Quote from: amberwaves on October 25, 2017, 01:39:54 PM
I too have noticed the trend of people looking younger after being hrt. While, I am not discounting the possibility of biological hormone influence, I have not noticed similar younger appearance from cis-women or men. I think that effect is likely attributable to the reduced stress, anxiety, and depression that occurs as we become who we want to be. Also, for transwomen, at least, there tends to be an increase in self-care, e.g. skin care routines. This is also likely attributable to the reduction in dysphoria and the increased appreciation of our bodies.
You've got it partially right. Yes, reductions in mental, physical, and emotional stress can slow the aging process and even slightly reverse it in some cases. But this is not the only agent at work here. Going on HRT basically forces our bodies to go through puberty once again. This causes the hypothalamus to release more HGH (Human Growth Hormone) into our endocrine systems. While primarily responsible for hormone production and increases in height, at a base cellular level it causes cell replication and replacement to accelerate. Gaining newer cells faster than old ones die off has a rejuvenating "fountain of youth" effect on the body, particularly with regards to skin cells and joint function. Estrogen and lower Testosterone also has a "Softening" effect on skin cells and flesh (muscle and fat) distribution, which also adds to the further reduction in apparent age. It's not so much having the hormones in our system as it is the changes in hormonal balance that is catalyst for increased youthfulness. Improvements in hygiene regimens, though not improved on by all transgenders, can further add to the elasticity, health, and apparent youthfulness of your skin. A lot of us start watching our diets much more closely, eating foods that assist with and avoids ones that inhibit HRT efficiency. These same dietary changes, particularly for male 2 females due to the nature of which foods reduce T and increase Estrogen levels and which do the opposite, often improve nutrition balance and reduces overall toxin levels. Anyone that starts new exercise regimens are also helping their body stay young, simply by improving cardiovascular health, blood-flow, and lung function. Remember if your cells are water, oxygen, or vitamin deprived they die, causing the aging process to accelerate, which is another reason we shouldn't smoke. (I'm still working on that one, lol.) These are all lifestyle and physical changes that men and cisgender women rarely go through, and it all adds up. Take me for instance. Due to this being my fourth trip through puberty (had to de-transition once) I'm almost 40 but am told frequently now that I look like I'm in my early 20's. Gotta love biophysics (when it's actually working for us, lol.)
HUGS!
