HRT - Feminization without breast growth

[Etti]

Hi, this is my first thread of SP. I'm 35 yrs old, AMAB non-binary and started HRT just over one month ago - the process is still very new to me. I'm grateful for @Sideways' post back in 2018 (link below) about feminization without breast growth and feel like this deeply resonated with me and still does.

https://www.susans.org/index.php/topic,242511.0.html

I'm currently taking Raloxifene alone, which is a SERM - selective estrogen receptor modulator, acting similarly to estrogen in most body tissues but limits breast growth. At first, my GP hadn't heard about this being applied for HRT towards identity affirmation. Only last week, she warned me that changes might be very slow and possibly non noticeable if taken alone. She suggested combining with Estradiol and Spiro for desired effects. It felt a bit overwhelming to think that I would go from one to three combined treatments with different side effects (some well-documented and others less). This would feel fine if the feminization effects would be irreversible after a given time, but since the treatment is to be led indefinitely, otherwise reversible, then it becomes a more sensitive topic. I am grateful that treatments exist, but I'm definitely still carrying out research to find the most suitable fit.

Thanks in advance for sharing and exchanging whether you can relate directly or indirectly

[Sarah B]

Hello Etti

My name is Sarah B and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

Thank you for stopping by and mentioning that you have began some form of HRT.  It's surprising after all this time, that I'm still learning about HRT.  In your case of slow feminization, is certainly new to me.  If that is what you want.

What I would like to know is why?  I would assume that you don't want others to know what you want to do, but without revealing what you are doing.  The other question is what do you hope to achieve by taking HRT in this manner?

If you are conflicted in your mind about what you want then you would need to see a 'therapist'.  Once again very intriguing in what you have written.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forum, of course.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these as well.

Please review the links at the end of this message, especially the red links, they include information which will help you navigate the site and use the available features.  When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile, until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact, the Forum Admin Danielle Northern Star Girl alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@LoriDee
@Northern Star Girl
@Etti

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[Lori Dee]

Hello Etti,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for contributing to the discussion. You are doing the right thing by conducting your own research and discussing this with your doctors. Transgender medicine is relatively new. Most of our medications were developed for women experiencing menopause and men with prostate cancer. By staying abreast of the latest research we can inform and educate our providers with the latest and greatest advancements in this field.

Your experience and comments are welcome here too. We all learn by sharing our experiences.

Sarah B has provided you with some links to information that is important for new members. Please take time to read through them and get familiar with how the forum works. Clicking the HOME button will take you to a page that shows all of the various sub-forums grouped by topic. If you get lost or need help, just reach out and someone will be along to point you in the right direction.

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Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl
@Etti

[ChrissyRyan]

Welcome Etti!

Chrissy

[Lilis]

Hi, this is my first thread of SP. I'm 35 yrs old, AMAB non-binary and started HRT just over one month ago - the process is still very new to me.

Hi Etti and welcome to Susan's. I am also new to the process like yourself, and in two days it marks the 3rd month in my journey, and I will be seeing my endocrinologist for my first assessment. Congratulation for taking a successful first step in your journey.

I'm grateful for Sideways' post back in 2018 (link below) about feminization without breast growth and feel like this deeply resonated with me and still does.

I haven't seen this post, and it seems like something that I might be interested in, thanks for sharing.

I'm currently taking Raloxifene alone, which is a SERM - selective estrogen receptor modulator, acting similarly to estrogen in most body tissues but limits breast growth. At first, my GP hadn't heard about this being applied for HRT towards identity affirmation. Only last week, she warned me that changes might be very slow and possibly non noticeable if taken alone. She suggested combining with Estradiol and Spiro for desired effects.

My doctors started me with low dose Estradiol and Spiro and together we are going to add and subtract the dosage in an attempt to find the proper dosage to reach my desire results. I have never heard of and wasn't giving the option of "SERM - selective estrogen receptor modulator" by my doctors, I will ask them about it in my next session.

Again welcome to Susan's, it is great to have you here with us.

[Etti]

Hi all above, thank you for the welcoming messages.

I thought it would be important to come back to your post @Sarah B. I just wanted to clarify that in my case it would be more of a selective feminization, rather than slow feminization. If I could choose to have the transformative process go fast or slow, there's no question I would choose the fast lane. Speaking for myself as trans non-binary, I just don't wish to move towards being trans woman but more somewhere in between. I'd like to have a more female presenting body and face while still retaining my sexual function (at least for now). I feel that my identity situates some here. I recognize that it's a process and that things might change, but this feels pretty accurate at the given moment.

Either way, I thought it would be valuable to just clear that up so that I don't mislead others who might be reading at a later point.

I also thought it might be beneficial for some to scroll through this text talking about the link between non-binary and hormonal microdosing :

https://www.sfaf.org/collections/beta/microdosing-hormones-expands-gender-affirming-care-options-for-non-binary-folks/

Also, here is a paper that discusses the SERMs :

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.701364/full

[Sarah B]

Hi Etti

Thank you for your reply it was really appreciated and of course, you are more than welcome.

As I said a very interesting insight into the non binary world in reading the posts of yours and sideways.  I made a summary that pertains to you and in doing so has helped me and hopefully others.  If something is not right then please let me know and I will correct it accordingly.

The summary is as follows:

I see that you identify as a non-binary individual and you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with a focus on selective feminization, aiming for a more feminine appearance without significant breast growth or full transition to a binary female identity.

You have chosen Raloxifene, a SERM that mimics estrogen but limits breast growth and are considering adding Estradiol and Spironolactone to enhance feminization.  In addition you prefer a faster transformative process but are concerned about managing multiple treatments and their long term effects including, maintaining sexual function.

You're aware that your needs may change over time and are dedicated to sharing accurate information with others in similar situations.

As I said in my welcoming message to you.  "I'm always interested in learning something new about new members" and in your case I have.  Please keep us informed on how you go, as your journey will be extremely valuable to other members here at Susan's.

Take care and all the best for the future

]Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Etti