Hi Tara,
I am Jeanette, old, HRT pill addict, and unofficial greeter.
Welcome to Susan's Place, welcome and come on in, make yourself comfortable, take a seat. We're pretty laid back here in the lounge so you'll need to fetch your own beverage. Have you been hiding in the shadows here long? Read the posts that interest you?, perhaps made a comment or two. You are certainly free to do so. One of the admins or moderators will be along soon to give you the official greeting and some useful links about how things work around here.
So you started your HRT!! How Exciting! your journey begins! I've been doing the pills myself for both estradiol and spironolactone. I don't think the VA will do injections. Giving myself shots wouldn't be a problem as I already give myself shots twice a day. Insulin don'tchaknow?
When will you see something? Well everyone is different and the method may affect it also but most say a feeling of relief or well being starts pretty quickly and dysphoria lessens. Physically your nipples will likely become tender around the 3 -6 week mark with small lumps forming under then a short time after. What and when things happen to you no one can tell you but you will know when they do. Patience if the key nothing happens overnight.
I hope you open a thread in itroductions and tell us more about yourself so we can get to know you better.
Hugs,
Jeanette