cross-posted from: https://lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/39097158

Concerns about arm hair growth

See title. I’m on HRT for over 11 months now, thoroughly enjoying it. I’ve a hunch the dose is a bit low, though. I get androgen blockers every 2-3 months, my last one was one month ago.

Normally my arm hairs aren’t very visible, so I didn’t have much dysphoria from that. However, recently my arm hair seems to be growing a lot and thicker, and I’m concerned. Is this normal?

My mum doesn’t really have a lot of arm hair, nor do other gals in my family.

  • Jorunn (she/her)@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
    4·
    5 months ago

    Let me refer you to a friend of mine: https://tube.blahaj.zone/w/1PcND2ahHpQC51HMGr7RLD

    Basically if you want a smaller less scary looking needle pick subcutaneous, but pick intramuscular to lessen the odds that you’ll experience any allergic reactions. It’s not uncommon for the outer skin to react a bit to some of the ingredients in injections. I picked subq and it has worked really well for me, so maybe try that first and then go for intra if you do experience a reaction. If you’re very comfortable with needles just go for intramuscular from the get go.

    • birdwing@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOPEnglish
      2·
      5 months ago

      I used to find needles really scary but have grown to get a bit more used to them. I still don’t like them, but maybe I should consider them.

      Thanks for the guide! I will def try this out if I’m going for needles. My GP is really chill so if I’ll do needles, I’ll ask him to supervise the first try.

      • dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zoneEnglish
        4·
        5 months ago

        I definitely recommend injections. I have a moderate to severe needle phobia and still chose to inject my estrogen.

        Jorunn is right, subq injections are the way to go - you can use very thin and short needles that are often painless when injecting. It’s still a mental hurdle, I’m not going to lie, but injections are just the best and most reliable method for getting estrogen (esp. pre-op).

        I have a write-up of tips that I developed to help me overcome my needle phobia:

        https://lemmyverse.link/lem.lemmy.blahaj.zone/post/27953271