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Community Conversation => Transsexual talk => Male to female transsexual talk (MTF) => Topic started by: Parker on March 29, 2009, 11:38:21 PM

Title: Changing Bone Structure
Post by: Parker on March 29, 2009, 11:38:21 PM
Could hormones significantly change bone structure for people in their late teens? I know my height (5'11") is there to stay, but is it possible to get wider hips or something?

I'm in my late teens right now, but I've barely grown in the past three years, so my bone growth is pretty much done.

The reason I'm asking is to know whether I should consider transitioning right away or whether I can wait to make sure it's what I want for myself.




age removed -- Nichole
Title: Re: Changing Bone Structure
Post by: placeholdername on March 29, 2009, 11:48:34 PM
Quote from: Parker on March 29, 2009, 11:38:21 PM
Could hormones significantly change bone structure for people in their late teens? I know my height (5'11") is there to stay, but is it possible to get wider hips or something?

I'm in my late teens right now, but I've barely grown in the past three years, so my bone growth is pretty much done.

The reason I'm asking is to know whether I should consider transitioning right away or whether I can wait to make sure it's what I want for myself.

for MTF its about preventing bone growth, not really changing existing bone structure.  There's still plenty of facial bone growth that occurs after late teens so it's best to get on hormones ASAP.  The point of no return is 27 apparently, at which point all bone is set for life (as far as I know).

edit: typo



edited quote to remove age --- Nichole
Title: Re: Changing Bone Structure
Post by: Flan on March 30, 2009, 12:01:17 AM
HRT is NOT able to change either the size, or shape of bone structure. The only thing that may change in time is the bone density. (and not by much)

QuoteThe reason I'm asking is to know whether I should consider transitioning right away or whether I can wait to make sure it's what I want for myself.
If you're not sure, I recommend seeking the advice of a therapist. Transition isn't something to "try out", the results are eventually permanent, and the consequences deep.
Title: Re: Changing Bone Structure
Post by: NicholeW. on March 30, 2009, 12:24:18 AM
Flan's right. You will not get the heavier bone additions to structure that accrues to men, but your hip ratio,shoulder width, etc is set.
Title: Re: Changing Bone Structure
Post by: Parker on March 30, 2009, 08:36:33 PM
Well, HRT can change bone structure, but that's only before bone growth has ended, so that's neither here nor there I guess...

BTW, isn't it healthier to have high bone density?  :-\
Title: Re: Changing Bone Structure
Post by: placeholdername on March 30, 2009, 08:41:22 PM
Quote from: Nichole on March 30, 2009, 12:24:18 AM
Flan's right. You will not get the heavier bone additions to structure that accrues to men, but your hip ratio,shoulder width, etc is set.

That's what I meant in my post if it wasn't clear :P.