I haven't started t yet and so I'm trying to find the best way to do so WITHOUT needles. I have a panic attack every time it comes to getting an injection. i think i might go with the patches, i know i should suck it up and just go with the injections but i dont think i can. best of luck to you though :)
I'm going on T shots in a few months. my Dr wants to see how I do on these patches first before putting me on the injections. I'm a dialysis patient I got Kidney disease. but im doing this I don't care im not ment to be doing T becuz of my kidney failure, but I'll rather risk my life trying to be who I am instead of living unhappy for the rest of my life. I'm 33 just came out as trans becuz I've been thru alot since I was a kid and I was silent about what I was going thru. so since I've waisted 33yrs of being someone I wasn't, I feel better now that I'm being who I really am by transioning from female to Male. I won't stop even if it kills me becuz I'll rather be dead than live as a nobody.
i feel the same way. i've had arthritis since i was 8 and nothing will stop me from transitioning, if T isn't compatible with the medicine i take then i'll switch medicines or find alternate routes
Ranginui Tu Kaha i have so many health issues and I'm only 21 and the side effects of transitioning scare me so much, but hearing your determination makes me feel a little less anxious, thank you
Yo I’m start testosterone in the next couple days I have chronic kidney disease and pancreas’s issues so it’s take a long time for me to actually be aloud to start I hope ur doing well!
Hey sam idk if this is relevant but once you're past a certain time of being on T (different for everyone) Phantom cramping starts happening. which is basically menstrual cramps without the blood. Your body really wants to do the period thing but can't and sometimes it can take years to feel the cramping happen again after the cycle stops. I am going for a hysto soon and I have the same exact issue where the cramping sudden;y came back but my levels are normal and its literally just your body trying so hard but cant because of testosterone. i thought id share because you seem to be having similar symptoms
Michael Ryan sorta not like in a phalloplatsy way which is getting full penis but a hysterectomy is when they take out the ovaries and uterus from the body if its a total hysterectomy
On the 30th of July 2018 I watched this video at 4:30am... I was hating on myself pretty hard for being different and then I watched this. I found a sense of home in the few minuets of watching. This is the video that helped me come out to myself... 3 years ago. So thank you Sam, thank you for helping me figure out who I am
Can I just say, even though I'm not trans, your videos feel like a very informative, judgement-free way for me to learn about trans people. (It's always good to learn different perspectives and stuff.) Great content, love your work! P.S. You are a super handsome guy. Love the hair!
Not sure you will see this, but I wanted to say thank you for this video. I start on T in May. I opted to go with patches because the thought of giving myself an injection caused a lot of anxiety. But your description of the pain level associated with injections vs. patch removal was very helpful. I hadn’t even thought of any pain with removing patches. I have seen 0 changes since starting T in May and decided to switch to injections till my levels get to where I need them to be. I gave myself my first injection today and you are absolutely correct... I really didn’t feel any pain with the injection. Thank you again! 😘
Hi! I know its like really late, but I started shots the 11th of August. I have the biggest needle fear out of anyone I know. Last week I did my shot and straight up just shove it in my leg and did it. The shots arent that hard, sure its intimidating, but you cant think about it. My needle size was incredibly small. The drawing up needle was scary but remembering that my injection needle is incredibly freaking small helps. I'd recommend that you discuss with them about what sizes they prescribe for needles, the places I've heard only go down to a 25, and I'm at like 29. I dont know if this helped, bit from one with a needle phobia to another, it's worth it and it takes less than 2 minutes.
@@virtualvessel8062 I am so sorry!shots suck so bad. I know this sounds like a repeat of what everyone always says, but in 5 months I've learned watching RUclips or things that you enjoy HELPS. I also always remember "if I do it now and fast, it's done and it'll pay off". I still haven't gone in for my second round of labs though 😭
i’m starting patches cause i was so inconsistent with needles. i think it’ll definitely be good for me since my levels aren’t high to begin with even with doing occasional injections. i was on t for a year a bit more consistently but with unsupportive parents and being in high school i just couldn’t keep up with that part of me :( now i’m 20 and i was fine on injections, still inconsistent because of growing needle fear even though i was fine doing them. each injection for me got worse lmao. but starting patches tonight ! just hoping to have some t in me, i’ve been identifying as male for 6 years, been male my whole life though :p, and i’m just now trying to stay on top of my medical transition.
oh • com Even tho you got recommended to this video doesn't mean you have to watch it like you can just scroll to a different video and life on with your life than criticize someone thats actually going through this so can you just stop being a b*tch about it
Juliana Hernandez they literally didn't say anything like that... They are mad at RUclips for them not giving them a notification... They aren't mad for Sam being in there recommended....
Luth Tate ^ Hips become less curvy but based on what I know, this is usually a long process and can take longer to happen unlike other things that T changes
Your fat slowly redistributes (think **about** a year on regular dose for it to be done) and you loose some fat on your hips but unfortunately it cannot move bone 😭 your hips will most likely still be noticibly wide but still passable just because some cis guys have wide hips
The one thing I was worried about when I want to transition, was the needle. Thanks for this video ❤️ when I do talk to a doctor I will ask them about patches!
On shots, do you notice any mental changes as opposed to patches? Since patches are daily, they are steady, like you've explained and shots arent, also like you've explained. So, does having it daily keep your mind more stable, or can you really not tell a difference? I'm not taking T YET, but I have higher levels of T for being biologically female. I can sort of tell when I have higher levels of T in my body based on my mentality/emotions, if that makes sense.
i cant mentally tell the difference, i dont think its much different that way, maybe there could be less flucuating emotions since its a steady dose everyday but thats just me thinking logically
The longer you've been on T, the less you'll probably notice the mood changes between injections. On patches, it's very consistent and you can't really tell a difference. When you first start injections, you might feel a little down before your weekly shot, but that decreases the longer you're on it.
DefensePuppy In my experience, it wasn't right away but it gradually built up to where I feel stupid sometimes because of how "guy-like" my mind gets lol
Thanks for the info. Thinking about switching to patches myself as i have just had a hysto. This video was really helpful. Sending all the love and good vibes bro. You're looking great!
Typically, 16, but in some places if you want to get it without your parent's consent it's 18. Usually they don't give HRT to anyone younger unless the situation is very dire, the parents give consent, and the person has felt like that their entire life. In the UK at least many doctors require you to go on hormone blockers for at least a year before you start T if you're under 16
where i am (southern united states) it really doesn’t matter as long as you’ve had therapy and parents consent. i’m starting next summer when i’m 14 so 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
do you (or anyone watching) know the affects of T on your singing voice? i really wanna go on T but i'm a singer and i'm afraid i won't be able to sing if i start T. any information helps. love you sam ❤️
Flyn if you look up mileschronicles and watch his video I AM MILES (it kinda long) he shows his singing voice before and after T Sorry I'm not much help but I thought it'd be better than nothing
Gravity Deer123 i love miles and i have seen that video! i did think his voice was still really good after T. i've heard some people say though that they weren't able to sing at all? but thank you, when i saw that miles could still sing it definitely made me feel better
You can check out an artist called "Cavetown" for more reference (he has a RUclips) he talks about it in one of his latest q&as. I wanna help more but I don't know enough on it so I also wanna save this comment and check out later replies haha
just wanted to thank you for making your videos watching them really helped my brother understand what I'm going through and you also really helped me to figure out myself
This was really useful for me. I had it set in my head that I wanted patches because of the consistency but now I’m leaning more towards shots for the effectiveness.
And it's good to wash your area when you change it. warm water and soap and then dry it then rub baby lotion cream on it so it'll stop rash or itchy. or skin peeling.
I just started T a week ago (yay!). Thanks for the info! I'm getting 0.5ml every 2 weeks right now. I hate needles and there's no way I can give myself an injection, so I'm going into my doctor's office to get it done every time. I wanted to use gel or patches, but even with my insurance they were far too expensive for me (the injection vial for me is $21/month + $35 at the doctor's office to get the injection, vs. $375/month for the generic testosterone gel. Yikes!). Have you heard of the subcutaneous implants for T they have now? I think one of those lasts up to 3 months, but my endocrinologist's office isn't doing those (yet).
Hi, just curious as a pre-t transguy. Do you continue to get your period when on testosterone? If it doesn’t what alternatives can you use to stop it ?
For most guys their periods stop after starting T. If there's and issue and yours doesn't stop there's always the option of talking with your doctor about a hysterectomy.
you normally dont get your period on T as long as its the right dose! but sometimes you can randomly get it if your hormones are a little out of whack but thats normal
This really helped me. I'm stuck between shots and patches because my huge fear of needles. (and I get my shot every 3 weeks) been on T for 3 years now and I'm just kind of over the shot and I suck with taking it at the right time haha but thanks again for the pointers on both!
Not trans, but I have to take testosterone dueto damage done by cancer. I found your video incredibly helpful and confirmed alot of suspicions I had about the patch. Recently I had to be switched to the patch because of a shortage of injectible testosterone in my area, and I felt like my testosterone levels were definitely lower, I haven't been able to contact a doctor yet, but I'm really hoping that it isn't the case. Once again, I found your video incredibly helpful and made me feel a little better knowing that someone knows what I'm going through. Thank you
Dont pin into your thigh. Pin into your glute. There's way more nerves in your thigh than your glute and pinning in your glute wont screw with your workout because of pain. Patches for some are a must if your red blood cell count rises too quickly due to unstable hormone levels from pinning once a week or worse twice a week.
I’m thinking of switching to patches or pills. I’ve been on T injections for almost a year. I mostly wanna switch because once after doing the shot I bled really badly, fainted and then threw up. I could VERY easily hurt myself by doing the shots, so I can’t do them alone. Also, my parents are divorced and I keep all my T stuff at my dads (and my dad is the one who knows how everything works) so I sometimes have to leave my moms so I can get my shot. I also hate having to depend on someone else and not be able to do it myself. There isn’t much info on the pills, and I really wanna avoid any side effects so patches seem easy.
You did very well on explaining the T Shots versus the T Patches, but the only question that comes to my mind is when you showed your arm of when it has that flakyness, have you ever thought about maybe applying some Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic to your arm? It might help it because it does have an ingredient that will help it heal because you could have a skin irritation because of the adhesive that is on the patch itself. See like for me I can't use surgical tape, but you use cloth tape and my skin is fine. Just something to think about. I enjoy your educational videos, I am learning a lot, and I appreciate you taking the time to teaching people about these things.
The cramping could be coincidental. Just a thought. I watched Aydian Dowling's video on his issues with cramping, and how he's seen it come up a lot in trans guys, so that makes me wonder, but maybe it is the patches after all.
Sam you’ve really helped me come out to lots of people as ftm trans (not my parents yet though) and I’m hoping to get testosterone in the future so thanks
That’s weird because I find the patches most comfortable on my stomach back and thighs I don’t like putting it on my arm because only there it would get really red and hurt the most when taking it off also if you ever have an issue with the adhesive making like a grey circle where the patch was u can use nail polish remover to get it off u still hav two like scrub it tho . Also if they are every not sticking well u can buy alcohol on the skin before u apply the patch
When I was talked to about T patches, my doctor didn't really reccomend them because they had lots of bad side effects. But like I've never really understood the whole, higher levels in T. Like I know it's bad if it's low, but why is it bad for it to get high? (I'm on T shots .3 a week now because my levels are high)
If your testosterone levels get to high, there is a chance some of the extra T will be converted back into estrogen by your body, it's also hard on your liver. I don't think there are many bad side effects of the patches compared to shots other than the skin irritation
With the chance of extra T converting into estrogen, there's a chance most or even all of it could convert to estrogen which is the opposite of what we want, it's why we gotta get our levels checked and not just take more when we feel like it. As said above, it is also really hard on your body.
With me Ive been on T shots for 4 years at this point and i have Turners Syndrome which makes me starle i didnt have a period yet however Ive had higher T levels Ive been on a patch for a week or so and Its been giving me more hair on my stomach and everywhere and Its been better for me personally bc Ive been giving myself injections to help me grow and help me in general for ages since I was 2
Hey Sam, my parents told me that i can start T when i turn 18. Well i turn 16 tomorrow and i just feel like it’s so far away. I watch your videos all the time to find out more things about Testosterone. I’m really excited to start! But my question is, what’s the first thing that changed when you started T? Like your voice or your periods? I’m trying to learn more about it before i start.
NoahFinnce has a video about what T did to him in his first month of taking it: voice change (though it was very similar pre-t), energy levels, emotional changes, bottom growth, etc. There are a ton of videos about trans guys taking T and how it affected them after a month or year
i started T a little over a month ago and i have really bad anxiety about doing my shot. i was never able to do it myself, the nurse had to because i freak out every time i have to get it done. my last shot took an hour and 15 minutes. how did you get over the fear of injecting yourself if you were even scared? or do you have any tips on how to get over that fear?
Obviously transitioning takes time, but what’s the best time to start, if that makes sense? Like cut your hair, start wearing super masculine clothes and taking T. Over the summer before school starts, in high school or before freshman year...?
I’ve only taken the gel for over 8 months and my T levels are sitting at about 900. I think you would definitely prefer the gel over patches and it will keep your levels at a good spot
I was so happy when I found out that those patches are a thing. I am extremely terrified of needles (to the point of sometimes fainting when I see one) and was very worried about starting T because of it (even though I will be able to do it only after I turn 18, cause of my transphobic family)
I started T 3 weeks ago and use the patches. Currently using the 2 mg patches. I liked the idea of patches better than giving myself a shot but starting to second guess myself. I haven’t had a problem with them being itchy though occasionally have a problem with them coming off too easily. I know it’s only been 3 weeks but I don’t notice any changes whatsoever. My skin does flake where the patches have been but hasn’t been a big deal.
i would do injections but the sheer sight of a needle makes me really fucking scared for absolutly no reason. nothing bad has ever happened to me with needles, i just cant stand them. i personally, am way too short for how tall i should be, so the lower t levels probably wont affect me very much, which is great. the way you described the patch pain just sounds like a bandaid and i have plenty of those on my body at all times, so i probably wouldnt even feel the pain hajaj
Sounds like injections are the way to go! I know injections can be bad for acne and it’s a lot of hormones at once instead of spaced out, but daily discomfort with patches seems like too much!
I’m not afraid of the pain, I’m afraid of needles and I don’t know why. Something about the medical-equipment looking-ness of them sends me into hyperventilation. I couldn’t even donate blood at a blood drive because my pulse got too high. So what I’m saying is, how do I get over my fear or needles?
So I'm thinking of taking Testosterone, but my fear of needles are holding me back. And now from what I've heard with the patch I don't want to do that either. I'm most likely gunna take needles but I just need to know. To anyone taking Testosterone via a needle and has had a fear of needles before taking it, did the fear go away after a while or is it still there? Cause I feel if my mom helps me with the needles till I'm more comfortable I can lose the fear
Shadw Fox I had a super bad fear of needles when I first started testosterone injections. After taking testosterone for a while, I’m still kind of scared of needles but it’s not nearly as bad as it was and doesn’t really get in the way of injecting my testosterone anymore. It was pretty hard to get past the fear at first and I needed my dad to be there to be able to do it, but after a while it got much easier for me and I can do it on my own now. With help and support, I think you can do it! =)
I'm a big wuss about getting my t injected haha, you can get numbing creams that you apply before the injection so it doesn't hurt which has helped a lot, plus my fiancé is really careful and gently. He does it in my lower back so I can't see it which helps, and I watch silly RUclips videos to distract myself. But it definitely gets easier with experience, hope this helps! :)
I had just started T in August this year and I'm watching to patches because I'm 95% blind and it's hard doing shots by myself I'm also on a low dose how long until u see the changes
Bit of a late response for you but I've been on testosterone 2.5 for a year now and it took about two months before I started noticing any changes. It is a bit different for everyone but if you feel you aren't getting any changes at all after 5-6 months you should ask your doctor if you can go up on t a little bit. It's not a fun waiting game but it's definitely worth it when you start feeling comfortable and confident with your body!
And if you do go up and don't like how fast things are changing, remember you can always go back down to the lower dose :) Hopefully this helped a little bit
What about creams or pills? I'm terrified of needles, but I could easily get used to them if needles is the best and most effective out of every testosterone option.
I’m switching to gel higher mgs. But definitely just because you cramp doesn’t always mean your levels are low. I have no hysto and I feel cramps ever since 2 years on T and I’m just a little over the two year mark. Levels are fine, so my shots every 6 days, and my ovaries aren’t functioning/ the lining is THIIIIN. My endo who is also a obgyn said they are phantom cramps. So that’s even more signs for me that I need a hysto pretty soon cus these lil shits ain’t fun 🙃 they happen randomly out of nowhere
I’m 13 and looking to start hormone blockers but I don’t know much about them. I was just wondering if anyone had any stories about them so I can see what it’s like and what the process of getting them is
So at the end of April, I went to an OBGYN to see about getting T and he said he’d be willing to help me and start blood tests and everything and that he’d call my family back in a week. Well now it’s June and we never got a call back. My mother said that it’s their turn to call us, but I feel that there has to be something that we could do. Maybe they’ve misplaced our papers? I don’t know. It’s just killing me. I feel like we’ve come so close but it was just a mirage... should I keep being patient or should we persistently keep contacting them?
I'm 14 and trans and honestly I wish I could take T now. I hate the fact that I'm going to have to wait until I'm 16-18 (in Ireland they're pretty strict on giving T out) and oof the future seems so far away.
your still young bud don't worry. I am 33yrs old and I've just started on T lol. long story. but yeah you still got along life a head of you even at age 16 you start you'll ne one of the lucky ones who start at young age before 20.
You could try androgel (or whatever its called). Its what I am considering doing. If you do switch to androgel, it would be great to get a lot of feedback to how it works and its side effects. Thanks!
I wish I could patch, Gel seems gross and I cant hug people without getting T on them and i love hugs, also fuck needles. But I'm allergic to adhesive.
Hi I'm a trans male who is trying to get in the process of doing T but I stressed over the options of T because I am very scared of both shots and pills but I don't know if the patch would work for me and I don't have any transgender friends who have gone through T so I'm just so upset and overwhelmed that if I don't do injections or pills I won't be able to have my second puberty right and go as smoothly as I hope it will.
honestly i was completely fine at first, didn’t hurt much, but the longer i was doing it the more anxious i got and the more it hurt and i developed a fear of needles
If you have a fear of needles, could you just go to the doctor so the doctor can do it or do you have to do it on your own? I'm asking because needles don't scare me but I feel like this will. Mainly because it's life altering and change is fun but it's also kind of scary. I could just ignore hate but I feel like sometimes I will just give in feel bad about myself and will probably have those thoughts again. But I want this, and I know it's my over thinking talking.
Why not just go to gel? You’re using Androderm, right? Androgel is gel testosterone that rubs on your arm. Yeah you can’t wash it off for like 10 hours but nothing adheres to your skin and there’s no needles. I’m on it and it’s working great for me 😁
Okay this is late but I have a question testosterone, and how quick the effects take place. If I were to start testosterone, but in a smaller dosage than what would be considered normal, would the changes still happen eventually? I know that obviously the changes will occur slower as the dosage is lower, but I’m worried that nothing will actually change for years. The reason I want to take a smaller dosage is because I feel like I would freak out if anything changed too quickly, and also it’d be easier for my family if things slowly changed rather than my voice dropping within 2 months. I likely won’t be able to start t until I’m 18 but oh well
thank you so much for posting this i was looking into this and there are almost no videos talking about the two so i didn’t know what the right choice for me was , but i’m thinking that i’ll go with injections and switch to patches after a few years. regarding injections, because of the spike in testosterone levels once injected once a week, did you ever experience bad acne or “weird” side effects the first few times ? I get really bad cramps and i’m just wondering if as soon as i start T will they go away or will they be uncontrollable for a while? thanks for making this video by the way, you’re the best.
I want to go on t but I'm honestly more scared if the blood tests than the actual t shot. I've only just started to get used to injections (I had a huge phobia over needles), but the idea of blood tests terrify me. It sucks.
Oh no! I was thinking of doing patches becausee my worst fear is needles. But then you said you started feeling cramps sooo that sucks. Hmmm thanks for this Sam, is there any other options or are these the only two??
Hey Sam what about gel? I'm going on T soon and I'm not sure if I should pick injections or gel manly for my mental health cause I know injections make your hormone levels rise quickly then drop but gel keeps it balanced but don't Injections work faster?
I'm not sure what you mean by faster, but you're getting the same amount of T whether you choose gel or injections. Mental health is important and you can always switch after if that's what you want.
Ryan Grant i was actually about to comment about gel. i started t on the gel and i’ve been on it about a month and a half now. i honestly love it and haven’t had any problems with it, like no pain or rashes or anything
responding to hundreds of comments under this video about anything T related so ask away!!
Sam Collins I’ve watched all of your videos but I don’t know if you’ve said this, how much does it usually cost to go on t?
is there any side affects when first starting T?
Sam did u ever regret taking T? Maybe not regret but did u ever have 2nd thoughts?
would you go on T gel? I recently had to switch from shots to gel but i havent been on long enough to really tell the difference
Sam Collins I'm thinking about becoming ftm got any advice
Am I the only one that thinks that the messy hair is really cute?
Yoongi Three Dollar Swag Nope
(ARMY!!!!!) I like the messy hair too.
I like it too.
Not the only
Yoongi Three Dollar Swag it is cute
Getting the Vitamin T 💉
Lol
These videos have helped me a lot. I'm a 13 y/o trans boy but I'm not out of the closet so It helps to see people who have made it as far as you have.
i'm also 13 y/o closeted trans how r u
woah same
Same but I’m 14 ^^
NICO I LOVE YOUR PFP SO MUCH also hi im also a trans dude my name is jay im obsessed with mcr if you couldnt tell by my excitement haha :)
@@jregensb4731 hello jay!! im also a trans dude my name is alex :) and i am also obsessed with mcr ( i have a mcr tapestry on my wall) 😌
oh boy i need this.
needles are terrifying to me so i needa figure it all out.
syphos Listen man I reflexively gag every time I see one. I'm probably gonna take the injections anyway.
I haven't started t yet and so I'm trying to find the best way to do so WITHOUT needles. I have a panic attack every time it comes to getting an injection. i think i might go with the patches, i know i should suck it up and just go with the injections but i dont think i can. best of luck to you though :)
I'm going on T shots in a few months. my Dr wants to see how I do on these patches first before putting me on the injections. I'm a dialysis patient I got Kidney disease. but im doing this I don't care im not ment to be doing T becuz of my kidney failure, but I'll rather risk my life trying to be who I am instead of living unhappy for the rest of my life. I'm 33 just came out as trans becuz I've been thru alot since I was a kid and I was silent about what I was going thru. so since I've waisted 33yrs of being someone I wasn't, I feel better now that I'm being who I really am by transioning from female to Male. I won't stop even if it kills me becuz I'll rather be dead than live as a nobody.
Rayray Tangiora Yoza good for you but please take it easy. This world needs somebody that is as determained
i feel the same way. i've had arthritis since i was 8 and nothing will stop me from transitioning, if T isn't compatible with the medicine i take then i'll switch medicines or find alternate routes
are you still alive
Ranginui Tu Kaha i have so many health issues and I'm only 21 and the side effects of transitioning scare me so much, but hearing your determination makes me feel a little less anxious, thank you
Yo I’m start testosterone in the next couple days I have chronic kidney disease and pancreas’s issues so it’s take a long time for me to actually be aloud to start I hope ur doing well!
Hey sam idk if this is relevant but once you're past a certain time of being on T (different for everyone) Phantom cramping starts happening. which is basically menstrual cramps without the blood. Your body really wants to do the period thing but can't and sometimes it can take years to feel the cramping happen again after the cycle stops. I am going for a hysto soon and I have the same exact issue where the cramping sudden;y came back but my levels are normal and its literally just your body trying so hard but cant because of testosterone. i thought id share because you seem to be having similar symptoms
oh wow wtf i didnt know this thank u sm
HyperMatt14 does a hysto mean bottom surgery?
Michael Ryan sorta not like in a phalloplatsy way which is getting full penis but a hysterectomy is when they take out the ovaries and uterus from the body if its a total hysterectomy
Sam Collins no problem!
Not for everyone.
On the 30th of July 2018 I watched this video at 4:30am... I was hating on myself pretty hard for being different and then I watched this. I found a sense of home in the few minuets of watching. This is the video that helped me come out to myself... 3 years ago. So thank you Sam, thank you for helping me figure out who I am
Okay, your hair looks great, but in 6 months, just put little LED lights in your hair, and sit in your living room.
BOOOM, DIY CHRISTMAS TREE.
Can I just say, even though I'm not trans, your videos feel like a very informative, judgement-free way for me to learn about trans people. (It's always good to learn different perspectives and stuff.) Great content, love your work!
P.S. You are a super handsome guy. Love the hair!
I'm cis. Why am I watching this?
Oh right, because Sam Collins is amazing.
Not sure you will see this, but I wanted to say thank you for this video. I start on T in May. I opted to go with patches because the thought of giving myself an injection caused a lot of anxiety. But your description of the pain level associated with injections vs. patch removal was very helpful. I hadn’t even thought of any pain with removing patches. I have seen 0 changes since starting T in May and decided to switch to injections till my levels get to where I need them to be. I gave myself my first injection today and you are absolutely correct... I really didn’t feel any pain with the injection. Thank you again! 😘
I'm so afraid of needles I honestly can't see myself being able to do shots
but I'm worried gel or patches won't have as much as an effect
Hi! I know its like really late, but I started shots the 11th of August. I have the biggest needle fear out of anyone I know. Last week I did my shot and straight up just shove it in my leg and did it. The shots arent that hard, sure its intimidating, but you cant think about it. My needle size was incredibly small. The drawing up needle was scary but remembering that my injection needle is incredibly freaking small helps. I'd recommend that you discuss with them about what sizes they prescribe for needles, the places I've heard only go down to a 25, and I'm at like 29. I dont know if this helped, bit from one with a needle phobia to another, it's worth it and it takes less than 2 minutes.
@@raisafan4389 my shots take half am hour 😭😭 I hate them so much I just wanna do patches
@@virtualvessel8062 I am so sorry!shots suck so bad. I know this sounds like a repeat of what everyone always says, but in 5 months I've learned watching RUclips or things that you enjoy HELPS. I also always remember "if I do it now and fast, it's done and it'll pay off". I still haven't gone in for my second round of labs though 😭
Same!
@@raisafan4389 tysm!
0:10 "I'm ftm trans and if you don't know that by now your fucking stupid" 😂i laughed so hard
i’m starting patches cause i was so inconsistent with needles. i think it’ll definitely be good for me since my levels aren’t high to begin with even with doing occasional injections.
i was on t for a year a bit more consistently but with unsupportive parents and being in high school i just couldn’t keep up with that part of me :(
now i’m 20 and i was fine on injections, still inconsistent because of growing needle fear even though i was fine doing them.
each injection for me got worse lmao. but starting patches tonight ! just hoping to have some t in me, i’ve been identifying as male for 6 years, been male my whole life though :p, and i’m just now trying to stay on top of my medical transition.
Why didn’t I get the notification wtf is this bs
oh • com Even tho you got recommended to this video doesn't mean you have to watch it like you can just scroll to a different video and life on with your life than criticize someone thats actually going through this so can you just stop being a b*tch about it
Juliana Hernandez they literally didn't say anything like that... They are mad at RUclips for them not giving them a notification... They aren't mad for Sam being in there recommended....
Juliana Hernandez I’m literally subscribed to him??? You read me comment wrong, chill.
Haley lolz! Thank you lmao
oh • com well my bad i thought you weren't subscribed to him and I'm truly sorry for that
when you go on T, do your hips/waist/thighs become less curvy? that's one of my most dysphoric places and i hope T will help that
Allison Hill Body fat does redistribute to give you a more masculine body shape.
Luth Tate ^ Hips become less curvy but based on what I know, this is usually a long process and can take longer to happen unlike other things that T changes
Your fat slowly redistributes (think **about** a year on regular dose for it to be done) and you loose some fat on your hips but unfortunately it cannot move bone 😭 your hips will most likely still be noticibly wide but still passable just because some cis guys have wide hips
It helps a lot depending on how big you are but remember that it's not a miracle worker, as much as we wish it was
Yes but your pelvic bone is the main reason for that curve.
The one thing I was worried about when I want to transition, was the needle. Thanks for this video ❤️ when I do talk to a doctor I will ask them about patches!
On shots, do you notice any mental changes as opposed to patches? Since patches are daily, they are steady, like you've explained and shots arent, also like you've explained. So, does having it daily keep your mind more stable, or can you really not tell a difference? I'm not taking T YET, but I have higher levels of T for being biologically female. I can sort of tell when I have higher levels of T in my body based on my mentality/emotions, if that makes sense.
i cant mentally tell the difference, i dont think its much different that way, maybe there could be less flucuating emotions since its a steady dose everyday but thats just me thinking logically
The longer you've been on T, the less you'll probably notice the mood changes between injections. On patches, it's very consistent and you can't really tell a difference. When you first start injections, you might feel a little down before your weekly shot, but that decreases the longer you're on it.
Thank you.
Am I the only one that's not trans but still enjoys watching his info videos for trans people?
This is so interesting. Love the video.💜
I've learnt a lot, I have been educated.👌😂
This is amazing. I'm not trans or anything, so I don't really know much. This really gave me a good education.
Thanks.💜
Hey Sam, once you start T is it true that you're pattern of thinking changes? Like you start thinking more "like a guy" in a sense?
DefensePuppy In my experience, it wasn't right away but it gradually built up to where I feel stupid sometimes because of how "guy-like" my mind gets lol
I'm not trans, but From a friends experience the changes are mostly emotional. (As in Sad = Angry In their words) Or harder to get upset.
yes it did for me, everyones different but for a lack of better terms you "think more like a guy" BUT its such a great change in my opinion
Sam Collins Awesome Thank you, Sam!
Thanks for the info. Thinking about switching to patches myself as i have just had a hysto. This video was really helpful. Sending all the love and good vibes bro. You're looking great!
I love that RUclips still has real people that educate and help others ilysm💕
Do you how young you have to be to take testosterone? Also, do you yourself put the patches on the same spot everyday?
Khlojo24 Some can get it as soon as 16 years old. You have to get your parent/guardian's permission however
It depends on where you live and parent consent
Typically, 16, but in some places if you want to get it without your parent's consent it's 18. Usually they don't give HRT to anyone younger unless the situation is very dire, the parents give consent, and the person has felt like that their entire life. In the UK at least many doctors require you to go on hormone blockers for at least a year before you start T if you're under 16
Robin Murillo You’re allowed to anywhere at 14 if the person is valid and has been out as trans for like a long time
where i am (southern united states) it really doesn’t matter as long as you’ve had therapy and parents consent. i’m starting next summer when i’m 14 so 🤷🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
do you (or anyone watching) know the affects of T on your singing voice? i really wanna go on T but i'm a singer and i'm afraid i won't be able to sing if i start T. any information helps. love you sam ❤️
Flyn if you look up mileschronicles and watch his video I AM MILES (it kinda long) he shows his singing voice before and after T
Sorry I'm not much help but I thought it'd be better than nothing
Gravity Deer123 Miles is great example but here's also a whole video talking about singing before and after T ruclips.net/video/OiRexRbOCoI/видео.html
Gravity Deer123 i love miles and i have seen that video! i did think his voice was still really good after T. i've heard some people say though that they weren't able to sing at all? but thank you, when i saw that miles could still sing it definitely made me feel better
Ryan Jackson okay cool thanks!!
You can check out an artist called "Cavetown" for more reference (he has a RUclips) he talks about it in one of his latest q&as. I wanna help more but I don't know enough on it so I also wanna save this comment and check out later replies haha
just wanted to thank you for making your videos watching them really helped my brother understand what I'm going through and you also really helped me to figure out myself
This was really useful for me. I had it set in my head that I wanted patches because of the consistency but now I’m leaning more towards shots for the effectiveness.
You are super hot. Lol
And it's good to wash your area when you change it. warm water and soap and then dry it then rub baby lotion cream on it so it'll stop rash or itchy. or skin peeling.
I want T!! (:
John Butler Neither do I.
I just started T a week ago (yay!). Thanks for the info! I'm getting 0.5ml every 2 weeks right now. I hate needles and there's no way I can give myself an injection, so I'm going into my doctor's office to get it done every time. I wanted to use gel or patches, but even with my insurance they were far too expensive for me (the injection vial for me is $21/month + $35 at the doctor's office to get the injection, vs. $375/month for the generic testosterone gel. Yikes!). Have you heard of the subcutaneous implants for T they have now? I think one of those lasts up to 3 months, but my endocrinologist's office isn't doing those (yet).
My friend told me about your channel. I'm cis but I gotta thank him(trans guy as well) for telling me about your channel. Instant sub.
Love you Sam💜
hello I'm from newzealand and I'm Trans FTM. I like watching your vidz bro. GoodMorning.
dude same wtf
do you know anywhere i can start t, preferably in the south island lol thanks
Very good video. We are considering switching my son from injections to the patch soon. Thank you! Very informative. 👍😁
Hi, just curious as a pre-t transguy. Do you continue to get your period when on testosterone? If it doesn’t what alternatives can you use to stop it ?
Ryan Silver no you don't because your becoming a male
Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. A lot of contributing factors can stop your menstrual cycle when you're transitioning.
typically your menstrual cycle will come to a stop within 1-3 months I would say, but it mostly depends on the person/your dosage of T :)
For most guys their periods stop after starting T. If there's and issue and yours doesn't stop there's always the option of talking with your doctor about a hysterectomy.
you normally dont get your period on T as long as its the right dose! but sometimes you can randomly get it if your hormones are a little out of whack but thats normal
This really helped me. I'm stuck between shots and patches because my huge fear of needles. (and I get my shot every 3 weeks) been on T for 3 years now and I'm just kind of over the shot and I suck with taking it at the right time haha but thanks again for the pointers on both!
Not trans, but I have to take testosterone dueto damage done by cancer. I found your video incredibly helpful and confirmed alot of suspicions I had about the patch. Recently I had to be switched to the patch because of a shortage of injectible testosterone in my area, and I felt like my testosterone levels were definitely lower, I haven't been able to contact a doctor yet, but I'm really hoping that it isn't the case. Once again, I found your video incredibly helpful and made me feel a little better knowing that someone knows what I'm going through. Thank you
I don't use either patches or injections, I use gel. I find it super handy because It won't cause any pain or bleeding
'MY HAIR LOOKS LIKE A F*CKING DEAD ANIMAL' lol Sam in the middle of the video
Dont pin into your thigh. Pin into your glute. There's way more nerves in your thigh than your glute and pinning in your glute wont screw with your workout because of pain.
Patches for some are a must if your red blood cell count rises too quickly due to unstable hormone levels from pinning once a week or worse twice a week.
I’m thinking of switching to patches or pills. I’ve been on T injections for almost a year. I mostly wanna switch because once after doing the shot I bled really badly, fainted and then threw up. I could VERY easily hurt myself by doing the shots, so I can’t do them alone. Also, my parents are divorced and I keep all my T stuff at my dads (and my dad is the one who knows how everything works) so I sometimes have to leave my moms so I can get my shot. I also hate having to depend on someone else and not be able to do it myself. There isn’t much info on the pills, and I really wanna avoid any side effects so patches seem easy.
Not sure how accurate this is but I've heard that the pills can cause liver problems and that's why they're not more widely used?
You did very well on explaining the T Shots versus the T Patches, but the only question that comes to my mind is when you showed your arm of when it has that flakyness, have you ever thought about maybe applying some Neosporin or Triple Antibiotic to your arm? It might help it because it does have an ingredient that will help it heal because you could have a skin irritation because of the adhesive that is on the patch itself. See like for me I can't use surgical tape, but you use cloth tape and my skin is fine. Just something to think about. I enjoy your educational videos, I am learning a lot, and I appreciate you taking the time to teaching people about these things.
I just fucking love this comment section
Wow Sam. I’m actually so proud of how far you’ve come. Ilysm ok bb (btw I hate needles to sooo)
The cramping could be coincidental. Just a thought. I watched Aydian Dowling's video on his issues with cramping, and how he's seen it come up a lot in trans guys, so that makes me wonder, but maybe it is the patches after all.
Sam you’ve really helped me come out to lots of people as ftm trans (not my parents yet though) and I’m hoping to get testosterone in the future so thanks
That’s weird because I find the patches most comfortable on my stomach back and thighs I don’t like putting it on my arm because only there it would get really red and hurt the most when taking it off also if you ever have an issue with the adhesive making like a grey circle where the patch was u can use nail polish remover to get it off u still hav two like scrub it tho . Also if they are every not sticking well u can buy alcohol on the skin before u apply the patch
When I was talked to about T patches, my doctor didn't really reccomend them because they had lots of bad side effects. But like I've never really understood the whole, higher levels in T. Like I know it's bad if it's low, but why is it bad for it to get high? (I'm on T shots .3 a week now because my levels are high)
If your testosterone levels get to high, there is a chance some of the extra T will be converted back into estrogen by your body, it's also hard on your liver. I don't think there are many bad side effects of the patches compared to shots other than the skin irritation
With the chance of extra T converting into estrogen, there's a chance most or even all of it could convert to estrogen which is the opposite of what we want, it's why we gotta get our levels checked and not just take more when we feel like it. As said above, it is also really hard on your body.
Well the cramping part was a no go for me. Thanks bro for educating us
With me Ive been on T shots for 4 years at this point and i have Turners Syndrome which makes me starle i didnt have a period yet however Ive had higher T levels Ive been on a patch for a week or so and Its been giving me more hair on my stomach and everywhere and Its been better for me personally bc Ive been giving myself injections to help me grow and help me in general for ages since I was 2
Hey Sam, my parents told me that i can start T when i turn 18. Well i turn 16 tomorrow and i just feel like it’s so far away. I watch your videos all the time to find out more things about Testosterone. I’m really excited to start! But my question is, what’s the first thing that changed when you started T? Like your voice or your periods? I’m trying to learn more about it before i start.
NoahFinnce has a video about what T did to him in his first month of taking it: voice change (though it was very similar pre-t), energy levels, emotional changes, bottom growth, etc. There are a ton of videos about trans guys taking T and how it affected them after a month or year
Addison Landis Thank you !
i started T a little over a month ago and i have really bad anxiety about doing my shot. i was never able to do it myself, the nurse had to because i freak out every time i have to get it done. my last shot took an hour and 15 minutes. how did you get over the fear of injecting yourself if you were even scared? or do you have any tips on how to get over that fear?
Obviously transitioning takes time, but what’s the best time to start, if that makes sense? Like cut your hair, start wearing super masculine clothes and taking T. Over the summer before school starts, in high school or before freshman year...?
I’ve only taken the gel for over 8 months and my T levels are sitting at about 900. I think you would definitely prefer the gel over patches and it will keep your levels at a good spot
YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY THAT I CHOSE YOU OVER WATCHING THE KISSING BOOTH FOR THE 9th TIME also I love you so much Sam and you’re merch is amazing
Weird that I was just looking up the differences on Google but this was a good video, thanks :D
3:08 👌
I was so happy when I found out that those patches are a thing. I am extremely terrified of needles (to the point of sometimes fainting when I see one) and was very worried about starting T because of it (even though I will be able to do it only after I turn 18, cause of my transphobic family)
I started T 3 weeks ago and use the patches. Currently using the 2 mg patches. I liked the idea of patches better than giving myself a shot but starting to second guess myself. I haven’t had a problem with them being itchy though occasionally have a problem with them coming off too easily. I know it’s only been 3 weeks but I don’t notice any changes whatsoever. My skin does flake where the patches have been but hasn’t been a big deal.
I'm terrified of needles and gel is just yucky so I'm mayor of itch town
i would do injections but the sheer sight of a needle makes me really fucking scared for absolutly no reason. nothing bad has ever happened to me with needles, i just cant stand them.
i personally, am way too short for how tall i should be, so the lower t levels probably wont affect me very much, which is great.
the way you described the patch pain just sounds like a bandaid and i have plenty of those on my body at all times, so i probably wouldnt even feel the pain hajaj
Sounds like injections are the way to go! I know injections can be bad for acne and it’s a lot of hormones at once instead of spaced out, but daily discomfort with patches seems like too much!
Your voice is SO DEEP
GIMME
Love this
Very helpful Sam
Appreciate it
I’m not afraid of the pain, I’m afraid of needles and I don’t know why. Something about the medical-equipment looking-ness of them sends me into hyperventilation. I couldn’t even donate blood at a blood drive because my pulse got too high. So what I’m saying is, how do I get over my fear or needles?
‘My hair looks like...a dead animal’ I SNORTED SLABZJSJNXJ
My patch sucks then I have problems keeping them on
Also I’m pmsing when I shouldnt
So I'm thinking of taking Testosterone, but my fear of needles are holding me back. And now from what I've heard with the patch I don't want to do that either. I'm most likely gunna take needles but I just need to know. To anyone taking Testosterone via a needle and has had a fear of needles before taking it, did the fear go away after a while or is it still there? Cause I feel if my mom helps me with the needles till I'm more comfortable I can lose the fear
Shadw Fox I had a super bad fear of needles when I first started testosterone injections. After taking testosterone for a while, I’m still kind of scared of needles but it’s not nearly as bad as it was and doesn’t really get in the way of injecting my testosterone anymore. It was pretty hard to get past the fear at first and I needed my dad to be there to be able to do it, but after a while it got much easier for me and I can do it on my own now. With help and support, I think you can do it! =)
I'm a big wuss about getting my t injected haha, you can get numbing creams that you apply before the injection so it doesn't hurt which has helped a lot, plus my fiancé is really careful and gently. He does it in my lower back so I can't see it which helps, and I watch silly RUclips videos to distract myself. But it definitely gets easier with experience, hope this helps! :)
I had just started T in August this year and I'm watching to patches because I'm 95% blind and it's hard doing shots by myself I'm also on a low dose how long until u see the changes
Bit of a late response for you but I've been on testosterone 2.5 for a year now and it took about two months before I started noticing any changes. It is a bit different for everyone but if you feel you aren't getting any changes at all after 5-6 months you should ask your doctor if you can go up on t a little bit. It's not a fun waiting game but it's definitely worth it when you start feeling comfortable and confident with your body!
And if you do go up and don't like how fast things are changing, remember you can always go back down to the lower dose :)
Hopefully this helped a little bit
@@cretin_666 I use T- gel instead of needles I'm blind so its hard for me I'm now 8 months on T haven seen much changes
What about creams or pills? I'm terrified of needles, but I could easily get used to them if needles is the best and most effective out of every testosterone option.
welp its official im gonna use needles
Dunno if my 2 cents matter in this case, but that hairstyle really suits you bro. And thanks for the info :)
I’m switching to gel higher mgs. But definitely just because you cramp doesn’t always mean your levels are low. I have no hysto and I feel cramps ever since 2 years on T and I’m just a little over the two year mark. Levels are fine, so my shots every 6 days, and my ovaries aren’t functioning/ the lining is THIIIIN. My endo who is also a obgyn said they are phantom cramps. So that’s even more signs for me that I need a hysto pretty soon cus these lil shits ain’t fun 🙃 they happen randomly out of nowhere
I’m 13 and looking to start hormone blockers but I don’t know much about them. I was just wondering if anyone had any stories about them so I can see what it’s like and what the process of getting them is
So at the end of April, I went to an OBGYN to see about getting T and he said he’d be willing to help me and start blood tests and everything and that he’d call my family back in a week. Well now it’s June and we never got a call back. My mother said that it’s their turn to call us, but I feel that there has to be something that we could do. Maybe they’ve misplaced our papers? I don’t know. It’s just killing me. I feel like we’ve come so close but it was just a mirage... should I keep being patient or should we persistently keep contacting them?
Contact them, see them in person if you can, and if they don't respond, find someone else to help you lol
He just spilled the tea on T
I'm 14 and trans and honestly I wish I could take T now. I hate the fact that I'm going to have to wait until I'm 16-18 (in Ireland they're pretty strict on giving T out) and oof the future seems so far away.
your still young bud don't worry. I am 33yrs old and I've just started on T lol. long story. but yeah you still got along life a head of you even at age 16 you start you'll ne one of the lucky ones who start at young age before 20.
You could try androgel (or whatever its called). Its what I am considering doing. If you do switch to androgel, it would be great to get a lot of feedback to how it works and its side effects. Thanks!
I wish I could patch, Gel seems gross and I cant hug people without getting T on them and i love hugs, also fuck needles. But I'm allergic to adhesive.
Hi I'm a trans male who is trying to get in the process of doing T but I stressed over the options of T because I am very scared of both shots and pills but I don't know if the patch would work for me and I don't have any transgender friends who have gone through T so I'm just so upset and overwhelmed that if I don't do injections or pills I won't be able to have my second puberty right and go as smoothly as I hope it will.
I've been putting off t for a while cuz I'm scared of change but now I'm actually not as scared
Do you get used to injecting T after a while?
yes after a while its like doing nothing
honestly i was completely fine at first, didn’t hurt much, but the longer i was doing it the more anxious i got and the more it hurt and i developed a fear of needles
Do you drink tea
Get it?
Haha sorry I think im funny but I’m not
Dan Harvey I relate so much to you it hurts...
Hahahahahahahahaha
When you start T about how long did it take before you started noticing changes? The faster the better
If you have a fear of needles, could you just go to the doctor so the doctor can do it or do you have to do it on your own? I'm asking because needles don't scare me but I feel like this will. Mainly because it's life altering and change is fun but it's also kind of scary. I could just ignore hate but I feel like sometimes I will just give in feel bad about myself and will probably have those thoughts again. But I want this, and I know it's my over thinking talking.
Why not just go to gel? You’re using Androderm, right? Androgel is gel testosterone that rubs on your arm. Yeah you can’t wash it off for like 10 hours but nothing adheres to your skin and there’s no needles. I’m on it and it’s working great for me 😁
How can I start taking or get on T
Ty Morris you talk to your doctor and parents but you have to be 16
Panic at the wicked disco is it really 16? I was told it was really up to the doctor what age they think is right.
velichor that's what I thought. Thx for double confirming👍
Panic at the wicked disco I'm in California they are a little more open then most states.
Panic at the wicked disco you dont have to be 16, you have to be going through puberty.
But you neeed therapy first.
Im starting t this thursday!
Congratulations! Hope it goes well
Congrats!!!!
That would be a bad idea.
Because im a guy ftm trans
Watchdog Man no it wouldnt the only bd thing about this is you judging for who i am.🌈
Damn, I'm actually here on time
I was thinking about patches but I think maybe I shouldn't use them cuz my skin is SUPER sensitive to adhesives
SAM DUDE I have EIGHT DAYS until my one year being out as trans! Just wanted to let you know 'cause I'm fuckin excited 👌
Okay this is late but I have a question testosterone, and how quick the effects take place. If I were to start testosterone, but in a smaller dosage than what would be considered normal, would the changes still happen eventually? I know that obviously the changes will occur slower as the dosage is lower, but I’m worried that nothing will actually change for years. The reason I want to take a smaller dosage is because I feel like I would freak out if anything changed too quickly, and also it’d be easier for my family if things slowly changed rather than my voice dropping within 2 months. I likely won’t be able to start t until I’m 18 but oh well
thank you so much for posting this i was looking into this and there are almost no videos talking about the two so i didn’t know what the right choice for me was , but i’m thinking that i’ll go with injections and switch to patches after a few years.
regarding injections, because of the spike in testosterone levels once injected once a week, did you ever experience bad acne or “weird” side effects the first few times ? I get really bad cramps and i’m just wondering if as soon as i start T will they go away or will they be uncontrollable for a while?
thanks for making this video by the way, you’re the best.
I want to go on t but I'm honestly more scared if the blood tests than the actual t shot. I've only just started to get used to injections (I had a huge phobia over needles), but the idea of blood tests terrify me. It sucks.
Where’s the video ? That you said would be in the description
ive switched to those patches too, they dont stick as well for me as you say they have for you and i get super itchy rashes 👌🏻
Oh no! I was thinking of doing patches becausee my worst fear is needles. But then you said you started feeling cramps sooo that sucks. Hmmm thanks for this Sam, is there any other options or are these the only two??
Hey Sam what about gel? I'm going on T soon and I'm not sure if I should pick injections or gel manly for my mental health cause I know injections make your hormone levels rise quickly then drop but gel keeps it balanced but don't Injections work faster?
I'm not sure what you mean by faster, but you're getting the same amount of T whether you choose gel or injections. Mental health is important and you can always switch after if that's what you want.
Ryan Jackson yeah I was thinking try injections for a few months and see how it goes
Ryan Grant it's your body and your transition. Do whatever you think is best for you. 👍
Ryan Grant i was actually about to comment about gel. i started t on the gel and i’ve been on it about a month and a half now. i honestly love it and haven’t had any problems with it, like no pain or rashes or anything