Looking for tips and advice on a number of topics...

[esb1988]

Hi everyone. I'm a 23 year old mtf who only very recently decided to act on the feeling that have been eating at me for years.

First and foremost: I'm scared, confused, and don't really have anyone to turn to locally regarding this situation.

I have so many questions, and I know it will take time for them all to answered, but to give a little bit of information about myself;

I'm 23, currently dating a guy that I've been with for 4 years who I've told everything to, and he has been extremely supportive.

I'm 5'6", 110lbs, in college as a electronic engineering and computer science dual major.

I've been thinking about this for a very long time and the longer time has progressed the more apparent it has become to me that I need to do this, and I feel like I need to start now. I feel as though the longer I wait, the more difficult transitioning will become, and that scares me.

How old is to old for HRT to work? What about surgery? I've read a lot of conflicting information online, and I'm even more worried because I don't know what I can do *right now*.

I have this burning need to do SOMETHING, to somehow start down this path, but I don't know how to do my hair, I don't know how to put on makeup, or how I should dress. HRT and therapy and surgery are completely out of the question for the next few years, because I simply can't afford it while paying for college, but like I said before, I need to do *SOMETHING*.

I hope I don't get too overly informative about my body, but I've been wanting to make a post like this for awhile, and I figured I should just go for it.

As I mentioned before, I'm very small framed. I have a somewhat feminine form, not overly so. My body is somewhat hairy as well, and my hair is rather thick. What's the best way to go about removing it?

What should I do to make myself more feminine and prepare for the future?

I'm open to any and all advice any of you are willing to give, and I can post a picture of myself if it'll help.

So if you have the time, and wouldn't mind chatting, feel free to message me here, email me, or contact me over AIM/MSN/Yahoo/Skype, whatever, just email me for my contact info.

Thanks in advance. <3

[justmeinoz]

The first thing you need to do is find a gender therapist.  You will need  help to sort out your feelings as you transition, and you can't get surgery without therapists letters anyway.  Self medicating is not really a good way to go either as you need to keep an eye on your liver function when on HRT.  A gender therapist can refer you to a sympathetic endocrinologist as well.

As you are in college you should be able to access counsellors  used to helping people deal with questions of gender, identity and sexuality.  Don't worry what they will think, they have heard it all and have to keep things confidential.

23 is still young.  Although ideally we should start HRT before puberty I am having good results starting at 57.  The Wikis and forums here have lots of good info and personal stories to get a range of views.  Main thing is you have plenty of time and transition is not a fast process anyway.  There are plenty of possible stops along the way where you might find it comfortable to rest for a while.  You are in charge of the process, so don't feel pressured to rush faster than you feel ready to.

Karen.

[esb1988]

Thank you for the tips I'll look into it.

I know I need to find a therapist but I've had trouble finding one in my area, I'm not sure how to go about it; I don't want to just walk into any old office and explain my situation, I'd rather see someone who has some experience with gender transitioning.

How much does the therapy usually cost? Is there a median price?

[esb1988]

I'm in the triad area of North Carolina. Near Winston-Salem, not really in the city, but closeby.

[Pamelaval0819]

Hi I am Pamela and live in Winston Salem, NC
Infound this post from 2012 hope somebody still connected
Let me know
Pam