transgender....can or can,t I be prescribed estrogen with hep c

fistly...let me light a cigarette...(helps with stress)...I,m a transgendered person...who is desperate to get on some form of male to female hormones to feel in tune with myself, and finally have better body image. I contracted hep c over 5 years ago during my live fast die young phase... now i know what  youth  is not for the young means...anyway i have tried and tried again to get relevant information on the "male to female hormones + hep C" subject but always seem to draw a blank... i know we all are trying to "clear"
but interferon doesnt really appeal to me...as i believe that with a healthy balanced diet plus excersize and quitting cigarettes..will allow me to live a fairly decent and active life till medicine makes advances and comes up with a better solution than interferon....  i would love to hear of anyone who has been given hormones with hepatitis C ...and what i would need to do to convince potential endocronologist/psychs/doctor that i can adhere to a drink and drug lifestyle to achieve what i so long for.I have heard of people with Hiv being allowed to transition , ... also do the estrogens have less damaging consequences on liver if one leads a healthy lfe? or have diet and excersize have no bearing on liver stresses???... i really am desperate and dont want to say suicidal as i am trying to remain optomistic and believe truly in mind over matter...I know some of you may think i am delusional, but please dont be too harsh...all i want  is to be myself...i know ladies take estrogen  4 HRT...please someone give me some good news and some advice THANK YOU

[1fairygirl]

Please take several deep breaths and then think about what you need to do to reach your goals.  Things meay seem to be at a standstill for you but with research and some great doctors, you should be able to achieve your goals.  I have hcv and that caused me to start menopause very early.  I have been on premarin and provera for about 4-5 years and am also on tx for my hcv.  My gastroenterologist did not say that my meds would be any problem with my liver.  It would be very important for you to stop smoking before taking hormones, as I'm sure you are aware.  
Just take it easy and things will work out for you.  I'm sure that since you've began this transformation, you are eager for it to be complete.  Just remember that it has taken you this long to come this far and a little longer will be okay.  Time goes by so quickly and you will be so busy finding drs. and finding information and making decisions that you will get it all done before you realize it.  Don't do anything rash, just take it one day at a time and find out your options.
Best of wishes to you and I hope that you are able to find yourself clear of hcv someday.
Smiles, Sue

[cuteus]

Lucky for you, there was a discussion a while back about HRT, and it became very involved. check it out:
Any natural, liver friendly treatments for use in Estrogen Replacement Therapy?? - susan400: 07/18/2005

BTW, what does your biopsy show and what is your genotype?

[Califia]

Estrogen is actually liver protective.  Research has shown that when estrogen levels fall, fibrosis development increases.   A lot of women see an increase in disease activity at menopause.  

Interferon can make us moody and depressive, so having a lot of major big life issues on our plates while treating can be way too much.   But before going straight to treatment heaven, you need to know where you stand diagnostically.

Sounds like you need a consult with someone who's familiar with your situation.  If you're in the Bay Area, I could recommend a few doctors to you.

Please don't collapse into despair, hon.  This stuff is a royal pain in the arse, but you can deal with it one detail at a time.   And the dietary and exercise changes are a terrific idea...at the very least, you are guaranteed to become the most beautiful trannie on the block.  

p.s.  Perhaps you could trade your cigarettes for weekly acupuncture?  Your liver would thank you for it.

[scruffy]

You've just gotten the BEST advice-read it twice. Be well, frank

[Tonyz]

"Perhaps you could trade your cigarettes for weekly acupuncture? Your liver would thank you for it."


    <font size="4" color="Green">Ditto</font>

                   TonyZ




<font size="1" color="Pink">PS...Calif How you doing!!!! I am sending god vibs your way.</font>

[sueEcidal]

Thank you to the kind People, who took the time to post some advice and encouragement...I really appreciate it...I,ve been doing research tryin to "arm" myself with knowledge and information ...and have been compiling info to later presewnt to health professionals,  so they realize I am aware of the risks  and alwso to prove I am serious about what I wish to embark on...but that info about estrogen actually not being as bad for the liver as I once was led to believe  is the best news I  have had in a long time....i definitely will continue with a lil more optimism

                                Thank You

[GoofyDad]

Sue, Could you post your Bay Area Dr recomendations?

Thnx

[Califia]

You'd be in great hands w/ the Hepatology Dept. (Liver Transplant Center) at  Pacific Medical Center in SF, especially Drs. Gish and Wakil.   They also have an office in Oakland.  Long wait for appointments as they are much in demand.

Theresa Wright and her fellow doctors at UC Med in SF are equally top-line.

Ditto for the entire Hepatology Dept. at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto-- Drs. Emmett O'Keefe, Joanne Imperial, etc.

Any more questions, please feel free to ask.

[GoofyDad]

Thanks! As it turns out, I have an appointment with Dr Gish. I appreciate your input.

[sueEcidal]

sorry goofydad, i,m not in the bay area....cheers for the encouraging liver transplant suggestion...can't wait...lookin forward to it...hope it all goes well for you