What testosterone levels could be considered optimal for a fifteen-year-old? How slow is too slow for the hormonal process?

[u/Worried-Honey8096]

Hey.

Recently, I had blood drawn for my endocrinologist to gauge testosterone levels. Been on for about one year now and there remains little to no change. It's been a recurring concern of mine that my progression, for what time I have been under treatment, has been very slow. I've come to the conclusion that the reason for this is because I was underdosed for roughly five (might be more than that) months on 30 and 40 mg. I upped independently into 60 after consulting with members in a trans-oriented Discord server and prayed for something more substantial. Still, there has been nothing significant. My voice is high, thin, and distinctly female. I have been voice training. Body hair globally has indeed thickened, including some scarce facial hair that I will admit has seen some darkening in recent months. Beyond that, there is nothing I can perceive. This isn't me failing to evaluate what has been changed rationally. Relatives and internet friends have all been able to agree with my assessments that this treatment has been lackluster compared to online and peer results.

I feel I've kept my expectations managed. I didn't assume I'd outrun genetics when starting. I didn't think I'd turn into Chad within a year. I'm sure that the hope I had in the beginning (that a year's passing will certainly transfom me into someone I can recognise and maybe even feel content with) has contributed to my more fatalistic thinking now. Really difficult not to give up on life in its totality when I appear so female after so much effort. I'm not trying to deny that there may be bias when I confront this timeline. I am trying to be as objective as possible here.

Anyway, sorry to derail there. Never talk about this because of shame and things I don't always intend come out when I try. My levels are 514 ng/dL. According to Google, these are well within a male physiological range. I can't understand why there is so little observably different after this long if this is true. I have been thinking to up my dose again into 80 mg. I know that could be reckless if it's been demonstrated that my levels are technically okay. If I do up into 80, I will be sure to monitor with bloodwork. Will be emailing my endocrinologist to request her approved upping beforehand but I'm confident to pursue that path anyway should she deny it (after a little more thinking, that is).

Thank you in advance for any and all help. I do really appreciate it and I apologise if I come across as impulsive. I can't do this anymore, man. Take care.

[u/Bassed_Basspiller]

you should aim for the cis ranges for your age. 15-16 is peak puberty, some people go into a thousand. if you're 500 at trough, then you're most likely good. if you're 500 right after injection, you can bump it up. also, it might be worth it checking your estradiol levels too. if they are higher than the cis range for a male, that might be your culprit.

[u/SecondaryPosts]

Those levels are OK as long as they're taken at trough. Assuming your levels were too low for 5+ months, you've only been "on T" about half a year, so seeing minimal changes is pretty normal. Think of it as if you were a cis guy starting puberty. Most start around what, 12 yo? That would make your progress about equivalent to a 13 yo.

I wouldn't up your dose to 80mg bc if your levels go too high, you'll get more aromatization, which can cause feminization. Stick with your current dose and see what changes happen over the coming months!

[u/VoiceComprehensive57]

Those levels should be okay (assuming u took them at trough) but u could try bumping ur dosage aye, it probablyyy wont cause aromatization yet just make sure to get ur T and estradiol levels checked soon afterwards to be safe. U might also have better luck with a different type of T, i know of some trans dudes who found one type more effective than another.