Changes that caught you by surprise: Go!

[BlueJaye]

Breast tenderness. Even though I had been told that HRT would cause breast tenderness, I greatly underestimated what the word tenderness meant. Even the slightest bump or anything to my breasts could take my breath away with pain. When I first started HRT, I thought "oh a little tenderness. I can handle that". Yeah, you might say I was in for a big surprise.

[graspthesanity]

I recently noticed how much my breast tissue decreased!!! It's amazing! But to be honest evcery day on T is a blessing

[Ricki Wright]

I recently noticed how much my breast tissue decreased!!! It's amazing! But to be honest evcery day on T is a blessing

Dooood! I am so happy for you! Just think of me as the recipient.... <grin>

Ricki

[AnneK]

I was surprised at how fast my breasts started growing.  According to the literature on line, breast growth should be noticeable after 3 - 6 months.  For me, it was about 3 weeks!  Also shrinking genitals should appear around 3 -6 months, but mine seem to be already and I only have 5 weeks on HRT.

The only thing I can think of that might have caused stuff to happen faster is I've been on Dutasteride for over 2 years.  Beyond that, I'm only taking Estradiol, without any other anti-androgen.

[Faith]

I haven't had any physical changes that I'd consider a surprise. After all the research I knew fairly well what to expect. If anything, I was/am a bit disappointed in some aspects. The one that caught me by surprise was emotional.

I was not ready the gut-wrenching-melt-to-the-floor intensity of the emotion that hit me when I kissed my wife one day early in transition. She had to hold me up, my knees literally gave out. I knew/know I love my wife, the sheer intensity of it shocked the s*** out of me. It hasn't faded. All I have to do is have her in my thoughts, like now, and I feel it.

She used to describe it to me in the before times. I never really grasped it. Now I know.

[AnneK]

My knees have almost given out recently, but that was due to leg problems, not HRT.   

[Sophiaprincess2019]

Recently caught a long look in the mirror to find a woman staring back at me through the faint outline of a man's fading shell of a body. Was nice affirmation. Breasts are also developing quickly for me.

Sometimes I'll get caught off guard when I'm getting ready for work in the morning or running around in cute leggings and a fun top. I like how my curves are developing:  Two days ago I looked down toward my waist and saw a woman's body from my chest down to my toes. I'm really loving transition.

Sophia

[Zefoxe]

I noticed today, while trying on short sleeve tops, that my arms above my elbow have seemed to picked-up some fat.  I am not gaining weight.  Also, I noticed recently that my right breast has gotten fuller to more closely match my left breast, so that is a good thing.  This roundness looks nice in a form fitting T, that's for sure.

What really got to me is the fat on upper arms, there is no firmness as with my breasts.  I do not like that, so I will explore some exercise options but I do not want to get muscle looking.

Chrissy

tricep excercises are probably best route with lower weight + high reps

[ChrissyRyan]

tricep excercises are probably best route with lower weight + high reps

Good ideas... @Zefoxe. Thank you.

It seems to be just a little fat that I can pinch, it is not drooping or anything.

What this "slight bit of fat" may actually be is not more fat but a loss of muscle mass.  I am beginning to think that is what it really is.

Have any of you girls lost muscle mass in the upper arms because of transitioning?
It seems to make sense that would make your upper arms feel softer or a bit flabbier than before.

Firm but softer.  Not as masculine.  That is good!


Chrissy

[Rachel]

I was walking past a full length mirror at the gym after spin class and I saw my reflection. I liked my hair and then saw a woman looking back. I thought I looked a little cute. It was the first time I had those thoughts. I was really happy I glanced by that mirror.

[CynthiaAnn]

Have any of you girls lost muscle mass in the upper arms because of transitioning?

@ChrissyRyan - yes I lost over 6" in my upper arms.

[ChrissyRyan]

@ChrissyRyan - yes I lost over 6" in my upper arms.

@CynthiaAnn

Gee that is a lot.  Unless you have a lot of arms.

Maybe I should start measuring some spots.

Chrissy

[Ricki Wright]

I have lost muscle in upper and lower arms, and my endurance walking up hills has gone completely by the wayside. Maybe it's the shoes...I should buy another pair and see if that helps!

Ricki

[Shay9999]

I was surprised how much more confident I became after starting estrogen. I felt more comfortable with myself and didn't mind expressing who I was to others. It became rather insane, too, because I went from this programmer profiting off war to a full time college student pursuing medicine in about a year. I'm still surprised by that aspect of my life having so much change, and I attribute that to estrogen giving me comfortableness.

Also, definitely boobs. Stairs periodically make my chest bounce, and as an A cup this is surprising every time I notice.

Cheek fat, too. My face changed a lot from HRT. I'm surprised how much it changed.

[pamelatransuk]

One over the short term and one over the long term.

I was amazed that within 2 weeks my skin on my face and hands felt so much softer. Placebo effect? I believe not. I felt it then and it continued.

After 9 months of HRT (it is now 15 months), I could see and others commented that I look younger!

Hugs

Pamela

Having thought about this in greater depth, I remember how surprised I was that shortly after starting HRT, I felt a great sense of peace, my mind cleared and I could concentrate better. I knew for certain I was on "the right fuel". My motivation increased accordingly.

My dysphoria and depression remained but I could see the reduction in them.

Hugs

Pamela

[Rachel45]

1. I was finally complete and didn't want anyone else to complete me.

2. Going from wanting women only to be bi. I'd find some guys attractive over the years, but fully accepting I was Rachel changed my sexuality from straight to bisexual.

Listen to the song "Slow Hand" by the Pointer Sisters and see how you feel. Did you identify with wanting what the singer wants and found? I did in a big way. I always liked the song before, but now, I want me to be the one getting a slow handed lover.

I think the next thing that will get me, if I can ever transition, will be breasts. I've wanted those since high school. LOL

[AnneK]

I have lost muscle in upper and lower arms, and my endurance walking up hills has gone completely by the wayside. Maybe it's the shoes...I should buy another pair and see if that helps!

Yeah, climbing hills in stilettos doesn't work well.   

[DawnOday]

I had never thought of falling for a man before or a fellow MTF transitioner until I met this most fantastic person last week. I was enthralled from the beginning and had never felt these feelings. I hope we will continue the connection as she is about as beautiful as any woman I have met. Inside and out. I know we can't be anything but friends but I'm good with that. I hope she is too, as she is just so interesting and I want to be around her. Luckily she lives nearby.

[Stepheewt]

Dawn O Day......I hope it works for you. Always great feeling at the start of any new freindship. Future will always give you chances at greatness.

And I like you was never attracted to another man or trans. Women exclusive.

I still am, but I have to admit it now.. i do find men attractive now......just crazy.

[krobinson103]

I used to be most definitely bi. These days men make good eye candy but I'm definitely lesbian. The thought of being with a man is just... blah.