When you begin hormone therapy, your doctor will prescribe a low dose of hormones, and gradually increase the dose over a few months, until it is enough to effectively block the hormones being produced by your own body.

Regular blood tests are necessary to determine your hormone levels, your doctor will modify your dose so that your hormone levels are maintained at levels consistent with other adults born into the gender in which you wish to live.

Different people have different levels of naturally occurring hormones in their systems, and differing susceptibility to externally administered hormones. Thus, the hormone dose will vary widely between individuals.

Taking extra hormones above your prescribed dose will not improve the long term effects. However, taking an excessive dose greatly increases the risk of blood clots, liver damage, and the other side effects that go hand in hand with hormone administration.

If you are unhappy with the results you are seeing, please bring your concerns up with your doctor.