3 months on T now, and here are my answers:
1) How long does it normally take, or for you at least, for effects of T to show?
I started feeling effects within a couple days, but the first effect that was perceptible to others was my voice dropping, which happened after my second shot (two weeks in). It was mild at first and only perceptible to my friends who were in the know. It became obvious to everyone at the 1 month mark (and it continues to drop!). At this point, it is the only effect that other people can see, but there have been a lot of changes that aren't seen/felt by others!
2) Shots... Where do you take them and if its the leg area, how is that area affected?
Weekly shots for me. I alternate legs each week, and inject in the mid-thigh, just to the outer side of the femur. First shot in each leg caused soreness for a few days, but now there's nothing. No pain on injection or afterwards. I've learned that doing it in the morning and moving around for a bit afterwards works great to get it dispersing into the muscle.
3) Voice drop in general. I have a VERY feminine voice as is and am very desperate to see changes in that.
As I mentioned in answer 1, the voice drop was quick. I wasn't expecting it to happen that quick or that intensely (but I love that it is!). I can hit low notes while singing that blow my mind!
4) Hair as well. I'm expecting little to know hair growth actually. I get a lot from my dad, who comes from a hairless family. On the other end, my moms side are quite the hairy people.
Started shaving my face two weeks ago because the hair growth (albeit blonde) was getting noticeable. But the growth is slow, so I didn't have to shave again until yesterday.
5) Attitude? I'm normally passive-aggressive and calm so I'm concerned.
"Hulking out" was my biggest concern pre-T, and the first question I asked my doctor during the consultation! I am also passive-aggressive and calm (outwardly... anxious, internally) and anger is quite uncomfortable for me to both feel and receive/witness. My doc told me that the hulking out part is more myth for trans guys - it's more of a concern for cis guys who are taking T at body-building levels. For me, I definitely feel/acknowledge feelings quicker than pre-T, but I want to process through and resolve it quicker instead of my pre-T habit of stewing on it and worrying incessantly. My general anxiety level is lower, too (better long term results than any anti-anxiety med I've ever tried!). I don't spend as much time ruminating about things. I want to get stuff done. Be productive.
6) Muscle! I would love to see some improvement there! Considering how much I work out I NEED to see something!
Muscle growth has been huge for me! Did cause muscle cramping and shin splins for the first month (supplements can help this!), but the muscle development is worth the temporary pains. My calves are the obvious development (maybe that's just because there is less fat there so it's just more noticeable!), but I am getting stronger all over and can push myself doing cardio like I never knew possible. Getting runners high for the first time in my life!
7) Finally, periods. How long before the red devil decides to die and leave me be?
I am one of the lucky ones - I only had one period after starting T. I was on my period when I got my first shot. Then had one period that was 1/2 the flow and intensity. Nothing since then (two full cycles without blood now, so I'm pretty sure it's left the building for good!). After struggling with heavy, awful periods caused by endometriosis, it is quite a relief to be done with that!