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[maelynn]

I was just curious if anyone uses Estradiol Valerate Injection for menopause? I have a transgender friend that uses it for feminization and it sounds like it would be more convenient to just do a monthly injection but I've never heard of it being used for menopause. Honestly I'm thinking about asking my doctor about it because I'm getting tired of the time required to apply gel. I also thought it might be more convenient during the summer with swimming and such.

[Murphydurf]

Hi  Marlyn - how interesting! My partners daughter has a TG friend who can make her boobs inflate/deflate with E injections so clearly it works! I was going to ask her to ask her friend where she gets the injections as I'd be really interested. I'm having a terrible time absorbing transdermals correctly and just seem to continually be applying gel - hardly a square inch is untouched! If you find out anything more I'd be really keen to find out.

Mx

[maelynn]

Murphydurf, I'll definitely post my experience if I end up trying the injections. I'll run it by my doc when I go in for a follow-up in a couple of weeks. Since I live in the US and I don't have very good prescription coverage I have had to use an online pharmacy for years. I checked where I get my oestrogel and they carry estradiol valerate injection so I'll probably just order it from them. It's legal here to import a three months supply of any non-narcotic medicine so I should be fine. One vial would last five months at the typical transgender dosage and I'm guessing that since I'm female already I might not need as much!?! I hope that's something my doc will know. I don't feel like I'm absorbing the gel well either but it might be stress causing the resurgence of my night sweats. I'm on two pumps and feel like I need more but like you I'm running out of skin to apply it to!

[Murphydurf]

Didn't realise you were stateside - we may not have the injections available here. I'm on 4 pumps and still get breakthrough symptoms! Currently trying patches again with 'top-up' gel where necessary. How do the injections work? One injection lasts months?

Mx

[Dancinggirl]

If you don't want oestrogen pills, patch or gel then I think there are implants.  I've met a couple of women who had hysterectomies and they were given oestrogen implants that were changed every 6 months.  DG x

[ancient runner]

With an injection, wouldn't you just get a big hit of oestrogen and then it would disappear? I can't imagine it'd be great for consistent symptom control but I might be missing something. Implants sound a much better idea - unless they're too high a dose in which case you're stuffed. Either way they're not readily controllable by the user...

[Cassie]

MAelynn what do you mean about the time it takes you to apply the gel? It takes me approx 30 seconds to rub it in and thats it...how are you applying it? As for swimming, apply it @ bedtime, then you can relax.

[Murphydurf]

I'm just interested in how the dose is (distributed) throughout the months? Possibly it's in some sort of vessel that releases it slowly but that's more like an implant. I'm interested in implants but am trying to get my E level up and will then ascertain what dose is needed.

Mx

[maelynn]

Thanks for all the input everyone! My transgender friend uses one injection per month. The estradiol is in a castor oil base and is injected intramuscularly into the buttocks and supposedly is slowly released. Applying the gel isn't that bad I guess I just like the idea of not dealing with it everyday. I'm certain I couldn't afford the implant due to my terrible health insurance but that does seem like the optimal solution. Maybe I'll try three pumps for now and see how I do. I'm going through a divorce right now so probably the stress isn't helping anything.

[Tempest]

If you pop over to Hystersisters (the US forum) you will see many reports of why 'shots' are not ideal. Shots are being used less and less even in the US - and often just as an interim measure. It really isn't a sustainable or practical method of HRT, and shots can wear off fairly quickly. Also, they require visits to a clinic and I doubt the NHS has the resources to provide regular appointments or 'trouble shooting' in between shots if they wear off prematurely for menopausal patients.

Transgender HRT is a whole different ball game, overseen by a specialist clinic and headed by an endocrinologist who specialises in gender reassignment. Add into the mix that these patients  also receive testosterone blocking drugs, and you will see that their treatment needs are somewhat different. It's not a like for like comparison with menopausal women's hormone needs!

[maelynn]

Thanks so much tempest. I would inject myself but it doesn't sound like something I would be able to adequately monitor on my own. I should probably just up my gel!

[Murphydurf]

Hi Tempest - I knew it wouldn't be that straightforward! Thanks for info.

Mx