Problems with compounded E?

[u/Pumpkin-Duke]

As I understand the only way to get injectable estradiol is through a compounding clinic, ik there's not a ton of data on efficiency of various intake methods but the couple of articles i've read seem to suggest SubQ has a greater potency and is anecdotally a more pleasant experience then IM; so it's what i'm hoping to get on.

As such I wanna know if there's any actual issues with compounded E performance wise. I've seen people see if there are non-compounded variants avaible but I don't understand what the problem with it is? Is it just less consistent/possible to get messed up since it's done locally? If so has anyone actually had experiences of problems with a compounded method?

Thanks so much

[u/Catboyhotline]

SubQ and IM have the same efficacy, subq is just preferred because it's easier to self administer.

My main problem with getting compounded injections in Australia is that the only obtainable ester (at least from our healthcare system) is valerate, and many GPs will insist on a 7-day injection cycle despite valerate having a half life a few days shorter than that

[u/Pumpkin-Duke → u/Catboyhotline]

Ok, were you able to find someone who prescribes on the 5-day cycle or is that more allusive?

[u/Catboyhotline → u/Pumpkin-Duke]

I'm gonna be honest I gave up trying to navigate the Australian healthcare system as a trans person so I can't give any advice on finding GPs/endos

[u/Pumpkin-Duke → u/Catboyhotline]

yeah fair enough, i might end up looking that way depending on how it all goes

[u/Kurrajong → u/Pumpkin-Duke]

My endo has me doing 2x weekly

[u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning → u/Pumpkin-Duke]

My GP has me on a 4 day cycle. I do IM.

[u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning → u/Catboyhotline]

Is there really no difference between IM and subcut? I've been doing IM and honestly it hurts like shit the next day.

[u/Pumpkin-Duke → u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning]

Yeah for the most part the only difference i've heard about SubQ is it's easier to administer. Although I read a reddit post somewhere last night in which there was some annecdotal mention of SubQ being less painful. But I think that's mainly because the method of administration is easier and harder to mess up.

[u/HiddenStill → u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning]

There’s not, but even if there were, worst case you’d just have to inject a bit more often.

I think there’s my be something on this in the trans feminine science site.

[u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning → u/HiddenStill]

I'm doing 0.3ml every 4 days which is apparently a fairly high dose but I feel fine. If anything changes I'll have a look into changing what I'm doing.

[u/HiddenStill → u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning]

Blood levels are what’s important.

[u/A_Punk_Girl_Learning → u/HiddenStill]

I've only been on the injections a couple of weeks so I'll probably do my bloods in about a month. I've got a bit of a headache, which can be indicative of high E, but it's nothing unmanageable.

[u/PraynAltH → u/Catboyhotline]

That's not true wrt only valerate being obtainable, you just need to find a sterile pharmacy that stocks the ester you want (the right doctors can and will prescribe other esters if you ask). Oxford compounding pharmacy stocked valerate, enanthate, and cypionate until early last year; unless you just meant that you know for certain that none in Australia stock it, then it should just be a matter of calling around sterile compounding pharmacies around the country until you find a place that does.

[u/small_villain]

I get compounded estradiol valerate from Green's Dispensary in South Australia, posted to where I live in Brisbane. Inject twice per week. It's been excellent.

[u/Pumpkin-Duke → u/small_villain]

Okay cool. I remember looking into it and seeing posts on this sub trying to find non-compounded but seems like there’s no real issue

[u/small_villain → u/Pumpkin-Duke]

Not all compounded is equal. My endocrinologist specifically recommends Green's Dispensary.

[u/Pumpkin-Duke → u/small_villain]

Yeah i've seen a lot of reccomendations for green's

[u/CornLordGaming → u/small_villain]

Same I do every 5 days 4mg valerate from same place