How long does it take for HRT to take effect? (Mtf)

[Blackwaters427]

Hey everyone! I was just wondering how long it took for you to see differences in your body and mind after starting E? Breast tissue? Periods? Facial restructuring? Sensory perception? Energy levels?

[Deborah]

For me the changes to the mind happened almost immediately.  The changes to the body took about a year to become significant.  The biggest thing there though that I believe changes people's perception was growing my hair which is not entirely HRT dependent.  That took about 18 months.  I did not really notice changes to energy levels until after about six months and those are only noticeable during heavy exercise.   I have not noticed any perceptible differences in sensory perception.

Many of these things change so slowly that it's difficult to perceive the changes within yourself but over time you do notice a change in the way others are seeing you.


It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, Autumn Leaves

[Blackwaters427]

For me the changes to the mind happened almost immediately.  The changes to the body took about a year to become significant.  The biggest thing there though that I believe changes people's perception was growing my hair which is not entirely HRT dependent.  That took about 18 months.  I did not really notice changes to energy levels until after about six months and those are only noticeable during heavy exercise.   I have not noticed any perceptible differences in sensory perception.

Many of these things change so slowly that it's difficult to perceive the changes within yourself but over time you do notice a change in the way others are seeing you.



It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, Autumn Leaves

Awesome thanks! So what kind of mental changes did you experience?

[Deborah]

The mental changes for me are very subtle. I think the biggest were a curing of depression, constant anger, and overwhelming cynicism.  This gave me a much better degree of self control along with clarity and focus of thought.  I also abandoned a lot of my camouflage/coping "behaviors" which eliminated a lot of internal conflict and has made me much happier.  One of these was excessive competitiveness in physical fitness and running that on several occasions had led to medical problems with injuries and severe exhaustion.  Others had more to do with trying to appear as an extreme conservative.  I lost a dependence on alcohol and quit smoking.  I also lost an obsession with cross dressing which may set me apart from many.

Mostly, I still like the same things.  Surprisingly, I still like the running a lot but now enjoy it for its feeling of freedom rather than constantly destroying myself trying to go faster, further, and longer, and only thinking in terms of trying to win races.



It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
André Gide, Autumn Leaves

[naa]

I wasn't sure, but thought my nipples felt different two weeks after I started taking estrogen.  By three weeks they were definitely protruding more.  My boobs continued to grow up until about the three month mark, where they have largely stopped doing anything.

My skin got less oily very quickly after I started blockers, and I stopped getting morning erections very quickly too.  Any my sex drive evaporated.  I've not tested it too often, but I can still get erections on purpose, but they're uncomfortable and achy. 

My skin started to get softer a couple of months after I started Estrogen and blockers, beginning on my shoulders and outer thighs.  The soft areas slowly grew and after a few months pretty much all my skin is much softer.

My body hair grows slower now, and has become less thick and lighter in some places.  Facial hair is unchanged.

I look in the mirror often, and there may be some slight changes in my face, but it could just be wishful thinking.

For a long time I though I had zero direct mental changes, but I'm beginning to change my mind about that.  The changes have been subtle and slow, but I'm increasingly sure they're there.

Indirect mental changes I have from very early.  Just growing boobs, being less hairy and having smoother, softer skin makes me happy.

I'm sure there's other things I've forgot.  But I hope that helps.

[Artesia]

For me, the self loathing, angry at the world, wishing I could be anyone else feeling went away within about 3 weeks.  At about a month the skin felt dryer, my bald spot on my head is definitely smaller meaning it is just a really thin hair patch.  At the 3ish month point I am feeling a mass behind my nipples, and a bit of discomfort on them, my wife says my moobs are getting bigger, but I don't see it.  My Psychologist says my skin looks softer overall, and that I look happier overall.  My boss says I look calmer, happier, and more attentive.

Almost forgot, at about 5 weeks in, no longer felt the need to retreat into my video games, or read gender swap porn stories.

[Pisces228]

I'm three months in.  After a few weeks of Spiro and estradiol I noticed my skin had gotten softer and smoother.  My electrolysist commented yesterday that my beard has slowed down growing and my boobs looked more noticable.  My Dr said that my skin looks noticeably different at my check up yesterday as well.  My therapist said my mood seemed more confident as well yesterday  (it was mental health monday haha)  I did have to start wearing a sports bra a few weeks ago because my nipples had gotten so so sensitive.  My butt is a little bigger too.  That's all I've noticed after three months.

[DawnOday]

I've been on HRT for three months. First thing I noticed and the main reason I went on HRT was to clear my head of negative thoughts, straighten some thoughts in my mind. Being on Spiro for 25 years for a heart ailment I already had a head start on Man Boobs. These were droopy misshapen A size blobs. Today my breasts are round, perky, nipples erect, very sensitive to the point of orgasm if I rub them and on the cusp of C size. It is really neat as the feeling is better than what I have experienced in my maleness. I have no ability to get an erection however the tip of my penis is very sensitive and can again end in climax if manipulated the right way. It takes a bit of time but it is very satisfying. Plus as an added bonus there is no clean up on aisle 5. My facial hair is softening and getting more sparse. I will begin electrolysis tomorrow. My butt is filling out though I have not gained any weight. I know this as my man jeans are getting tighter. I am starting to see cellulite in my thighs and varicose veins in my legs. My hair is growing like gangbusters and has just about reached the jawline on the sides. My facial skin is changing unfortunately it is accentuating my acne scars from my past puberty. I have a strange desire to do housework. I have always loved cooking but now I am even cleaning up after myself. I have always been a glass half empty persona, kind of a schmuck really. This election was taking me over the top and the hormones helped cope. Now all I need to do is get out and support my fellow LGBTQ people, and educate the religious, their beliefs are skewed and not in line with scripture at all. I have had quite a bit of change in my life the last eight months or so but the last three may just be the three best of my life, aside of the birth of my children. Luckily I live in a state that allows it's citizens to make decisions for themselves which is funny in itself because the Cons have been saying for years they want to get government out of our lives.

Dawn

[Annarko]

Thank you all for your honest answers to Blackwaters427 questions... i was also curious about the same. I think possibly HRT may be what i need to resolve my anger issues and make me feel better about my body, As i am just starting my Journey I will wait until i have some time with my Gender Therapist to make any decisions, but I appreciate everyones insight and sharing of experiences. It it definitely food for thought.

[Emileeeee]

What I could see happened pretty fast for the first few months. It felt like it tapered off, but I look at old pictures every few months and there are still big changes happening in my face. I don't even recognize myself from a year ago anymore.

[Blackwaters427]

Daaang all this happens in just a few months? Must be pretty powerful! I'm going in for my evaluation on the 21st, and then on the 22nd I'm going in for my first laser hair removal appointment! Wish me luck!