What should I do before HRT?

[Diamond Dust]

I'm sure this question gets asked a lot, but being as confused and with only one person in my life who is understanding (But knows nothing about the finer mechanics of transitioning.) I'm just wondering what are some things I should be doing before I start on hormones?

I think I'll have a good month or two (Maybe less) before I actually have a chance to see a doctor about this, so that's time I could be spent preparing for it. However I'm not sure what I should be doing to make things easier on the transition (and myself).

Right now, the only thing in my life I've changed is my eating habits and exercising. Getting plenty of fruits and vegetables, cutting out those fatty foods, walking two hours a day on a treadmill to drop some weight and I've been moisturizing my skin quite a bit.

I'm just not sure what I SHOULD be doing. If there is any information I could provide to better help someone answer then just say and I'll get right on it.

Edit: I think I should mention that I'm considering FFS before starting HRT since I've read that male skin is thicker giving better results during surgery.

[Embla]

Well to chime in almost everyone seems to suggest that FFS should wait until after a few years on HRT so that you will know what you truly need.  I know it's personal too, but HRT will make a lot of subtle changes and you won't know what they are until they've happened.  Never heard of the "thick male skin" thing before, but it sounds plausible.

I think you're doing all you can do in terms of responsible weight loss, exercise, and water intake.

[sysm29]

I support having FFS before estrogen if that's what you feel you need.  Going on estrogen will begin breast development and if you're not ready to live full-time and pass, you can get stuck with these breasts but not being able to live as a woman and that's not good.  A transition should completely be tailor-made to the individual, and we all should make our own choices for us.  One person's experience is not the same as anothers.  Do what you feel is best.

[Diamond Dust]

Well I have this amazing opportunity to be honest, where I'll be moving to a big city where no-one knows me (With the exception of my very understanding cousin.) So, I'm not worried about what develops first. I do thank you for your input, because even though it is truly in the end my choice what to do first, it's a really tough one and it's great to get some opinions about it from people who obviously would know more than I do at this point.   

[Christine Eryn]

It seems like you're on a pretty healthy path. My first doctor 4 years ago never mentioned quitting smoking, but I did a few months after on my own. I know people that work out and still smoke. Hell I did. I also thought taking Spiro I would have to manage salt/sodium intake, which I don't pay real close attention to.

[Catherine Sarah]

Hi Diamond Dust,

I'm inclined to follow Embla's line of thought. As each individuals journey is different, I'd do the FFS as a last resort, due to the changes HRT exerts on us. Apart from the cost, which can be prohibitive at times, I think that expense can be better used in deportment classes, teaching you the refinements expected of a lady.

Hope this is of some assistance
Be safe, well and happy
Lotsa huggs
Catherine

[JenJen2011]

Before hormones, you can get in better shape which you are doing. You can also start electrolysis if you have facial hair, work on your voice, and let your hair grow out if that's what you're looking to do.

As for FFS, hormones do not change the bone structure so I don't see any problem with doing bone work before starting HRT. But I personally would take it slow, one step at a time, and not try to rush things.

Good luck.

[Diamond Dust]

I thank you all for your responses and I'm thinking more on this everyday.

But as it stands, if things work out the way I hope they will.. then money will be no obstacle to stand in my way and reach my goal.

And as a matter of fact, I've been growing my hair out for over a year and a half now. It's down past my collar bone if left hanging. (Which I Rarely do when people are around. )

I think some images would paint a better picture:

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/913/sany0013hz.jpg  This is me with my hair back in a pony tail which is how my hair is 99.9% of the time and a fresh shave (Which is why my face is a bit red from irritation). Like I said before, I've been told by several people that I look very feminine.

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/7528/sany0017up.jpg  This is me with my hair down and combed to one side which almost no-one sees.


So, with those images, does it help/change any opinions on what I should do first before I start HRT (Besides having my beard laser'ed/electrified away.

[justmeinoz]

There is not a lot to do in the way of preparation for HRT itself, apart from stopping smoking.
The other things mentioned such as laser or electrolysis, voice therapy etc will make the changes that HRT will cause appear a bit more noticeable.
As your skin becomes softer and your facial contours change slightly, the loss of facial hair will seem more pronounced, for example.
Mainly just relax in the knowledge that you are passing another milestone. 
It is interesting to take photo's before and after, so you can see how far you have come if you start to feel discouraged at any time.  Remember, it takes GGs years to get there too.

Karen.