FTM's and Transitioning

[Jet]

Lot of dry skin. Does anybody else experience this? If so, what moisturizer do you use?

[Sam]

Originally Posted by Jet

Lot of dry skin. Does anybody else experience this? If so, what moisturizer do you use?

its from the heat :P i will be in town this weekend. we should have lunch or something

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Jet

Lot of dry skin. Does anybody else experience this? If so, what moisturizer do you use?

In some parts. LOTS and LOTS of water seems to resolve some of this and no moisturizer.

Oddly enough, my forehead has becoming very oily.

[Jet]

Dry patches and oiley skin has subsided. A femme friend suggested making an exfolient (sp) paste from baking soda and water. It washed the dry skin off and then I put some aloe lotion on the area.
I have no dry/over oiley skin today.

[atomiczombie]

Ok so I got my blood test results in the Mail today, for the test I took a couple weeks ago. Here's what it said about my T level:

Free Testosterone: 46.6pg/mL
Total Testosterone 315ng/dL

Anyone know if that's a normal level for a guy, or if it is the right level for an FTM? My doc is supposed to call me but she hasn't yet. Thanks in advance.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

Ok so I got my blood test results in the Mail today, for the test I took a couple weeks ago. Here's what it said about my T level:

Free Testosterone: 46.6pg/mL
Total Testosterone 315ng/dL

Anyone know if that's a normal level for a guy, or if it is the right level for an FTM? My doc is supposed to call me but she hasn't yet. Thanks in advance.

According to a study in the April 1999 Journal of Behavioral Medicine, higher-than-average testosterone levels offer certain benefits but also carry some serious risks. Researchers at Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Penn., reviewed the records of 4,393 men between the ages of 32 and 44 who had served in the military between 1965 and 1971. Their blood had been drawn to determine testosterone levels -- which ranged from 53 to 1,500 nanograms per deciliter, with an average of 679. (The normal range in males is 270 to 1,070 nanograms.)

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51013

Looks like you're in the range.

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by Linus

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51013

Looks like you're in the range.

Thanks bud, you rock.

Looks like I will just be staying at the 2.5g of Androgel per day.

[Jet]

Dry patches in the face and oil. kinda weird. I grew up with oily skin. I feel like I'm 17 again.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by Linus

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/ma...ticlekey=51013

Looks like you're in the range.

Good ol' Linus...we can always count on you for information.

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by atomiczombie

Ok so I got my blood test results in the Mail today, for the test I took a couple weeks ago. Here's what it said about my T level:

Free Testosterone: 46.6pg/mL
Total Testosterone 315ng/dL

Anyone know if that's a normal level for a guy, or if it is the right level for an FTM? My doc is supposed to call me but she hasn't yet. Thanks in advance.

Here's another link to an FTM specific site

Serum total testosterone test
An individual's testosterone levels are usually confirmed through a blood test called a "serum total testosterone test." Testosterone exists in your bloodstream in two forms-- "bound" testosterone and "free" testosterone. The majority of bound testosterone in the body is chemically bound to a protein called "sex hormone binding globulin" (SHBG). The remaining bound testosterone in the system is mostly bound to albumin, another protein. Free testosterone is not chemically attached to any proteins and is considered the "active" form of testosterone, as it is readily available to bind to androgen receptor sites on cells.

A serum total testosterone test measures the total of bound and free T in the system. What is considered a normal test level of combined bound and free testosterone in male bodies can range anywhere from 300-1100 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter). Levels will vary with age and individual factors.

It is useful to also separately measure the level of free testosterone in the system, as this may be more indicative of how hormone therapy is progressing. Levels of free testosterone can range between 0.3%-5% of the total testosterone count, with about 2% considered an average level. Ask your doctor to check for both total and free levels of testosterone in your system.

Remember that because every body has a different sensitivity to androgens, T levels themselves will not necessarily indicate results in terms of masculinization. The levels are merely a guideline by which you and your doctor can begin to measure progress. Your results and your dosing should be guided by your overall health (especially the health of your heart and liver), your progress in masculinization, and how your body and moods react to different dosages. Testosterone therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach-- be sure to monitor your health and feelings closely, and remember that even a small adjustment in dosage (in either direction) can make a big difference. Your doctor should rely on the tests below to monitor your overall health.

The link


Dylan

[Jet]

My voice is changing.

[atomiczombie]

Originally Posted by Jet

My voice is changing.

That's awesome.

[Jet]

4 weeks into my 5th injection today.
I'm starting to get rowdy. I don't like that; I'm hot headed anyway and I really have to keep the swing in check now. I do have anti anxiety meds. But I feel impatient, resteless and in your face. lol

I kind of went off on customer service on the phone for being slow and complacent (sp). So I need to keep in mind what's going on here. How long should I expect this?

[Dylan]

Originally Posted by Jet

4 weeks into my 5 injection today.

Can you please clarify?


Dylan

[Jet]

sorry, i got busy.

okay
It's my 5th week and 4th injection having skipped a week.
The last injection was last week at 1/2cc and we will continue with 1/2 cc every week instead of 1 cc every other week.

[Stearns]

Originally Posted by Jet

4 weeks into my 5th injection today.
I'm starting to get rowdy. I don't like that; I'm hot headed anyway and I really have to keep the swing in check now. I do have anti anxiety meds. But I feel impatient, resteless and in your face. lol

I kind of went off on customer service on the phone for being slow and complacent (sp). So I need to keep in mind what's going on here. How long should I expect this?

I never had this reaction, so I can't help you out here. T made me feel more settled and just better all the way around. Maybe you are having some kind of adverse reaction? I think you should discuss it with your doctor.

[Jet]

Originally Posted by Stearns

I never had this reaction, so I can't help you out here. T made me feel more settled and just better all the way around. Maybe you are having some kind of adverse reaction? I think you should discuss it with your doctor.

He told me there could be mood swings. Maybe it just depends on the person.
I'm okay, I just feel uptight realizing that it "could" be the T and my reaction to it.

[Linus]

Originally Posted by Jet

4 weeks into my 5th injection today.
I'm starting to get rowdy. I don't like that; I'm hot headed anyway and I really have to keep the swing in check now. I do have anti anxiety meds. But I feel impatient, resteless and in your face. lol

I kind of went off on customer service on the phone for being slow and complacent (sp). So I need to keep in mind what's going on here. How long should I expect this?

It could be the "coming down" effect. One of the things that is known about T is that if it's not even, you could get a few days where you're sort of down on T. I would say if it's still like this after 3 months on "full injections" you may need to look at both medical and possible non-medical causes.

My understanding is that it is a myth that T causes rage. I wonder if the mood swings are due to the anti-anxiety medication that you are taking as well? Is it the same doctor giving you both? If not, does the other doctor know of the amount and kind of T you are taking?

[Jet]

My anti anxiety med is only 1mg a day. 1/2 day 1/2 night.
I've never had this edginess before. But then, I have a lot going on and a lot to deal with.