Setting aside that you don’t even need these levels unless something is clearly not going as desired, saliva and urine tests do exist but no doctors seem to even be aware of this. Unlimited genocide on gatekeeper endocrinologists. They can never find a vein on me so I just have to stew for an hour as they poke and prod me unsuccessfully until either I or the lab tech gives up and they tell me they’re not going to refill my prescription without a blood test.

JUST FUCKING REFILL IT, IT’S NOT EVEN MY FAULT, WHY ARE YOU PUNISHING ME FOR THIS!

  • macerated_baby_presidents [he/him]@hexbear.net
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    10 months ago

    One (fucked-up) “use” of these blood tests is if you’ve been having problems with the estradiol shortages, and your doctor doesn’t want to help you stockpile, you can skip a dose before the test. Then they’ll up your dose, you keep taking the same dose as before, and you store the extra. A friend of mine did it and I’ve heard it’s unfortunately pretty common.

  • Iraglassceiling [she/her]@hexbear.net
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    10 months ago

    Trans friends, please drink more water! If they’re struggling to hit your veins you can help them out a little by being ✨hydrated✨

    Chew gum and/or tap your forehead with your free hand while getting your blood drawn. It helps, I promise.