HRT first effects showing up sooner than expected

[4Allie]

I have read so many posts about how long it really takes to feel the effects of HRT. I was well braced for the long haul and started the spiro/estradiol combo via pill form about 11 days ago. I did expect to feel the sense of calm others have mentioned. And indeed, I have. I do feel more balanced and already hate the thought of going back. But is it possible to just be more receptive to the therapy than expected? I have already noticed a complete shift in my scent...definitely less acrid and more feminine. And even more surprising has been that my nipples have already started changing. Don't want to put out tmi, but the centers just basically popped out like pencil erasers. And they are more sensitive to brushing fabrics. Then tonight, I noticed the areola crowning out a little. I know the mind is powerful and could see imagining some changes. But the changes to my nipples is something I cannot attribute to anything but the hrt. I even think I see a little roundness forming to my breast area, but that could just be my imagination. I started this process needing to lose some weight and have actually been doing so successfully. So while I had a little fat at my chest, the nipple thing is undeniable change. Has anyone else ever noticed actual physical changes this early into transition?

[Tori]

That pretty much describes the things I noticed around the same point. Now, at three weeks, my nipples and areolae have slightly grown, and feel softer to the touch. When the headlights are not on the slightest brushing against them will wake them up for a short time. If it is cold, there is no stopping them.

The biggest changes at this point are from Spiro. Clearer complexion, shrunken prostate (makes peeing much easier), almost impossible to get an erection without playing with it, even then it is not fully hard, clearer and lesser ejaculate.

E takes its time and works in subtle ways. Spiro came on fast.

[4Allie]

Good to read. It is hard to know what to expect, with experiences pretty varied across sisters going through hrt. And yeah...I have the same issue with the "headlights" 

[Antonia J]

I started noticing the changes you described after a week and I am only on E. YMMV, but my breasts started coming in at about 2 months and I am already a near full A cup at the end of 3 months.  I am 42 yrs old and had a bit of a chest before,  but I have lost 10 lbs since my transition started,  so I think it is E related. 

[Tori]

Good to read. It is hard to know what to expect, with experiences pretty varied across sisters going through hrt. And yeah...I have the same issue with the "headlights" 

I thought a red carpet would roll out with a flourish of trumpets. I knew this would take time yet I thought E would be more profound to start.

Thank God for the nipples. Mine are finally starting to hurt, just a bit when I sleep on them and such. Not too much. Not yet at least. But mother E keeps doing her thing.

[noleen111]

My first effects also showed up after a week after starting hrt..

[JordanBlue]

All of you girls are making me very anxious.  I have about 2 more GT sessions before starting on HRT.
God...I yearn for that sense of calm and happiness.   

[Heather]

All of you girls are making me very anxious.  I have about 2 more GT sessions before starting on HRT.
God...I yearn for that sense of calm and happiness.   

That sense of calm and happiness everybody talks about is just temporary. I would never use the word calm to describe anything related to taking cross sex hormones. And the happiness comes from within no pill can bring you happiness that can only be discovered within yourself.

[Joanna Dark]

That sense of calm and happiness everybody talks about is just temporary. I would never use the word calm to describe anything related to taking cross sex hormones. And the happiness comes from within no pill can bring you happiness that can only be discovered within yourself.

I second this. Also sorry but 11 days is not enough time and I developed quick and have had boobs since I was a teen. ii don't mean fat I mean actual glandular tissue. So I was practically made for this but my boobs didn't so much as itch to week six and now I am almost a D cup.

[JordanBlue]

That sense of calm and happiness everybody talks about is just temporary.

I guess it sort of varies for each individual person.  And I guess it might vary according to how miserable a person is before HRT.

[Heather]

I guess it sort of varies for each individual person.  And I guess it might vary according to how miserable a person is before HRT.

The truth was I really wasn't all that miserable before hrt I wasn't really happy either but I certainly wasn't miserable. My main problem was I really wasn't living and was just going through the motions that I was living before. But truthfully I'm not miserable now but hrt has put me through the ringer on certain days and it's not easy or fun and I know a lot of women who have had it far worse than me. But I do have days where I'm not a fun person to be around. Estrogen is not a miracle drug and antidepressant all rolled up into one and we still have our good and out bad days even on E.

[Natalia]

Within 10 days iof HRT I could notice a change on my body odour and a huge difference in my skin - it got less oily and somewhat whiter and softer. My libido went down the hill too, but now it is slowly coming back.

HRT will do wonders for you. You will really start to see great changes within the next months and it is a wonderfull sensation. The calm indeed can go away and you can become a bit moody. I've become a bit bitchy sometimes lol but it is a journey to cherish! Enjoy the trip

[Ms Grace]

The calmness can  depend on the delivery method. I find I'm much more calm with an oral dose and sub dermal pellet than I ever was when receiving injections, that was a hideous roller coaster! That could be the HRT or it could be I'm older and feel more in control of my life and emotional well being than previous time...or it could be both. I guess it varies from person to person.

[JaneNicole2013]

I felt my first effects--nipple tenderness--within the first week. The rest came on rather rapidly within the next few weeks then slowed. I think probably because I've adjusted to the new sensations. I'm still on a low dose. I go back Jan 2 to see if I'm ready to bump up to the next level.

I never really had that sense of calmness except during the first week, and I think that's mostly because I was finally doing something I've dreamt about my whole life.

Jane

[FrancisAnn]

My nipples did react nicely pretty quick, maybe within 2 weeks. At first I thought it was just mental however there were real sensations that I had never had before. After 3 months they seem to be growing some. I'm surely a lot more calm & resolved with myself. My facial skin is much smoother. I'm on a medium level HRT & after my next doc visit we may increase. 

[4Allie]

There really is no denying that my odor and my nipples have both changed dramatically. I can definitely see where the mood thing could be the calm of acceptance and being on my way. But the pop up turkey timers that are now my nipples are no placebo effect. Funny story...I was on the road today for my job. It was hours on the road and at one point, I read this thread and saw the post about no possible effects at 11 days. So at an empty rest area restroom, I lifted my tshirt for a good look, wondering if I had made the whole thing up. Sure enough, they were completely different than before HRT. But the funny part is the look on the face of the truck driver who came in and caught a glimpse of me shirt up before I could push it down like nothing was up. I shuffled out red cheeked but inwardly laughing at the scene

[Ashey]

That sense of calm and happiness everybody talks about is just temporary. I would never use the word calm to describe anything related to taking cross sex hormones. And the happiness comes from within no pill can bring you happiness that can only be discovered within yourself.

Ohh yes. I've been a basket of emotions lately, most of them not-so-good. But even so, I still feel more 'normal' and 'alive' than I used to, and I definitely prefer it.

[Jenna Marie]

Yep. I thought I was making it up too, until I tried to run down stairs.   By day 5, I had noticeable breast "perking" and significant tenderness (and in the end I'd hit C cup at four months). I also think my skin was softer in week 1 and my wife said my scent changed somewhat, but that could be imagination, I guess...

[evecrook]

I don't know about any one else , but I start to cry for some reason. Part of it's joy from being on e and I don't where  the other parts coming from.

[Antonia J]

That sense of calm and happiness everybody talks about is just temporary. I would never use the word calm to describe anything related to taking cross sex hormones. And the happiness comes from within no pill can bring you happiness that can only be discovered within yourself.

^ This. Wait until you get a marathon crying session with tears that emanate from the bottom of your soul.  Hormones are life changing in many ways.