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I finally ordered my estrogen implants! They should be coming in the mail in about a month and then my GP will put it in!
Congrats! Are these implants the "tic-tacs" that are injected through a large syringe into the butt / thigh area? I've considered this option because I'm so needle phobic (and right now I'm injecting every 4 days), but I'm worried about how you control the exact dose, and how frequently you have to essentially have a minor surgery, and how expensive it can be.
They are! We don't really have injections down here in Australia, so doctors (the few who know trans healthcare) recommend implants for long term transition. Either way, the idea of a needle from the GP occasionally is far better than once every 4 days. My implant cost about AUD$150, plus maybe AUD$80 for the doctors appointment (both subsidized by the government though), and it should last about a year or two.
Oh nice, good to know. Being in the U.S. of course healthcare is ... not as affordable. I think here the implants last 4 - 6 months (based on this transfem science article), and I know someone who has had pellets implanted who said she was instructed not to exercise for a week and sitting was painful, etc. If it were cheaper here and lasted for a year or two that might be more worthwhile to me.
I inject estradiol valerate currently, but I use small 27 gauge needles and inject subcutaneously (into fat) so it's not as bad as it could be.
I have heard about testosterone pellets lasting about the same amount of time as well.
which amount of time, the 4-6 months, or the 1-2 years?
4-6 months
nice, thanks for clarifying!
Have you had estrogen implants before? If so, what was you experience with them?
I have read about testosterone implants as well, but I don't hear much about them from other trans people. Might be something I'll look into getting in the future because t gel is expensive and you can accidentally spread it to other people.
I haven't, this'll be my first. Since injections aren't really available here, my doctor recommended an implant to reduce the cardiovascular risks associated with oral estradiol. I also like the idea of them because it kinda feels like my body is just naturally producing it.
I didn't realize there are cardiovascular risks associated with oral estradiol. I take oral estradiol to not get the monthly. Guess I got a triple dose of cardiovascular risks with that, ADHD meds, and testosterone 😅
I agree with it feeling like your body is naturally producing it. It's also a lot less everyday hassle. I hope that in a couple of years it'll get cheaper and less painful.