Question on HRT changes

[KellyMarieinAZ]

As I look at the possibility of HRT as a highly potential option for me, I've really been focused on researching everything I can about it.

One of the changes that I see referenced a lot is the change in your smell while on HRT, and I have a couple of questions on this that I haven't been able to find an answer to yet.
1) Is there a basis behind the smell change? Is it due to pH changes, pheromone changes, etc.? Or is it simply not known?
2) Do you also find the smell of other people changes as well, either in actual smell or how the smell affects you?

TIA

[RobynD]

In my opinion, the smell change is pretty subtle and fairly minor in view of all the other changes. I'm not sure that it is universally accepted. I do know that I smell the mustiness smell stronger and smell, in general, seems acuter. Guys also smell better to me even with a bit of BO, but I have always liked men and women and I'm not sure that isn't psychosomatic. Women do not smell any different to me.

[Kendra]

I think the degree of change is a bit unpredictable.  After starting HRT I experienced a strong change to all senses - the way I process scenery, and even sound - as if an amplifier was plugged in.  Or more likely the amplifier was unplugged during puberty and suddenly reconnected later in life. 

Smell and taste are related and I've found both are so much sharper.  I still enjoy spicy food but a fraction of what I was able to handle before HRT.  In an elevator, if someone's body odor is too strong I just about have to hit any random floor and leave.  I like the way flowers smell.  Previously I didn't care. 

[KellyMarieinAZ]

In my opinion, the smell change is pretty subtle and fairly minor in view of all the other changes. I'm not sure that it is universally accepted. I do know that I smell the mustiness smell stronger and smell, in general, seems acuter. Guys also smell better to me even with a bit of BO, but I have always liked men and women and I'm not sure that isn't psychosomatic. Women do not smell any different to me.

Thank you for the response, Robyn! It's great to get others' perspectives. And it helps to have an actual description of how smell has changed for you, individually.

[KellyMarieinAZ]

I think the degree of change is a bit unpredictable.  After starting HRT I experienced a strong change to all senses - the way I process scenery, and even sound - as if an amplifier was plugged in.  Or more likely the amplifier was unplugged during puberty and suddenly reconnected later in life. 

Smell and taste are related and I've found both are so much sharper.  I still enjoy spicy food but a fraction of what I was able to handle before HRT.  In an elevator, if someone's body odor is too strong I just about have to hit any random floor and leave.  I like the way flowers smell.  Previously I didn't care.

Thanks for the reply, Kendra. I saw your post with your recent visit to Scottsdale for your surgery. I hope that you are doing well with your recovery.

I love the analogy of the amplifier. I seem to pick up on the nuance of the heightened senses quite a bit as I read through the posts of those on HRT. My sense of smell has dulled over the years, mainly because of the years of being a smoker. It has improved a bit since I quit years ago, but I'd love to get some of that back.

[Sarahthenerd]

not quite to a full 3 months yet, but I have noticed changes in my own oder. I can't tell if it the sense or the actual smell itself. Not something I'm going to put much thought or effort to figure out. But it happened to me. You may be a different story. And I've always enjoyed smelling the flowers.

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[Kendra]

> I saw your post with your recent visit to Scottsdale for your surgery. I hope that you are doing well with your recovery.

I'm doing great!  Most of the time I've forgotten about recent surgery and then realize hey there are things where they weren't before. 

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Kelly Marie

I find my sense of taste has improved, my sense of smell in general has improved and that my own odour has changed and become somewhat feminine. Some of the many benefits of HRT!

Hugs

Pamela

[Kirsteneklund7]

Hi Kelly Marie,
                          Interesting topic you raised . Having a female hormone profile definately changes ones perception of smell. It is popularly accepted that a woman's sense of smell is more acute.

I personally found this to be true after starting mtf HRT. The more acute olfactory sense seems to come on as soon as the mtf loses the androgen odour in her sweat.

Spoiled food or rotting smells seem to be more obvious.

The most profound difference after starting HRT is the smell of people. I can now often smell people from across the room ! Androgen sweat from men is particularly noticeable even at a distance.

1. I believe the basis is females instinctively use olfaction to judge potential partners. To deal with food quality fed to family & offspring. I think it also subconsciously identifies close family and blood relatives.
The odour awareness of other people really ramps up after HRT.

2.The actual smell of people doesn't change just the sensitivity to it.


The actual chemical reason or mechanics for all this is a mystery to me - I would love to find out more!
Yours truly Kirsten[emoji259]

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[Virginia]

I have been on a full transition level HRT regimen for almost nine years. I have not experienced a change in my sense of smell and my wife has never mentioned that I smell any different. It makes good sense that what can be described as an increase in sense of smell after switching to HRT is simply a person's being able to smell things other than the overpowering androgen odor in their sweat.

[KellyMarieinAZ]

Thank you, girls, for the replies. Keep them coming, as I'm loving the perspectives.

Another aspect I've wondered on is our attractiveness to others based on smell. You hear all the time the phrase "I love the way he/she smells". This infers that we are able to pick up on nuances of someone's personal odor makeup. Since the odor we have can be affected by medications and foods, I have to wonder about the pheromone effect. I've always questioned the validity of pheromones, but the more I've spent researching about TG/TS and HRT, I'm seeing more and more basis for reality with pheromones. If each gender has their own version of pheromones, does that mean these are hormone based or genetically driven? I would assume the former, as based on how some experience attractions to others that may have higher levels of their sexual hormones.

I guess what I'm getting at is the question of "Will my SO stop being attracted to me if my smell changes?". Has anyone experienced anything like this?

[RobynD]

Thank you, girls, for the replies. Keep them coming, as I'm loving the perspectives.

Another aspect I've wondered on is our attractiveness to others based on smell. You hear all the time the phrase "I love the way he/she smells". This infers that we are able to pick up on nuances of someone's personal odor makeup. Since the odor we have can be affected by medications and foods, I have to wonder about the pheromone effect. I've always questioned the validity of pheromones, but the more I've spent researching about TG/TS and HRT, I'm seeing more and more basis for reality with pheromones. If each gender has their own version of pheromones, does that mean these are hormone based or genetically driven? I would assume the former, as based on how some experience attractions to others that may have higher levels of their sexual hormones.

I guess what I'm getting at is the question of "Will my SO stop being attracted to me if my smell changes?". Has anyone experienced anything like this?

From what I have seen the evidence on pheromones is mixed. A small study seemed to show correlation, other studies found nothing. Smell though is an element of attraction. The fragrance industry counts on it. I asked my spouse if I smelled differently post HRT and she said yes. To myself, I smell different. Did it change her attraction to me? Well we are no longer together, but I think the reasons go far beyond that.

[Northern Star Girl]

As I look at the possibility of HRT as a highly potential option for me, I've really been focused on researching everything I can about it.

One of the changes that I see referenced a lot is the change in your smell while on HRT, and I have a couple of questions on this that I haven't been able to find an answer to yet.
1) Is there a basis behind the smell change? Is it due to pH changes, pheromone changes, etc.? Or is it simply not known?
2) Do you also find the smell of other people changes as well, either in actual smell or how the smell affects you?

TIA

@KellyMarieinAZ
Dear Kelly:
At the risk of me rehashing what you may have already heard... here is important stuff for you and anyone that is considering HRT or at the beginning their HRT journey should be aware of...
...here are some of my thoughts as it may relate to what you might expect.

As has been stated over and over here on the Forums... and by me in many of my past comments on various posts, HRT will work uniquely in your own unique body.
What you read about other transitioning members experiences with HRT most likely will not be identical to your own experiences.

Some will experience more significant changes more quickly and then some will experience less significant changes more slowly....   it is all up to your genes and how your body reacts to the HRT.   Your doctor will  undoubtedly be looking at your frequent blood test results during your journey to determine if any alterations in the HRT regimen are needed.

The adage that you have probably already heard regarding HRT and how it may work for various individuals  is "YMMV"  meaning that Your Mileage May Vary.
   
PATIENCE is definitely required.... usually not much happens very quickly with HRT... but changes will happen.  Do some reading of other transitioners posts and look at many of the posted HRT timelines and the before and after pictures. ....  they can give you a rough idea of what you MIGHT expect.

Many times the very first noticeable changes can be felt and seen within the first 2 to 6 months... breast tenderness, breast bud lumps forming under the nipples and possibly changes in body hair growth, your own body and urine smell, changes in erections becoming less intense, libido, etc.

Without a doubt this can be very "EXCITING and SCARY all at the same time."   One needs to hang on for an amazing ride.  Some of my best and most appreciated and dramatic body changes happened at about the 5 month point through the start of year #2 of my HRT journey.   
Even though I was able to very successfully pass before I went full-time... when I did go full-time at the 1 1/2 year mark I have been passing 100% of the time.  Of course that is just my experience, I suppose I can thank my body makeup and my genes for all that.

We are here to rejoice with you in the good times and to support you in the not so good times.
One more time.... PATIENCE is required.   The attitude of many people today is "I want it all and I want it now" ... that will not apply to HRT.   You might want to re-read what I just wrote so you can get a good grasp of the details that I mentioned.

I will be looking forward to your continued updates as you feel free to post them.   
Hugs and well wishes
Danielle

[KellyMarieinAZ]

Thank you for the advice, @Alaskan Danielle. I very much appreciate the wisdom, and am fully aware of the YMMV scenario as well as the need for patience. I am merely trying to gather as many data points as I can from others on some  fairly benign things to help me get a perspective of others' experiences. It's akin to understanding all of the potential side effects of a medication, so you are informed and aware of what could potentially happen, not as a matter of what WILL happen.

I'm an engineer, so tend to be very analytical in the way I collect and process data. (To the point that I have a spreadsheet that I use for my wife's medications so I can correlate her symptoms with her medication dosages and blood levels. I'll be translating it to myself if/when I begin HRT)