For those about to take the HRT plunge...

[Ms Grace]

I know people are starting on HRT all the time, but it seems there are a fair number who, because of insurance considerations, have been holding off until January 2014. It's very exciting and I'm really looking forward to hearing how it goes from those whose journey I've been following! All the best to all of you!

[Jill F]

Yes, congrats to you all!  It made such a difference right away for me, and I hope the same for all of you.

Feeling more femme with each passing day is a wonderful thing to look forward to.  I used to dread getting out of bed in the morning afternoon, now I can't wait to get up and have a nice, cheerful day. As most of you can imagine, I didn't have very many of those between the ages of 12 and 43.

[Ms. OBrien CVT]

To all those who are just beginning.
Like I always say:

Welcome to the Dark Side.   


We have cookies.   

[Jill F]

MTFs: Don't eat too many of those cookies, they will go right to your thighs!  Oh well, they were delicious and the people at Spanx were more than happy to take my money.

[KittyKat]

I can't wait to start, its almost time 

[Lauren5]

I just really hope I can get insurance to cover mine. I don't know if it will.
I know it covers HRT for ciswomen undergoing menopause, but I'm not certain if laws for that to extend to transpeople as well.

[LordKAT]

Getting HRT covered isn't usually a problem and Howard brown is sliding scale. I think (hope) you will be OK in that regard. Can't wait to see how the feminized freckles turn out.

[Lauren5]

I've checked into Howard Brown; I have to pay 100% because of my household income is really high. Unless they only consider my income.

Freckles? I didn't really think I had any.
As long as they look cute

[LordKAT]

They do, I like freckles.

[Lauren5]

*blush*

[FalseHybridPrincess]

Yes, congrats to you all!  It made such a difference right away for me, and I hope the same for all of you.

Feeling more femme with each passing day is a wonderful thing to look forward to.  I used to dread getting out of bed in the morning afternoon, now I can't wait to get up and have a nice, cheerful day. As most of you can imagine, I didn't have very many of those between the ages of 12 and 43.

Yeap 
every day just a little more feminine , its wonderful , as if each day you are getting closer to actually living your life instead of pretending...
good luck guys

wait wth, why do I act as an hrt pro im only like 18 days on e...lol

[Missadventure]

Getting HRT covered isn't usually a problem and Howard brown is sliding scale. I think (hope) you will be OK in that regard. Can't wait to see how the feminized freckles turn out.

If it wasn't for Howard Brown and their sliding fee scale I probably wouldnt be transitioning now. Its almost funny to me. On one hand I find myself stuck in the midwest in what is the lowest paying job I've ever had - thoroughly depressing to me considering I grew up in the sunny and warm san francisco bay area and earning a decent wage. But, on the same note, being stuck in the midwest at the lowest paying job I've ever had has enabled me to start my transition at almost no cost to me. So, I'm going to consider that a win!

[Joan]

No insurance considerations for me, but two weeks until I get my cookies. I have to say I really can't wait!

I'm looking forward to hearing how everyone gets on as HRT begins to take its effect.

Tomorrow we're off to the big city for new year's. I will be seeing in 2014 as Joan and I know it's going to be an interesting year for sure.

Happy new year to you, Grace, and to everyone

[chrissydr]

Just waiting on my last appt before getting my hormones. Just can't wait. Wish I could speed it up. Good to know that there are a few of us starting at about the same time

[KabitTarah]

Insurance seems to be covering everything so far (fingers crossed) ~ I started HRT on the 27th. I and the woman doing my bloodwork almost .... a brick when she said insurance was covering approx $2000 and I could be responsible for up to ~$50. She seemed really nervous. We talked... and she seemed more nervous when she found out I had kids.


Now I can't stop giggling over slightly funny things!!

[Missadventure]

Good to know that there are a few of us starting at about the same time

About the same time... And I peeked at your profile, and it would seem you and I are about the same age too. So, I'll have a companion to join me as I shake my fist at the youngsters while secretly wishing I could be that age again and start this process. 

[chrissydr]

About the same time... And I peeked at your profile, and it would seem you and I are about the same age too. So, I'll have a companion to join me as I shake my fist at the youngsters while secretly wishing I could be that age again and start this process. 

Oh to be young again. Oh well, hand in hand we proceed with this journey... But don't make us old fuddy duddies yet. Us girls may not be spring chicks but we can def give it a shot to act as young as I wish I could be :p

[Megumi]

Right now my insurance will only cover my prescription but they won't cover my blood work UNLESS I am being treated for a secondary condition like depression. I had a talk with my therapist today and she agrees with my stance on the whole it makes no sense that I have to have a secondary condition in order to have all of my HRT covered by the insurance that I PAY for. But luckily in that discussion I talked about how I actually feel good now that I've been on HRT for almost 3 weeks and I'm starting to think that I was depressed the whole time prior to it and never noticed since that was my every day normal feeling for well my entire life ever since I knew I was transgender. She actually said that yeah you were/are still depressed and that she would email the doctor to inform him of my secondary condition that is part of the reason for my treatment so all of my HRT costs are covered by my insurance. It's irritating how cruddy my insurance is to transgender people and the hoops we have to go through to get things covered.

[Lauren5]

You're lucky to even have said hoops to jump through; I'm trying to get the one that I can open, and I'm not even sure if it will. Not even Insurance of Dad will work; he's not providing any money (intentionally) towards my transition. I'll make it work though, I have to.

I can't wait until I can choose my own insurance.

[Missadventure]

Oh to be young again. Oh well, hand in hand we proceed with this journey... But don't make us old fuddy duddies yet. Us girls may not be spring chicks but we can def give it a shot to act as young as I wish I could be :p

I'm pretty sure that HRT will temporarily give us the Benjamin Button disease, and we will age backwards for a while :-) I came out to a friend for the first time today. She's strangely more excited about it than I am, and immediately insisted I drop all my plans for the day and spend it with her in a day of female bonding. And, well. Now I know what being a teenage girl feels like, even though I'm in my 30s.