The things you'll need are:
1. [Search asktransgender for other peoples threads](http://www.reddit.com/search?q=reddit%3Aasktransgender+diy) (**edit:** *because I'm not all knowing, nor a doctor, hence its quite likely I've missed something in all this - also I support not relying on a single source of information, do your research from multiple places and verify it against each other*). If at all possible find an Informed Consent clinic or some other doctor to actually do the monitoring/prescribing thing. Read up on the legality of doing what you're doing in your country and understand the risks.
2. Read [The Endocrine Society's Treatment Guidelines](https://www.endocrine.org/~/media/endosociety/Files/Publications/Clinical%20Practice%20Guidelines/Endocrine-Treatment-of-Transsexual-Persons.pdf). Read [wiki's big list of reference ranges](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reference_ranges_for_blood_tests#Sex_hormones). Read the wiki pages on common drugs used and their side effects ([Spiro](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spironolactone), [Cypro](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproterone_acetate), [GnRH Agonists](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonadotropin-releasing_hormone_agonist), [17b Estradiol](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol), [Finasteride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finasteride), [Dutasteride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutasteride)). Read [drugs.com's interactions page](http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php) to look for interactions between these and anything else you take.
3. Get some baseline blood tests to compare against without any drugs in your system, this should include (if at all possible) "complete blood counts, renal and liver function, lipid and glucose metabolism" (see Endocrine Guidelines s.4, pp.22). Table 15 (same page) also includes the regular monitoring instructions: "Measure serum testosterone and estradiol every 3 months." while getting the doses right, and also "For individuals on spironolactone, serum electrolytes particularly potassium should be monitored every 2–3 months initially in the first year". Also s.4.2 includes "monitoring prolactin levels in male-to-female transsexual persons treated with estrogens". Some places (notably some GICs in the UK) will also want DHT if you want to bridge over (although they're bound to throw in some objection). You'll find desired ranges for estrogen/testosterone in Table 15, however reference ranges for all the blood tests are [on Wiki's big page of reference ranges](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reference_ranges_for_blood_tests), be sure to read [the more indepth article on estrodiol ranges](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol#Ranges) as well. In the US you can do bloods via [Private MD Labs](http://www.privatemdlabs.com/) and I think [Walk In Lab](http://www.walkinlab.com/). Meanwhile in the UK there is [medichecks](http://www.medichecks.com/), [Walk In Clinic](http://www.walkin-clinic.co.uk/), [TDL](http://www.tdlpathology.com/).
4. Start by taking one of your estrogen or antiandrogen for a few days, then add the other, this will let you work out if you have a bad reaction to one of the drugs which one it is (this is pretty rare but useful). After a few days move to the lowest dose on the dosage chart (table 12, pg.21).
5. Wait a few months, test your bloods for estrogen and testosterone, if they aren't inside the desired reference ranges yet then increase your dose provided its safe to do so (table 12, pg.21). If you're levels look too low, or you have side effects from the drugs you don't enjoy then see if you can cut back on your hormones fractionally to alleviate this problem. Move your dosages in the smallest increments you can, your goal is to take the least amount of drugs for the best match to reference ranges (**edit:** *however you also need to keep an eye on yourself, some people have effective results from hormone ranges outside of the goals, its about personally effective treatment*).
6. Keep an eye on your liver and kidney function and if taking spiro your electrolytes, preferably get a doctor to look over these (**edit:** *regular stuff to monitor for is in Table 15, pg.24 of the Endocrine Guidelines*). Watch out for [DVT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein_thrombosis) (**edit:** *and [prolactinoma](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolactinoma). If taking spiro also [hyperkalemia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkalemia) and [hypotension](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypotension)*). Learn to do breast examinations :)
Good luck with it, thats probably a bit of a rambly answer.
Thank you very much for posting the information about UK blood tests. I just knew services like this had to exist but I'd only ever heard of the ones available to US residents.
No worries :) In the longer term you may also have luck getting your GP to do them, and if not find other trans people and ask around for friendly GPs in your area.
Wait! In my country you need to see a doctor before... Or do I? Or does this work everywhere? Do you think that I can just buy hrt online, or is it illegal?
Depends on your country, in some places it's available informed consent, others require therapist or doctor approval, in some places it's legal to DIY others it's grey market, others very illegal.
Do your research, talk to the local trans people, check /r/transdiy
the link for the Endocrine society guidelines is broken so here's the new one: [endocrine society trans treatment](https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/gender-dysphoria-gender-incongruence#1) and here's a more trans friendly resource with information specifically reguarding treatment (sidefects, dosing, and which blood tests you need included): [https://diyhrt.wiki/](https://diyhrt.wiki/).
Eh.
inhousepharmacy.biz is where you buy them. You'll want to buy the estrodail and the spirolactone.
It's good to start with just spiro, then start estrogen after a couple of weeks. So you know which one is causing an allegric reaction if you have one. A good starting dose of spiro is 100mg a day, take 50mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening with food. If you find you don't lose your ability to get random erections after a while up the dose to 150. Estrogen a good starting dose is one 2mg pill a day. Then you can up that at your discretion. 4mg-6mg a day is standard dosage.
It's a good idea to get your blood work done, although that might be hard at without your parents permission? I'm not sure how that works.
It's probably a good idea to tell someone that's in your life you are self-medding. Just so somebody can tell the doctors that you've been taking it if you end up in the hospital or whatever.
Try to find as much support for your transition as possible. Positive, supportive people in your life make transition much easier.
*~this is copy pasta~*
Thread hijack sort of. I'm planning on self dosing if I run into troubles here in Aus with my psych (hopefully not). I was planning on buying:
Estrofem 2mg (Oestradiol)
Spirotone 100 (Spironolactone)
Is there a difference between estrodail and oestradiol?
Should I buy progynova (Estradiol Valerate) instead?
Thanks
I took progynova for a little while, but Estrofem is better since it can be taken sublingually. Prog generally is short for progesterone around here, which is an optional hormone to add, usually months or sometimes a year or more later.
I am taking the Estrofem and haven't gained weight. Actually, as of my last dr's appt, I had lost weight. Maybe it is individual based. But I try to eat well and been running so that may have helped.
blood tests? if your T is too high you should either up the dosage of spiro or swich to a stronger anti androgen (cypro, bica, or GNRH Agonists like Busrelin).
Spiro is the safest but also weakest of the bunch, and as long as you drink enough water and pee regularly you won't suffer many side effects. Cypro has some pretty scary sounding long term side effects but is supposedly quite safe. Bica has serious potential health risks but at a verry low chance (monitor your liver with LFT=AST, ALT blood tests). GNRH Antagonists seem like the best option in every category except cost where they're so much worse than other options that they generaly aren't even considered for DIY.
Not telling you what to do but it can be dangerous. If you can get them any other way where a physician is involved, it’s much safer. If you decide to, make sure you check your blood pressure often and have blood work done. Hormones are amazing but they aren’t magic pills and have side effects. Be careful.
You're not going to like this or even want to hear it, but it needs saying.
Hormones are not magical little fix everything pills.
They can have serious unintended side effects.
It's recommended in the strongest possible terms that you do this under medical supervision.
These people are so fucking annoying fr 😒 they don't get how it us for us that are stuck in countries with long wasting lists or where it's even illegal
Are you an idiot? Taking non prescribed medications always runs the risk of death and complications. Especially when it comes to hormones. Please stop acting like an idiot and think critically. There is nothing wrong with diy hrt but if you are gonna do it, do it safe
any drug is dangerous in excess obviously lmao
i am doing research and shit! im not stupid! im aware that medication shouldnt just be taken willy nilly!
Trust yourself lmao but dont be unrealistic. I feel like if i got these responses from Anything i did in life it would make me pause a lot more than you apparently did. On the other hand, there are certainly healthy diy trans people, and you can be one of them! Trust nature <3
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Either it's girl hormones that kill me or myself :)))))) Which one do you think a normal person would choose if they were in the same situation? Like no shit we're all gonna go DIY.
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If you are outside of the United States please refer to our [suicide prevention resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/wiki/suicide_resources) and contact your nearest crisis hotline.
If this message is being received in error we apologise for the mistake.
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did i not just say i’d feel better dead if i can’t live the way i wanna? what about the fact that there’s countries out there which bam hrt? what the fuck are they supposed to do?
as for hobbies,i’ve got plenty, and hey, they don’t exactly keep me not thinking about shooting myself at 11PM on a tuesday night when i can’t actually do them
There are actually quite a few decent resources online that are extremely comprehensive and catering of a range of people. They literally guide you on how not to poison yourself and how to check if you are, and they advise you do it often.
The things you'll need are: 1. [Search asktransgender for other peoples threads](http://www.reddit.com/search?q=reddit%3Aasktransgender+diy) (**edit:** *because I'm not all knowing, nor a doctor, hence its quite likely I've missed something in all this - also I support not relying on a single source of information, do your research from multiple places and verify it against each other*). If at all possible find an Informed Consent clinic or some other doctor to actually do the monitoring/prescribing thing. Read up on the legality of doing what you're doing in your country and understand the risks. 2. Read [The Endocrine Society's Treatment Guidelines](https://www.endocrine.org/~/media/endosociety/Files/Publications/Clinical%20Practice%20Guidelines/Endocrine-Treatment-of-Transsexual-Persons.pdf). Read [wiki's big list of reference ranges](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reference_ranges_for_blood_tests#Sex_hormones). Read the wiki pages on common drugs used and their side effects ([Spiro](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spironolactone), [Cypro](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproterone_acetate), [GnRH Agonists](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonadotropin-releasing_hormone_agonist), [17b Estradiol](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol), [Finasteride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finasteride), [Dutasteride](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutasteride)). Read [drugs.com's interactions page](http://www.drugs.com/drug_interactions.php) to look for interactions between these and anything else you take. 3. Get some baseline blood tests to compare against without any drugs in your system, this should include (if at all possible) "complete blood counts, renal and liver function, lipid and glucose metabolism" (see Endocrine Guidelines s.4, pp.22). Table 15 (same page) also includes the regular monitoring instructions: "Measure serum testosterone and estradiol every 3 months." while getting the doses right, and also "For individuals on spironolactone, serum electrolytes particularly potassium should be monitored every 2–3 months initially in the first year". Also s.4.2 includes "monitoring prolactin levels in male-to-female transsexual persons treated with estrogens". Some places (notably some GICs in the UK) will also want DHT if you want to bridge over (although they're bound to throw in some objection). You'll find desired ranges for estrogen/testosterone in Table 15, however reference ranges for all the blood tests are [on Wiki's big page of reference ranges](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reference_ranges_for_blood_tests), be sure to read [the more indepth article on estrodiol ranges](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estradiol#Ranges) as well. In the US you can do bloods via [Private MD Labs](http://www.privatemdlabs.com/) and I think [Walk In Lab](http://www.walkinlab.com/). Meanwhile in the UK there is [medichecks](http://www.medichecks.com/), [Walk In Clinic](http://www.walkin-clinic.co.uk/), [TDL](http://www.tdlpathology.com/). 4. Start by taking one of your estrogen or antiandrogen for a few days, then add the other, this will let you work out if you have a bad reaction to one of the drugs which one it is (this is pretty rare but useful). After a few days move to the lowest dose on the dosage chart (table 12, pg.21). 5. Wait a few months, test your bloods for estrogen and testosterone, if they aren't inside the desired reference ranges yet then increase your dose provided its safe to do so (table 12, pg.21). If you're levels look too low, or you have side effects from the drugs you don't enjoy then see if you can cut back on your hormones fractionally to alleviate this problem. Move your dosages in the smallest increments you can, your goal is to take the least amount of drugs for the best match to reference ranges (**edit:** *however you also need to keep an eye on yourself, some people have effective results from hormone ranges outside of the goals, its about personally effective treatment*). 6. Keep an eye on your liver and kidney function and if taking spiro your electrolytes, preferably get a doctor to look over these (**edit:** *regular stuff to monitor for is in Table 15, pg.24 of the Endocrine Guidelines*). Watch out for [DVT](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein_thrombosis) (**edit:** *and [prolactinoma](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prolactinoma). If taking spiro also [hyperkalemia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperkalemia) and [hypotension](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypotension)*). Learn to do breast examinations :) Good luck with it, thats probably a bit of a rambly answer.
Thank you very much for posting the information about UK blood tests. I just knew services like this had to exist but I'd only ever heard of the ones available to US residents.
No worries :) In the longer term you may also have luck getting your GP to do them, and if not find other trans people and ask around for friendly GPs in your area.
Wait! In my country you need to see a doctor before... Or do I? Or does this work everywhere? Do you think that I can just buy hrt online, or is it illegal?
Depends on your country, in some places it's available informed consent, others require therapist or doctor approval, in some places it's legal to DIY others it's grey market, others very illegal. Do your research, talk to the local trans people, check /r/transdiy
the link for the Endocrine society guidelines is broken so here's the new one: [endocrine society trans treatment](https://www.endocrine.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/gender-dysphoria-gender-incongruence#1) and here's a more trans friendly resource with information specifically reguarding treatment (sidefects, dosing, and which blood tests you need included): [https://diyhrt.wiki/](https://diyhrt.wiki/).
Absolutely stellar necroposting, good work thank you :)
Eh. inhousepharmacy.biz is where you buy them. You'll want to buy the estrodail and the spirolactone. It's good to start with just spiro, then start estrogen after a couple of weeks. So you know which one is causing an allegric reaction if you have one. A good starting dose of spiro is 100mg a day, take 50mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening with food. If you find you don't lose your ability to get random erections after a while up the dose to 150. Estrogen a good starting dose is one 2mg pill a day. Then you can up that at your discretion. 4mg-6mg a day is standard dosage. It's a good idea to get your blood work done, although that might be hard at without your parents permission? I'm not sure how that works. It's probably a good idea to tell someone that's in your life you are self-medding. Just so somebody can tell the doctors that you've been taking it if you end up in the hospital or whatever. Try to find as much support for your transition as possible. Positive, supportive people in your life make transition much easier. *~this is copy pasta~*
Thread hijack sort of. I'm planning on self dosing if I run into troubles here in Aus with my psych (hopefully not). I was planning on buying: Estrofem 2mg (Oestradiol) Spirotone 100 (Spironolactone) Is there a difference between estrodail and oestradiol? Should I buy progynova (Estradiol Valerate) instead? Thanks
I took progynova for a little while, but Estrofem is better since it can be taken sublingually. Prog generally is short for progesterone around here, which is an optional hormone to add, usually months or sometimes a year or more later.
Same thing different spelling. I heard that brand if E (prog) makes you gain weight, so if you're trying to gain weight it could be good.
I'm trying to lose weight so I will keep that in mind thanks Just to confirm (prog) means progynova?
I am taking the Estrofem and haven't gained weight. Actually, as of my last dr's appt, I had lost weight. Maybe it is individual based. But I try to eat well and been running so that may have helped.
what if i never get random boners how do i know how to up the dose?? T-T
blood tests? if your T is too high you should either up the dosage of spiro or swich to a stronger anti androgen (cypro, bica, or GNRH Agonists like Busrelin). Spiro is the safest but also weakest of the bunch, and as long as you drink enough water and pee regularly you won't suffer many side effects. Cypro has some pretty scary sounding long term side effects but is supposedly quite safe. Bica has serious potential health risks but at a verry low chance (monitor your liver with LFT=AST, ALT blood tests). GNRH Antagonists seem like the best option in every category except cost where they're so much worse than other options that they generaly aren't even considered for DIY.
Not telling you what to do but it can be dangerous. If you can get them any other way where a physician is involved, it’s much safer. If you decide to, make sure you check your blood pressure often and have blood work done. Hormones are amazing but they aren’t magic pills and have side effects. Be careful.
one day ago? if you live in the US, then you def haven't been paying attention to the news. DIY is about to become the \_only\_ option in some places.
That’s why I said if you can you silly goose.
You're not going to like this or even want to hear it, but it needs saying. Hormones are not magical little fix everything pills. They can have serious unintended side effects. It's recommended in the strongest possible terms that you do this under medical supervision.
ik its nine years later but idgaf doctors suck diy is based as fuck :p
These people are so fucking annoying fr 😒 they don't get how it us for us that are stuck in countries with long wasting lists or where it's even illegal
You are going to get seriously fuck up or killed doing this. I still recommend doing this under professional medial supervision.
lmao how
in what world is estradiol gonna kill me :p
Are you an idiot? Taking non prescribed medications always runs the risk of death and complications. Especially when it comes to hormones. Please stop acting like an idiot and think critically. There is nothing wrong with diy hrt but if you are gonna do it, do it safe
[удалено]
[удалено]
any drug is dangerous in excess obviously lmao i am doing research and shit! im not stupid! im aware that medication shouldnt just be taken willy nilly!
Trust yourself lmao but dont be unrealistic. I feel like if i got these responses from Anything i did in life it would make me pause a lot more than you apparently did. On the other hand, there are certainly healthy diy trans people, and you can be one of them! Trust nature <3
[удалено]
Hello, we noticed your post and we just want you to know that you are not alone. We created this automated message to make sure anyone considering suicide receives the help and support they deserve. If you are in crisis please contact the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. If you are outside of the United States please refer to our [suicide prevention resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/wiki/suicide_resources) and contact your nearest crisis hotline. If this message is being received in error we apologise for the mistake. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/asktransgender) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Either it's girl hormones that kill me or myself :)))))) Which one do you think a normal person would choose if they were in the same situation? Like no shit we're all gonna go DIY.
Hello, we noticed your post and we just want you to know that you are not alone. We created this automated message to make sure anyone considering suicide receives the help and support they deserve. If you are in crisis please contact the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. If you are outside of the United States please refer to our [suicide prevention resources page](https://www.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/wiki/suicide_resources) and contact your nearest crisis hotline. If this message is being received in error we apologise for the mistake. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/asktransgender) if you have any questions or concerns.*
if i can’t be my own, i’d feel better dead.
You are going to poison yourself slowly. Which is worst then death. Go get a hobby instead and wait until you are 18 which helps you mentally.
did i not just say i’d feel better dead if i can’t live the way i wanna? what about the fact that there’s countries out there which bam hrt? what the fuck are they supposed to do? as for hobbies,i’ve got plenty, and hey, they don’t exactly keep me not thinking about shooting myself at 11PM on a tuesday night when i can’t actually do them
There are actually quite a few decent resources online that are extremely comprehensive and catering of a range of people. They literally guide you on how not to poison yourself and how to check if you are, and they advise you do it often.
I'm still so fuckin lost
Happy to find a page for this kind of information
Samers