Is there an age limit

[Owen]

Hello ladies, I have a question. I notice that there are an awful lot of18 to 20 something's here that are considering or starting or made there transition to woman hood. Is it to late for me to start this prosses. I am 46. It probably will be a few years before I start my transition. I havn't even started therepy yet. I won't even think of starting hormone regeme with out seeing a therepist and doctor. At the moment I only shave myself. I don't have much in the way of womens clothes except pantys, and hose and a bra. I live with my mom so I don't get much chance to dress up. Also I was considering getting a castration to prevent erections. I've heard this is done in severe sex offenders. Not that I am one. I'm not to knowlegable in this topic. Is there any phycological down fall to this?

owen
love being female

[Jillieann Rose]

Hello Owen,
Many here are transitioning in there 30's, 40's and 50's.
There are other here who know more about it than me but I think that as lone as your health you can transition.

Jillieann

[stephanie_craxford]

Hey there Owen,

The only real age restriction to transitioning would be your health and then health issues affect every ones transition or their ability to transition regardless of age.  The best place to start would be to get a complete physical from your doctor, including blood work.  HRT can have a huge impact on the body, and again it depends on the individual.  Some don't experience any ill effects while for others it can be fatal.  Those at risk tend to be those who are at risk for heart disease, those who have other coronary complications.  High cholesterol levels can be a factor that should be addressed before starting HRT.

From complications caused by HRT to those that can complicate GRS/SRS you can see there is a wide spectrum of issues that you should be aware of.  As I mentioned some experience no ill effects while other do.  Age can be factor but not always I'm 54 and I'm OK so far.

Visit the Wiki and read the HRT Article found here.  While this article should NOT be used to replace competent medical advice it is fairly complete and accurate and it lists the possible side effects that could be expected.

Steph

[beth]

Hello Owen,

             There are ladies and gentlemen here.  There is no age limit for transition. The downfall can be starting transition before you are absolutely sure it is what you have to do. Your plan to see a therapist first is a sound one. Find a therapist who has experience with transsexuals who have transitioned successfully.


beth

[Owen]

Hello ladies,
                 I guess I should have expected there would be older folks here.
                 Hearing this makes me feel a whole lot better with this. My health is
                 basically sound for now and I do have checkups regulary so My first step
                 would be the therepist. It will most likely take me a year or two before I
                 start on any thing and how knows where I will be in two years. Hopefuly
                 living on my own by then. Thankyou everyone for your advise and
                 encourgment. I took the time to look at the resources in the library here
                 and printed out a bunch of stuff about hormones and side effects. Susans
                 has a lot to offer here I really love this site.


                 Owen
                 love being female

[Kimberly]

I'm kind of in the mind that you start transitioning when you start talking about it. Not much mind you but it puts the foot in the transitioning door so to speak. So, given that I'm inclined to think your statement, "It probably will be a few years before I start my transition.", isn't as true as you think it is. As for when is too late to start? Well, if you're still breathing it's not too late.

[Cassandra]

Hi Owen,

Welcome to Susan's. As others have said there is no age limit to transition. As far as orchiectomy( I think I spelled that right) It should only be coinsidered if there are health reasons or no other alternative as this can become a factor in the final results of your SRS. If and when you start HRT the anti androgens will stop erections. This is sometimes referred to as chemical castration.

After a few months(YMMV) the effects will become permanent. This is one of the reasons people need to be absolutely certain that this is what they want because many effects of HRT are irreversible. There is much to learn here so fix yourself a cup of tea or other relaxing beverage, sit down, take your shoes off and set a spell.

Good Journey,

Cassie

[stephanie_craxford]

If I may Cassie,

There is a topic on orchiectomy that covers this very well Owen.  It can be found here:

Bilateral Orchiectomy

Steph

[Sarah Louise]

Hmmm, 46 your still a young pup.

[Owen]

Hello Ladies, 
                  I want to thank everyone for there imput on this. It was imformative and insiteful. I read others posts about castration or (bo) and that it should only be considered if there was a medical reason for it. What is GRS,SRS.

[stephanie_craxford]

Hey there Owen,

SRS is short for Sex Reassignment Surgery, and GRS stands for Gender Reassignment Surgery.  Both terms ref ere to the same surgical procedure and both terms are in use.

Steph

[michelle]

My advice is that what ever you do, consider your health history,  your current state of health, and your family health history for possible complications that may hide in the side lines.     And be true to yourself.