Which came first, the HRT or the Laser?

[nathan]

Hi everybody. I'm a bit like Lady Justice recently, weighing two choices in my transition. On one scale, there's all the medical parts of things: Spiro, Estradiol, etc. On the other, Laser work and a very probable hair transplant  .  I've been on the anti-androgens for about 6 months so far, and am reluctant to keep up with the E because I'd rather my body not start to feminize much before I get the hair situation on my head under control.

So I ask, what did you all do (or what would be the best thing to do) "first"?  Is there even a right answer?  Should I just do everything at once?

Sorry for neurosis, I'm just terrified of looking like a "guy" with boobs.

[Jillary Woolen Xσx]

I Started E Before I Did Laser Sessions about 6 months in HRT

I think it's nice to get laser over and done with as it takes time
and feels SOOOO amazing to have done, But I guess the same goes for estrogen
E definatley has an effect on the regrowth pattern so I would say that you get more bang for you're buck with E as an added factor

As far as looking like a "guy with boobs" don't worry so much about how people see you, love.
feeling awkward about our appearance is very common and with time and experience especially early on in transition
these troubles tend to lessen

Let loose of all Insecurities and be proud of everything you're doing
you have every right to be proud

[Mara]

Laser takes a long time, so my therapist advised me to go ahead and get started while waiting for HRT.  And I did, about two months before getting my prescriptions.

It's a pretty simple procedure that doesn't take long per session, and it's actually a bit less painful pre-HRT.  (Not that it's terribly bad anyway.)  So there's not much reason to delay until after HRT.

Hair transplants and such are probably a different thing entirely, though.  I don't know how you should time that.

[Janet_Girl]

Depending on your age and the state of your facial hair, I would suggest the laser first.  Yes I know how we feel about getting the HRT started, but take from one who did not do it first.  It is a real pain to pass well, but you still have a little facial hair to have zapped.  Do it first and then the HRT.  Or at least make sure you can continue on with  laser as you start HRT.

[lilacwoman]

/quote]

if you have a really dark stubble no matter how you shave it then go for laser asap but as E will take a while to work anyway you ought to be doing both.

[erocse]

I am new here, so don't take my advice., but.  I started hrt first and soon found the facial hair unbearable. Its hard to appreciate the softer skin you get from hrt. When you still have to deal with stubble and shaving everyday.

  Erocse

[pebbles]

I had IPL 2 years prior intending to go all the way with my transition. (Age 20) The idea I had was whether I can or do fully transition or not my facial hair still makes my life more hellish so I want that removed.

Waste of F'ing money.

My body just grew more facial hair to replace the removed ones not only that IPL made some of the hairs it didn't kill grow even deeper and denser. Was not worth the time pain and money I'd have been better off just epilating the damn stuff if your young and your face hair is still coming in your fighting the tide you have no hope in hell until you can at least get on T blockers. Seriously don't bother.

[MillieB]

My experience wasn't as bad as Pebbles but I know what she means as I've been having IPL for 8 months and been on E for 3 months and I have to say that it is only now that I'm starting to get the results that I'd hoped for and I'm seriously not hairy, the ability to grow a beard just never came (thank god!) and the only major problem area is my top lip which to be honest, I'm going to try laser next week and if that fails, it's electro time I would never suggest that someone waits to start hair removal prior to hrt as it takes a long time and a lot of money but don't expect miracles pre hormones.

M x

'I'd have been better off just epilating the damn stuff if your young and your face hair is still coming'


I epilate my body hair but this sounds like a trip to casualty in the making Owwww!!!!!

[Debra]

I started Laser 2 months before HRT so it wasn't a huge difference but I have done laser treatments on my face every month for 11 months now and it took at least 6 to get most of the hair and down to 9 or 10 to get the last couple patches that kept coming back so I'm glad I started it asap

[Rock_chick]

I've been having laser hair removal since april and my shadow of doom is nearly gone now. If you're on anti-androgens that will help as will the E, but definitely start the hair removal as soon as possible.

[K8]

I started laser before I was even sure I would transition, figuring worst case I'd just be a clean-shaven man.  I'm glad I started hair-removal early, because now I'm post-op and I'm still getting electrolysis.

JMHO, but I think it is harder to pass with beard shadow than without hormones.

- Kate

[nathan]

Thanks everybody for all the replies! Wow, lots to consider.  I think I'll start laser now and see how it takes along with keeping up with HRT.  The transplant (and OMG there's a new thread about doing just that!), will have to happen in the interim.

So i think the decision is, right now, for me: laser asap, and wait for the HRT to really work.

[JennX]

I had started laser on pretty much my full-body 6 months prior to HRT. The addtion of HRT has mainly slowed regrowth, and thinned out the remaining hairs. There still are some hangers-on though.