#futurefigured

you can definitely have procedures to lighten or fade freckles.  To start with, be sure to use sunscreen daily (even indoors if you’ll be near windows) to help limit sun exposure- the more sun the darker freckles get.  There are a handful of options that are based in science, some over the counter options, and several more expensive options that are only offered by dermatologists.  If you pick an over the counter option, make sure you pick something approved by the FDA- there are a lot out there that make unproven claims and have been issued “advisement letters” (basically the same thing as a false advertisement notice).  

CW for genital talk:It comes from both the uterus and the lining of the vagina.  you may experience a general decrease after hysto, but that might not be the case (for example, after hysto with ovaries removed, i didn’t experience much of a change, and i’ve been on T for 7 years now). 

a lot. However, I’d be fine with it later on. I’m thinking of sticking within that happy middle between enjoying a full head of hair as well as the permanent effects of T thus far. Is this something worth making an appointment with my endo about? Is communicating this over the patient portal fine? Would taking Propecia as soon as I can get it prescribed halt my hair loss until around that 1 year post T mark when the testosterone is out of my system? (2/2)

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all the hair that’s in your body has been affected by testosterone.  Head hair grows in a 3-5 year cycle, pauses at it’s full length, then falls out, then the follicle rests a few months, then restarts growing again. Because of this,  it’s possible that you can continue losing for months or years after stopping testosterone (until all the affected hairs reach the end of their growth cycle or their roots recover, whichever comes first).  it’s definitely reasonable to get ahold of your endo, but it’s not a rush thing (if you start the meds tomorrow, you won’t get effect tomorrow) so you can definitely contact them via the patient portal-  if they need to see you they’ll get in touch to set something up.  

It’s definitely reasonable to take a pause to consider how the HRT is affecting you.  you want to feel comfortable with the changes.  

Biotin isn’t likely to help unless you’re deficient (you’re likely not unless you have medical conditions that are likely to cause it, it’s in tons of foods and your body can make some via the bacteria in your intestines). 

even if you experience a normal/expected side effect of T it’s always a good idea to mention it to the doctor at your next scheduled appointment.  it doesn’t mean they will change your dose or take you off of it (as long as it’s not bothering you, it’s not a problem.) it’s just something medical professionals like to keep track of.  later, if it gets worse or if you complain of another similar condition unrelated, we can look back through your well-documented records and say “oh, i see in 2019 you also had flushing and muscle cramps, is this related, or is this unrelated.”

That being said, both muscle cramps and aching (from building muscle mass) and flushing (hot flashes) are documented as known side effects, but not common ones.  I won’t go so far as to call them “regular” but as long as they’re no interfering with your life, I wouldn’t call them “concerning” either.   If you get additional symptoms, or if they get worse enough to interfere with the things you want/need to do in the course of the day, that’s time to make an appointment to address them (versus waiting to mention them in your next scheduled appointment).