Quote from: Katie Ellen on February 18, 2019, 12:31:31 PM
So I just passed my 9 month mark on HRT. I take estradiol (sublingual) and Finasteride. I'm very careful taking my Estradiol. When I started I took some measurements so that I had a baseline to track my progress. I also took pictures.
I know it's a long process, but I'm starting to get pretty disappointed. The only thing that's changed is I've gained an inch in my bust and maybe a half an inch on my hips. I was on a pretty low dose the first 3 months, but a decent dose since. I do see changes in my face and body hair. Actually, my body hair has pretty much stopped growing and I can go almost 3 days without shaving.
I have my 9 month follow-up and labs coming up in a few weeks. I think my estrogen level will be good, but my testosterone will probably be higher than I'd like. My labs were E 150 and T 362 at 6 months (US).
I feel good with very low dysphoria and I'm usually pretty optimistic. But I'm just starting to feel like this isn't going to work! I hope I'm wrong.
@Katie Ellen Dear Katie:At the risk of me telling you what you may have already heard... here is
important stuff for you and anyone no matter where they are in their transition journey.
...here are some of my thoughts as it may relate to what you are going through.
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 continuing to look 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 as you mentioned,
changes in body hair growth, also 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. Regarding your body measurements, it is good that you have established a reference point and even taken some photos for comparison and allowing you to judge your body changes.
As you stated you have already seen gains in your bust and in your hips.
For me, I did not gain a whole lot in my hips but mybreast growth was very good and after 2 years of HRT my breasts were a C-cup.
Many will achieve an A or a B cup and some transitioners may possibly achieve a C-cup or even a D-cup.
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.
Katie, please
try to not be disappointed with your progress... things will happen with HRT, but in their own time and in their own ways in your unique body.
I will be looking forward to your continued updates as you feel free to post them. Please hang in there!
Hugs and well wishesDanielle