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I don't know if I want to go on Testosterone...

Started by DarkEye, July 26, 2015, 10:14:02 AM

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DarkEye

I came out to my dad a few months ago, if I tell him I want to take T he'll probably let me.

But I have some major problems:

1. My relatives are EXTREMELY transphobic and will literally hate me. So how will I explain my voice cracking and getting deeper? I don't want to be labelled a freak and be banned from any family gatherings.

2. I really don't want to lose my hair. I bleach my short hair ombre and like just having it...


Is T really gonna be worth it? Is it going to even fix any of my problems? I'm so sick of seeing a guy and constantly thinking "God, I want to be you..." I'm just so tired of living like my life is completely stunted yet wasting away!
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LordKAT

You don't have to take T to be yourself. If you are comfortable enough without it, then don't.  You could go for puberty blockers depending on age. If you truly fear what relatives would say or do, then perhaps you can wait until you go to college or get your own space to take T. Since your dad seems to be accepting, perhaps you could ask is advice on dealing with relatives.

Meanwhile clothing and hair can ease dysphoria for a while.

Some people have transitioned without any HRT. It is an option.
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AndrewB

Well, I think most of your questions at the bottom can only be answered through some soul searching, as they pertain to you and you alone. Whether T is worth it or not is entirely dependent on you. As for family, I understand not wanting to be ostracised, but is it really worth it if you are avoiding transition so you can be around people that hate what you are, and people like you? My family and I dropped my transphobic grandfather like a rock when he showed his true colours, and it's made our lives a heck of a lot less stressful, that's for sure. Nasty relatives just aren't worth the pain they cause, usually. However, if you really want to keep up with the family, maybe you could take your transition as a chance to educate your family; it might be worth a shot, right?

Also T is not guaranteed to make you go bald. Many men here have full heads of hair, in fact I'd say the majority do. As you age, you may develop male-pattern baldness, but that's just life, right? We can't all look twenty forever.  :D

Whatever path you take to transition, I hope you'll keep your mental and emotional needs in mind above those of people who might not ever be supportive of you. Look out for yourself.  :)
Andrew | 21 | FTM | US | He/Him/His








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Dena

A little bit of history here. In the civil war, at least one woman bound her chest, cut her hair and served on the union side as a young man. She did receive some kidding about the lack of facial hair, but this example shows even back then it was possible to move in the male world without the aid of T. As somebody who had to live with it far to many years, I tend to think it is a bit overrated but that is my own judgement and not the judgement of others.
Do what feels right to you and maybe 10 or 20 years down the road you can always change your mind if you want what T delivers. Undoing the effects of T is hard so make sure it is what you really want before you go forward.
Rebirth Date 1982 - PMs are welcome - Use [email]dena@susans.org[/email] or Discord if your unable to PM - Skype is available - My Transition
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Tysilio

If your dad is supportive, you might talk to him about seeing a gender therapist. There's a lot to be said for working with a professional who knows the facts, understands the issues, and can help you figure out what you need to do to be comfortable. It's your life, and these are big decisions; it's hard to work through this stuff on your own, even when family members support you. It's worth taking the time to get it right.
Never bring an umbrella to a coyote fight.
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FTMax

You can hide it as a cold for a while. I started T about two months before I came out at work. People were constantly asking if I was sick. But your voice won't be the only thing changing, and the other effects of T are a little harder to explain away. I personally haven't experienced any hair loss or thinning. Look at the males on your mom's side of the family to figure out your inclination towards male pattern baldness if that's a concern for you.

Ultimately only you can answer if it will be worth it or not. I'd strongly recommend talking to someone professional about it. My first meeting with my doctor to get on T confirmed that it was absolutely what I needed to do for myself.
T: 12/5/2014 | Top: 4/21/2015 | Hysto: 2/6/2016 | Meta: 3/21/2017

I don't come here anymore, so if you need to get in touch send an email: maxdoeswork AT protonmail.com
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