Any HRT experience would be greatly appreciated.

[Tatiana 79]

I'm very close to starting HRT and have read for days about it. Seems like it affects everyone a little differently.
I really would appreciate a little personal  contact.
I believe all of us have a female brains through one means or another and I'm really fascinated about if the T blockers are very noticeable because after all a female brain should not have this normally present.
and then what about how E affects you.
And if they're normally given together or separate

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated
Most sincerely Tatiana

[Arianna Valentine]

The only thing I do know is breast growth but from how it was explained to me by my doctor is after being on hormones the male body will develop a roundness and the skin turns smoother as well I start hormones the 1st of the month so if you want add me to friends and I will try and keep you updated I do know according to my doctor it is best if you do smoke cigarettes it is wise to quit as they can increase the chance of blood clots.  If that info helps at all.

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[Tatiana 79]

Thanks Arianna
That's pretty good news and advice as I never did smoke. And I know it would help me very much to experience the things you said about the body developing roundness this and smoother skin with less hair gosh sounds wonderful. Plus breast development.

And yes I would love to add you to my friends list and get any advice that you have the time to give me thanks so much
Love Tatiana

[Jessica]

Hi Tatiana 🙋‍♀️ Yes you are correct, it does effect everyone differently. 
For me I felt the softness of my skin first, followed by a tenseness in the chest skin and muscles.  It felt tighter.  That was the first month, interspersed with emotional changes.
Calm, worried, brave, scared, sure, to not so sure, all were more prevalent.
As I became more used to the new feelings, things smoothed out, only to have emotional spikes after a dosage increase.  After the first month, my breasts started to itch and swell.  It would come and go, different times of the day my areolae would swell up and then reduce after a few hours. Itchy, scratchy, achy, tender, sore, throbbing, full and I'm sure there are more words that describe what your boobs will feel like at some point.  After 10+ months I've gained an 1 1/2" on each breast.  I measure straight down from my collarbone, over my nipple to the crease below to measure them.  They may be uneven, that happens at first sometimes, but they tend to equal out eventually.  Right now, lefty Lucy just took the lead back from righty Rhonda.
Other things change too, your pee smell changes and body odor may change as well. 
Hair will lessen in some areas, while increasing in others.  Your pubic air will grow in a more feminine way. Fat may redistribute in your butt, hip, thighs and face.
If you are entertaining the idea of using your genetics for children, get the little swimmers frozen, or there is a chance that ability may be lost.  Your sex drive may or may not decrease, it depends on how your medications keep your T levels at just the right spot for you, but erections, if you choose to employ it, will take a bit of coercion.

Remember YMMV....your mileage may vary!

Hugs and smiles, Jessica
One thing hrt doesn't do much for is, facial hair and your voice.  Everyone has to work on that.

[emma-f]

It affects everyone differently and to be honest, I first started hormones 18 years ago, so I can't remember the order of things (I stopped twice, once at 18 cause I wasn't ready, and then self medication for years in my 20s). Also I'm not quite sure what was the hormones, and whether it was, for example, laser hair removal on my torso that make my skin feel really soft.

ButI remember feeling little knots behind my nipples quite early on, and breast growth was the most noticeable effect. I also noticed that my senses were heightened; I noticed smells more and could not tolerate bad smells as I could before, and I couldn't manage hot curries anymore.

My face did change shape a little it seemed, and about 6 months in was when I started to get ma'am even in boy clothes.

Over time I seemed slightly less large over my shoulders, and when I was measured at 18 I was 174cm, and I'm now 172cm. At 36 I'm a bit young to be shrinking due to age, so I think that must have been a small effect (something to do with the fluid or something in the spine I think).

Also, I remember an almost immediate euphoria, certainly a placebo effect, but good all the same.

Mainly though, enjoy it. Not knowing how it will affect you can be half the fun!

Emma x

[Tatiana 79]

Thanks so much Jessica
I really appreciate your personal touch telling me all of this.
It's truly something to look forward to and enjoy every minute of it after a lifetime of crippling dysphoria it sounds most intriguing

and to Emma you recognized your issues at a young age and address them. And I commend you for it. Being on hormones for 18 years and hearing how it affected you is tremendous therapy for me thank you so much. And I so agree with what you said about not knowing how it affect you is half the fun. I plan on sucking in and enjoying every moment of the journey.

Thank you so much ladies for taking the time out for me.
Love Tatiana

[Harley Quinn]

I had a fairly significant initial adjustment period to estradiol injections.  I initially started with a full dose of estradiol valerate.  I was on estradiol alone for the first three months.  During that time I had a significant energy flush.  I was feeling pretty good for the first week, then out of nowhere I started getting significantly run down after 4 or 5 days of my 2 week cycle.  It continued over the first 6 months, the addition of Spironolactone and Finasteride at 3 and 4 months respectively didn't help.  I increased the estrogen after 6 months and started getting better.  My energy would last a few days longer, then it was increased again and I was almost able to make it through the two week cycles before they increased the frequency on my dosage to weekly.  I sit best around the one week cycle.

I struggled with just how horney the estrogen injections made me the first few weeks.  It eventually subsided and I began to have perma-erect nipples, and the budding began.  That was probably the most uncomfortable 4 months, as they were in constant pain/irritation.  I quickly discovered Lanolin to numb the pain.  It helped a lot.  While that was going on, I had lost a lot of weight.  I dropped from 180 lbs when I started hormones to 135 lbs in the first 6 months.  I lost 2 inches of mass off my shoulders and an inch off my waist.  As my doesages increased and my energy came back, I put back on some weight, and evened out around 155 lbs which is pretty much my new fighting weight.  I never did gain the mass back in either my waist or shoulders.  It ended up being pretty evenly distributed over my body when I put a little weight back on.

I didn't notice much difference in body hair or skin texture until around the 9 month point.  Those changes came on slow and steady over the last year and a half.  So gradually infact that without photos I wouldn't have really been able to put my finger on it, other than my foundation needing to be 3 shades lighter to match my complexion.  Sadly my breast development slowed after the first 6 months, and hadn't really progressed much in the last 2 years.  My Endocrinologist had changed my medications around, and added in medroxyprogesterone (which I had a bad reaction to) and even micronized progesterone (which I am still on because it had a very positive effect on my mood). 

Having been older (mid 30s) when I initially started hormone therapy, I have had some slower progress than a lot of the younger (20s) and older (50s) transitioners.  Things seem to still be moving forward, but at a slow pace.  That initial jump into changes when I first started transition got my hope up for a speedy transition.  Unfortunately, it looks like it'll take a few more years to get the full effects.

Through the whole transition process, I've been significantly more emotional than I was prior to hormone therapy.  It took a bit of adjustment to get a handle on the new "super charged" knee jerk reactions.  It felt something akin to what I'd imagine it was like to be bipolar.  However, once I figured out what would set me off and how extreme the urge to react based on my cycle I was able to normalize my behavior.  It was a steep learning curve, but I figured it out after the first year lol.

That's about all the highlights. Hope it helps.  Just embrace the change and stay positive, you'll do fine.

[Tatiana 79]

Wow thanks so much Harley for the detailed report and it sounds like you really went through a roller coaster to find the correct medication for you.
I'm so glad you had the courage to come out at a young age and have a chance to live your life free as your inner identity voice has been telling you.
I really respect your wisdom and find you as a very complete knowledgeable beautiful woman willing to share herself with newbies like me. To me helping others is about the most honorable thing in life we can do
Thanks so much Harley.                hugs Tatiana

[Harley Quinn]

   Helping and supporting one another is what we're here for. 

[Arianna Valentine]

  Helping and supporting one another is what we're here for.

So true often times we are the only support people who have come out have

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[KathyLauren]

I think you are right about having a female brain.  It just seems to work better with E and no T, like it's finally running on the right fuel.  I feel calmer and more confident, less uncertain of myself.  Most of the "mental static" is gone.  I experienced most of the same physical effects as others: breast growth within 3 weeks, softer skin with 6 weeks, subtle changes in my face by 4 months, thinning of body hair, and a reduction in the rate of hair loss on my head.

Because I was in excellent health, my doctor started me on on both blockers (spiro) and E at the same time.  If there had been any health issues, she would have started me on spiro first, then stated the E later.  Over the first six months, she made several dosage adjustments, but my levels have been stable now for about nine months, so I am continuing on a steady dosage for the next year at least.

[Arianna Valentine]

I think you are right about having a female brain.  It just seems to work better with E and no T, like it's finally running on the right fuel.  I feel calmer and more confident, less uncertain of myself.  Most of the "mental static" is gone.  I experienced most of the same physical effects as others: breast growth within 3 weeks, softer skin with 6 weeks, subtle changes in my face by 4 months, thinning of body hair, and a reduction in the rate of hair loss on my head.

Because I was in excellent health, my doctor started me on on both blockers (spiro) and E at the same time.  If there had been any health issues, she would have started me on spiro first, then stated the E later.  Over the first six months, she made several dosage adjustments, but my levels have been stable now for about nine months, so I am continuing on a steady dosage for the next year at least.

One thing I do think from a psychological stand point I believe you can change your body with your mind now I do still intend to take hormones and all but I have noticed since I came out to my family and dressing how I should my body has already started to shape itself to a more feminine shape my breasts have gotten bigger and you can't even tell I have an Adams apple so I'm hoping when I start hormones it will go through quicker than general me starting has as I just came out to my therapist and everyone about 8 or 9 months ago

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[Tatiana 79]

Thank you ladies so much I don't think I've ever felt this level of acceptance at Susan's.

And  Kathy thank you so much I feel we are much alike being victims of our mothers doctor but they really they didn't know then and it really makes no difference now other than having an explanation for us. And thank you for all the personal information you gave me. It really helps me hearing it come from you what I am to expect.
Especially coming from the perspective of a small-town gal like I am.
   best wishes, hugs,  Tatiana

[Tatiana 79]

Thanks Arianna
as far as you said about the psychological impact that we can produce I would totally agree.
My older sister has spent her life being a psychologist and always preaches to me that through understanding and knowledge of our situation our bodies will act in a way to correct them and I would have to agree with this because my journey already started as far as I'm concerned about a month ago and now I am going to be unstoppable because I know it's the root cause of all of the problems that have haunted me my entire life
It's unbelievable how pumped up I am now after I had the aha moment of my life it's just amazing how much power the mind has over the body I totally agree with what you were saying. Have a good night.             hugs Tatiana

[Arianna Valentine]

Thanks Arianna
as far as you said about the psychological impact that we can produce I would totally agree.
My older sister has spent her life being a psychologist and always preaches to me that through understanding and knowledge of our situation our bodies will act in a way to correct them and I would have to agree with this because my journey already started as far as I'm concerned about a month ago and now I am going to be unstoppable because I know it's the root cause of all of the problems that have haunted me my entire life
It's unbelievable how pumped up I am now after I had the aha moment of my life it's just amazing how much power the mind has over the body I totally agree with what you were saying. Have a good night.             hugs Tatiana

I felt exactly the same way and even despite having a horrible memory talking with my therapist the other day I remembered the first time I wore lipstick and put on a nightgown I was around 6 and that was when I knew something was wrong with me that I was supposed to be female it just took forever to know I could do something about it and now my body is acting appropriately lol

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[Tatiana 79]

Hey  Arianna
It sounds like our childhood was very similar as most members here also.
I remember I think I was around 4 I couldn't possibly dress in Male clothing when I had two older sisters and all their stuff laying around.
I remember a lot of crying when my mom was forcing me into this little boys suit that just felt so icky on me I couldn't stand it.
  when I was a little older and had the house to myself I couldn't wait for my parents car to leave the driveway because I would soon find myself in my mother's cosmetics and my sister's clothes. I'm sure this is a pretty common occurrence with most members out here.
thanks so much for your friendship I'm really looking forward to us sharing it together.
See ya, Tatiana

[pamelatransuk]

Hello again Tatiana

As you know I have been on HRT for 16 weeks both Testosterone Blocker Tablets and Oestrogen by patches.

I soon felt a sense of peace - less aggravated and stressed - and calm and somewhat relaxed. This mental feeling of being more emotional has continued - it is as if the mist has gone. As I and others have stated on other threads, it is as if we are now on the right "fuel".

The main physical changes have been Testicular Reduction and no "morning wood" although I had little of that anyway at age 62. My skin is so much softer and I am starting to feel the development of my breast buds. Other physical changes I greatly look forward to. Although I was "exploring" when I started on 8Feb, I have now decided HRT will be for life for me and I hope to publicly transition when more physical changes occur hopefully in 2019.

You may wish to see my post yesterday on HRT Board concerning Blood Test results as I am pleased with my mine at this stage.

I wish you every happiness on your soon to be HRT journey. I know we both know it is right for you.

Love

Pamela

[LaserGirl]

Be prepared for some mood swings and be careful when drinking.  Dysphoria and anxiety can take a turn for the worse. 
Also get ready for new sensitivity with nipples and tingling. 
Hair growth on legs and abdomen will slow down.  I'd recommend aggressively doing laser now while still thick follicles because it helps to kill the roots better as there is more to zap.
Face will start to soften slowly and you'll look years younger.

[KathyLauren]

Oh, yes, get ready for fragile skin!    I was about to go out this morning, wearing white capri pants, and my wife asked me why there was blood on them.  Sure enough, there were several fresh bloodstains on the leg.  Obviously, I had bonked my shin on something.  I don't even remember doing it, so it wasn't a major fall or anything.  It takes next to nothing to injure female skin, apparently.

Murphy's Law: it would be my white capris, not the denim ones! 

[Tatiana 79]

Thanks so much ladies for your advice it's really Priceless to me and gives me an idea what I'm in for.
Pamela I really loved the way you described your first effects being mental with a feeling of peace and being less stressed.
similar to what Kathy earlier said about the static being gone.
And yes Pamela I have been following a lot of your stuff and I think I seen your results but I really don't understand what all the numbers mean yet but hopefully soon will. And I most certainly  hope that all your wishes and dreams are fulfilled in 2019.

And lasergirl I know HRT affects everyone differently. Thanks for letting me know about the potential mood swings and increased dysphoria, wow I can imagine that my could get any worse but I do believe you and thanks for the advice about laser hair removal pre HRT I do believe my first trans women friend that I ever met up here recommended of friendly place in Marquette thanks for your advice.
And Kathy soft skin and from what I read about and 30 percent less muscle mass should  produce some interesting  scenarios  with all I do outside, such as scrounging and gatherings a winters worth  of firewood . And everything else that needs to be done at our property.
I'm really not worried about this at all because I believe my health will improve enough and I I'll be far more productive even with the mussle loss and sensitive skin.

I know all of us were racked with dysphoria before we even knew what was happening.
I would bet that all of us experienced very very powerfull feelings of being alone in not knowing what's happening to us.
And now thank god we do have a place and a means to fight it as any other disease.

All of your advice is most sincerely appreciated  Huggs  Tatiana