How far should I go - M considering hrt at 60 to begin aging as F

[Smithsp123]

At birth the doctors were confused about my gender and had built a beautiful pink nursery only to find out that I was a male shortly after birth.

On and off from childhood through adulthood I have cross dressed; mostly in private and have accumulated woman's clothes.

More and more I think about feminizing and fashion, dressing up and having that perfect make-up and fragrance.

Now that I am 60 I am considering MTF hrt until I'm somewhat androgynous and then living the life of a more feminine person. considering that women live longer than men, would this be a step in the right direction or are there too many other risks to consider?

[Dena]

Welcome to Susan's Place. As long as you receive medically supervised treatment and are in good heath, you can go as far as you want. We have older member undergoing HRT, GCS and FFS. If on the other hand, you are comfortable with less, then do only what you are comfortable with. There is no push on this site to make members do something they don't want so tell us what you want and we will help you get there.

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[AshleyP]

Now that I am 60 I am considering MTF hrt until I'm somewhat androgynous and then living the life of a more feminine person. considering that women live longer than men, would this be a step in the right direction or are there too many other risks to consider?

I think you'll find many here that began HT in or around their 60's. I did. I don't think any of us will tell you what we think you should do. You have to decide, but I think most will help with input.

As for the risks, I was quite concerned about blood clot risks and from my own research, decided my medical history would preclude me (think history of blood clots, heart problems). I decided to bring it up with a doctor, and he said the current literature is biased by the use of synthetic estrogens commonly used in the past and tends to overstate that risk when compared to using bio-identical estradiol. He also said HT might even help with some of the other chronic health problems that I have! I decided to give it a try.

When I started, I also would have advised that the chances of getting to "androgynous" for a 60ish male on hormone therapy alone would be slim to none. Some recent experiences have made me soften on that perspective though.

Hope this helps,
--AshleyP

[KayXo]

As far as clotting goes, one study in men with advanced prostate cancer who are at greater risk of clots showed that coagulation markers normalized after being on several patches of estradiol. While, in transgendered individuals taking patches, despite a few being genetically predisposed, there was no occurrence of thromboembolism. Like I said, the right type of estrogen, the appropriate route and you should not encounter any problems. Having a doctor supervise you helps too.

[RobynD]

As a bonus, you may find the estrogen de-ages you for a while. It is pretty consistent that people on HRT look younger then their age, particularly those that start later. Smoother skin, hair changes etc.

[Laurie]

As a bonus, you may find the estrogen de-ages you for a while. It is pretty consistent that people on HRT look younger then their age, particularly those that start later. Smoother skin, hair changes etc.

  And don't forget teenager boobs, Robyn

Hugs,
    Laurie

[Laurie]

Hi Smithsp123,

   I'm Laurie. I'm MtF, 64, and started transition last December. I am also a self appointed unofficial greeter for Susan's Place. As such I'd like to give you a ((HUG)) and welcome you to the forums.  Come on in already, come on, come on get in her. Most of us don't bite and those that do probably already had their breakfast so your okay until lunch.
  Here have a seat. Yes it  is well worn and comfy. It's Georgette's, she's still in bed sleeping in after being out partying all night. No, no she won't mind at all.
  So you are thinking about starting HRT are you? Given what little history you have you probably would not have any trouble getting a prescription. But the first steps would be to have a serious discussion with your doctor and possibly  a session or two with a gender therapist.
   Your doctor would be able to give you advise on the medications and what would be good for you personally. It is also imperative he or she know in order to properly take care of your complete health needs. At our age there are clot considerations and little things such as how HRT could affect heart medications. Those were my concerns when I told my doctor. A doctor also needs to monitor how the medications are affecting your overall health and the changes they are making in your body.
  A gender therapist of course is concerned with your mental well being and helps you cope with life changes and transition issue that may arrive. They can help guide you through difficult issues and clarify what it is you want from HRT.
   I was unsure if HRT was right for me when I started and told myself I would stop if it did not feel right for me before things became irreversible. I have not felt the need to stop. I've had my doubt and deal with insecurities but I've persisted in moving forward. I've just returned from a road trip where I think I've discovered myself and am more confident that I am doing the right thing. I made this trip it female mode and have worn only female attire since the 26th. I have decided this is my beginning at living full time as a woman. It has taken me more than seven months to arrive at this point. It won't be easy but what is when it comes to changing your life?

  I wish for you a slow well considered start on this journey you are embarking on. Take it easy as it is not a race but rather a life journey. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Hugs,
   Laurie

[RobynD]

  And don't forget teenager boobs, Robyn

Hugs,
    Laurie

Oh yes! How could i forget those

[KathyLauren]

I started HRT at age 62.  My avatar picture is me at five months on HRT.

I have no stats or information on longevity, but it sure makes you feel younger.  And look younger, too.  I was in the bank last month and needed to see a teller instead of a machine.  I gave her my card; she swiped it; then she stared at her computer screen with a puzzled look on her face.  Finally, she said, "This card isn't yours."  Oh, here we go, I thought, and started to explain that the name on the card was indeed still my legal name because I hadn't been able to change it yet.  "No, no, it's not that," she said, " You aren't 62!"  I didn't have the nerve to ask her how old she thought I was, but the apparent discrepancy must have been significant.  I did thank her for making my day!  On relating this story to somone else, they thought I looked 48.

The wig helps, of course, as does keeping fit.

I can't tell you how far you should go.  But I am out and living full-time as myself and loving it.  Reaction, even in this tiny rural fishing village, has been uniformly positive.  Or at least not negative: there's one fellow, the local pastor, who doesn't know what to make of me and merely grunts when I say hello.  Of course, I say it with a big smile, and practise my best girly voice.   

[MelissaRC]

I wish that I could respond in such a positive manner, but I cannot.

I started HRT almost a year ago. The first few months were on my own, then Dr. Supervised. However, I have some health issues that kept bothering me.

Actually, I had a hear attack at age 50, then a 7-way bypass. In the last 20 years, I have felt good, no symptoms, and reasonable health. But, you know, these grafts do not last forever, and I wondered what impact of HRT WOULD HAVE on my cardiac health.

The short answer appears to be, no one knows. I am a study with a sample size of 1. My cardiologist thinks there is some level of risk, but it cannot be quantified.

So, in the face of these facts, I am regretfully deciding to STOP, RATHER than risk an unknown bad coronary event.

It is my choice, so, I guess I choose fear of death over fear of not completing transition.

Bummer.

[Rachel]

Welcome to Susan's

I started HRT at the end of age 50. I have never felt better in my life than I have the past year, now age 55.