This is the handout of Notes and Resources from my lecture at the American Herbalist Guild Symposium in GA, November 2015.
The Webinar (lecture and powerpoint slides) that I gave on July 19, 2016, can be accessed on the AHG website.
“You cannot forget if you would those golden kisses all over the cheeks of the meadow, queerly called dandelions”
– Henry Ward Beecher (1887), Star Papers
TransNatural, is a class to support the trans body and spirit with herbs and nutrition, as well as diversity training for using inclusive, non-judgemental, respectful language and intake forms as healthcare providers for trans-bodied people.
The class will explore hormone maintenance with natural remedies, what can be achieved using herbs instead of pharmaceuticals for gender modification, and/or using herbs to mitigate side effects of synthetic hormones.
TransNatural will help herbalists and other health professionals understand
- the socio-political- economic lack of access to medical care for trans-bodied people
- why trans-bodied people don’t seek out medical care and what you can do as a health professional to provide safe access
- how offering respectful language can go a long way to help individuals feel heard, honored, and allow them access to health care
- how to change intake forms and phrase reproductive health questions to be inclusive of diverse genders and bodies
- the hormonal and physical shifts that can be expected via pharmaceutical vs. herbal protocols
- herbal support for trans people on pharmaceutical hormones for mitigating side effects
- the language of respect for working with non-binary and untraditionally gendered bodies
For myriad reasons there is not enough information nor health resources available for trans peoples. With this class we begin to bridge the gap of accessibility and inequality. This class will help the health professional be more equipped to provide safe, respectful care to marginalized communities.
Kara Sigler has been working with trans clients since she began her herbal practice in 2006. The printed information available at the time on herbal hormone-replacement therapies and herbal support for trans folks on synthetic hormones was non-existent. Much of the literature that is available on herbal hormone help is based on studies of cis-gendered men and women. There is starting to be a small collection of literature on clinical experiences of working with trans-folks, but there is still a need for more culturally adept practitioners and information sharing among practitioners who currently see trans clients.
DSM V– changed “Gender Identity Disorder” to “Gender Dysforia”
This allows patients to get treatment for their “dysforia”, which means access to hormones and surgery as the “cure” for the mental/emotional disharmony, rather than being diagnosed as mentally ill because of the incongruence. Homosexuality was diagnosed in the DSM as an illness until 1973, and conditions pertaining to homosexuality were not entirely removed until 1987.
Example Client Intake forms with appropriate language for allowing people to self-identify
San Francisco Herbalist Intake Form
Kara Sigler, RH (AHG)
Herbal Consults and Bodywork
Name:
Pronoun Preference:
Address:
Email:
Phone:
Date of birth:
Emergency Contact name, relationship, and phone:
Physician name and phone:
Why are you seeking my support?
Medications currently taking:
Supplements and Herbs currently taking:
Referred by:
COUPLES’ INTAKE FORM- Therapist
Please provide the following information and answer the questions below. Please note: information you provide here is protected as confidential information.
Each of you should fill out this form separately and bring it to our first session.
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Birth Date: ______ /______ /______ Age: ________
Gender Identification: ______________ Preferred Pronoun: _____________________
Sexual Orientation: _____________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________ Home Phone:_____________ May I leave a message? □Yes □No
Cell/Other Phone: ______________ May I leave a message? □Yes □No
Email: ______________________________________________
May I email you? □Yes □No
*Please note: Email correspondence is not considered to be the most confidential medium of communication.
Referred by (if any): _______________________________________________________
Relationship Agreement: □ Monogamous □ Monogamish □ Polyamorous □ Open
Please list any children/age and their parents if different from you and your current partner:
Michael Moore’s Constitutional Intake modified to be gender-neutral with Sexual/Reproductive Health questions
FROM: Tom Waddell Health Center transgender team
TREATMENT MODALITIES FOR GENDER TRANSITIONING 9
FEMINIZING HORMONAL THERAPY 9 ANTIANDROGEN DRUGS 10 SPIRONOLACTONE 11 FINASTERIDE 12 OTHER AGENTS 12 GNRN AGONISTS 12 BILATERAL ORCHIECTOMY 12 ESTROGEN THERAPY 12 ESTROGENS ALL IN ONE PLACE TABLE 14 PROGESTERONE THERAPY 16 LAB MONITORING FOR PATIENTS ON FEMINIZING HORMONE THERAPY 18 BONE HEALTH 19 MAMMOGRAMS 19 MASCULINIZING TREATMENT PROTOCOL 19 TESTOSTERONE ALL IN ONE PLACE TABLE 20 AVAILABLE FORMS OF TESTOSTERONE AND DOSING 21 TESTOSTERONE: LAB MONITORING 22 TESTOSTERONE: SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS 22
SURGICAL OPTIONS 31 SILICONE AND INJECTABLE BODY MOLDING SUBSTANCES 31 ELECTROLYSIS AND OTHER PERMANENT HAIR REMOVAL 32 ADOLESCENTS 32
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES 24
Understanding Patients’ Perspectives
The term “transgender” is not a pathological one, but one of self-identification, describing a number of identities that do not conform to the anatomical gender of birth. The term gender dysphoria refers to individuals who live with a high degree of distress/disconnection toward their gender image and can be diagnosed within the realm of gender identity disorders. Of note, the fact that there exists a psychiatric diagnosis of gender identity disorder / gender dysphoria is a contentious issue within the professional and transgender community.
Patients request hormone therapy in order to:
- ·Reaffirm their individual sense of gender (gender identity), and
- ·Develop physical characteristics that enable the demonstration of that identity (gender expression) to the world at large.
- For each patient, the decision to come to our TG clinic is a major and possibly life-changing event.
- Many patients have done research about the therapies or already know other transgender persons using hormones. Most are definitive in their decision and have thought about it for years. Usually they are very specific in what they want or need from therapy.
- Many present with the desire of a full transition, hoping for maximum doses of hormonal treatment as fast as possible.
- Others want to proceed slowly in order to have more control of the effects.
- Some MTF (male to female) want to maintain erections, while others want to eliminate them.
- Some people want to express an androgynous or gender queer identity; others’ goals are to develop a strong male or female identity.
- Some patients have access and choose from different surgical interventions.
- Some patients want surgery but don’t have the access.
- Some patients don’t want surgery.
Exploring needs or desires helps medical providers to individualize treatment and identify the patient’s perceptions of the possibilities and limitations of treatment. Patients often have unrealistic expectations; education about what to expect from treatment is imperative in the first visits.
(see Appendix A for Tom Waddell Clinic Excerpt on HRT Protocols for Hormonal Reassignment of Gender)
TRANS NATURAL
Definitions– LGBTQQI
Sex (6), Sexuality, Gender- fluid
| SEX | GENDER | SEXUALITY |
| Chromosomes.
Male/ Female |
Presentation | Sex/gender of who you sleep with |
| Hormones | Masculine | Straight |
| Genitalia- internal/external | Feminine | Gay, lesbian, bisexual |
| Combinations and Intersex individuals | Queer, tomboy, effeminate, butch, femme, etc | Queer, pan-sexual |
TRANS Identified
| MTF/ MAAB | FTM/ FAAB |
| Male-to-Female transitioned
Male Assigned at Birth |
Female-to-Male transitioned
Female Assigned at Birth |
| Identify as FEMALE | Identify as MALE |
| Pronouns- she/ her/ hers | Pronouns- he/ him/ his |
Non-binary Pronouns
| They/ zi/ zir/ ci |
Generational differences-
| TRANS SEXUAL | TRANS GENDERED | GENDER QUEER |
| Surgery | With or without surgery | Spectrum |
| Hormones | On or off hormones | Sex and/or gender non-conforming |
| MTF, older | FTM, younger | younger |
| Identify with “opposite sex” | More inclusive- identify with “opposite sex” | Identify w/ more than binary system of sex/gender |
Chromosomal combinations possible-
| XX | XY | XO |
| XXX or XXXXX | XXY or XXXY | XYY |
| Some labeled “syndromes” –culturally different | Others don’t affect noticably | |
CIS- Gendered latin cis = “on the near side of…”
No longer appropriate to use “biological sex”
- Gender/sex experience and expression match sex assigned at birth.
- Match between gender assigned at birth, body genitalia and secondary sex characteristics, and personal identity.
- Assigned sex at birth. 1/1000 babies surgically assigned at birth. External genitalia, if less than 3cm = clitoris; more than 5 cm = penis. In between length, assigned and surgically altered by Dr.’s. Only recently let parents decide.
- New to be able to test chromosomes; still not done routinely before assigning a sex to an infant.
Pronoun preference-
Important to be culturally sensitive/ competent.
Not sure, ASK!
GENETIC VARIABILITY-
Important! BioDiversity. Important for survival.
Monocrop vs Permaculture
6 scientifically proven distinct Sexes.
Not our only job to reproduce anymore.
CULTURE VARIABILITY-
Gut, skin biodiversity of microbes
- Human BioNome project
- Health of mental and emotional bodies
- Impact hormones (emotions)
Anatomy-
Human bodies ALL contain the same tissues and the same sex hormones. These tissues develop differently in utero depending on chromosomal makeup, which informs the amounts of sex hormones each body produces. All human bodies produce the same sex hormones in differing quantities- sometimes analogous to that individuals assigned sex at birth, but mostly individuated to that person. A second round of sexual development happens at puberty with the onset of sex hormones.
Physiology–
Hormones, oils- Steroid hormone precursor is CHOLESTEROL- lipid based sterol
Endocrine System-
- ALL human bodies start with a FEMALE baseline of developmental growth
- 8 weeks of development of fetus- GONADS differentiate, based on presence or absence of Y chromosome
- 12 weeks of development of fetus- all EGGS are present for the life of a cis-gendered female. Fully developed until next stage at puberty.
- All human bodies produce the SAME steroidal hormones in differing quantities. Estrogens, Progesterone, Testosterone and other Androgens
- All human bodies produce the SAME glycoprotein hormones. LH, FSH.
These hormones act in similar ways with slightly different results depending on the body’s gamete makeup and steroidal hormone proclivity
Example:
FSHà increases Estrogen and Sperm production
LHà increases Progesterone and Testosterone production
Healthy Reproductive Hormone Cascade in EVERY human body
NOTE:
- Cholesterol is building block of ALL reproductive steroidal hormones (grandparent)
- Androstenediol and Testosterone convert to Estrone and Estradiol- the enzyme responsible for this is Aromitase
- Progesterone is the progenitor (parent) of both Androgens and Estrogens
Anterior Pituitary Hormonal actions from the brain on the body tissues- Hormones outsource each other. Stressà Adrenals get all the hormone building blocks available. Affects Reproductive hormones, Thyroid hormones (metabolism), blood sugar metabolism (glucocorticoids and insulin) etc.
Secondary sex characteristics
What can be expected from using Synthetic Hormones vs. Herbs to initiate or maintain gender transitions
| MTF HRT | MTF HRT | Herbs Affects | FTM HRT | FTM HRT | Herbs Affects | |
| Increase | Decrease | Change | Increase | Decrease | Change | |
| Acne | Possible | Yes | Helps relieve | |||
| Hair | No | Stops hair loss | Helps hair loss | Body hair | Head hair permanent | Helps hair loss |
| Fat/ muscle distribution | Fat- hip, thighs, belly, breast, buttocks | Muscle mass | May increase breast size | Muscle mass- shoulders, torso | Fat – hips, breasts, belly | Possibly |
| Sex drive | Comfort with new body | Changed hormone levels | Yes | YES! | Yes | |
| Bones | No change after primary puberty- 12-24 years old | |||||
| Sweat/secretion /pheromones | Yes | Yes | ||||
| Menstruation | No change- no eggs, uterus or ovaries | Cessation | No change | |||
| Voice | No change | Lowers permanent | Yes |
DRUG and Surgical options for sex- reassignment, hormonal reassignment of gender- see Appendix A Tom Waddell Clinic Excerpt on HRT Protocols for Hormonal Reassignment of Gender
TRANS identified youth-
- New drugs to stop onset of puberty
- Allows youth and their parents more time to make the commitment to fully transitioning before their body changes at puberty with many irrevocable body transformations that would require surgeries later to allow them to “pass” safely as their chosen Sex/ Gender.
Steroid Hormones in the human body-
- derived from cholesterol- a lipid based sterol
- include sex steroids- estradiol, estriol, estrone, progesterone, testosterone, androstenediol, DHT, DHEA
- glucocorticoids- cortisol, prednisone, hydrocortisone
- mineralocorticoids- aldosterone
Androgens-
- have two primary effects
- Anabolic– result in stimulation of muscle and bone growth as well as metabolic changes
- Androgenic– produce typical male secondary sex characteristics
SHBG-
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
- Binds the majority of blood androgens
- Androgens bound to SHBG are neither bioavailable to exert androgenic or anabolic effects, nor vulnerable to metabolism
- Cis-gendered women (non-transgendered women) tend to have twice the circulating levels of SHBG then cis-gendered men. This means free androgen levels are lower, but hormones have a longer half life
- Cis-gendered men (non-transgendered men) tend to have lower levels of SHBG, thus more free androgens circulating in the blood which is bioavailable, although metabolism and destruction occur more rapidly
(Midnight)
Plant based hormone-analogues
Steroidal-saponins– plant steroid precursors
Not actively anabolic themselves, building blocks
Phyto-estrogens– contain genistein, lignans and isoflavones. Bind to estrogen receptor cites in the body.
Phyto-androgens– androgenic anabolic hormones; bind to testosterone receptors in the body.
Phyto-testosterone– identical molecularly to human testosterone
Stimulate T production in the body
Phyto-progesterones- help maintain hormone levels with less fluctuation. Increase breast tissue topically.
By increasing progesterone & testosterone naturally- you can increase masculine characterstics, including hair growth, lower voice, muscle build, but can’t stop manstruation.
Hormone blockers-
testosterone production blockers-
- vitex, saw palmetto, chinese skullcap
androgen receptor blockers
- spearmint, licorice
estrogen removal blockers-
- helps breast growth
- grapefruit juice
estrogen blockers-
- nettle root and leaf
- maca
- Chrysin- flavonoid in passionflower, honey, propolis
Aromatase-Inhibitors-
- Aromatase- enzyme that under normal circumstances converts testosterone into estrogens
- inhibitors allow Testosterone to stay in the blood stream; does not convert to estrogens
- selenium, melatonin, zinc
- grape seed, green tea
- citrus flavonones- orange and grapefruit RINDS, tomato skins
Estrogen Elimination-
- probiotics- prevent glucuronic acid from unbinding estrogens
- fiber and lignans
- magnesium- methylation to excrete
- C-2 pathway- breakdown and elimination of estrogens from the body in a healthy way- fish oil, phytoestrogens, B vit, cruciferous vegetablesà DIM compound
Estrogen lowering foods-
- red wine, grapes, mushrooms, olive oil (converts cholesterol into testosterone), cruciferous vegetables
- maca, chia seeds, oats, wild oats, green tea
Adaptogens-
- Being under constant stress creates more adrenaline and cortisol, therefore suppressing androgen production and disrupting endocrine function
- Important to nourish the kidneys and adrenals, which produce 90% of all testosterone in the body.
Nervines- relax the nervous system to allow greater health overall and better endocrine functioning
Alteratives- cleanse the blood and increase pathways of elimination without decreasing effectiveness of synthetic hormones
Hepatics- metabolize testosterone and other steroidal hormones
We will discuss these herbs in more detail, including their phyto-hormone makeup…
Feminizing herbs: wild yam, black cohosh, partridge berry, fenugreek, dong quai, red clover, kudzu, alfalfa, Vitex, Saw Palmetto, Spearmint, Chinese skullcap, Raspberry leaf, Nettle, Comfrey, Bee Pollen, Marjoram, Fenugreek, fennel, hops, Anise, Sage, (Prescription for Nutritional Healing)
Over 300 plants with phytoestrogens-
Estrogenic foods:
All Legumes contain genistein, lignans and isoflavones-
yellow and red lentils, black beans, lima beans, anasazi beans, kidney beans, black eyed peas, mung beans; grapefruit juice, flax seeds, sesame seeds (James Duke)
Moon connection/ cycles and rhythms– mugwort, nettle, raspberry leaf, pennyroyal, yarrow, motherwort
Progesteronic herbs (hormone balancer):
Vitex
Placenta
Phytoestrogens-
Protect the body from XENO-estrogens and excess ENDOGENOUS-estrogen
- contain genistein, lignans and isoflavones
- bind with estrogen receptor sites in the body- gentler than estrogens or xeno-estrogens
- increase SHBG levels which binds to free estrogens, protecting the body from excess estrogens
- decrease Aromatase enzyme- prevents testosterone from turning into estrogens; maintains more testosterone in the body
- promote C-2 pathway of elimination
Androgenic foods-
- increase progesterone and testosterone
- increase masculine secondary sex characteristics such as
~ hair growth, lower voice, build muscle, increase libido (won’t stop manstruation)
Celery, cucumber, corn, kale, radishes, garlic, rosemary, parsley, thyme, oats, pine nuts, red meat (hormone free!), oysters, basil, pumpkin seeds, spirulina, pomegranate juice
Androgenic Herbs: Sarsaparilla, Damiana, Ashwaganda, Ginseng, Tribulus, Wild Oats, Rosemary, Ho Shou Wu, Plantain, Gallium “ball builder”, White Sage, Sassafras, Ginger, Star Anise, Garlic, Pine Pollen, Vitex, Prickly Ash, Yohimbe, Horny Goat Weed, Eleuthero, Astragalus, Kola Nut, Nettle root
Transmasculine spectrum Avoid-
- Beer- german beer purity act 1516, Hops
- Soy
- Plastic use, especially with food
- Xeno-estrogens- endocrine disruption, mimic estrogens with more toxicity, cause testosterone to convert to estradiol, interfere with production of testosterone by binding free, cancer causing
Mitigating Negative Effects of Synthetic Hormones-
Support organs of elimination
Support organs of metabolism and methylation- Liver and Kidneys
Support long term effects on organ systems
- testosterone affects CardioVascular system, PCOS repro/lymph system stagnation
- estrogen affects increased risk of cancers, osteoporosis
Self-care
Maintain immunity, lymph flow, hydration with electrolytes and good oils, building blocks for healthy hormone production with raw oils and fats
Injection wound site hygene
Uterine Massage, lymph scrubs,
Bitters, Aromatics
Inspire regular gynecological check ups, blood work for hormone levels
Common Side Effects of HRT Testosterone use-
- body hair growth, voice deepens, muscle and bone build up, hair thins/hair loss, acne
- cessation of menses
- increased libido
- coarser skin, redistribution of fat and muscle mass
- clitoromegaly (enlargement of the clitoris)
- cardiovascular stress, increased risk of heart disease, hypertension
- higher blood cholesterol levels
- kidney and liver stress
- reproductive system stagnation- fibroids, cysts, PCOS, increased risk of ovarian and uterine cancer, bladder incontinence
- Polycythemia (high RBC)
- Slower wound healing
- Sleep apnea
- Inflammation (steroid)- tendonitis
- Emotionally first few months- adolescent boyhood and menopause at the same time
- Increased risk of osteoporosis (especially if oophorectomy)
“While these risks are important to be aware of and monitor, it is also essential that as a practitioner, you support the choices of your patient and understand that their mental health and well-being may depend on their gender presentation, and therefore is a healthy choice for them to take steroids. However, studies on the long-term side effects of HRT are not available, so I suggest using complementary herbs to both support the use of HRT and also to achieve masculinization, so patients can lower their doses.” (Midnight)
Physically “passing” may also be a safety factor to consider, literally life or death, or the ability to gain housing and employment.
Drug Interactions-
- Paxil
- -ozoles (anti-fungals)
- Tagamet- changes uptake and testosterone levels
Better to inject testosterone. Harder on liver to use transdermal or oral/sublingual.
Common Side Effects of HRT Estradiol use-
- Skin softens, breast growth, fat and muscle redistribution
- increased risk of estrogen-dependent cancers, including breast
- increased risk of BPH
- Osteoporosis
- Lowered libido
- Increased risk of stroke and DVT
- Increased risk of dementia
- Hepatic impairment
- Cautions if patient has impaired cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoker, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, near surgery or prolonged immobilization, gallbladder disease, hypothyroidism, sensitive to fluid retention, hypocalcemia, migraine, chorea, seizure disorder, asthma, SLE, porphyria, hepatic hemangiomas, hereditary angioedema
- Pancreatitis
- Cholestatic jaundice
- Gallbladder disease
- Depression
- Migraine
- Anaphylaxis
- Ischemic colitis
- Edema
- Elevated BP
- Mood changes
- Candidiasis
- Glucose intolerance
- Weight changes
- Contact lens intolerance
- Vision changes
- Rash
- Alopecia
- Hirsutism
Drug Interactions-
- Contraindicated/Avoid- tranexamic acid, anastrozole, dabrafenib, exemestane, fenofibrate, gemfibrozil, letrozole, ursodiol
- long list of medications to monitor or advise caution with concomitant therapy
Easier to achieve desired effects from testosterone HRT than from estradiol HRT because the human form begins as female and can transition toward the masculine-spectrum with more visible and longer-term effects. Transman often have an easier time “passing” than transwomen.
RECIPES for Transmasculine spectrum individuals (Midnight)
TEST-O
I N G R E D I E N T S
3 cloves garlic
2 cups solidly packed fresh basil leaves (or 1 cup solidly packed basil leaves and 1 cup solidly packed parsley or spinach)
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup pine nuts
3/4 cup Parmigiano Regiano (optional)
You can use a food processor or a large, sturdy mortar and pestle.
If using a blender, place all the ingredients (except the cheese). Blend to a smooth puree & put in a bowl, adding and beating in the cheese using a wooden spoon. Cover and set aside. At this point you can refrigerate the pesto and it will keep, refrigerated for at least a week.
Mortar & Pestle
Add the garlic and the salt and pound until smooth. Add the pine nuts and grind, then add half the basil and grind to a paste. Add the rest of the basil and grind till smooth. Now, whisk in the oil with a wire whisk. Transfer to a bowl, and the parmigiano and beat the cheese in using a wooden spoon….
ANDROGENIC GREEN DRINK
(adapted from Stephen Buhner’s The Natural Testosterone Plan)
2 stalks of celery
1 c. corn kernels
½ cucumber
1 large fresh kale leaf and/or ½ c spinach (optional: radishes, ginger, beets…)
DAMIANA LOVE ELIXIR
(adapted from Rosemary Gladstar)
Ingredients
1 oz dried damiana leaves
2 c vodka or brandy
1/12 c water
1 c honey
vanilla extract
rose water (to taste)
chocolate (syrup, cocoa powder)
optional: cinnamon, cayenne, lemon grass etc…)
- Create your love intention. (Suggested: Light a candle, masturbate, hold the intention in your mind)
2.Soak the damiana leaves in vodka or brandy for 5 days. Strain and reserve the liquid. You can shake it up daily thinking of your love intention.
- Soak the alcohol drenched leaves in the water for 3 days. Strain and reserve the liquid.
- Over low heat, gently warm the water extract and dissolve the honey in it. At this point you can get creative and add chocolate, cinnamon, ginger or cayenne- whatever you are called to add!) Remove from the pan and add the alcohol and stir well. Pour into a bottle and add rose water, vanilla. You can let it mellow for a month or so, as it gets smoother with age.
- Drink it up and feel the love.
NETTLE BEER
Adapted from Susun Weed’s recipe
Ingredients
1 lb raw sugar
2 lemons
1 oz cream of tartar
5 qt water
2 lbs nettle tops
1 oz live yeast
Place sugar, lemon peel (no white), lemon juice, and cream of tartar in large crock. Cook nettles in water for 15 minutes (careful! Wear gloves or use tongs or get stung). Strain into crock and stir well. When this cools to blood warm, dissolve yeast in a little water and add to your crock. Cover with several folds of cloth and let brew for three days. Strain out sediment and bottle. Ready to drink in eight days.
BREAKFAST FACE
Oaty face wash for hormonally excitable skin
2 c white clay
1 c oats
¼ c almonds
anything like:
1/8 c each of any or all of these:
lavender
poppy seeds
calendula
roses
bladderwrack (a kind of seaweed)
Grind the oats, almonds and herbs in a coffee grinder til fine, as fine you like.
Blend with the clay. You can store this in a jar and then add honey weekly to another little jar to make a paste. Use as a mask or a face wash, patting it on gently. Rinse with warm water, checking your hair, neck, and pubes for tiny pieces of Breakfast Face.
Bibliography
Nourishing Traditions, by Sallon Fallon
Wild Fermentation, by Sandor Katz
The Male Herbal, James Green
The Natural Testosterone Plan, Stephen Harrod Buhner
Sacred and Herbal Healing Beers, Stephen Harrod Buhner
Family Herbal, Rosemary Gladstar
Prescription for Natural Healing, Phyllis Balch and James
Medical Therapy and Health Maintenance for Transgender Men, Nick Gorton MD and Dean Spade
Holistic Herbal, David Hoffman
Women’s Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Tori Hudson
Hormones for Male to Female, Shiela Kirk, MD
Hormones for Female to Male, Shiela Kirk, MD
Natural Progesterone, John R, Lee
A New View of a Woman’s Body, Federation of Feminist Women’s Health Centers, Illustrations by Suzann Gage, LAc, RNC, NP
Botanica Erotica, Diana De Luca
Hot Pants, Do it Yourself Gynecology and Herbal Remedies zine
The Chrysalis in the Kitchen, dee Ouellette
Herbal Remedies for Women, Amanda McQuade-Crawford
Herbal Healing for Women, Rosemary Gladstar
Ayurvedic Treatments and Pancha Karma Techniques, Deanna Batdorff
An Introduction to Herbal Feminization for Transgender Females, Lucille Sorella
www.flat2fem.com
Holistic Health for Transgender & Gender Variant Folks, Dori Midnight
Amend ACA to Address Transgender Health Issues, Kate Walsham, UC Hastings Law Journal
Tom Waddell Health Center- Protocols for Hormonal Reassignment of Gender (2013) The following people contributed to these protocols: Angela Davidson, RN Jim Franicevich, FNP Mark Freeman, FNP Royce Lin, MD Linette Martinez, MD Mary Monihan, RN Maria Porch, LCSW Lysa Samuel PA Robyn Stukalin, LCSW Jody Vormohr, MD Barry Zevin, MD
Transgendered Clinics in San Francisco Bay Area
Tom Waddell Health Center, SF
Kaiser Permanente, Oakland
Lyon Martin Health Clinic, SF
Trans-Thrive, SF
St. James Infirmary, SF
Presenter Biography
Kara Sigler, RH (AHG) is a Western Clinical Herbalist located in the Bay Area of California. She supports and educates her clients on integrating herbs and healthy life choices and has since 2006. Kara co-taught a three year clinical herbal program at the Ohlone Herbal Center from 2006-2014. Kara currently teaches at the California School of Herbal Studies in Sonoma County, CA, as well as leads herb walks, wildcrafting trips, and workshops at multiple herb shops around the Bay Area. Kara makes individualized herb formulas for clients in her apothecary, and has a line of herbal products Herban Elixirs. Kara incorporates Ayurvedic pulse and tongue assessment into her sessions with clients, as well as bodywork, nutritional consulting, and emotional/energetic counseling.
Kara’s interests have focused on women, queer and trans health. Kara first began teaching Trans Health topics at the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference in 2008. She found that her community was in need of safe access to health services and more knowledge about the healing power of plants. Kara’s practice affirms that life transitions are hard for humans and that plants are amazing allies along the way. Please visit Kara’s website www.sfherbalist.com.
APPENDIX A
Tom Waddell Clinic excerpt from
Protocols for Hormonal Reassignment of Gender
At the point at which an individual begins to live their gender identity more fully and begin transition, they are often doing so with the understanding that this may lead to the loss of significant relationships, societal status, employment, financial security and stable housing. When seeing patients for the first time at our clinic often they are both very happy to finally be pursuing medical care to support their transition, but at the same time grieving these multiple losses
Treatment Modalities for Gender Transitioning
Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone are steroids produced by the following endocrine glands: ovaries, testes and adrenals, under the direction of the hypothalamus/pituitary system in the brain. During pubescence these increasing hormone levels circulate in the bloodstream and attach to receptor sites on target cells of tissue/organs. All three of these sex hormones are present in men and women in varying level. If target cells are activated by these increased hormone levels secondary sexual characteristics are expressed such as beard growth and breast development. Tissue that is not activated remains latent. The basis of transgender hormone therapy is the manipulation of these hormones to create the desired body effect by activating target cells of latent yet responsive tissue/organs resulting in feminization or masculinization of the individual. In addition to the female hormones estrogen and progesterone (which in very high doses possess anti-androgen [anti-testosterone effect]), anti-androgen therapy is often added to the feminizing medical regimen to reduce the need/risks of such high doses of female hormone. Anti-androgen therapy will decrease testosterone to normal or lower than normal female levels. Testosterone is the agent for masculinizing hormonal transition.
More is not necessarily better and may lead to complications. Most of our patients reach maximum possible feminization or masculinization without recourse to maximum doses of medications.
Feminizing Hormonal Therapy
May include either one or combination of anti-androgen and female hormonal therapy. Antiandrogen Therapy:
- ·antiandrogen drugs,
- ·GnRN (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists,
- ·bilateral orchiectomy.
9
Antiandrogen Drugs
| Dose | Adverse Effects | Contraindi cations | Interactions | Notes | |||||||||||||
| Spironolactone | Starting: 25-50mg BID Typical: 50mg BID Max: 200mg BID |
Mild diuretic Hyperkalemia Excretion of Na, Ca, Cl | Renal insuff K > 5.5 | Digoxin ACEi ARB K-sparing diuretics | Baseline labs: Lytes, BUN, SCr Follow up labs 2 mo. after starting dose orincreasing dose, every 6mo when stable:Lytes, BUN, SCr Testosterone level not routinely checked, but may be appropriate if not showing expected demasculinization Avoid after orchiectomy |
||||||||||||
| Finasteride | Low: 1mg daily High: 5-10mg daily | Prescribe if pt. unable to take spironolactone Can use in combo w spironolactone for rare patients not achieving gender-related
effects continued hirsutism, male pattern baldness progression. |
|||||||||||||||
| GnRH Agonists
·Nafarelin |
See reference for dosing (Hembree et al., 2009) | Fully reversible in adolescents No thromboembolic risk | |||||||||||||||
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Spironolactone
Spironolactone is our treatment of choice due to safety and availability.
Dosing
- ·Typical spironolactone starting dose: 25mg-50mg twice a day
- ·Typical spironolactone dose: 50mg twice a day
- ·Maximum dose spironolactone: 200mg twice a day
Gender-Related Effects
- ·Suppression of testosterone production/activity
- ·Decreased facial and body hair growth
- ·Decreased progression of male pattern baldness
- ·Decreased libido
- ·Decreased erections
- ·Mild breast growth
- ·Decreased BPH
Contraindications
- ·Renal insufficiency
- ·Serum potassium greater than 5.5 meq/L
Adverse Effects
Adverse effects have been very rare in our experience.
- ·Mild diuretic
- ·Hyperkalemia
- ·Increased excretion of sodium, calcium, chloride
- ·Impotence/decreased libido
Drug Interactions
Avoid using concomitantly with digoxin, ACE inhibitors, potassium-sparing diuretics, AT II receptor antagonists.
Monitoring Labs
Baseline: Electrolytes, BUN, and creatinine
Follow up: 2 months after starting or increasing dose, and every 6 months after establishing stable dose. Testosterone level Optional 6 mo. after starting if not showing expected demasculinization
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Finasteride
Finasteride is an agent which inhibits the intracellular enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to its potent form DHT (5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone). It may be used alone or in combination with spironolactone. In larger doses (Proscar 5-10 mg) we use this drug as a second line therapy for patients intolerant to spironolactone. In smaller doses (Propecia 1mg), finasteride is used for improving male pattern baldness.
Finasteride is used to treat BPH by causing the prostate to reduce in size, and because of this it can reduce PSA levels by 50% even if there is underlying prostate cancer. It is therefore very important to monitor with biopsy and/or not use this agent if underlying cancer is suspected.
Other Agents
Other anti-androgen drugs include cyproterone acetate (Androcur) and flutamide. Cyproterone is widely used in Europe but is not available in the United States. Flutamide appears to have more toxicity and is useful only in selected clinical situations.
GnRN Agonists
GnRN agonists include nafarelin acetate, goserelin acetate, and leunrorelin acetate. These agents reduce gonadal androgen production by desensitizing the pituitary with GnRN. The principal advantage with these agents is that they are generally fully reversible in their effect in adolescents (making them useful where there is desire to stall changes of puberty), and they do not carry risk of thromboembolic disease.
Bilateral Orchiectomy
Bilateral orchiectomy might be beneficial for those intolerant of other anti-androgen therapy. Advantages include a much-reduced need for anti-androgen therapy since approximately 90% of testosterone comes from testicular source. Disadvantages include: irreversibility and potential scarring of scrotal tissue, which could pose problems for the SRS surgeon since scrotal tissue is used to create labia and give depth to the neovagina.
There are differences of opinion whether anti-androgen drugs (including spironolactone and other above agents) should be used after bilateral orchiectomy and/or male to female SRS. Adrenal androgens, about 10% of total testosterone, left postop may be needed for normal body function. After orchiectomy or SRS, usually a maintenance dose of estrogen is needed for maintenance of feminization and, in particular, to prevent osteoporosis.
Estrogen Therapy
Estrogens are the primary hormones used for feminization. Adverse effects from estrogen therapy including increased risk of death are well-documented, and patients should be fully informed of possible risk. Nevertheless, these drugs are extremely useful and have been used with relative safety. Despite our high-risk population, we have rarely seen severe adverse effects. Numerous classes of estrogens have been used for gender reassignment. There is a thriving illicit market for these drugs and many patients have been taking them on the streets without medical monitoring. Patients frequently take estrogens from several classes and have a misconception that “more is better.” Education is essential to avoid adverse outcomes and optimize effect.
Common prescribed estrogens we use for reassignment of gender include: ·estradiol valerate tablets (Estradiol)
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- ·estrogen transdermal (Estroderm, Climara, Alora, Vivelle)
- ·estradiol valerate injection (Delestrogen)
- ·conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin)
General Concepts when Prescribing Estrogens
- ·All estrogens increase the risk of thromboembolism and prolactinoma. These risks are dependent on the form of estrogen and are dose-dependent, controlling for other risk factors.
- ·All estrogens work on the same receptors and should have similar effects at equipotent doses. Nevertheless, there are patient-specific variations and preferences in response to dose and type of estrogen.
- ·Non-oral forms, including sublingual, transdermal and injectable, have the advantage of avoiding first pass through liver metabolism and may be the preferred form for all especially patients who are older, have underlying liver disease or have elevated lipids.
- ·Oral preparations have the advantage of being easy to titrate or stop in case of adverse effects; injectable forms may stay present in the body for four weeks or longer.
- ·Ethinyl estradiol is no longer considered a safe medication for feminizing hormone therapy
- ·Response to treatment is extremely variable. Younger age and less body hair are predictable factors of a more satisfactory outcome.
- ·Estrogen doses can be reduced to a lower dose after Gender Reassignment Surgery (GRS) or after maximum feminization is evident, which is usually after two years of high-dose treatment.
- ·Stop all estrogens two weeks (4 weeks for estradiol valerate injection) prior to any major surgery or other immobilizing event, and resume one week after or upon resumption of mobility.
- ·Add aspirin 81-325 mg for all patients at risk of thromboembolism (cigarette smoker, age greater than 40, obese, highly sedentary, cardiac risk factors) and consider aspirin for all patients without contraindication.
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Estrogens all in one place table
| Dose | Adverse Effects | Contraindications | Interactions | |||||||||||
| Common
↑weight, emotional changes, increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (especially in those over age 40, cigarette smokers, highly sedentary, obese, and those with underlying thrombophyllic disorders, and those using oral estrogens especially ethinyl estradiol), adverse changes in lipid levels, increased insulin resistance, increase in prolactin levels, decrease in sexually stimulated erections, nausea / vomiting, migraine / headache, melasma (skin darkening), skin irritation from estradiol patches Less Common increased risk of cardiovascular events in those over age 50 with other cardiovascular risk factors (especially those taking progesterones in addition to estrogens), increase in triglyceride to high levels in users of oral estrogens (increasing risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease), transient liver enzyme abnormalities, increasing risk of gallbladder stones, increased risk of diabetes mellitus (particularly in those with family history or other risk factors), increase in blood pressure (note spironolactone reduces blood pressure), hyperkalemia (in spironolactone users) rare or plausible but have not been observed liver damage, prolactinoma, increased risk of breast cancer (compared to men never exposed to estrogen) |
Absolute Estrogen-dependent cancer
Precautions: H/o thromboembolism CAD, HLD, DM Cigarette smoking Seizure d/o Retinopathy dependent tumor |
CYP 3A4, 1A2
inhibitors/ inducers |
||||||||||||
| Estradiol | Starting: 2-3mg daily Typical: 4mg daily Max: 8mg daily | |||||||||||||
| Estradiol valerate (Progynova) | Starting: 2-3mg daily Typical: 4mg daily Max: 8mg daily | |||||||||||||
| Estradiol SL (estradiol micronized, Estrace) | Starting: 0.5-1mg Typical: 2mg daily Max: 4mg daily | |||||||||||||
| Estradiol valerate (Delestrogen) | Starting: 20-40mg IM Q2wk Average: 40mg IM Q2wk Max: 40-80mg IM Q2wk | |||||||||||||
| Estradiol cypionate (Depo-estradiol) | Starting: 20-40mg IM Q2wk Average: 40mg IM Q2wk Max: 40-80mg IM Q2wk | |||||||||||||
| Estradiol patch (Climara, Estraderm, Alora, Vivelle- dot) | Starting: 0.1mg/24hr Average: 0.2mg/24hr Max: 0.4mg/24hr | |||||||||||||
| Estradiol gel (Divigel, Elestrin, Estrasorb, Estrogel) | Dosing unclear from anecdotal reports | |||||||||||||
| Conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin) | Starting: 1.25-2.5mg daily Typical: 5mg daily Max: 10mg dailyThis is less preferred In our clinic due to ethical concerns regarding the source of raw materials and theoretical concerns that this medication may be more thrombogenic than other options |
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Estrogens: Contraindications
- Presence of estrogen-dependent cancer Estrogens: Precautions
History of thromboembolism or severe thrombophlebitis, Hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cigarette smoking, hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, renal insufficiency, migraine, seizure disorder, retinopathy, obesity, coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure or other cardiac dysfunction, any condition causing tendency to thrombosis, strong family history of breast cancer or other estrogen dependent tumor.
Note: Attempt to control all above conditions prior to starting estrogen therapy. Starting hormone therapy may be strong incentive for patients to stabilize their medical condition. In many cases we start at lower doses for these patients and increase contingent on medical conditions stabilizing.
Estrogens: Expected Gender-Related Effects
- ·Breast development
- ·Redistribution of body fat
- ·Softening of skin
- ·Suppression of testosterone production
- ·Possible improved mood/improved impulse control
- ·Shrinkage of testes/testicular atrophy
- ·Decreased libido
Estrogens: Adverse Effects
See table above
Estrogens: Drug Interactions
Theoretical interactions with CYP 3A4, 1A2 inhibitors / inducers. No dangerous interactions have been noted between estradiol and other medications.
See Section VI.
Estrogens: Lab Monitoring
Baseline: lipid profile, prolactin level*, glucose.
Follow up: lipid profile, glucose 3 mo. after starting or increasing dose, 1 year after starting or increasing dose. Prolactin* optional 1 year after starting. LFT’s optional 1 year after starting if pt. has high risks for liver disease (e.g. excessive wt. gain, risk behaviors for acquiring viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use)
* Prolactin levels: Baseline prolactin is obtained for patients with previous unmonitored estrogen 15
use, previously elevated prolactin level, previous or current exposure to phenothiazines. Follow up prolactin is done 1 year after starting hormones for patients on high dose estrogen, pts. suspected of taking doses above prescribed amount, and for patients also on phenothiazine. Serum prolactin level correlates well with pituitary activity and prolactin is likely to be significantly increased for a long period (greater than 1 year) prior to an adenoma enlarging. Elevated prolactin levels frequently decrease spontaneously. Therefore:
- ·If prolactin is less than 25, continue to monitor per protocol.
- ·If prolactin is 25-40, ask patient about outside sources of extra estrogen (usually
injections) and encourage patient to cease these. Continue to monitor per protocol.
- ·If prolactin is greater than 40, decrease estrogen dose by 1/2 or ask patient to stop** estrogens, recheck 6-8 weeks.
- ·If prolactin is greater than 100, stop** all estrogens and retest in 6-8 weeks.
- ·If continues high consider MRI of pituitary. If prolactin level is falling, restart estrogen
at lower dose and monitor every 6-8 weeks.
- ·Be aware that typical and atypical antipsychotics can increase prolactin levels.
**When stopping estrogens it is always advisable to taper over several weeks when medically possible to avoid emotional effects.
Testosterone level: used selectively and rarely but may be appropriate for patient not showing expected demasculinization after 6-12 months on maximum anti-androgen.
Estrogen levels have not been useful.in our setting
Estrogens: Other Clinical Monitoring/Considerations
- ·Nicotine/cigarettes increase degradation of estrogens and increase DVT risks.
- ·Some HIV protease inhibitors increase metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.
- ·Many other drugs increase or decrease metabolism of ethinyl estradiol.
- ·Breast symptoms and breast exam every 6 months; BSE education.
- ·Prostate exam as in the general population. PSA may not be reliable for cancer screening. Prostate gland is not removed with SRS.
- ·Check for signs and symptoms of DVT at each follow up visit Review history and teach warning signs of DVT/PE.
Progesterone Therapy
Medroxyprogesterone has a demonstrated anti-androgen effect at high doses but has no advantage over spironolactone. Its physiological effect is primarily on the uterus and effects on feminization are unclear. Some patients report a potentiating effect on breast growth or fat redistribution. There are also reports of androgenic effect in some patients and an adverse effect on mood (PMS-like effect) in some patients. There is concern for increased cardiovascular risk.
Medroxyprogesterone is not a routine part of our hormonal reassignment regimen but may be used in the following situations:
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- ·As adjunct for patients on maximum estrogen doses with unsatisfactory effects.
- ·In patients intolerant of other drugs.
Dosing
- ·Typical starting doses: 2.5mg/day
- ·Typical dose: 5-10mg/day
- ·Maximum dose: 20mg/day
Other oral and injectable forms of progesterone are available
Consider cycling progesterone (i.e. 1st 10 days of the month)—patients seem to like this approach and it reduces the amount of progesterone prescribed.
Progesterone: Contraindications
Same as estrogens.
Progesterone: Precautions
Same as estrogens. Carefully review use in any patient with underlying psychiatric or cardiovascular disorders.
Progesterone: Expected Gender-Related Effects
Enhanced estrogen feminization effects.
Progesterone: Adverse Effects
Lipid abnormalities, weight gain, edema, mood disorders depression/irritability, facial and body hair growth and coarsening.
Progesterone: Drug Interactions
Unknown.
Progesterone: Lab Monitoring
Same as estrogens.
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Lab Monitoring for Patients on Feminizing Hormone Therapy
(these are in addition to labs appropriate for pts. age and medical conditions)
| CBC | Fasting glucose | Fasting lipids | Testosterone level | LFT’s | Prolactin | BUN / SCr | Lytes | |
| On estrogen | Baseline
3mo after starting or dose increase 1 year after starting or dose increase |
Baseline
3mo after starting or dose increase 1 year after starting or dose increase |
Optional 6 mo. after starting if not showing expected demasculinization | Optional 1 year after starting if pt. has risks for liver disease (e.g. excessive wt. gain, risk behaviors for acquiring viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use) | Baseline for patients with prev. unmonitored estrogen therapy, previous elevated prolactin level, previous or current exposure to phenothiazines
Optional after 1 year (patients on high dose estrogen, pts. suspected of taking doses above prescribed, pt. also on phenothiazine) |
|||
| On Spironolactone | Optional 6 mo. after starting if not showing expected demasculinization | Baseline
2 mo. after starting or increasing dose every 6 mo. when on stable dose |
Baseline
2 mo. after starting or increasing dose every 6 mo. when on stable dose |
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Bone Health
Endogenous estrogens and androgens protect against osteoporosis. Patients who are not at physiological levels or stop hormonal therapy are at risk of osteoporosis. Consider BMD study for these patients, for post orchiectomy patients not on hormones and in all patients with other risk factors.
Mammograms
Mammograms for transwomen have no clear evidence of benefits; there is no evidence that transwomen on estrogen are at high risk for breast cancer. Mammographic changes are dependent on time of estrogen exposure. We follow standard guidelines for woman for our transwomen patients and begin screening with mammograms for patients over age 40 or 50 who have been on estrogen for 20 years or more, or earlier if abnormal findings or family history of breast cancer.
Masculinizing Treatment Protocol
The main available masculinizing hormone therapy are androgens, which usually produce satisfactory masculinizing results. The entire process of masculinization can take years to complete. However, in many patients, changes in voice pitch, muscle mass, and hair growth become apparent after just a few months of a regular hormonal treatment regimen.
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Testosterone all in one place table
| Dose | Adverse Effects | Contraindications | Interactions | |||||||||||
| Testosterone cypionate Testosterone enanthate
* Cypionate in cottonseed oil; enanthate in sesame oil |
Starting: 50-100mg Q2wk or 25-50mg/wk Typical: 200mg Q2wk or 100mg/wkMax: 400mg Q2wk or 200mg/wk |
Common
↑weight, oily skin, acne, vaginal atrophy, male pattern baldness, emotional changes, ↓ HDL cholesterol level, Less Common peripheral edema rare or plausible but have not been observed |
Absolute
Pregnancy Precautions: Erythrocytosis |
Warfarin Cyclosporine Insulin | ||||||||||
| Testosterone propionate | Typical: 100-200mg IM 1-2x/wk Max: 200mg IM 2x/wk | |||||||||||||
| Testosterone patch (available strengths 2mg, 2.5mg, 4mg, and 5mg patches) | Starting: 2-2.5mg/24hr Typical 5mg/d Max 7.5mg/d |
|||||||||||||
| Testosterone gel (Testim 1%) | Starting: 2.5mg every morning Typical 5mg every morning Max 10mg every morning | |||||||||||||
| Testosterone gel (Androgel 1%) | Starting: 2.5mg every morning Typical 5mg every morning Max 10mg every morning | |||||||||||||
| Testosterone gel (Androgel 1.62%) | No published or anecdotal experience with this preparation | |||||||||||||
| Testosterone solution (Axiron axillary solution) | No published or anecdotal experience with this preparation | |||||||||||||
| Compounded Testosterone ointment, cream gel or DHT cream | Available in various strengths from compounding pharmacies | . |
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Available Forms of Testosterone and Dosing
Intramuscular Route
- ·testosterone cypionate: 100-400 mg IM every 2 weeks (range every 1-4 weeks)
- ·testosterone enanthate: 100-400 mg IM every 2 weeks (range every 1-4 weeks)
- ·testosterone propionate: 100-200 mg IM 1-2 times/wk.
IM testosterone is released slowly from the muscle. There are variations in the plasma concentration through injection cycles, causing symptoms that may require dose or frequency changes.
Transdermal System
- ·Androderm patch: This is a non-scrotal patch. It has the advantage of avoiding peak ups and downs in testosterone levels, thus delivering a constant dose of hormone. This form can be an effective alternative in patients who are more sensitive to variable testosterone levels.
- ·Androgel, Testim: Needs to be used with caution at the possibility of exposing partners.
- ·Testosterone ointment in petrolatum base 2-4%. (available from compounding pharmacies) Used as an adjuvant to increase concentration in local areas (face, clitoral area). Mixed results in terms of effectiveness.
Oral Preparations
(Methyl/testosterone; Oxandrolone) These are not used in our clinic. PO preparations undergo extensive liver metabolism, increasing the possibility of liver complications.
Testosterone: Contraindications
pregnancy, breast cancer
Testosterone: Precautions
Erythrocytosis, Cardiac, hepatic, renal, or vascular disease with edema or risk of edema, Sleep apnea or high risk of sleep apnea due to obesity or chronic lung disease, dyslipidemia
Testosterone: Expected Gender-Related Effects
- ·Cessation of menses
- ·Voice change to a male range
- ·Increased hair growth on face, chest, and extremities
- ·Increased muscular mass and strength
- ·Redistribution of body fat to an android (apple) shape
- ·Clitoral enlargement
Testosterone: Other Effects
- Protection against osteoporosis
21
- ·Increased libido
- ·Increased physical energy
Note: Changes in voice range, hair follicles, and clitoral size are permanent. Other effects are reversible at the cessation of hormonal therapy.
Testosterone: Possible Adverse Effects
See table above
Testosterone: Drug Interactions
- ·Potentiation of warfarin
- ·In diabetic patients, blood sugar decreases, requiring adjustments in dose of
hypoglycemic agents
Testosterone: Lab Monitoring
Baseline: CBC, lipids, urine HCG if pregnancy is a possibility. Glucose, LFTs optional of PCOS is suspected
Follow up: CBC, lipids 3 mo. after starting or dose increase and 1 year after starting or dose increase. LFTs optional 1 year after starting if pt has risks for liver disease (e.g. excessive wt gain, risk behaviors for acquiring viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use) Testosterone level optional 3- 6 mo. after starting or dose increase. May be particularly appropriate if not showing expected masculinization, showing signs of adverse effects.
Testosterone: Special Considerations
There is no evidence that screening with ultrasound will decrease mortality or morbidity of endometrial cancer. Patients at increased risk tend to present with symptoms at an early stage, therefore it is important for the patient to be educated and report the early symptoms (vaginal bleeding, or thin clear discharge, pelvic pain, dyspareunia).
Obtain pregnancy test before starting therapy if there is any possibility of pregnancy. Patients will be ovulating at the initiation of treatment and possibly at other times throughout treatment. Stress the use contraception if sexually active with biological men.
Smoking cessation should be strongly encouraged to decrease cardiac risk factors.
Breast exams and mammograms are essential. Any post-surgical residual axillary breast tissue requires regular examination as well.
Pap smears are still important follow-up in patients with a cervix.
Assess for hypersexual behavior and safe sex practices. Risky sexual behavior has been found to be common in FTM patients. Addressing safe practices and screening for HIV and STD is necessary.
Bone Health
Endogenous estrogens and androgens protect against osteoporosis. Patients who are not at physiological levels or stop hormonal therapy are at risk of osteoporosis. Consider BMD study for these patients, for post oophorectomy patients not on hormones and in all patients with other risk factors.
22
Lab Monitoring for Patients on Masculinizing Hormone Therapy (these are in addition to labs appropriate for pts. age and medical conditions)
| CBC | Fasting glucose | Fasting lipids | Testosterone level | LFT’s | Urine HCG | |
| On testosterone | Baseline
3mo after starting or dose increase 1 year after starting or dose increase |
Baseline if PCOS is suspected | Baseline
3mo after starting or dose increase |
Optional 3-6 mo. after starting or dose increase | Baseline if PCOS is suspected
Optional 1 year after starting if pt. has risks for liver disease (e.g. excessive wt. gain, risk behaviors for acquiring viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use) |
Baseline if pregnancy is a possibility |