Congratulations! It really can be quite exhilarating to finally be able to do something tangible towards your transition.
In my experience, there were no profound physical changes at first, but within days my dysphoria was greatly diminished. It was like finally being at peace. I was started on spironolactone and a patch, so the next thing I noticed over the course of a few weeks is greatly reduced sex drive as my testosterone levels went down. That was a blessing as far as I was concerned, but if you are sexually active, you may not appreciate that if you are being prescribed an anti androgen. The other physical effect was on my breasts. They start to hurt as breast buds form. You will soon feel a small lump under your nipples that is tender to the touch.
Over the next few months I noticed my skin had gotten softer and less oily, and my body hair (arms, abdomen, armpits) was not growing back after I shaved it. Unfortunately, I still have to shave my legs regularly, just like most women. My body scent changed somewhat as well. My face got a little rounder and more feminine.
After ten months, I have had only modest breast growth, but enough to be concerned about it at work. I have very pronounced man boobs now and may have to start wearing a sports bra under my shirt. I have to wear a sports bra when I exercise or else is very uncomfortable to run.
With kindness,
Terri
