On gaining muscle: you may find this is quite frustrating pre-T - it's unbearably slow. But if you can just make sure you're in reasonably decent shape and at a healthy weight, you can start serious strength training when you start T and see the results almost right away. I'm on day 5 of the lowest possible dose of T, I've only worked my upper body twice since starting, and I've gained 1/4 inch on my biceps already.
Mainly, the stuff I had to make sure I took care of:
- Telling all the people who are important in my life. My dad, my husband, my close friends. Everyone else can find out or figure out in good time, but there are some people who deserve to know beforehand.
- Developing a presentable wardrobe. I didn't go all-out on the most expensive, long-lasting clothes I could get because I know I'll be slowly changing shape for a long time. But I got the basics, in a fit that has enough breathing room for some shape changes.
- Researching so that I'd know what to ask for and what to expect. For instance, when I researched the effect of T on voice, I decided I wanted to start on a low dose because my voice is important to me.
- Making sure I had stable finances and a stable living situation.
