Trans News/ Issues

Gemme · 05-26-2015, 07:30 PM

Testosterone Shot Risks

A study finds links to strokes, acute coronary syndromes, hospitalization, and death from short-acting testosterone injections.

I'm curious; have those that take T injections been given the option of gel or patches? This study says that those that used gels or patches didn't have these elevated risks.

GraffitiBoi · 05-26-2015, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemme

Testosterone Shot Risks

A study finds links to strokes, acute coronary syndromes, hospitalization, and death from short-acting testosterone injections.

I'm curious; have those that take T injections been given the option of gel or patches? This study says that those that used gels or patches didn't have these elevated risks.

I was given the option but I chose the shots. I've been injecting once a week for 12 years and no problems at all. I get checked twice a year for everything.

Gemme · 05-26-2015, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraffitiBoi

I was given the option but I chose the shots. I've been injecting once a week for 12 years and no problems at all. I get checked twice a year for everything.

Thanks for the response! I'm not aware of how many brands there are of injectable T but they specifically mentioned Bolus.

GraffitiBoi · 05-26-2015, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemme

Thanks for the response! I'm not aware of how many brands there are of injectable T but they specifically mentioned Bolus.

Bolus is what happens when you inject. I copied this from a site regarding T injections since I didn't know how to explain it: "When you inject your T, it forms a bolus in the middle of your muscle (if it’s an intramuscular injection) or fat (if it’s subcutaneous). A bolus is a big lump of T that will release into your bloodstream over time."

The main risk of long term injectable T is developing polycythemia, which is a high increase of red blood cells. It can lead to clots which can cause the strokes and coronary syndromes you mentioned. It's usually treated by taking one baby aspirin per day and quitting smoking, if you smoke.

Gemme · 05-26-2015, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraffitiBoi

Bolus is what happens when you inject. I copied this from a site regarding T injections since I didn't know how to explain it: "When you inject your T, it forms a bolus in the middle of your muscle (if it’s an intramuscular injection) or fat (if it’s subcutaneous). A bolus is a big lump of T that will release into your bloodstream over time."

The main risk of long term injectable T is developing polycythemia, which is a high increase of red blood cells. It can lead to clots which can cause the strokes and coronary syndromes you mentioned. It's usually treated by taking one baby aspirin per day and quitting smoking, if you smoke.

That was a perfect explanation and makes a ton of sense. Thanks!

DapperButch · 05-26-2015, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GraffitiBoi

Bolus is what happens when you inject. I copied this from a site regarding T injections since I didn't know how to explain it: "When you inject your T, it forms a bolus in the middle of your muscle (if it’s an intramuscular injection) or fat (if it’s subcutaneous). A bolus is a big lump of T that will release into your bloodstream over time."

The main risk of long term injectable T is developing polycythemia, which is a high increase of red blood cells. It can lead to clots which can cause the strokes and coronary syndromes you mentioned. It's usually treated by taking one baby aspirin per day and quitting smoking, if you smoke.

To clarify, though, you aren't saying that transmen who take T are at any higher risk for developing this than natal men, correct?

As an aside, you have been doing IM for all 12 years, I assume? Have you considered trying out sub-q?

I can't imagine doing IM. I am glad sub-q was available when I started.

GraffitiBoi · 05-26-2015, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DapperButch

To clarify, though, you aren't saying that transmen who take T are at any higher risk for developing this than natal men, correct?

As an aside, you have been doing IM for all 12 years, I assume? Have you considered trying out sub-q?

I can't imagine doing IM. I am glad sub-q was available when I started.

I doubt transmen are at a higher risk, but I don't know the specifics. I can look into it more.

I was off of T for one of those years due to medical reasons not related to being on T or being trans.

I did try sub-q a few times but my moods seemed to shift. I went back to IM and no more mood shifts. I assume that's because the dosage for IM vs SQ are different and mine wasn't adjusted correctly.

DapperButch · 05-26-2015, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemme

Testosterone Shot Risks

A study finds links to strokes, acute coronary syndromes, hospitalization, and death from short-acting testosterone injections.

I'm curious; have those that take T injections been given the option of gel or patches? This study says that those that used gels or patches didn't have these elevated risks.

Gemme, I was given the option of gel and I did use it a bit at first. I didn't like it. It was sticky and with the brand I had (Testim), you weren't supposed to have contact with a person until you washed it off (not the two hour wait some gels state). The cost is higher than injections. It is true that daily application keeps a more steady dose of T in the body. Historically, FTMs would inject every two weeks intramuscular. Now every 10 days for intramuscular or every 7 days for sub-q is the most common.

Sub-q is started to gain some acceptance and validity in the U.S. Like other new medical approaches it started in the urban areas (due being close to research hospitals and such)and slowly moving out. This is what I do. Weekly shot into the fat. Painless (pretty much...it is like giving yourself insulin, I suspect).

I know of only one guy that is on the patches. He is in Europe.

Europe's most common testosterone method is undecanoate (less shots, longer acting). I personally wouldn't even consider being open to doing that until at least a year of being on a consistent dose.

I snagged this dosing schedule for undecanoate off this site

DOSING: Males over 18 years of age: The recommended dose of testosterone undecanoate is 750 mg (3 ml) intramuscularly; followed by 750 mg (3 ml) intramuscularly after 4 weeks, then 750 mg (3 ml) intramuscularly every 10 weeks thereafter.

Even if I had been taking the same dose for a long period of time, I would hesitate on signing up for an injection of a medicine that I could have problems with taking...but I would have to wait to get rid of it? 10 weeks? All just for convenience? No thanks.

I worry about this being prescribed for early transitioners. Everyones response to T is different. One guy may need half the dose tht the other guy needs. It take some to figure it all out. I have read cases of a guy having his first injection and then a week later going onto nebido. I would they would at least wait to change after his blook work (at 3 months), to tell you if his levels are in the right place.

Anyway, I am dozzing off here, actually even closing my eyes while I am typing. ha. night.

Jesse · 05-27-2015, 04:57 AM

I've been injecting T intramuscularly for 16 years now, (.5cc weekly) without any problems...knock on wood.

I admittedly take it less often now, no special reason other than I sometimes simply forget about taking it until I realize I am long overdue. At this point I doubt I would consider switching things up and trying the sub-q route, as interesting as it sounds, simply because why fix what's not broken? The intramuscular method has worked well for me.

I am interested in hearing from guys who do try the sub-q, and of their personal experiences using that method of injection.

DapperButch · 05-27-2015, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jesse

I've been injecting T intramuscularly for 16 years now, (.5cc weekly) without any problems...knock on wood.

I admittedly take it less often now, no special reason other than I sometimes simply forget about taking it until I realize I am long overdue. At this point I doubt I would consider switching things up and trying the sub-q route, as interesting as it sounds, simply because why fix what's not broken? The intramuscular method has worked well for me.

I am interested in hearing from guys who do try the sub-q, and of their personal experiences using that method of injection.

I can see myself being less than eager to change if something has been working for me and I am comfortable with it. The concern with IM is scar tissue buildup in the muscle. Since subq it is injected into the fat, that is not an issue.

I like the small needles, and hardly feel the needle going in. However, like I said in my other post, I have never tried IM.

You may enjoy this article:

http://transguys.com/ref/research/su...ous-injections

Jesse · 05-27-2015, 07:09 AM

Thank you. I read the article prior to posting.

ahk · 06-16-2015, 02:18 PM

I started out with cream/gel-- for the first 6 months and really didn't like it. I felt like it was always 'there' and worried about rubbing off onto my wife. Plus, I was still having issues with bleeding (menopause big time), no change in voice, and just felt like crap. Then I switched over to IM (.5cc/weekly), went in butt cheeks, upper arms and did this for 1.5 years. My last check up with doc he wanted to start me on SubQ (.25cc/biweekly) and honestly I LOVE it. I don't feel a thing, my anxiety of needle pain went away, and and I feel like I get more benefit from it-- but it's probably all in my head than anything.

DapperButch · 06-16-2015, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ahk

I started out with cream/gel-- for the first 6 months and really didn't like it. I felt like it was always 'there' and worried about rubbing off onto my wife. Plus, I was still having issues with bleeding (menopause big time), no change in voice, and just felt like crap. Then I switched over to IM (.5cc/weekly), went in butt cheeks, upper arms and did this for 1.5 years. My last check up with doc he wanted to start me on SubQ (.25cc/biweekly) and honestly I LOVE it. I don't feel a thing, my anxiety of needle pain went away, and and I feel like I get more benefit from it-- but it's probably all in my head than anything.

It may not be (in your head). Studies are beginning to show that subq is more efficient than IM.

Gemme · 07-08-2015, 06:24 PM

The Girl Scouts of Western Washington were offered a $100,000 donation.

With one stipulation.

To exclude trans girls.

They gave it back.

So proud!

JDeere · 07-08-2015, 07:04 PM

I am currently watching a show called Transgender Kids on TLC!

I can see alot of myself in these kids regarding the way they were forced to dress and how painful it is to be the wrong gender.

DapperButch · 07-09-2015, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gemme

The Girl Scouts of Western Washington were offered a $100,000 donation.

With one stipulation.

To exclude trans girls.

They gave it back.

So proud!

I meant to post this the other day and then I forgot.

I am always so proud of the Girl Scouts on this issue. They did the "right thing to do". Right from the beginning!

Gemme · 10-20-2015, 08:27 PM

Marine MTF

Gemme · 11-03-2015, 07:44 PM

US School District Violated Transgender Student's Rights

CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education said Monday that a suburban Chicago school district is violating the rights of a transgender student by refusing to allow her the unrestricted use of a girls' locker room.

Education Department officials and lawyers for the student say the decision was the first of its kind on the issue.

The student, with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a federal complaint against Illinois' Palatine Township School District 211, asking for unrestricted access to the locker room. The district had proposed a compromise that would allow access but require the student to change and shower in a separate area.

"All students deserve the opportunity to participate equally in school programs and activities — this is a basic civil right," Education Department Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Township High School District 211 is not following the law because the district continues to deny a female student the right to use the girls' locker room."

Lhamon went on to say the district can provide access to the student while also respecting all students' privacy and encouraged the district to comply with the law and resolve the case.

District 211 has 30 days to change the policy, or risk losing millions in federal funding.

In a statement issued by the ACLU, the student, who hasn't been identified, said she was pleased by the Education Department's decision.

"All students deserve the opportunity to participate equally in school programs and activities - this is a basic civil right."

Education Department Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon

District 211 Superintendent Daniel Cates said in a statement the district does not agree with the department's stance.

The policy the department "seeks to impose on District 211 is a serious overreach with precedent-setting implications," Cates said. "District 211 continues to believe that what we offer is reasonable and honors every student's dignity."

ProfPacker · 11-03-2015, 09:07 PM

Interesting experience filling out forms for my medical today. I go to this HUGE practice (almost like a little hospital in NJ). They now have a patient portal and you update your files and papers online before going for the physical.

this was new

Birth Id:
Gender Id
Sexuality

also they just added someone to the practice who focus in LGBTQI health concerns. They were limited in their Gender and Birth ID's towards the binary but it is a start. You know I will educate my doc when I see her about the limitations.

05-26-2015, 07:30 PM	#1
Gemme Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Queer Stone Femme Girl of the Unicorn Variety Preferred Pronoun?: She, as in 'She's a GEM' Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The roads are narrow here Posts: 36,631 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 182,498 Thanked 107,925 Times in 25,666 Posts Rep Power: 21474887	Testosterone Shot Risks A study finds links to strokes, acute coronary syndromes, hospitalization, and death from short-acting testosterone injections. I'm curious; have those that take T injections been given the option of gel or patches? This study says that those that used gels or patches didn't have these elevated risks. __________________ Gemme's Journal I'm misunderestimated.

05-27-2015, 04:57 AM	#9
Jesse Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Transguy Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: single Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central West Coast of Florida Posts: 5,204 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 34,866 Thanked 17,782 Times in 3,940 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	I've been injecting T intramuscularly for 16 years now, (.5cc weekly) without any problems...knock on wood. I admittedly take it less often now, no special reason other than I sometimes simply forget about taking it until I realize I am long overdue. At this point I doubt I would consider switching things up and trying the sub-q route, as interesting as it sounds, simply because why fix what's not broken? The intramuscular method has worked well for me. I am interested in hearing from guys who do try the sub-q, and of their personal experiences using that method of injection. __________________ “You’re so hard on yourself. Take a moment. Sit back. Marvel at your life: at the grief that softened you, at the heartache that widened you, at the suffering that strengthened you. Despite everything, you still grow. Be proud of this.”

05-27-2015, 07:09 AM	#11
Jesse Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: Transguy Preferred Pronoun?: He Relationship Status: single Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central West Coast of Florida Posts: 5,204 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 34,866 Thanked 17,782 Times in 3,940 Posts Rep Power: 21474857	Thank you. I read the article prior to posting. __________________ “You’re so hard on yourself. Take a moment. Sit back. Marvel at your life: at the grief that softened you, at the heartache that widened you, at the suffering that strengthened you. Despite everything, you still grow. Be proud of this.”

07-08-2015, 06:24 PM	#14
Gemme Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Queer Stone Femme Girl of the Unicorn Variety Preferred Pronoun?: She, as in 'She's a GEM' Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The roads are narrow here Posts: 36,631 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 182,498 Thanked 107,925 Times in 25,666 Posts Rep Power: 21474887	The Girl Scouts of Western Washington were offered a $100,000 donation. With one stipulation. To exclude trans girls. They gave it back. So proud! __________________ Gemme's Journal I'm misunderestimated.

07-08-2015, 07:04 PM	#15
JDeere Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Transgender Preferred Pronoun?: He/him/his Relationship Status: Single Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 17,752 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 31,018 Thanked 28,833 Times in 9,708 Posts Rep Power: 21474865	I am currently watching a show called Transgender Kids on TLC! I can see alot of myself in these kids regarding the way they were forced to dress and how painful it is to be the wrong gender. __________________ Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning. Albert Einstein

06-16-2015, 02:18 PM	#12
ahk Infamous Member How Do You Identify?: . Preferred Pronoun?: Male Relationship Status: Married Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NM Posts: 5,317 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 2,688 Thanked 8,538 Times in 2,630 Posts Rep Power: 21474854	I started out with cream/gel-- for the first 6 months and really didn't like it. I felt like it was always 'there' and worried about rubbing off onto my wife. Plus, I was still having issues with bleeding (menopause big time), no change in voice, and just felt like crap. Then I switched over to IM (.5cc/weekly), went in butt cheeks, upper arms and did this for 1.5 years. My last check up with doc he wanted to start me on SubQ (.25cc/biweekly) and honestly I LOVE it. I don't feel a thing, my anxiety of needle pain went away, and and I feel like I get more benefit from it-- but it's probably all in my head than anything.

10-20-2015, 08:27 PM	#17
Gemme Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Queer Stone Femme Girl of the Unicorn Variety Preferred Pronoun?: She, as in 'She's a GEM' Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The roads are narrow here Posts: 36,631 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 182,498 Thanked 107,925 Times in 25,666 Posts Rep Power: 21474887	Marine MTF __________________ Gemme's Journal I'm misunderestimated.

11-03-2015, 07:44 PM	#18
Gemme Practically Lives Here How Do You Identify?: Queer Stone Femme Girl of the Unicorn Variety Preferred Pronoun?: She, as in 'She's a GEM' Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The roads are narrow here Posts: 36,631 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 182,498 Thanked 107,925 Times in 25,666 Posts Rep Power: 21474887	US School District Violated Transgender Student's Rights CHICAGO (AP) — The U.S. Department of Education said Monday that a suburban Chicago school district is violating the rights of a transgender student by refusing to allow her the unrestricted use of a girls' locker room. Education Department officials and lawyers for the student say the decision was the first of its kind on the issue. The student, with the assistance of the American Civil Liberties Union, filed a federal complaint against Illinois' Palatine Township School District 211, asking for unrestricted access to the locker room. The district had proposed a compromise that would allow access but require the student to change and shower in a separate area. "All students deserve the opportunity to participate equally in school programs and activities — this is a basic civil right," Education Department Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon said in a statement. "Unfortunately, Township High School District 211 is not following the law because the district continues to deny a female student the right to use the girls' locker room." Lhamon went on to say the district can provide access to the student while also respecting all students' privacy and encouraged the district to comply with the law and resolve the case. District 211 has 30 days to change the policy, or risk losing millions in federal funding. In a statement issued by the ACLU, the student, who hasn't been identified, said she was pleased by the Education Department's decision. "All students deserve the opportunity to participate equally in school programs and activities - this is a basic civil right." Education Department Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Catherine Lhamon District 211 Superintendent Daniel Cates said in a statement the district does not agree with the department's stance. The policy the department "seeks to impose on District 211 is a serious overreach with precedent-setting implications," Cates said. "District 211 continues to believe that what we offer is reasonable and honors every student's dignity." __________________ Gemme's Journal I'm misunderestimated.

11-03-2015, 09:07 PM	#19
ProfPacker Member How Do You Identify?: butch/MOC Preferred Pronoun?: Hy/hym/hys but in circumstances like work and some other places she Relationship Status: single Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: nj Posts: 1,365 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 7,023 Thanked 4,816 Times in 1,187 Posts Rep Power: 21474849	Interesting experience filling out forms for my medical today. I go to this HUGE practice (almost like a little hospital in NJ). They now have a patient portal and you update your files and papers online before going for the physical. this was new Birth Id: Gender Id Sexuality also they just added someone to the practice who focus in LGBTQI health concerns. They were limited in their Gender and Birth ID's towards the binary but it is a start. You know I will educate my doc when I see her about the limitations.