Transvestia

thetic chemical. Various combinations of estrone, progesterone and other substances are available on the market. The birth con- trol pills are various combinations of these two substances design- ed to be taken in a specified frequency and which interupt the womans menstrual cycle in such a way that pregnancy is rendered unlikely.

METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION: Estrogenic materials can be taken by mouth as pills (Prevera, Premarin, Stilbesterol, Enovid are some of the preprietary names). They may also be given by weekly injections. Some can be implanted in what is called a “de- pot" which has the estrogen in such a form that the active mater- ial is released into the body at a slow and steady rate over a period of time. Oral administration is obviously cheaper since it does not involve paying the doctor for his time.

AVAILABILITY: All estrogenic materials including birth control pills are under prescription by federal law. You cannot just go into a drug store and buy them.

MEDICAL COOPERATION: The problem then is to find a doc- tor who will be willing to prescribe them to a male. Some will and some won't, there is no rule. If you must have them you'll just have to ask till you find one who will give them to you. Of course you can get a girl to get birth control pills for herself and give them to you.

DANGER: Estrogenic materials do have possibly dangerous side effects and this is why they should be taken under a doctors direc- tion. For one thing they are metabolized in the liver and in some cases can cause liver enlargement. When males are put on estro- genic therapy (often done in prostatic and heart conditions) their liver function is checked periodically. In addition the breasts must be checked to catch any abnormal nodules that might devel- op.. There has been and is controversy in medical circles about the possibility of "the pill" causing blood clots, cancer, etc. American

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