Deciding about HRT

[NessaJ]

So I've been a crossdresser and consider myself transgendered for a few years now, I've been mostly in the closet about it.  Lately I've been thinking and I think I want to start HRT, but it's a big decision and I'm not so sure...  If it was just my opinion that mattered then yes, I'd like to look more like a girl.  I'd like having less body hair, a softer voice, and boobs.  But I don't wanna start and then regret it halfway through, though I don't know why I would.  I'm also worried about other people though, especially my dad and his side of the family, they're all super Christian and I'm afraid to tell them even that I'm bisexual or that I crossdress.  I know it should be what I want that matters but idk...
Anyway, if anyone wants to share some advice, or tell me how you knew you wanted to start HRT, I would appreciate it

[CaitJ]

Start out on anti-androgens. As you probably are aware, they only block testosterone and don't produce any irreversible changes - therefore there can be no regrets if you don't like taking them and decide to stop.
If you like what they do, then maybe after 3-6 months you can evaluate whether or not you want to try estrogen as well, or if the anti-androgens are doing enough to make you happy

P.S. hormones won't soften your voice. You need to do that on your own.

[Sarah Louise]

If you want to start hormones, see a therapist and get a letter so you can get a prescription for HRT.

[nicksy23]

,do what makes you happy sis. Taking hormones, on my side never been a big decision for me. I know im a transgender, and i'll be happy to look more girly. Be open to your family, no matter what, they'll understand and accept you as you are. Dont be scared. To start or not to start hrt, its your decision. In any case, we all want you to be happy

[Jillieann Rose]

Nessa,
Before you do anything you need to see a therapist.
One who is counsels transsexuals.
The therapist will help you sort out your feels and help you make your decisions.
You will ultimately have to decide but therapy really helps to get your head straight.
I know it is hard decision. it took me awhile to decide, but you can do it.
Oh and my family doesn't approve. But I had to go forward.
I've been on HRT almost a year now.
Jillieann

[ClaireA]

Yeah, therapist really seems like the first option here - if you want to start HRT, it's almost always required to start seeing a therapist.

To be honest, unless something comes up during therapy, you'll probably love HRT and wont regret a minute of it, especially if you mentally commit yourself to it. I also have an unsupportive family, but I have learned not to live for their approval - it's their choice if they are going to accept me, and if they don't, then I guess their love was pretty shallow and conditional to begin with.

[Keroppi]

Start out on anti-androgens. As you probably are aware, they only block testosterone and don't produce any irreversible changes - therefore there can be no regrets if you don't like taking them and decide to stop.

Erm (if you take it long enough), the ability to have children?

[CaitJ]

Erm (if you take it long enough), the ability to have children?

Nope. You can still kick start your reproductive functions with T shots if you go off anti androgens. The reproductive organs are extremely resilient.

[NessaJ]

Nope. You can still kick start your reproductive functions with T shots if you go off anti androgens. The reproductive organs are extremely resilient.

How about after you go on estrogen?  I may want to have my own children one day years in the future, assuming I don't get a sex change operation, would I still be able to father a child?

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I guess therapy is my next step...

[Aidan_]

How about after you go on estrogen?  I may want to have my own children one day years in the future, assuming I don't get a sex change operation, would I still be able to father a child?

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I guess therapy is my next step...

I haven't heard of E permanently ruining fertility. Like Vexing said, you can take certain things if you go off of HRT to help bring the testes back to "life". Then again, if something atrophies for a really long time (like a muscle), it can be really hard to gain 100% functionality in it ever again...it might be better to bank sperm before HRT if you're concerned about wanting a child of your own later.

[nicksy23]

,try to check this one Nessaj. .hope it could help.

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_(male-to-female)