Have been on Estradiol patches since 27 March 2018. The first thing I noticed was at the fourth day I was able to pee better than I had been able to for twenty years. My prostate was quite enlarged, I was 77 at that time and on Flomax (Tamsulosin the generic). It helped very little over the time I was on it. Once I was sure the Estradiol was the reason for the improvement I ditched the Flomax. I'm almost five months in and quite a few changes have occurred. I've developed a noticeable set of "Parking lights" which I hope evolve into "Headlights" and ultimately aircraft "Landing Lights." My avatar is me without any help from Photoshop, I'm now78.
Don't know what lies ahead; some facial surgery for sure, nose job (big job) will be the first then wrinkle removal (bigger Job) next. I'll never again look 25 so I will not travel that illusionary highway. I have spent way too much time exposing my epidermis to the destructive radiation produced by el sol, rarely if ever using sun block. I've already had two skin cancers removed and have to have rechecks every 6 months. Constantly having precancerous lesions removed. ADVICE: If you are going to expose your skin to the sun, use high SPF sunblock. That beautiful tan will come at a high cost down the road.
I never used AAs (spiro, etc.), had my orchiectomy Friday 13 April 2018, about 17 days after starting HRT. I have had no mood swings, hot flashes or anything unpleasant. My ability to urinate is now at what I remember from my early adult years mid 30's, about half my life ago. I'm happier than I have ever been, most aggression is history. Still have some learned aggression to unlearn, which is happening. My emotions are definitely more feminine, my Dogs even like me more than they did the old man. I've only had one rejection by a so called friend (so called because a real friend would never reject a friend). I wear women's clothing almost exclusively; I say almost because I will wear some of my old men's rags when doing "dirty" chores or when it is raining, in which case I revert to my old men's sneakers.
I do not make any attempt at passing as female because at this time that would be impossible. What you see in my avatar is what you get (WYSIWYG) and is how I present; I mostly wear a lot of pink and other feminine colors to a lessor degree. I get a lot of smile from women and young folks. Old white men that give me what I perceive as "disapproving" looks are met with direct eye contact and a smile. Works every time.
I feel it is our right to be what and who we want to be as long as we are not physically harming any other being. If someone doesn't like what we are doing, doesn't mean we are harming them; they are harming themselves with their bigotry, ignorance, and sometimes their sheer stupidity, which cannot be fixed. My Dysphoria was never crippling or life threatening, which I am grateful for. I know a lot of you suffer greatly from it, which I didn't know about prior to my own transitioning process and coming here to Susan's Place. You are in the right place for advice and help. Lots of great help and advice from those that have gone before you, already having traveled the road you are on.
Sorry this ended up being so long. Sometimes I just can't shut up; it's the hormone's. Best of luck in your greatest life's adventure.
Best Always, Love
Christine
