it's always best to only undertake HRT under the care of a doctor and make sure they are fully aware of anything else you're taking, OTC or otherwise. The blood test will show your blood estrogen and testosterone levels which your doc will use to determine your estradiol and spironolactone prescriptions. Expect that they will ask you to return about every 2-3 months for more blood tests to gradually/slowly get your estrogen and testosterone levels adjusted. This is best anyway because it more closely mimics a young female's emergence of her hormones.

Another very important need for the blood tests is for your metabolic panel which your doc will monitor to see if your body is having problems with HRT, and then give you advice on how to contend with whatever comes up. 

I know it's all exciting and it is! But you also need to have patience! Think of it like the days before Christmas when you wondered what was in the packages but had to wait...

I allways opened those up to see what they were then rewrapped them 😀,

But there was those hiding somewhere so was all ways surprised. 

That being said I have no patience and will allways be surprised😀

Does being on my own hrt count for the supposed time frame to wait for srs?

I once opened up my Christmas presents in secret and rewrapped them. On Christmas morning I tried hard to act surprised and happy but my parents figured it out and I felt so guilty and sad about it all that I never did it again.

About timeframe for GCS "Gender Confirmation Surgery" I'm not aware that there are any hard and fast rules anymore. If there were, though, I doubt that doing it on your own would count since the powers that be would want to have this time validated by a medical professional. GCS timing is probably more about having the resources to pay for it and, most importantly, getting a slot on the surgeon's schedule. A friend told me recently that Marcy Bowers has a four year waiting list!

Dear Emma,

Not surprised Dr. Marci Bowers has a four year waiting list . . . she's one of the best!

Your friend,

Monica

Got my prescription for HRT very happy about that but I'm also very sad and disappointed not in the medical profession thou ,well unfortunately I have to take another pill as this is anonymous so I can feel safe speaking in here so I don't have anybody to talk to but the other pill is for HIV and I'm just been so distraught and holding it back all day but at the end as now that it's night in the day is over now I have done and cried all over for a few hours and still and happy that I can be who I really am on the inside I'm proud that the doctors screen for diseases and stuff prior to getting HRT I'm just so very sad right now but find hope and being able to be me 😢

I’m so sorry to hear this, Jessica. It’s no consolation of course but I suppose your HIV infection was identified because of your HRT tests. I hope that early detection helps keep it at bay for you. I’m sending you my very best wishes and prayers.

Dear Jessica,

HIV is no minor problem, but today it is considered a chronic illness.

Please take your medication in a timely fashion, as skipping doses could set you up for developing a tolerance for the medication.

Also, please visit your nearest T/LGB Center, where they have excellent free magazines on the subject, such as "POZ."

Have several friends who have had HIV for DECADES.

It is possible to become "undetectable," where they can't find the virus in your blood.

My heart and prayers are with you.

Your friend,

Monica

Yup three days on hrt all is good still adapting to the other pill that's what the doctor told me to after a while I'll become undetectable because I have such a small amount but other than that I'm fine still grasping the whole idea of that being an addition thank you so much for all your support and feedback I appreciate it very much

Looking at my last entry that's supposed to be 3 months not 3 days LOL anyway things have been okay I suppose not really though I'm just depressed I've been hospitalized I now have kidney failure can't work have no food I'm always hungry life is not very well right now Social Security is not going to approve me because you have to prove your disabled and apparently that takes a year although I can't work because I lose my breath and I get 50 to where I'm going to pass out so what are you doing between and trying and trying things are starting to look up I like to think so anyway I got to go to the doctors tomorrow right away I can't reschedule why is that I don't like those kind of doctor visits I have no idea what bad news are going to tell me so lost today hiding my depression from this with loud music and Martinez I think that's amplifieing how I feel thou so I don't know def want to make my transition before I die at least let me be me before you take me god that's how I feel .well god bless this site and all who share here I get so much out of others sharing that's why I share .in till next time one love -jessica

Dear Jessica,

Please check with your nearest T/LGB Center and share with them what you have shared here. If you don't get results, go to the T/LGB Center in the nearest LARGE city.

Please let us know how it goes.

Your friend,

Monica

Thank you so much I agree and feel that way as well sharing and trying to open up iv looked for group's have not had any luck yet this is the only one iv found so far but nothing iv been able to go to in person ill keep trying : )

Yup good news for bad news the good I Dident get admitted the bad being treated for copd . Life is just full of surprises lately I have my makeup and a mirror I don't care what happens no more well I do but I'm just saying. And to be honest with you I am so tired of sharing bad news I know you need to talk about things but for now on I just want to talk about positive things I'm done talking about negative things. Yes definitely a support group would definitely do me good but there are none around here and I am in the city the ones here for teenagers so it is what it is I'll keep looking though