Finally started my GnRH Analogue (Blocker).

[Abby-Becca]

I just thought I would share my good news with the group.

I was finally approved for HRT back in January and, following a huge amount of paperwork between the NHS gender clinic and my doctor's, was able to start Oestrogel at the start of February. However, the rules with my gender clinic (UK based) say that it is not advised to start the GnRH analogue until we have been on oestrogen for a period of time. The rationale is that, without enough oestrogen in the body, there is a higher risk of feeling quite poorly, akin to suffering from the effects of the menopause, which seems to be fair in my mind.

I had my review in May and got an appointment with the lead consultant shortly after, who explained all of the risks and possible side effects before granting me the green light to start the GnRH. Yet, another round of paperwork between them and the doctor's started.

With all of the warnings ringing in my ears, I dutifully collected my prescription to take to my doctor's ready for it to be injected - in the UK, the NHS don't routinely prescribe things like Spiro, instead they prefer things like Triptorelin in injection form.

So, last Monday, I was at long last, giving my injection and I am happy to report that I have had no side effects whatsoever and I couldn't be happier.

The next step is my Gender Recognition Certificate and SRS surgery, which are another set of hurdles to jump.

Hugs Abigail-Rebecca

[bridget thronton]

Glad things are moving forward

[Abby-Becca]

Thank you Bridget, I am so excited, if a little nervous, to keep pushing forward with my transition.

[Crissy 107]

That is so exciting Abigale, continued good luck going forward.
I think if you would like to change your username you can ask Di or possibly one of the Mods

[Lana Mae]

Congrats, Abigail! You are headed in the right direction! Just let yourself be yourself! Best wishes going forward! Hugs Lana Mae

[Abby-Becca]

Thank you Crissy. I would like to change my user name, but I was unsure on the best way to go about, I guess I will message one of the Mods later on today.

[@tammileetilliso]

Congratulations and good luck at TRH.

[Meg]

I am so happy for you. I respect your decision to transition and wish you all the best moving forward. Meg

[GretchenM]

Now that is interesting Abby. I am not transitioning but due to prostate cancer treatment I have been on a GnRH blocker for a bit over 9 months now (Frimagon and Elegard). I have 15 months to go on the treatment.

Let me tell you it is quite true that being on that "there is a higher risk of feeling quite poorly, akin to suffering from the effects of the menopause." Don't go there unless you have to as I do. It has taken me quite awhile to get used to the effects of the T-blocker and they are numerous ranging from wild emotional swings to 20 to 40 hot flashes a day (I now take progesterone to control those), severe muscle weakness, incontinence and additional effects too numerous to list. Not many, like growing boobs, are pleasant. (When I take my shirt off and look straight down all I see is girl. Now that is nice.)

A week ago Friday I had an appointment with my urologist and I was talking to him about all the emotional swings I have had lately. And they have been wild! He said, "Get used to it - that's the way it is. Remember, in terms of hormones, you are basically a woman in menopause. It is rough sometimes."

The point is, if being on the female hormones first for a while helps to reduce the effects of T-suppression you DEFINITELY WANT TO FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. This menopause crap is no good! Now I get what women in menopause complain about. That is not one of the more pleasurable shifts I have had in my gender identity.