MTF: our breasts and nipples

[Tori]

Hehe, we sure do love talking about our breasts in here. Yet another bewb thread to hit page two in no time.

Lucky for me I love the topic.

Week 1, headlights on, slight budding.

Week 3, nipples noticeably larger. Areolae and nipple skin texture softened to feel more female. Increase in sensitivity. Nipples feel bruised (as described in other posts) when pressed back in.

Week 5, the fun really begins, my 38 A cup moobs (what I started with) are roughly the same size (perhaps larger) but the fatty texture is changing. The skin on my chest is getting more sensitive. This, combined with my uber sensitive nipples leaves me feeling like my chest is quite a bit larger than it actually is. It is changing my spacial awareness. On that note, I had an unfriendly encounter with my first door frame. Ow! Really though, for the first month, I kept thinking about my chest because I wanted it to do something. Now I think about them obsessively because I have near constant and new tactile sensations coming from them. It is like I replaced AM for FM.

All in all, things are starting to kick into gear. If I throw my shoulders back and flex I can look like I have a male chest but it takes a bit of contortion, my chest is taking on the slightest tear drop shape.

When I started HRT, I kinda' made a contract with myself and my wife. I was gonna' do the HRT thing for two months before making a final decision. I figured that would give me time to feel and evaluate the physical and psychological effects, while not doing any permanent damage if I decided to back out. Well, I tell y'all, two months is kinda' stretching the limit. My chest is still passably moobish, but it won't be long now before that changes forever.

On the same note but not about my boobs, I was telling my wife that I still haven't fully accepted my being on HRT because I have not passed the two month point and still feel like I can back out. She tells me, "Oh you better not stop! You are like ten times a better person now. I was just telling my sister how amazing you have been this last month. It is like night and day."

Hehe, I think I may have already passed the point of no return.

[Roberta W]

Hey Tori ... Congrats on following your heart.  Congrats to your wife also for being so encouraging.  Don't stop, your journey has just begun, and you already feel the joy.  I can tell from your post.  Please keep us all informed so we can follow along.  How far do you think you might go?  Roberto.

[Tori]

I honestly have no clue how far I may go.

I thought I would jump in whole hog but I have reacted quite differently.

I view HRT as a cathartic anti depressant. I am in it more for my mind than for my body. Don't get me wrong, the physical aspect is awesome too, I am trans after all, but I figure if I go in with huge physical expectations I am setting myself up for disappointment and the ultimate goal is to quell my dysphoric bouts not to incubate potential new ones.

I have not yet gone out in public in girl mode. I hardly do it around the house. I don't insist my wife or others use my female name and pronouns. I still pee standing up. Hey, it is convenient.

I am discovering I am not very girly. When I am treated like a woman it does impact my behavior. When I dress, I quite enjoy myself.

I often call myself a Bull Dyke in a China Closet.

I am happy you of all people asked me that question, Roberto, because I am finding a surprising pull towards being androgynous and calling it a day. I like the options that come with it. As long as I have been on HRT, I have really embraced my inner masculinity, much to my surprise. I really thought HRT would lead me in the other direction.

Hair removal and an eventual orchi or SRS are about the only things on my bucket list.

I do think I will end up on the feminine side of androgyny eventually but right now I am really enjoying the slow and scenic route.

How 'bout you? What has your path been like and do you have any advice for us newbies?

[Missy~rmdlm]

Maybe I just hang out with the most uncool post-ops but I just know a bunch of ladies did not get big blessings from the boob fairy. It's not a big theme, but many will need breast augmentation to get where they want to be.

[Tori]

I fear augmentation. I selfishly enjoy the sensations so much (thus far) I don't want to risk going numb. My opinion may change. I have always had a natural breast fetish. Augmentation actually turns me off. I really don't care about size, I just like them to be all flesh. I think it comes down to my fantasy of being a cis female. I know my breasts will work just like if I was cis. I will take what I get and if you ever hear me complaining about their lack of size or over abundance, please remind me of this post.

It should go without saying but just in case, I respect everyone's right to do what they will for their own mental and physical well being.

[Roberta W]

Hi Tori ... What was my path like?  Wow.  Let me see if I can remember all this!  I started in 1979 with HRT, but like the previous post, I did not respond well to it.  Not much happened.  The doctor suggested BA ... So I went for that.  Size B. He wanted to see how I liked that, and if I still felt comfortable.  Then came electrolysis (chest & underarms), a little dressing experimentation, then triple pierced ears before that was in vogue for guys.  I liked where I was going, but I still wanted more.  I wanted the SRS, but that was expen$ive, and I had to save-up for 7 years in order to have the funds for that.  The doctor (at that time also the therapist) thought that such a wait was a good idea to get past the "will he change his mind" mode.  I did not.  I still wanted the SRS, and I had that surgery in 1986 in California.  At the same time we went with another BA to the next size larger, now C or D, depending on Bra Brand.  I have never regretted the decisions ... And I still like who I am ... Which I now understand is androgyne.  I am a Dad, and I have no need to go all-out or full-time girl, but I do enjoy sporting a little frontal cleavage on some occasions ... And I do not back away from swimming pools or hot tubs in hotels etc. (when traveling) wearing a two-piece where the SRS is totally obvious (nothing there.)  My wife remains totally supportive.

What advice do I have?  I ought to have a lot after 28 years post-op, but all I can say is that it's always the same.  Follow your own path.  Follow your own heart and do what you know you need to do.  Don't let others or circumstances dictate your path.  You have to do what you need to do.  You do need to confide in family and close friends, but don't let short-term needs (like giving a presentation at work or something like that) concern you.  They cannot see what's under your clothes, and after a short detour, you can return to the side of the fence (or knife-edge as Susan calls it) where you are most comfortable.  (Admittedly this is easier for us androgynes, where we are not trying to go full-out, full-time girl.)

A recent event comes to mind ... A friend said to me "behave yourself or I'll have her (his girl friend) pinch you where it hurts the most!"  I said "where is that?"  He said, "you know, which tit is most sensitive?!?!"  Such comments are evidence that those around me are totally comfortable with who I am.  We need to strive for this level of comfort, and you can't get there by hiding.

Enjoy your journey!  Roberto.

[Tori]

I'd apologize for dragging this thread off topic but that was such a great post I don't think I have to.

Thank you Roberto. Wonderful read. Sage advice.

[noleen111]

I currently wear a 36D bra, 3 years into HRT. I love my girls, I love wearing tops that show off my cleavage. I prefer an underwire bra, as they push my girls up better. I own a wonder bra and my girls look good in them.

I felt my first effects a few days in.. breast buds formed very early and I had A cups after a month.

[nepla]

As far as a band extension, I thought about borrowing a few inches from an old bra, just for the hooks (or loops) and sewing it in place.  Sure be nice to find something ready made though.

If no one has commented on this yet:- I don't know where in USA, but in Australia I am able to buy extensions in the local supermarket amongst the haberdashery things. They are available - Target, most bra shops also e-bay - includes 2,3,and 4 hook types.

[Lara1969]

One week on E only and I do not feel anything nor I see any changes, 

Lara

[V M]

One week on E only and I do not feel anything nor I see any changes, 

Lara

It generally takes about three weeks to a month before things start to happen    It just takes a bit of patience   

[Jenna Marie]

I Googled "bra extender" : http://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Clothing-Bra-Extenders/zgbs/apparel/2364773011

[Jenna Marie]

Glad to help. I only knew b/c I have my own collection of them!

[spx_1112]

Within 1-2 weeks I was feeling and noticing changes on E

[Tori]

Yeah, E was kinda' anticlimactic at first.

After the HUGE step of starting HRT, I expected to notice E immediately. Spiro was much more evident.

E is subtle, gentle and takes its time, kinda' feminine, if you ask me, but it does seem to snowball. 5 weeks in and the changes, slight as they are, are adding up. Now I am thankful for the slow start. It could be quite overwhelming if it was any faster. Really, I have noticed about one big change every week or so (so far involving the chest mostly) and then a handful of smaller things each week.

[Violet Bloom]

Here is my time-line and progress to date:

- First 8 weeks on increasing Spiro doses - no reaction (doctor did ask since development can result minimally from this).
- Then started on Estrace, 13 days later needle-like nipple pain starts.
- Three weeks later nipple pain increases.
- E dose increased after four weeks, buds under areolas noticeable next day, clear fluid could be squeezed out second day.
- Buds continue to expand over next two weeks, pain is not sharp any longer but is steadily a dull soreness, fluid still present.

  What little noticeable protrusion and expansion exists shrinks away completely if I get cold.  It is very hard to tell how much of the formation is due to fluid, swelling or blood flow.  Right is leading left.  From what I gather I'm within the Tanner II stage as there is barely any tenting.  I'm impressed though for it to have even gotten this far in just six weeks.  I am expecting to receive another Spiro increase at the end of January before the next E dosage increase is considered by my doctor.

[nepla]

Glad to help. I only knew b/c I have my own collection of them!

Both my wife and I use them - very handy!

[ashley_thomas]

Hi Tori ... What was my path like?  Wow.  Let me see if I can remember all this!  I started in 1979 with HRT, but like the previous post, I did not respond well to it.  Not much happened.  The doctor suggested BA ... So I went for that.  Size B. He wanted to see how I liked that, and if I still felt comfortable.  Then came electrolysis (chest & underarms), a little dressing experimentation, then triple pierced ears before that was in vogue for guys.  I liked where I was going, but I still wanted more.  I wanted the SRS, but that was expen$ive, and I had to save-up for 7 years in order to have the funds for that.  The doctor (at that time also the therapist) thought that such a wait was a good idea to get past the "will he change his mind" mode.  I did not.  I still wanted the SRS, and I had that surgery in 1986 in California.  At the same time we went with another BA to the next size larger, now C or D, depending on Bra Brand.  I have never regretted the decisions ... And I still like who I am ... Which I now understand is androgyne.  I am a Dad, and I have no need to go all-out or full-time girl, but I do enjoy sporting a little frontal cleavage on some occasions ... And I do not back away from swimming pools or hot tubs in hotels etc. (when traveling) wearing a two-piece where the SRS is totally obvious (nothing there.)  My wife remains totally supportive.

What advice do I have?  I ought to have a lot after 28 years post-op, but all I can say is that it's always the same.  Follow your own path.  Follow your own heart and do what you know you need to do.  Don't let others or circumstances dictate your path.  You have to do what you need to do.  You do need to confide in family and close friends, but don't let short-term needs (like giving a presentation at work or something like that) concern you.  They cannot see what's under your clothes, and after a short detour, you can return to the side of the fence (or knife-edge as Susan calls it) where you are most comfortable.  (Admittedly this is easier for us androgynes, where we are not trying to go full-out, full-time girl.)

A recent event comes to mind ... A friend said to me "behave yourself or I'll have her (his girl friend) pinch you where it hurts the most!"  I said "where is that?"  He said, "you know, which tit is most sensitive?!?!"  Such comments are evidence that those around me are totally comfortable with who I am.  We need to strive for this level of comfort, and you can't get there by hiding.

Enjoy your journey!  Roberto.

This is a great post, thanks for sharing! As someone right on the edge (on some meds and presenting at home but not at work), having to balance family and career even though my wife and kids are great, I can only say your words are so welcome.

[Roberta W]

Hi Ashley ... Glad I could help! That's what we're here for ... Mutual support and understanding.  A place where we can openly share our experiences!  Roberto.