Of course. Thinking about DIY HRT is a deeply personal decision, and it's wise to seek out the experiences of others. Based on the shared stories of trans individuals, here are the key themes that emerge when considering do-it-yourself hormone therapy.
A Response to Barriers in Healthcare
Many turn to DIY HRT not as a first choice, but as a necessary response to significant obstacles within the official medical system. These obstacles can include impossibly long waiting lists for gender clinics, the high cost of care, or gatekeeping by therapists and doctors who deny care based on outdated criteria. For many, the distress of waiting becomes unbearable. As one person explained, the "guaranteed consequences of waiting are far worse than the potential consequences of risking it" – asdfgtref source. DIY becomes a way to take control when the system fails to provide timely or affirming care.
The Central Role of Community Knowledge
DIY HRT is not undertaken in isolation; it is built upon a foundation of shared community wisdom. Individuals heavily rely on the research, experiences, and personal testimonies of others to learn about dosages, administration methods, and medication types. This collective knowledge is often seen as more current and effective than some standard medical practices. One user shared, "im really, really glad i listened to random idiots on the internet and not just the doctor in my corner advising me to take dangerous dosages of anti androgens" – le_ramequin source. Online communities and resources like TransfemScience are vital for providing the information needed to self-manage care safely.
A Calculated Risk-Benefit Analysis
The decision to pursue DIY is almost always a conscious weighing of risks. The primary consideration is that the psychological harm of not transitioning is viewed as a greater danger than the potential physical risks of self-medicating. As one person stated, "any harm HRT can do in a period of time, is significantly less than what harm it does to a trans person to not be on HRT for that same time" – SiBloGaming source. Many believe that with proper research, the risks are manageable and comparable to, or even lower than, the risks of some official treatment plans.
Proactive Safety Measures
Safety is a paramount concern in the DIY community. The common approach involves meticulous research, regular monitoring of hormone levels through private blood tests, and starting with conservative, well-researched dosages. The process is often described as: "figure out what i should dose and how often by doing research... and then monitor my hormone levels by taking at home blood tests regularly" – Substantial_Big_2433 source. This self-directed monitoring is a key part of mitigating risk and ensuring the regimen is effective.
Seeking Better or Safer Care
For some, DIY is not just about access, but about quality. Even with access to an endocrinologist, individuals may choose DIY to access specific medications (like certain injectable estrogens) that they believe are safer or more effective than what is officially prescribed. One user shared, "I ended up choosing DIY with estradiol enanthate injections over what was officially available. And ironically, I chose so for safety reasons!" – We_R_Will_n_Wander source. This highlights a desire for personalized, optimal care that the standard medical system may not offer.
In summary, the journey to DIY HRT is often born from necessity and a profound need for bodily autonomy. It is a path defined by careful research, community support, and a personal assessment that the benefits of living authentically outweigh the risks. It represents a deeply personal choice to take control of one's own transition when other doors are closed or deemed inadequate.