safe transition

[ChelseaAnn]

So, I haven't yet started transitioning, but I'm at less than two years now (provided everything works out properly in Pennsylvania).
My in-laws are not on board (see my rant on my blog). My parents are ok. They're not worrying about it yet, because we have a vacation in November/December next year they're focused on. But, they're generally supportive.
My dad is the one who's having a bit of trouble. He's worried about my health. Now, I had bloodwork done, at his request, because he wanted to see if there was some sort of hormone imbalance that was causing my thoughts (yes, that was an interesting conversation, as we were both saying the same thing, but thinking of it in a different way.) Anyhow, he's worried that taking hormones and/or hormone blockers, in addition to anything else, might be unsafe.
Did anyone have any problems when they took their medications? My trans girl friend (MTF friend, not actual girlfriend) had to take something extra to prevent blood clots.
Anything you can tell me is great. I'm having trouble convincing my dad it's safe.

BTW, the bloodwork didn't find anything. I had pretty much every test possible done.

[ErinM]

I haven't had any problems personally, but I put heavy emphasis on the personally.

HRT come with a lot of risks. That is why medical supervision is necessary. A doctor can monitor your blood work to manage these risks.

Do you have a doctor (preferably an endocrinologist experienced in transgender HRT) lined up?

[Beth Andrea]

High estrogen levels are known to occasionally cause DVT (deep vein thrombosis--aka "blood clots"), mainly during late pregnancy and during HRT of post-menopausal cis-women. Your endo will do regular blood tests to check if that is happening (there's a particular liver enzyme that indicates an increased risk of DVT).

Other than that, I don't recall there being other major health risks...other than sterility (permanent) and impotence (less so). Breasts will likely form (although the final size is very much a random-ish thing) and will not likely go away if HRT is stopped.

There are emotional changes (one is more likely to cry at things, less likely to have a temper), and some other changes such as softer skin, body hair diminishing, pointy ears, and a greenish tint due to the copper-based blood.

Oh sorry, I was thinking of Vulcans. Human women keep their ears, iron-based blood intact and skin tint.

[Edina Rene]

...and some other changes such as softer skin, body hair diminishing, pointy ears, and a greenish tint due to the copper-based blood.

...and let's not forget it's much easier to shape the eyebrows (you can use a ruler with your eyebrow pencil)

[Beth Andrea]

...and let's not forget it's much easier to shape the eyebrows (you can use a ruler with your eyebrow pencil)

yeah, one does not have to create that pesky curved arch...pointed is much more...logical.