Pamela's HRT Record

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Everyone

I thought it was about time I got round to writing this as I am now coming up to 8 month's HRT and HRT Board is one of my favourite Boards providing so much medical experience and personal stories.

I had registered aged 62 in 2017 as a private patient with GenderGP in UK and had had therapy and my therapist and I both agreed I should go onto HRT. My NHSGP requested several Blood Tests (BTs) as "Healthcheck" in December but these did not include Oestrogen (E) or Testosterone (T) or Prolactin but I noticed my White Blood Cells Count a little higher than Red Blood Cells Count at 5.2 to 4.9. My "Healthcheck" proved fine and I started HRT (Evorel Patches and Finasteride)  by Informed Consent as a private patient on February 8th 2018. Obviously I shall remember that date forever! My patches are 3/4 day ones but I determined to change every 84 hours at the inception.

In my first two weeks my erections had gone (but had been infrequent anyway), my skin on hands and arms felt smoother and I experienced a great sense of peace. This may or may not have been a placebo effect.

After 2 months I noticed Testicular Reduction, my penis has always been small. I should point out that although I hate these two body parts, my main source of body dysphoria has always been, by a narrow margin over the former, body hair. I also noticed my body odour had changed significantly to feminine and my urine was less pungent.

After 3 months I was delighted both that my body hair was thinner and growing slower and also that I could feel breast buds. My mind was clearer and my aggravation was lessened significantly. I could cry and I could laugh! I felt emotions properly! I was still depressed at times but was starting to "live" instead of just existing. I knew I was on the right fuel and would remain on HRT for life. I arranged a "Shared Care Agreement" between my NHSGP and GenderGP whereas the former arranges BTs and checks Blood Pressure and Weight (both are fine - my weight is 68kg or 150lbs) and the latter provides advice and agrees prescriptions. I had my 3 months BTs May 23rd which gave results of E 922 (Intl) 251 (US) and T 1.6 (Intl) 46 (US) and Prolactin 461 (Intl) 21.7 (US). My NHSGP called for a further BT for prolactin after 5 months.

Back in February I suspected that I may have to ultimately transition as my GD could not be reburied and had become so dominant but technically at that time I was "exploring". After 3/4 months in May/June I knew I would be transitioning when further physical benefits occurred and considered 20 months from Feb 8th 2018 meaning Oct 8th 2019 the absolute maximum.

I had my 5 month BT July 23rd just for Prolactin resulting in 534 (Intl) 25.1 (US).

After 6 months my breasts were forming and areolae increasing right larger than left in respect of both. I was feeling depressed less frequently but I noticed my mood changed more frequently. I was generally more relaxed and more emotional and at times "above the line" and in fact happy and cheerful. I had my 6 months BTs August 14th which gave results of E 1662 (Intl) 453 (US) and T 2.4 (Intl) 69 (US) and Prolactin 622 (Intl) 29.2 (US) along with a Full Blood Count with White Cells leading Red Cells by 7.3 to 4.3. GenderGP and I were both surprised my E was so high and agreed another BT necessary just for E which I had drawn August 28th and it was slightly lower at 1575 (Intl) 429 (US). As my T has also risen, I was prescribed Decapetyl (Triptorelin) which my NHSGP injected into me in addition to the Evorel Patches and Finasteride. Also at this time I decided to start Body Hair Removal (BHR) by both Laser and Electrolysis and after 2 months results are pleasing.

After 8 months I now witness more breast growth with right still leading in size over left and surprisingly some foot size reduction. My muscles have softened in my body as a whole. I am more motivated; not only am I on the right fuel but also on the right track. My embarrassment (but never shame) I overcame some time ago. I feel confident and motivated to proceed further with HRT and BHR along the path to transition.

In November I am putting my house on the market and moving (not too far away) and I think the best and logical time to publicly transition is when I move house. So now I am hoping for June/July 2019 rather than October 8th 2019 providing more physical benefits occur by then; however even if they do not occur, I think I shall probably go fulltime on moving house anyway! My next BTs are scheduled for Nov 12th and we expect lower E and lower T.

I have been out en femme sometimes for a walk in the park locally or occasionally in another town walking and sitting having a coffee and although I have had to suffer " the long stare", only once have I been mildly insulted.

My previous doubts and worries have gone. I shall proceed to future happiness!

Hugs to all

Pamela  xx

 

[Kirsteneklund7]

 I loved that post Pamela,
Sounds like you are finally coming of age as your natural female self! Much positivity coming through in the post as well.

I know on the boards you come through as softy spoken, empathetic & naturally feminine. If the opportunity ever comes up  I would love to meet in the real world . I bet that natural womanliness comes through face to face.

Your growth and development is inspiring to me - I always love to hear how you are going - that's why I liked this post so much.

You mentioned 68 kg - a passable size! Are you of normal female height as well?
Can you wear size 12 ?  Sorry about pushy questions but your transition does interest me. I'm personally 86 kg 6' tall - big for a woman but there are plenty of tall girls in Darwin so I hope to pass in the end. I am size 16- wish I could get to 14 !

Moving house soon -making for an easier time to present female- exciting times ! I really hope you keep us all up to date with transition events & personal development at your new place.

It's all real! - it's happening - you are finally getting to align your gender! That must feel  indescribably great.

I just want to pass on my biggest hugs and best wishes Pamela. You are a lovely woman and it only gets better from here on !

With friendship and love, Kirsten[emoji126]







Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[pamelatransuk]

Thank you so much Kirsten for such kindness and wonderful praise which I do not merit.

You truly are so sweet! I hope some day we may meet.

My height is 175cms or 5' 9". Size 14 at present - I know UK sizes theoretically same as Australia but one can never be precise on size especially with body shape not properly aligned (ie no hips and boobs growing).

If I inspire anyone at all, it is hard to believe as I am still seeking advice and encouragement from others.

Your greatest comment to me of course is that I am naturally feminine and I appreciate that more than anything else in the world!

Have a good weekend and I look forward to further discussion on HRT and on other Boards.

Sending you my love

Pamela  xx

[Julie -2010]

Pamela,

  Thanks for sharing with us.  It is nice to hear other stories.  HRT has been great, but I do wish my breast would get a lot bigger.  I'm about 20 months on and I do love how I feel but I still would like some changes that I know HRT will not bring.

It sounds like you have a great plan on the direction you want to go.  Keep us posted.

Julie

[Donica]

Hi from another 61 year old gal Pamela! Thank you for sharing your HRT journey with us. I am delighted to follow your thread. I'm 14 months HRT and am hoping for more breast size. We both have a long way to go yet. I'm guessing, for me, another two years to reach my full breast size.

Pretty much all the same emotional and physical changes here too. I'm looking forward to following your updates.

Hugs,
Donica.

[Northern Star Girl]

@pamelatransuk
Dear Pamela:
I hope that your are getting ready for your end of October HRT update...
Your curious followers want to know!!!!  We are your biggest fans and are rooting for you.

At the 8 or 9 month point your HRT should already be kicking into high gear now....
... changes will usually be more significant and coming more quickly... and there is so very much more to come for you.  Hang on tight!

Thank you for sharing with us all.
Hugs,
Danielle

[Northern Star Girl]

Hi from another 61 year old gal Pamela! Thank you for sharing your HRT journey with us. I am delighted to follow your thread. I'm 14 months HRT and am hoping for more breast size. We both have a long way to go yet. I'm guessing, for me, another two years to reach my full breast size.

Pretty much all the same emotional and physical changes here too. I'm looking forward to following your updates.

Hugs,
Donica.

@Donica
Dear Donica:
For me some of the most significant body changes happened between year ONE and year TWO of HRT, my breasts became a full B cup and then during and toward the end of my 3rd year of HRT my breasts became a C cup and that is where they are today at over 3 1/2 years of my HRT.

Because I am very active, hiking running, jogging, etc...  I really do not want any more and so far I am very happy that they have seemed to maintain a 34C cup.

Of course everyone and every body reacts uniquely to HRT.
Hugs,
Danielle

[pamelatransuk]

Dear Julie, Donica and Danielle

Thank you for your kind words of support which I truly appreciate and find most encouraging.

My Blood Tests are today and I see my results online Wed and I see my doctor Thurs.

I shall provide a full HRT update at the end of this week.

Hugs

Pamela

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Everyone

I had my 9 month Blood Tests which were very comprehensive inclusive of a Full Blood Count on Nov 12th.

The highlights are that my White Cells still lead my Red Cells by 6 to 4.2. My T is now thankfully down to 0.7 (Intl) 20 (US) and my Prolactin is greatly reduced to 198 (Intl) 9.3 (US). Unfortunately it was impossible to verify my E reading as I have recently been on holiday/vacation in Canaries where it was hot and I went 2 days without patches as they came off due to sweating. However I have no problem with patches in general living here in UK. Consequently I am having my blood redrawn just for E early December. Obviously I remember to some degree all my holidays but the recent one will be more relevant as it will be recalled in future as my last in male mode.

In the ninth month I have now noticed significant testicular reduction such that there very little inside the sack! Emotionally I remain "above the line" for much longer periods than previously. Leading up to last February I was so depressed and uptight due to GD, whereas now my depression is manageable. I continue to laugh and to cry. All my body hair is thinner and grows slower and even my rate of growth of facial hair has decreased. These two aspects should be pursuant to both HRT and BHR (Body Hair Removal).

I enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of HRT more than most could imagine and as I witness more, my confidence grows further.

Thank you for reading. Next update after 10 months on result of BT for E mid December.

Hugs to all

Pamela  xx

[Donica]

That's good news Pamela. Yes the patch can be difficult in some situations. I went with the pill instead but I'm thinking of changing over to the injections.

That seems to be the normal occurrence with HRT to have differences white red blood cell counts. My PCP thought I might be anemic. Even though he believed it was just the HRT, he ordered another FBC to be sure.

I find the testicular reduction convenient as it makes it much easier to hide the evil twins and things no matter what I'm wearing. No gaffs needed here anymore .

I'm glad to hear your emotions are remaining above the line for longer periods now. It is a rollercoaster of emotions. It can take some time to learn how to control them but I find it to be a fun new experience.

Enjoy the ride girl.
Donica.

[Linde]

Pamela, it was interesting reading your report and progress.
being intersex, my experience is entirely different.  I just started HRT (Patches), and am barely into my second week of it.
Most of the changes you experienced, happened to me over the last 2 to 3 years without any additional estrogen.  My penis shrunk to about two inches, and my testes are the size of a hazelnut, but extremely sensitive against touch (they hurt badly).
My breasts are now between an A and a B cup.  I have another advantage over "normal" trans women and cis women, I do not have body hair, not on my legs, chest or under the arm pits.  I also do not have an Adams Apple and because of this not a very low male voice.  My "normal" voice is in the androgynous/low female range, and my beard growth is not very strong.
I have no idea what estrogen will do to me, and what changes I can expect at which time.  So far, I do not feel anything that I could attribute to estrogen.  It is just amazing that the stuff works so different with different people.

I wish you continuous good luck on your exciting journey!

[pamelatransuk]

Thank you Donica and Dietlind for your kind words of support.

Just for the record I also do not possess a visible Adam's Apple thankfully.

Hugs

Pamela

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Everyone

My NHSGP sent my BT results to GenderGP accordingly on Nov 15th and he and I were not expecting GenderGP to consider amendment to my dosage but to wait for the extra BT for E in early December. However they determined that as both my E&T would both be low, that my E Patches should be increased by half. Therefore wef Nov 22nd I have been on same dosage of Decapetyl/Triptorelin, the same dosage of Finasteride and 1.5 x original Estradiol Patch dosage.

I had the extra BT for E on Dec 6th which resulted in reading of 442 (Intl) 120 (US) which as it is low confirms GenderGP were correct to foresee and to increase my E Patches. I saw my NHSGP Dec18th and he took my Blood Pressure which since July has decreased slightly from 148/92 to 138/90 and my weight which has increased since July from 68Kgs or 150lbs to 72.5Kgs or 159lbs. He and I are satisfied with my weight at present; like many I eat more in Winter and I expect another small increase over the next 3 months but I shall watch my diet closely wef March.

In the last month I can report that emotionally I am feeling better in that the depression is less severe and only usually of the "dulled and less motivation"  type instead of the physically painful type. My mind is clear and I am at times smiling and "above the line".

I confirm that physical changes are now happening at a faster pace. My boobs are certainly growing and I see a significant difference over the last month and furthermore I still get pains in them meaning the present spurt is likely to continue. I can also see and feel my muscles being less prominent and softer and my skin now truly feminine. My former male body odour has been replaced by a sweeter smell and I could manage without deodorant for 2 days but I still choose to apply every day.

My house will go on the market very soon as I am having some minor decorative work done first.

I remain confident that I can and that I shall publicly transition when I move house hopefully Summer 2019.

Thank you for reading. Next update after 11 months HRT mid January.

Hugs to all

Pamela  xx

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Everyone

Over the last month I can see further evidence of facial hair growing thinner and at a slower rate due to both HRT and BHR. I can also see some difference in my face a whole; it is more rounded and less long. The miserable depressed look has disappeared, I am delighted to say.

My skin and muscles both feel softer and gentle. No further boob growth but I still get the pains.

I used to regularly require 7 hours sweep but didn't usually achieve it as my sleep was disturbed on some nights but now 6 hours is sufficient and I usually either sleep right through or wake up for only a matter of minutes in the night.

My house is up for sale and I am searching for a smaller property to buy and to publicly transition on arrival there.

I feel more motivated and organized.

I have in my possession the Blood Forms for 12 Month Blood Test on Feb 7th.

Thank you for reading. Next update after 12 Month BT results and medical advice mid-February.

Hugs

Pamela

[Melinda@heart]

Quote:

"The miserable depressed look has disappeared"

Awesome! I know just what you mean. I honestly haven't been this undepressed my entire life. 

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Julie -2010]

The one thing that I really noticed is my leg and arm hair.  Before HRT I shaved both arms and legs.  Now with HRT I haven't really needed to shave my arms and my legs hair grows so slow now.  I can go almost 2 weeks and don't have much growth.

The face on the other hand is still a pain.  Had another electrolysis session today.  Ok hair, die already.

I will have two years on HRT February 7th.  A good two years.   

 
thanks for the update Pamela,

Julie

[pamelatransuk]

Hello Everyone

I had my 12 month Blood Tests which were very comprehensive inclusive of a Full Blood Count on Feb 7th.

The highlights were that my E was 558 (Intl) 152 (US) and my T was virtually suppressed at 0.2 (Intl) 6 (US); my White Cells and Red Cells remain at 6 and 4.2 respectively and all seems fine elsewhere. I thought I had gained weight and was surprised to see it also remains at 72.5Kg or 159lbs.

I have certainly felt hungrier especially in the evening and consumed more but perhaps it was just because it is Winter when I think most of need more sustenance. My doctor had previously expected also that I would gain weight. So this is relieving statistically and healthwise but if I gain weight I wish only to get fat in the boob and hip areas or better still to gain it there and lose it from my stomach.

My boobs have become much more noticeable to me and I am sure people who regularly see me must have noticed despite being hidden under bra and 2 jumpers (January was cold here in UK but February mild). I still get occasional pain and there was significant growth in the quarter to Feb 7th.

I never had much body hair on my arms and legs but did have some on my chest and back and abdomen and thanks to HRT and BHR it has all virtually gone - only a few hairs on my stomach remain visible even after 6 weeks of no bodyshaving. I am well pleased.

I have looked at photos of myself and I can see a definite difference in the shape of the face - more rounded and the cheeks look brighter - between Feb 2018 and Feb 2019.

I have noticed over the last quarter that I have less strength but it is manageable. I am occasionally fatigued in the evening but I have all my life been a "morning person" anyway. I am considerably more emotional after a year HRT as I hardly ever cried previously whereas I sometimes do so at particular scenes on TV and laugh more easily and for longer periods! As my T is virtually suppressed, you will expect and I confirm my testicles are so small and never "in the way".

Coincidentally I sold my house on Feb 7th but the sale has recently failed and my house is back on the market. I am disappointed that the sale did not proceed but I am hopeful that my house should sell in Spring.

I remain motivated and organized as a result of a clear mind.

I appreciate most of my readers are not from UK but you may have noticed on Transgender Talk Board the "UK Meet Up" thread and as I feel confident, I shall be travelling and attending it as Pamela on March 16th.

I will be publicly transitioning on moving house. I realize this may necessitate a change of NHSGP with whom I have built up a good relationship but I can live with that and hopefully find another decent one. My private endo at GenderGP will remain the same.

The best feeling pursuant to both HRT and BHR is the absolute certainty in my mind that I am on the right track. Much less depression and regularly feeling great!

Thanks for reading. Next update in March after the UK Meet Up.

Hugs to all my readers.

Pamela  xx

[Linde]

The highlights were that my E was 558 (Intl) 152 (US) and my T was virtually suppressed at 0.2 (Intl) 6 (US);

Pamela  xx

Hi Pamela
Sounds as everything is going well for you!  The values you have s what my endo expects me to be up when I have my next blood test.  He feels that I might even be able to reduce my E intake, because of no T anymore.  Lesser E would, of course, mean a lesser chance for a possible DVT.

I hope that your house sales will go through this time around to allow you to start the new chapter of your life as planned!
Hugs
Linde

[Julie -2010]

Pamela,

  Congrats on your one year anniversary.  Your vitals look great.  On weight change it is funny.  I can't lose any but how the body changes makes you think you gain weight.  I still would like to lose 10. 

I'm happy that your right path is going well.  Have fun at the UK meet up.

Julie

[Donica]

Congratulations on your 1 year HRT anniversary Pamela. Time is moving along. I know it seems like it took a long time to get here but it also seems like we just started yesterday.

Hugs girl.