Started HRT on Friday the 13th! :)

[Marcieelizabeth]

I have not posted for quite awhile!  But I saw the endocrinologist yesterday and I am now on Spiro and Estadiol!! 

It has been quite a journey for me. THanks to a few dedicated friends I am holding it together and moving forward.  My spouse, wife, decided to come to the appointment.  She broke down  in tears when I explained my journey to the doc!  But she pulled it together and was a trooper, then we had a very nice brunch at a local eatery!!  A great day.

But now my impatient side (do I have any other?) is asking when do the effects start?  I told the doc I had been using bio-identicals which she said was okay, but she does not prescribe them because they are not regulated and standardized enough.  SO now medical HRT!  Loving life. 

Anyone able to give me some insight into how quickly things may develop  - I am on a low dose of Estradiol to start - using the patch - Breast growth? Wider hips? softer skin? Less hair on arms, etc?

Thanks all for anything you can share!

Thanks, Love and Hugs Marcie!

[Bari Jo]

Awesome day to start.  My doctor gave me a chart which I can scan in and post.  I think there is one locally too.  When I first started, I had larger aereolas in 1 day, almost like they just spread.  Then perky nipples in a week or two.  By the third week breasts started to itch, then sometimes burn.  Buds developed under the nipple by a month.  Thinks kinda slowed after that for me.  I'm 3 months in and my skin is lighter and softer.  Oh and dont forget the emotional effects.  That was immediate for me, euphoric high every time I took estrodial.  I'm on pellets now, so the euphoric surge isn't there, but I know the pellets are working by my emotional journey.  It's great to finally be on my way.  You'll feel the same!

Hope that helps.  If nobody points you to a chart, I'll do that when I get home tonight.

Bari Jo

[Marcieelizabeth]

Awesome day to start.  My doctor gave me a chart which I can scan in and post.  I think there is one locally too.  When I first started, I had larger aereolas in 1 day, almost like they just spread.  Then perky nipples in a week or two.  By the third week breasts started to itch, then sometimes burn.  Buds developed under the nipple by a month.  Thinks kinda slowed after that for me.  I'm 3 months in and my skin is lighter and softer.  Oh and dont forget the emotional effects.  That was immediate for me, euphoric high every time I took estrodial.  I'm on pellets now, so the euphoric surge isn't there, but I know the pellets are working by my emotional journey.  It's great to finally be on my way.  You'll feel the same!

Hope that helps.  If nobody points you to a chart, I'll do that when I get home tonight.

Bari Jo

Thank You Bari Jo!  I look forward to seeing the chart - I did have some soreness in my nipples last night!  I am wondering how much my age impacts this or is it more genetics? 

Your profile pic is so cute! 

Marcie Elizabeth!

[Pisces228]

Congratulations! 

The first change I noticed was my skin felt softer.  I noticed it in the shower one day, I was like hmm, I feel soft and slippery after rinsing the soap off not squeaky clean haha.  Nipple sensitivity started soon after and some breast swelling started about 6 weeks later.  Honestly, I don't remember when my breast got big enough for a bra, it's so gradual.  My face started changing at 5 months.  Started getting comments from friends that I looked younger.  Hips might not get too big depending on age, but your butt and thighs will from fat redistribution.

Remember, YMMV.  Some progress steady and slow, some fast and and what seems unfairly right away, some have many months of stubborn subtle changes and them wham!  they started speeding up and getting boobs and a butt and are male failing.  It's different for everyone.  Regardless, enjoy this time.  Be happy you are changing.  Enjoy your second chance at puberty.  Oh, and don't put off hair removal, it gets more painful as your skin changes.

[Allison S]

Congrats! I  started 2 weeks ago so we're about the same starting point in time.  Isn't it exciting?  I haven't noticed anything per se yet but I know I've been thinking so much about everything.  Like how I'm really transitioning now, mentally, spiritually and of course (hopefully) physically.  It's overwhelming to say the least but I love every moment of it. 

I'm not sure about age because all the people who posted their timeline are different ages from 20s to 50s and over and the results vary.  I think everyone can definitely reach their goal, but it's just an individual journey.  I actually think about that too at 27 am I too young?  I mean I'm happy to be at a point where I'm independent and can transition but I also want to financially secure my future.  Luckily I'm working now but starting HRT is scary!

Also, I'm learning patience- one day at a time.  I think starting HRT is so hard because we decide this is what we want and need, yet the surgeries come much later.  There's so much to consider, hair removal, surgeries, style changes/hair, finances, safety, love/relationships/sex etc.  I just think I need to slow it all down and enjoy my life right now or else I probably will drive myself crazy lol.  I think I'm growing wiser somehow..

[Bari Jo]

Thank You Bari Jo!  I look forward to seeing the chart - I did have some soreness in my nipples last night!  I am wondering how much my age impacts this or is it more genetics? 

Your profile pic is so cute! 

Marcie Elizabeth!

Thanks about the pict.  Now if I eventually look like that I will be a happy girl indeed.  I am starting to see changes in my face and it's making me very happy.

As for age, I've heard that too.  I've also heard genetics play a role.  I'm 47 and have dabbled in DIY transition before this third one being final and permanent.  I can't change who I am, so I'm not hiding it anymore.  The changes for me may have some influence from before.  I can tell you this third round things have been way more emotional.  That's probably because I'm being monitored by a doctor and she's prescribing my meds.   So as usual, your mileage may vary.

Here is a link to that chart.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/4yz6rupipnh25lq/IMAG2722.jpg?dl=0

Bari Jo

[AnneK]

Ahhh...  That explains your avatar!   

[Bari Jo]

Ahhh...  That explains your avatar!   

I know I'm reaching for the stars, but the faceapp pict makes me feel good.  Here's the before/after.  Time will tell.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tt6qf6wyidzk06w/1x1208.gif?dl=0

[JessiCalypsoƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ]

Hi! I started HRT 1 month ago, & I've had some pretty rapid changes. I'm 33 & I began w/ spiro & estradiol, 1st pills then patches. I'm not sure my results are typical as @ 2 wks I had softer skin and hair, my breast buds started getting larger (always had em, never went away after puberty) & extremely sensitive, always erect nipples... & my last penile erection, lol.
3 wks & my buds had grown almost double their original size, & my face started to look different...
Now at a month I've got "massive" buds, they fill the entirety of my nipples, my areolas have begun to expand, & I have a little bit of breast tissue around them (just enough to hold & imagine the future [emoji1]), my hair growth is considerably slower, things look... smoother, like my hands & feet aren't all "tendony," my man parts have shrunk (some aching in the testis, hoo boy... WORTH IT! ugh...), & definitive feminization of my face... Still can't quite tell what's changed, I think it's in my cheeks tho... The last 2 things are the best, IMO.
Again, my results may not be typical... My endo was surprised at my breast buds/sensitivity when I saw her 2 wks ago. Hope u have some rapid results too!! Proper exercise & diet do seem to be very important, so keep up on that, & like I was told: hold on, it's a wild ride!! Lol!
Much love! -Jessi [emoji178]

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[Marcieelizabeth]

Congratulations! 

The first change I noticed was my skin felt softer.  I noticed it in the shower one day, I was like hmm, I feel soft and slippery after rinsing the soap off not squeaky clean haha.  Nipple sensitivity started soon after and some breast swelling started about 6 weeks later.  Honestly, I don't remember when my breast got big enough for a bra, it's so gradual.  My face started changing at 5 months.  Started getting comments from friends that I looked younger.  Hips might not get too big depending on age, but your butt and thighs will from fat redistribution.

Remember, YMMV.  Some progress steady and slow, some fast and and what seems unfairly right away, some have many months of stubborn subtle changes and them wham!  they started speeding up and getting boobs and a butt and are male failing.  It's different for everyone.  Regardless, enjoy this time.  Be happy you are changing.  Enjoy your second chance at puberty.  Oh, and don't put off hair removal, it gets more painful as your skin changes.

Thanks I am so impatient so it is good to know what may happen when. Love and hugs!

[Marcieelizabeth]

Hi! I started HRT 1 month ago, & I've had some pretty rapid changes. I'm 33 & I began w/ spiro & estradiol, 1st pills then patches. I'm not sure my results are typical as @ 2 wks I had softer skin and hair, my breast buds started getting larger (always had em, never went away after puberty) & extremely sensitive, always erect nipples... & my last penile erection, lol.
3 wks & my buds had grown almost double their original size, & my face started to look different...
Now at a month I've got "massive" buds, they fill the entirety of my nipples, my areolas have begun to expand, & I have a little bit of breast tissue around them (just enough to hold & imagine the future [emoji1]), my hair growth is considerably slower, things look... smoother, like my hands & feet aren't all "tendony," my man parts have shrunk (some aching in the testis, hoo boy... WORTH IT! ugh...), & definitive feminization of my face... Still can't quite tell what's changed, I think it's in my cheeks tho... The last 2 things are the best, IMO.
Again, my results may not be typical... My endo was surprised at my breast buds/sensitivity when I saw her 2 wks ago. Hope u have some rapid results too!! Proper exercise & diet do seem to be very important, so keep up on that, & like I was told: hold on, it's a wild ride!! Lol!
Much love! -Jessi [emoji178]

Jessi -

That sounds so wonderful!  I am so happy for you!!  I hope I can report some great changes soon too. I have waited so many years it will definitely be a wild ride!

Love and hugs!

Marcie

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[Marcieelizabeth]

Congrats! I  started 2 weeks ago so we're about the same starting point in time.  Isn't it exciting?  I haven't noticed anything per se yet but I know I've been thinking so much about everything.  Like how I'm really transitioning now, mentally, spiritually and of course (hopefully) physically.  It's overwhelming to say the least but I love every moment of it. 

I'm not sure about age because all the people who posted their timeline are different ages from 20s to 50s and over and the results vary.  I think everyone can definitely reach their goal, but it's just an individual journey.  I actually think about that too at 27 am I too young?  I mean I'm happy to be at a point where I'm independent and can transition but I also want to financially secure my future.  Luckily I'm working now but starting HRT is scary!

Also, I'm learning patience- one day at a time.  I think starting HRT is so hard because we decide this is what we want and need, yet the surgeries come much later.  There's so much to consider, hair removal, surgeries, style changes/hair, finances, safety, love/relationships/sex etc.  I just think I need to slow it all down and enjoy my life right now or else I probably will drive myself crazy lol.  I think I'm growing wiser somehow..

It is really great to do this together!    It is extremely hard for me to wait any more, but of course I have to, and need to, for many reasons some are biological, some so I can come out to all I need to, and some so I can enjoy the ride and get used to who I am supposed to be.  I really cannot believe I am finally doing this.  I am so VERY HAPPY!  GIDDY even!!! I at times cannot stop smiling.  I cannot change how others may respond, and I am very hopeful those that I love will be okay and even encouraging about all this - I have to be me!! 

Love and Hugs, Marcie

[HappyMoni]

Marcie, I have it on good authority that on day 5, your meds will kick in and cause you to meet a friend for dinner and a tremendous calm will come over you. You will laugh and smile (that's the estrogen) and a great feeling will over take you and fill you with patience. (That's the Spiro and alcohol.) If you don't believe me check the WPATH standards for eating with friends.
Moni  

[Marcieelizabeth]

Marcie, I have it on good authority that on day 5, your meds will kick in and cause you to meet a friend for dinner and a tremendous calm will come over you. You will laugh and smile (that's the estrogen) and a great feeling will over take you and fill you with patience. (That's the Spiro and alcohol.) If you don't believe me check the WPATH standards for eating with friends.
Moni  

Moni, Moni, Moni - I had to check with my scheduler and love of my life to be sure since I cannot keep any date straight but I think you are correct! Oh we are eating as well as talking?? Now I can't wait until Day 5!

Hugs and MUCH Love Marcie

[KayXo]

I told the doc I had been using bio-identicals which she said was okay, but she does not prescribe them because they are not regulated and standardized enough.  SO now medical HRT!  Loving life. 

Anyone able to give me some insight into how quickly things may develop  - I am on a low dose of Estradiol to start - using the patch

The patch contains bio-identical estradiol, as do the pills usually prescribed to us, the gel, the injections, etc.

The first change I noticed was my skin felt softer.  I noticed it in the shower one day, I was like hmm, I feel soft and slippery after rinsing the soap off not squeaky clean haha.

You've got me rethinking whether it's the T that I recently started taking post-op or the Estrogel I'm now using that is making my skin SOOO soft and slippery exactly as you describe it, in the shower. I remember when I switched from oral estradiol to injectable estradiol, I noticed the same, much softer skin while on oral estradiol, my skin was VERY dry. My breasts also shrank on injectable estradiol.  I get the feeling that the combination of E with some T makes the skin soft while just E and VERY low T, you get dry skin. No? Yes? Anyone care to chime in...

[Marcieelizabeth]

The patch contains bio-identical estradiol, as do the pills usually prescribed to us, the gel, the injections, etc.

Thanks!  and yes - I chose the patch for the lower ricks.  I was using OTC bio-identical Progesteone and Pregenolone prior to medical HRT

Love and Hugs Marcie

[JessiCalypsoƸ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ]

It is really great to do this together!    It is extremely hard for me to wait any more, but of course I have to, and need to, for many reasons some are biological, some so I can come out to all I need to, and some so I can enjoy the ride and get used to who I am supposed to be.  I really cannot believe I am finally doing this.  I am so VERY HAPPY!  GIDDY even!!! I at times cannot stop smiling.  I cannot change how others may respond, and I am very hopeful those that I love will be okay and even encouraging about all this - I have to be me!! 

Love and Hugs, Marcie

Aww, it makes me SOOO HAPPY to see someone else feeling the same way I did when I first started!! I also couldn't believe I was finally doing it, still can't! I couldn't escape the dysphoria, even when I slept.. I used to dream that I was a girl, & I'd be so happy... Til I woke up & realized I was still a boy... Happiness would vanish, replaced by misery... & I'd cry myself back to sleep... [emoji22] Sooo, when I started HRT, it was LITERALLY a dream come true! [emoji16] Sometimes, tho, I wake up in a panic, afraid that this, too, has all been a dream... so I pinch myself, smile, & drift back off to sleep! [emoji4]
I truly hope that your transition goes well, & you receive nothing but positivity, acceptance, support & love! If you ever need to talk to someone that's not that far ahead of you in their journey, please don't hesitate to PM me. I'm here for you!
Much love! -Jessi [emoji178]

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[Allison S]

Marcie, I have it on good authority that on day 5, your meds will kick in and cause you to meet a friend for dinner and a tremendous calm will come over you. You will laugh and smile (that's the estrogen) and a great feeling will over take you and fill you with patience. (That's the Spiro and alcohol.) If you don't believe me check the WPATH standards for eating with friends.
Moni  

Lol you're so funny and I don't know why!