HRT Begins

[DianeofCarlsbad]

I want to start by saying I love Susan's Place. There is such great information to be found. I find so many of the topics and posts relevant to my journey. What a terrific resource it is!

I am positing here because I have just started HRT. I have found other's experiences with HRT very informative and helpful. I want to add my experience. I hope to have you post your thoughts and experiences too. And, of course I want to help others who read this topic.

This is my 5th day on spironolactone and estradiol. I am 60 + years old.I have been started on a low dose of each, but my endocrinologist said if I tolerate that I can increase the dose of each after a week.

So far the biggest effect is just how unreal this all seems. By that I mean that I find it incredible that I have a female hormone flowing through my body. It is such an aggregate of feelings to know what will occur in my future by remaining on the estradiol and spiro.

There are two changes that I am attributing to HRT. The first is a lowering of anxiety. I know that because I have been taking ativan regularly for anxiety. Probably, on average, 4 times a week. In fact the day before I began HRT I had to take two I felt so apprehensive and unease to what I would be beginning. Since starting I have not felt the need for an ativan.

The second is something I didn't notice at the time. I am usually not a person who will talk with strangers. I don't mean I ignore others. I will certainly talk with someone, but I generally feel more comfortable just in keeping to myself. Two days after starting HRT I spent an hour or so in the waiting room of a car dealer's service department. And I just started talking to people as they came and went. It seem that I was actually seeking conversation with others. That was an effect I read others had on HRT. It is something I have read to describe women's interests in comparison to men's. I thought it was very cool to experience that.

I felt a slight bit of nausea as my endo said I might. But as of today that appears gone and I feel totally "normal".

That's it for now. I will post again when I have something to add. I may have expectations about HRT that are too great. But I have read so many posts here, other sites and on blogs of the wonderful sense of peace and calm. Of clearing of thoughts, being more emotional, clarify gender identity and feeling better and perhaps the greatest effect of all, being happier.

Are those changes asking for too much? I truly hope not. If I can experience half of what I have read about it would be wonderful and beautiful.

Thanks for reading

[KayXo]

In the beginning, it's hard to say what is placebo effect or due to psychological reasons and what is really attributable to hormones. Time will tell what is what but in the meantime, enjoy... and I hope things continue this way.

[islandgirl]

Congrats Diane! Enjoy you journey along the path. I was told to expect a bit of a roller coaster ride emotionally and my experience has been just that. Most positive, but moments of being down. My first experience was that of feeling euphoric. This was followed by noticeable softening of skin. Each of us is different and HRT impacts us differently. I am also over 60 and my endo told me to be patient as some changes may take more time to develop (breasts). Look forward to hearing more from you as you continue your journey.

[Rachel]

Congratulations. I had a lot of positive changes from HRT; I hope you do as well.

[DianeofCarlsbad]

It seems if I wait for something to happen I won't update this topic for many more weeks because other then the lessening of my anxiety, which was noticeable almost immediately upon starting HRT nothing else has happened.

I am now on my 22nd day of HRT and after my first seven days of the initial dosage my endocrinologist said I could double the dose of Spironolactone and estradiol. Which I did.s

There is so much information online about HRT dosages. The dosage I am on seems to be in line with many of the  listed dosages given to MTF I have read about. Probably a bit on the lower range of what is prescribed, but within reason of transitioning dosages.

I recognize everyone is different, but it has been a bit disappointing that nothing has happened. Just have to remain patience and take it one day at a time.

I do see my endo in two months and am having my blood work done before the appointment.

Hopefully, I will have something to enter as an update before that. But whatever, I will give at least one more update before my endocrinology appointment

Diane

[Dena]

It takes years for a CIS woman to fully develop so don't expect things to happen overnight. I was under dosed all the years I was on HRT and after returning to it at a far more effective dosage, it took between 1-2 months before I noticed things like sensitive nipples. By three months I suspect you will notice enough to know HRT is working but it may take a year or two before you see much breast development. Just relax and enjoy the ride.

[Ella_bella]

Congratulations! Its great to hear.

HRT for me has made a huge difference in a short period of time. However how I feel about myself is probably the most important effect of my HRT so far. I feel so much more at ease with myself and my body.