Hi! I am currently looking into getting HRT for my transition, and I think that I might have some real problems with the checkups. I have a crazy fear of needles, so when I heard that one can get the hormones using anything but needles (gels, patches, pills, probably some other methods too), I was incredibly happy. I was like -YES thank you scientists that I don’t need to become unconcious while getting my HRT!-. But then I started researching some of what happens when you take those drugs, and I found out about checkups. Now, see, that. THAT! Is very very very scary. I do not have porblems with body checkups, no problem with any sort of that, but NEEDLES!? NOOO! I can not do needles, no, never in my life. When I got circumsized (for medial reasons, not religious) even after taking some -calming down pills- I was still shaking while getting my injections. After about one minute of the injection, my body starts piercing everywhere and I usually completely use my sight and my ability to hear. Also crazy amounts of nausea and stress come up a lot. By now, just thinking about em makes me start to breath heavily (I am breathing like that right now, shoot dang).
So yeeah how necessary would it be to maybe get my blood checked out or something like that? I really really do not want to be subjected to T anymore but also, oof, needles are also kina a death sentence in my head.
I’m in the US but it’s probably similar procedures. The first time I had blood drawn I was very hungry and it caused me to get those symptoms you described. Next time I ate before and talked to the person while they did their work and I had no incident. The less aware I am of the needle, the better. And it’s a small needle!
There are people who DIY without blood tests, but you really should. Maybe you can talk to your doctor about reducing the frequency of them. And bring your phone to play a game or something while they draw blood. I promise it’s so much more bearable if you’re not focused on it. Ask your doctor or the nurses what else you can do, I’m sure you’re not the first person with a fear of needles they’ve seen.
Some blood tests you have to fast for before taking them or your results will be inaccurate.
I asked beforehand, not this one.
If they’re just checking hormone levels you don’t need to fast afaik.
My endo always specifies they’re non-fasting blood tests.
I’m on testosterone HRT, so they typically wanna monitor my hemoglobin, blood lipid, and cholesterol levels because testosterone can affect those things negatively. You usually need to fast for those things. It’ll definitely vary what blood tests you get assigned based on your doctor, hormone you’re taking, how long you’ve been on it, and previous health history.
Ah that’s good to know.