance later on. I just want to be sure I am doing this as right as possible, especially since I am doing this all on my own.

[Christina (imported)]

The patch is a very effective means of delivering estrogen, although quite expensive, it's usually reserved for those over 40 and those at higher risks for clotting. Estradiol tablets can be just as effective, and much less expensive, plus some the risks can be reduced if taken sublingualy. As with any regiment a low dose of aspirin is a good idea.

Some of the drawbacks of the patch are cost, developing an alergic reaction to the adhesive. and keeping them on for the length of time specified (they tend to fall off in a hot shower). Also the patches can not be placed on the same part of the skin each time they are replaced. When using two patches simultainiously you won't have as many places to put them.

With any regiment it's always best to start on a low dose and work your way up. Some doctors will administer a hormone level of 1/3 to 1/2 the normal female range to provide feminization for up to two years. The only true measurement of efficiency is having blood work done to determine hormone levels and to check for abnormalities. Everyone will react differently to a given dose. Usually you'll want to maximun benefits without risking your health.

My doctor is one who agrees the hormone levels should remain the same post-op. There are many doctors who feel the hormone regiment can be reduced to half after surgery. My hormone levels have remained in the normal range before and after surgery.

[plix (imported)]

The patch is a very effective means of delivering estrogen, although quite expensive, it's usually reserved for those over 40 and those at higher risks for clotting. Estradiol tablets can be just as effective, and much less expensive, plus some the risks can be reduced if taken sublingualy. As with any regiment a low dose of aspirin is a good idea.

Some of the drawbacks of the patch are cost, developing an alergic reaction to the adhesive. and keeping them on for the length of time specified (they tend to fall off in a hot shower). Also the patches can not be placed on the same part of the skin each time they are replaced. When using two patches simultainiously you won't have as many places to put them.

With any regiment it's always best to start on a low dose and work your way up. Some doctors will administer a hormone level of 1/3 to 1/2 the normal female range to provide feminization for up to two years. The only true measurement of efficiency is having blood work done to determine hormone levels and to check for abnormalities. Everyone will react differently to a given dose. Usually you'll want to maximun benefits without risking your health.

My doctor is one who agrees the hormone levels should remain the same post-op. There are many doctors who feel the hormone regiment can be reduced to half after surgery. My hormone levels have remained in the normal range before and after surgery.

So there would be no difference in what would happen if I take the patch or the pill? Feminization would happen exactly the same with both and at the same rate?

I really would like to have a doctor. That's probably the best way to go, isn't it? I think one drawback to having a doctor is you have to do it his way, meaning that if you want to take more than 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal female range, or you want to take progesterone and he doesn't believe in it, you're in trouble. But I will probably go to the health center doctor for blood tests. He is the one who won't prescribe but agreed to monitor me.

[Christina (imported)]

So there would be no difference in what would happen if I take the patch or the pill? Feminization would happen exactly the same with both and at the same rate?

Yes, it should give you the same rate of feminization, and with the pill form you could save money.

I really would like to have a doctor. That's probably the best way to go, isn't it?

That is the safest way to go, no doubt.

I think one drawback to having a doctor is you have to do it his way, meaning that if you want to take more than 1/3 to 1/2 of the normal female range, or you want to take progesterone and he doesn't believe in it, you're in trouble.

This can be a problem if you feel you are not making any progress. My doctor will not prescribe progeterone, but unknown to him I've taken it for over a year and a half with no ill effects. I know this is not wise to do, but I feel it has helped me. I've had several tests while on it (liver function, cholesterol, etc) and they haven't shown any problems.

But I will probably go to the health center doctor for blood tests.

I'm glad to hear this. Even if you are healthy and have no problems now, it's not a guarantee that there is some undetected problem going on.

[plix (imported)]

Yes, it should give you the same rate of feminization, and with the pill form you could save money.

How many patches would I need for a maximum dose? I heard one site say 4 100 patches simultaneously. That's quite a bit, but I'd guess that's pre-castration. What might it be post-castration?

But I will probably go

to the health center doctor for blood tests.

I'm glad to hear this. Even if you are healthy and have no problems now, it's not a guara

ntee that there is some undetected problem going on.

Unfortunately I have to pay for the blood work through him. My insurance will only pay for care arranged through my PCP, and we know she won't even do a simple blood test.

[plix (imported)]

Well, I think I am going to ditch the patches and go for the pills. The patch is safer, yes, but I just don't think it's going to work. It came off this morning, and I can't find enough good spots to put it. I still also have doubts that the patch is effective for transition based on the literature I have seen.