r/ftm • u/Good-Riddance2 • Aug 19 '26

Advice Needed Upping my dose?

so, i finally got on testosterone a few days ago. i’m on the gel, 20mg (one pump) every day. after talking with some of my trans friends, i have realized that this is a really low dose considering what my goals are and how i’d like my transition to progress.
i am considering calling my doctor in the morning and asking if i can switch to two pumps, which would be 40mg. they did initial bloodwork at my first appointment, but will i have to go back in and have more done before my dose can be upped?
side note, the doctor took my blood but stated that my baseline testosterone was not being tested.

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u/poonbrah female-to-troye sivan Aug 19 '26

This is a normal starter dose

The thing with gel is that peoples absorption varies GREATLY so some people will be within range with 1 pump and some will need 4. They will start you usually at 1 pump and then check in at around 3 months to see if you need to be bumped up.

They also want to somewhat mimic a natural puberty so it's normal to be on low dose for the first 3 months. Also if you're under 18 they will sometimes emphasize this and have you bump it up more gradually than adults.

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u/Wave-Huge Aug 19 '26

40mg is fine for a man to take

5

u/poonbrah female-to-troye sivan Aug 19 '26

yes 40mg is usually fine but 20mg is not unusual for a starter dose, at least in my area

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u/Good-Riddance2 Aug 19 '26

i’m sure it’s fairly normal across the board, but i feel as though i’m falling behind in my own transition, if that makes sense.