Things I Have Learned

Hey all,

I've been doing a lot of research lately into "Natural" FtM transitioning and ways to boost testosterone production. I have a few friends that are transitioning using this method for different reasons.Some can not afford the hormone therapy and some are just more comfortable with not putting hormones in their body to begin with. So I thought I would put together some information for those of you looking into the more "natural" way.

PLEASE understand I am not a doctor nor do I pretend to know how these things will effect any one individual person. The soul purpose of this blog entry is to give some information that I have recently learned from both research and conversations with friends. I am in no way encouraging the change in life style or consumption of any supplement mentioned in this blog. With that said I hope the information I have learned helps.

Many people have asked many different questions about the type and dose of "T"(testosterone) that I'm on. So I thought I would give you some information on my individual dose. As of right now I am on a Testosterone Cypionate Injection 200 mg/ml. I take .5mg a week, my shot is done every Wed. usually in the morning time. It's an intramuscular injection which means it has to go deep into the muscle at the injection sight. I was told by my doctor to inject in the "fattest" part of my body and for those of you who know me, I don't have a whole lot of that lol so my shot as of right now goes in my butt cheek alternating sides each week. Alternating the sight of the shot is important to prevent thickening of the skin or hardening of the muscle if one spot is used to often. I have thought about attempting to use my thigh area just because it would be easier to handle the needle I think but I have yet to move to that area, why mess with something when what you are already doing is working just fine right? =0)

Testosterone Cypionate is the oil-soluble 17 (beta)- cyclopentylpropionate ester of the androgenic hormone testosterone(in non medical terms that means it is a certain "string" of the hormone naturally produced in a genetic males body). Because it's thicker it has to be injected slower or it hurts like a mofo and has to be injected with a 22 gauge needle.

Testosterone Cypionate is responsible for the growth and development of the male sex organs and maintenance of the secondary sex characteristics. It causes hair growth, vocal cord thickening, appetite changes, sex drive changes, changes in the red blood cell count, it effect both the good and the bad levels of cholesterol and fat distribution.

I have recently been looking into supplements that are on the market. Healthy ones of coarse and plan on bringing it up to my doctor tomorrow at my appointment. These supplements would serve as a boost in the level of testosterone I'm already taking. The key is not to boost it to high. There is an enzyme in the human body known as Aromatase who's main function is to turn unused testosterone into estrogen, so in my world that would be taking a step backwards. Know what I mean?

Some of the supplements I have come across are ZMA and DHEA both of which are over the counter vitamins that can be taken in accordance with a work out and diet regimen. The only down side I have seen is DHEA is not so gentle on the liver so in order to take it you must combine it with things like Flaxseed Oil and or Milk Thistle which are both used to basically clean out and protect the liver from toxin.

Diet wise I have learned that foods high in Zinc,vitamin B and magnesium are important in a "testosterone boosting diet" some of those foods would be things like:

Oysters, salmon and other fish

Almonds and nuts in general
Eggs
Milk

Yogurt

Cottage cheese

Broccoli

Celery

Red Meat

Chicken

Beans

Whole grains

Those types of foods added to a work out regimen I'm learning have been proven to boost testosterone levels. So like I said I am going to have a conversation with my doctor about adding supplements on top of my IM(intramuscular shot) dose of Testosterone Cypionate.

I hope this information has helped you understand a little bit more about testosterone. Like I said before I am not a doctor nor am I encouraging the consumption of anything I've listed above. I am simply sharing knowledge I myself have obtained. I will however encourage you to talk to your doctor before you begin taking anything weather you are transitioning naturally or with the use of hormone therapy.

Until next time...love and peace

~Jayson~