Hormones

HOW THINGS STARTED

I received the coveted letter stating my readiness to begin hormones from my shrink after three months of therapy. During the three month wait for my letter, I researched not only testosterone and its effects, but I also researched doctors. Unlike finding a shrink close to home, finding an endocrinologist in the small town I lived in that treats transsexuals wasn't really an option. Fortunately, I found several in Atlanta that had experience with hormone therapy for transsexuals. The only problems was finding one that didn't have a three month waiting list.

I made an appointment with two endocrinologists in Atlanta. One had a two month wait and the other had a one month wait. I figured I would be able to see one and if I didn't care for him, I would still have another appointment ready for the other.

I like my endo a great deal. He's smart, direct and caring. He always asks how my transition is going socially, as well as physically.

Originally, I was on Testosterone Enanthate . I would purchased it from the local CVS at the price of $100 for 5 mL. I'm now on compounded Testosterone Cypionate . I purchase it by mail order from a pharmacy in Atlanta for $35 for 10 mL.

For the first two months, I injected only 100 mg of Testosterone Enanthate biweekly (every 2 weeks). For the third and fourth month, I injected 150 mg biweekly. After the fourth month, I injected 200 mg biweekly.

Every two weeks, I go through a little routine to prepare for my shot. I make it a special day for me. If I have time and if I have money, I'll go out and buy some 'guy' thing. Sometimes it's buying a men's magazine, or getting a haircut, or picking out a new tie or shirt. I just make it something that helps me celebrate being a guy. Once at home, I prepare a good meal for myself, or bring home my favorite take out. Then I shower, and finally I give myself my injection.

MY TREATMENT FOR ACNE

I've had to face acne nearly all of my life, and now that I'm on testosterone, I find that acne flare ups are related to my shot cycle. To combat this, I use two products: an astringent with salicylic acid, and a cream with 10% benzoyl peroxide. I apply the astringent at least three times a day, and the cream twice a day (morning and evening) after the astringent has dried. This regiment has worked well for me, and I haven't experienced excess drying of my skin. However, regardless of all my efforts, I still occasionally get a nasty breakout. 

CHANGES

The one thing I had to learn to understand is that change doesn't happen over night once I began testosterone. There are a few things that happened right away, but for the most part, I still get frustrated with how slow things happen.

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