We've been hearing an increasing number of reports of trans people's GPs refusing to prescribe their HRT to them - even if they have a letter from an NHS gender clinic requesting that they do.
We've been hearing an increasing number of reports of trans people's GPs refusing to prescribe their HRT to them - even if they have a letter from an NHS gender clinic requesting that they do.
@thor Ah. Yep, it's a sad biological reality, I think womens' sex drive probably outpaces mens' sex drive at that point.
To be fair, with modern stuff you can basically give yourself #testosterone perks, but unless you actually have someone to have sex with or are dealing with other issues like muscle mass or balding problems, you might not find that particularly intriguing.
Not sure if a term for this exists, but I propose it as a better replacement for misandry - basically, a reason both queers and women demonize and abuse testosterone takers/makers, the overblown or completely fabricated negative psychological side effects of having it in one's system, and the way it's scapegoated as the root of many societal ills. Also, the specific way trans men are dismissed in queer spaces.
I’ve officially been on Testopel (aka “testosterone pellets”) for 3 years! :blob_cat_dance:
Testopel is a form of HRT where tiny rice-sized pellets of testosterone are implanted in the body through a small incision in the hip / butt cheek area. The pellets release testosterone over a period of 3-6 months (the amount of time varies for each person.) I started taking Testopel in March 2020, after previously being on testosterone gel. I consider it a huge improvement from gel because my T levels have been more stable and I only have to worry about my hormones every few months instead of daily which is SO convenient and really helps with dysphoria.
Here is a thread where I talk about Testopel and my experiences with it. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.
If transmasculine people taking testosterone experience improvements in their long covid symptoms, and transfeminine people taking estrogen experience the opposite, then the way sex differences in covid presentation are talked about need to include these realities. Sex is a multidimensional phenomenon and the endocrine system is a malleable thing
I'm so pleased to have Felix @sunflower on board for issue 3. Here's a taster of some of his gorgeous work. You can find more at https://felixfiles.com.
T! Volume 1 Issue 3 will be released in April. Watch this space for a release date.
Here's something interesting for all of those trans fems out there that are worried about testosterone levels or that have been invalidated by family members and friends telling them that they only think they're trans because they "have low testosterone"
The red cross on that graph is my pre transition testosterone level vs the average values in cis men, by age.
As you can see, my T levels were HIGH! And yet here I am :)
Have you heard of a bridging prescription?
Trans people can ask their GP for a bridging prescription for hormones to help them cope during the wait for an NHS gender clinic.
They don't have to give them, but if you're stuck on a waiting list and want to access hormone therapy, it is worth asking.
It's now only 20 days until the deadline for submissions for issue 3!
If you have in mind an idea for a submission, but you're concerned it's too odd, too challenging, too fleshy, too off-putting, too horny - please do submit it! Let's make this the weirdest and most abrasive issue yet ✨
If you have something to say about testosterone, make sure to send it to T! by 4th February. Find the guidelines here, and send your submissions to t.the.zine@protonmail.com.
You have fourteen days to send in fiction, a personal essay, poetry, a book review, a study, a painting, a collage, a drawing, a comic, a play, a monologue, a song, a game, or anything else in digital format, as long as it's about testosterone.
Not sure if what you've got in mind is suitable? Send a message or an email, let's chat.
Seeking submissions from non-transmasculine people in particular, but everyone is welcome to submit!