health care and boobs

[Riley Skye]

Right now I've got a couple things on my mind. I can't seem to forget what a couple of my old friends told me last year just before I started hrt. They told me very sincerely that I had to have a one year real life experience of living as a girl before I could start hormone therapy. I tried unsuccessfully to explain to them that wasn't the case and that I simply needed three months of therapy. What bothers me a lot about that is that after searching I can't find anything that says anything like that and I'm really confused as to why they thought this. Would anyone be able shed some light on this misconception they had? I'm very curious if there is any basis behind this.

I'm also feeling self conscious about my boobs like so many other girls lol. My nipples have just about quadrupled in size since starting 1 year and 3 weeks ago. It is really looking like that when they are all puffy they make my boobs look rather misshapen but when erect they shrink a bit and my boobs then look rather normal. I feel rather confused by this to be honestly. Also I still have chest hair and if I don't shave every few days it really triggers me and I can't afford laser

[stephaniec]

I remember a good ways back when I use to research the topic it use to be that you had to do that living thing first. I don't know when they change it. AS far as chest hairs go I think the HRT is helping because I had a lot of hair, but I shave and it's really not a big deal for me because it just takes a couple of swipes.

[stephaniec]

I just looked it up on the wpedea site and they say that some still require it

[suzifrommd]

I think it's from a really, really old version of the Harry Benjamin guidelines.

But to set the record straight, current guidelines require NO THERAPY AT ALL to start HRT. Even the 3 month requirement is outdated and superseded.

[kathyk]

Boobs.  Yup, they do get puffy for some girls.  And how they look and feel depends on each girls breast size at that time.  It's all part of the Tanner Stages and the blurred lines between those stages.  I never went through the normal Tanner Stage growth because of hormone issues and gynecomastia since highschool.  Oh well, I'll just miss out on that part of transition.   

If you think there's an abnormality definitely call your doctor, but otherwise enjoy the changes and learn how they feel when you do a self exam.  You will be doing those exams from now on you know. 

[Christine167]

I think it's from a really, really old version of the Harry Benjamin guidelines.

But to set the record straight, current guidelines require NO THERAPY AT ALL to start HRT. Even the 3 month requirement is outdated and superseded.

Pretty much that, my therapist referred me after just two months. It was three visits but come on that's only three hours. I showed up at the endo's office dressed like a man and walked out that office about an hour later with a script feeling free. It's been awesome ever since then.

[TaoRaven]

You can actually skip the therapy completely if you are fortunate enough to have a doctor in your area that prescribes on the "Informed Consent" model. Some people find therapy useful, however I myself have little use for it.

A list of providers and other information can be found here: http://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/932389/Trans/Stepping%20Forward%20-%20Informed%20Consent%20Clinics.pdf

[DrBobbi]

FACT: THERE ARE NO SUCH REQUIREMENTS. WPATH is an association of psychologists with no legal authority. HRT is a slow process and for anyone starting out their transition, there's plenty of time to change one's mind. It will become evident, quickly if HRT isn't right for you. The real problem is that many ask their primary care physicians for HRT and not having the experience, or education of the treatment of transsexual persons, they do a Medscape, or even Google search and find the WPATH. Find an expert on hormone replacement therapy--An endocrinologist.

FACT: The Endocrine Society asks that member physicians get a diagnosis from a mental health professional, however if the patient is insistent, or expresses the intention of buying hormones online, the endocrinologist may initiate HRT after disclosing the effects and consequences of HRT. While therapy is always a good idea, the so-called gatekeeper requirements are cruel, with many dishonest therapists charging exorbitant fees or requiring months of "treatment" for so-called HRT letters.

OPINION: I started HRT after a two hour meeting with an endocrinologist nine months ago. With respect to the real life experience, in this transsexual's opinion, it shouldn't be attempted until the person transitioning has been on HRT for at least 8 months. Not because you are required to, but because you WANT to. By the 7th month it's was difficult, if not impossible to continue presenting as male. Some of us may need more time, while others will need less. Despite its difficulties and the losses associated with coming out 9 months ago, I've never felt more hopeful and happy transitioning on HRT.

[Riley Skye]

Can anybody send me a link regarding this, I would really like to see it myself and I still can't find anything. On Long Island where I live there isn't any informed consent clinics except for in the city. Thinking back it wasn't terrible for me as I have a really good one but I definitely see the problem there.

Right now my boobs have really been growing since the summer and I am very excited about it. I think it'll be all good come next year. Though does anyone know how I can get rid of my chest hair that will be nice and cheap on my wallet. My family nor I really has the money to afford much especially since we are starting to save for my SRS.

[EmmaD]

Right now my boobs have really been growing since the summer and I am very excited about it. I think it'll be all good come next year. Though does anyone know how I can get rid of my chest hair that will be nice and cheap on my wallet. My family nor I really has the money to afford much especially since we are starting to save for my SRS.

I agree.  Try epilating.  I am much older than you and as a result, the hair much stronger.  It has pretty much gone now -  HRT will have helped a bit but most was gone well before that.  I forgot one Saturday (Epilation Day - well celebrated at my place) and went to my electrolysis session.  They (2 techs at once!!) took one look at my chest and said it has to go 'cos you can't wear a top like that with chest hair!!  In went about 8 probes for the next hour! It is all just maintenance swipes with the epilator now - 10 seconds every week or 2 for whole chest area.

[Ms Grace]

Waxing...just get them to be careful around the nipples. You seem to be a fair haired person so the regrowth should eventually be quite fine. Will require less frequent rewaxing after a few sessions and the T drops way down.

[Riley Skye]

My chest hair was moderately thick actually and though it thinned a lot it's still an ugly black. Fortunately the hair on my boobs is pretty much gone, really the center of my chest and my belly. I don't think epilate will be a good option as it not only gave me a really bad rash but has been way to painful for me to tolerate. I can't see any stubble after shaving but I always feel it when I touch my body and it's rather uncomfortable.