Alana's Journey

[Lori Dee]

My estradiol level was at 45, and my kidney function was normal. That's all I got back.

Hopefully, your doctor will review your results with you. Glad the kidney function is normal. I had a brief scare once, but it was resolved quickly.

For HRT, my estradiol was at 45 after my first 30 days on the pills. They may want to repeat the labs in another 30 days to see if your levels are changing. If not changing, they may want to increase your dosage to get your levels up into the target range.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes. We appreciate the updates!

[Lilis]

My estradiol level was at 45, and my kidney function was normal. That's all I got back.

Hey,

Lori covered most of it.

I'd just add that it's worth asking for the full report, and also which company is running the labs.

Most lab companies have a patient portal where you can check all your results directly.


~ Lilis 🌷

[Alana Ashleigh]

Hey,

Lori covered most of it.

I'd just add that it's worth asking for the full report, and also which company is running the labs.

Most lab companies have a patient portal where you can check all your results directly.


~ Lilis 🌷

I'm going to message my doctor tomorrow when I get up.

[Alana Ashleigh]

Today started out good. I went and got my eyebrows done. I went to a friends house afterwards. I got emotional for no apparent reason. It was very rough. I felt so overwhelmed, and weighed down. It's frustrating since it didn't have a trigger.

[Northern Star Girl]

@Alana Ashleigh

Dear Alana:

For several years earlier in my HRT ...  my emotions were all over the place.
  They finally settled down but I still end up crying for seemingly little reasons.

        Your eyebrows.... do you like how they turned out ?

HUGS, Danielle

Today started out good. I went and got my eyebrows done. I went to a friends house afterwards. I got emotional for no apparent reason. It was very rough. I felt so overwhelmed, and weighed down. It's frustrating since it didn't have a trigger.

[Alana Ashleigh]

@Alana Ashleigh

Dear Alana:

For several years earlier in my HRT ...  my emotions were all over the place.
  They finally settled down but I still end up crying for seemingly little reasons.

        Your eyebrows.... do you like how they turned out ?

HUGS, Danielle

Danielle, I can't seem to cry when I need to. It's been one of the more disappointing parts of hrt. I don't know if it's just the way I'm wired.

I love the way my eyebrows came out. 🤩

[ChrissyRyan]

The eyes have it!  It is important how your eyes look to you, and that includes the brows and lashes. 

[Alana Ashleigh]

I got my testosterone test back this morning. My level was 423.

[Northern Star Girl]

@Alana Ashleigh
Dear Alana:
IMPORTANT:  Please follow up with your doctor as  @Lori Dee suggested.

Please continue to keep us all updated... we are all rooting for your success !!!!
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Hopefully, your doctor will review your results with you. Glad the kidney function is normal. I had a brief scare once, but it was resolved quickly.

For HRT, my estradiol was at 45 after my first 30 days on the pills. They may want to repeat the labs in another 30 days to see if your levels are changing. If not changing, they may want to increase your dosage to get your levels up into the target range.

Good luck. Let us know how it goes. We appreciate the updates!

[Alana Ashleigh]

I stopped wearing a bra at the end of the summer, as I didn't feel it was as necessary as I thought... in the last few days, my boobs seem to have gotten the signal to start doing their thing, as they have been very sore, tender, and heavy. I don't see much growth in the mirror, but, I have enough discomfort that I need a bra now. I never thought I'd get to this milestone. 🤩🥳

[Northern Star Girl]

@Alana Ashleigh
Dear Alana:
Yes indeed, you arrived at a milestone that you will always fondly remember. 
Hang on tight, this is just one of many milestones that will be coming your
way as you continue your HRT and other feminine attributes that you
will be achieving.

I am very happy for your success and I will be eagerly looking for your
updates as you continue on.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

I stopped wearing a bra at the end of the summer, as I didn't feel it was as necessary as I thought... in the last few days, my boobs seem to have gotten the signal to start doing their thing, as they have been very sore, tender, and heavy. I don't see much growth in the mirror, but, I have enough discomfort that I need a bra now. I never thought I'd get to this milestone. 🤩🥳

[Alana Ashleigh]

@Alana Ashleigh
Dear Alana:
Yes indeed, you arrived at a milestone that you will always fondly remember. 
Hang on tight, this is just one of many milestones that will be coming your
way as you continue your HRT and other feminine attributes that you
will be achieving.

I am very happy for your success and I will be eagerly looking for your
updates as you continue on.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

It's been a very validating experience. I've had a few of them this week. 😀

[ChrissyRyan]

I stopped wearing a bra at the end of the summer, as I didn't feel it was as necessary as I thought... in the last few days, my boobs seem to have gotten the signal to start doing their thing, as they have been very sore, tender, and heavy. I don't see much growth in the mirror, but, I have enough discomfort that I need a bra now. I never thought I'd get to this milestone. 🤩🥳

Congratulations!

Chrissy

[Alana Ashleigh]

Dysphoria has been hitting me hard today. I've been feeling pretty happy and confident lately. My emotions are running really high today, too.

[Lori Dee]

Dysphoria has been hitting me hard today. I've been feeling pretty happy and confident lately. My emotions are running really high today, too.

It is only temporary, dear. Things will smooth out.

Until then, I am sending you a giant

CYBERHUG!

[ChrissyRyan]

Alana.



This too shall pass!


Chrissy

[Lilis]

Dysphoria has been hitting me hard today. I've been feeling pretty happy and confident lately. My emotions are running really high today, too.

Hey Alana,

I feel you when you say dysphoria's been hitting hard today.

I've had those waves sneak up on me too even after feeling grounded and confident and it's a tough crash to ride through.

If you feel up to sharing a little more about what's been hardest, whether it's something physical, emotional, or social, I'd love to hear it.

My therapist always says that sometimes naming which part of dysphoria is flaring can help untangle it a bit and open the door to more meaningful support.

Either way, please remember that these dips don't erase your progress.

They're just reminders that you're human and healing. 🩷


~ Lilis 🌷

[Alana Ashleigh]

Hey Alana,

I feel you when you say dysphoria's been hitting hard today.

I've had those waves sneak up on me too even after feeling grounded and confident and it's a tough crash to ride through.

If you feel up to sharing a little more about what's been hardest, whether it's something physical, emotional, or social, I'd love to hear it.

My therapist always says that sometimes naming which part of dysphoria is flaring can help untangle it a bit and open the door to more meaningful support.

Either way, please remember that these dips don't erase your progress.

They're just reminders that you're human and healing. 🩷


~ Lilis 🌷

Lilis,

The thing the seems to trigger my dysphoria the most is very attractive, and shapely women.

[ChrissyRyan]

I think that being able to look as nice as many CIS women do is something that is a common desire.  When we see an attractive woman it can heighten this desire, as compared to what our current body image is, we may not be a close match.  It can make us at times quite dysphoric.

I think it is body dysmorphia that leads to dissatisfaction.  Will we ever arrive at the desired level of attractiveness, shape, etc.?

Chrissy

[Lori Dee]

I think it is body dysmorphia that leads to dissatisfaction.  Will we ever arrive at the desired level of attractiveness, shape, etc.?

This is where it is important to have realistic goals. At 68, I doubt I will ever have a supermodel figure or looks. I am happy to just look like a regular old lady.

For decades, there have been complaints about how the media pushes upon young women how they should look. The cosmetics industry is making a fortune on our discomfort. Don't buy into the hype.

Take a break now and then and do some people-watching at the mall or grocery store. You will see that most women are not shapely (except round) or glamorous. As you become comfortable with yourself, you will begin to see that you are already more attractive than most of them. Just do what you have been doing, and you will be fine.

If someone wants to comment about their looks, ignore them. If they are showing off their body or looks, good for them. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU.

You have your own style. So do what works for you. Never judge your progress by what someone else is doing. Focus on your own successes, and keep making those little steps forward. Ignore the finish line, your race is just starting. Focus on what is right in front of you.