Two years full time now

[Ms Grace]

Thank you everyone.

As many of you may know (since I go on about it all the time), I had an attempt at transition in my early 20s but it was a bit of a bomb. Two years on HRT, some successful outings in girl mode, a few unsuccessful outings too. Crazy mood swings - most likely caused by the less effective 1990s HRT regimen - which didn't help me much with my friends who were trying their hardest to be supportive. Patchy HRT results after two years. Anyway, thankfully all that is in the past. But it sits in stark contrast to what I have been able to accomplish this time.

The defining differences include much better psych support; much better HRT support, a mostly more supportive and accepting social attitude with some legislation to back it; greater self acceptance, confidence and maturity; dealing with my internalised transphobia, self loathing and shame; a supportive mother...she wasn't very thrilled about it back in the 1990s; and no doubt many other things.

I know transition was the right thing for me, after only two years I can hardly even relate to the male person I presented as before.

[KayXo]

I'm happy that this time worked out well for you. I'm curious though. What was your HRT in the 1990's? What exactly did you take?

[Ms Grace]

I honestly can't remember most of the names, it's all lost in the mists of time...1991 was a long time ago! I know one was Androcur, which says a lot. There was another estrogen pill, pretty sure it was the horse pee one. There was also an injection, possibly Depo Provera (??) (that could be wrong), and I can't remember the frequency...monthly or fortnightly...probably monthly. It was all a blur by the end and if I wrote it down in a journal it was all purged when I went back into denial.

[stephaniec]

I struggle when it's only a few weeks ago

[KayXo]

I honestly can't remember most of the names, it's all lost in the mists of time...1991 was a long time ago! I know one was Androcur, which says a lot. There was another estrogen pill, pretty sure it was the horse pee one. There was also an injection, possibly Depo Provera (??) (that could be wrong), and I can't remember the frequency...monthly or fortnightly...probably monthly. It was all a blur by the end and if I wrote it down in a journal it was all purged when I went back into denial.

Not too surprising then as both cyproterone acetate (Androcur) and Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate) have a reputation for causing depression, anxiety, irritability and even suicidal tendencies in some. Horse pee =  higher risk of DVT. Too bad they didn't know better, back then.

[Ms Grace]

Yeah, I suppose HRT wasn't really a thing even for post menopausal genetic women back then, now that it is trans women have definitely benefitted from those developments. The guy I was seeing at the time, Steinbeck, was supposedly the leading endo for trans women in Sydney. He passed away a few years ago (still practicing in his 90s), maybe he had updated his treatments but I'm glad I didn't end up back with him again.

[Ms Grace]

Actually, my bad, I think the injections were Primogyn Depot. Apparently it's not sold in Australia anymore.

[KayXo]

The guy I was seeing at the time, Steinbeck, was supposedly the leading endo for trans women in Sydney. He passed away a few years ago (still practicing in his 90s), maybe he had updated his treatments but I'm glad I didn't end up back with him again.

Steinbeck? I know him! OMG. But I thought it was Kate Steinbeck, a woman. I have followed many transwomen who were treated by him in the early 2000's and he was prescribing oral Progynova (estradiol valerate), a pretty high dosage compared to most other places in the world but I don't consider this dose to pose a risk, I've know women of an advanced age taking an even higher dose and do fine, no complications. But, I remember him prescribing VERY high dosages of cyproterone acetate and also sometimes medroxyprogesterone acetate and this I don't agree with and consider a risky endeavor but there was one girl in particular, she reported feeling great on this regimen and having significant breast growth but at what potential cost?

Actually, my bad, I think the injections were Primogyn Depot. Apparently it's not sold in Australia anymore.

Same as Progynon Depot. Contains estradiol valerate. Seems ok. I take that.

[Ms Grace]

This one was Alfred Steinbeck... it would seem he had a daughter Kate so it is likely that she is the one you're referring to.

[JenSquid]

Congratulations, Grace!

[SanaRinomi]

Party time  ! ...Hey, Where's the party  ? There isn't one near me ! 

Congratulations on reaching 2 years!

                                                                 Love, Sarina!

[Dee Marshall]

Congratulations, Grace! I'm so happy (and a little jealous) for you. I don't have a definite date, I just sort of drifted and one day found that I had been living as a woman. But this is about you! May your life be everything you've dreamed it would be. I know that you don't show every little ache and disappointment but I've admired you and your spirit for years! Something about OZ breeds the best trans women.