Quote from: LoriDee on Today at 01:26:44 PMI have been on progesterone for just over a year now. Both medicines work the same way, but bioidentical progesterone has less health risks. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the risk of cancers, etc. Bioidentical progesterone has no such risk. When women become pregnant both their estrogen and progesterone levels rise to high levels. Extremely few pregnant women develop cancer, therefore bioidentical is the way to go.

I still argue with my doctors who want to keep levels low "to a safe level". They ignore the biological fact that high estrogen and high progesterone are what prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. We could get to Tanner Stage 5 in 9 months! But they prefer to take things S L O W L Y and after four years, my levels still have not hit the "normal" levels I should be at. They think because of my age I should be at a post-menopausal range when I am still trying to get through puberty.

My new Gynecologist and I will have a long discussion next month. I might have to tell her I want to meet with a lactation consultant to see how she would modify my hormone protocol to induce lactation in 9 months. She can't argue that it can't be done. It already has. A transgender woman breastfed her partner's infant successfully for six months before switching to formula. It was all over the news back in 2017.

I don't go through my family doctor or other healthcare providers that do not specialize in trans health issues.  My family doctor and other doctor's that I deal with do know about the clinic that I go through for my HRT.  So I do deal with doctor's and nurse practitioners who work with trans people and specialize in trans health. 

With the Cyproterone Acetate, ever since I started in June 2022 I am on what, from what I have seen online, an ultra low daily dose that doesn't even come close to what the guidelines say for daily.  (I'm trying to dance around not posting how much I take.) By August 2022, the Cypro  at that level had essentially killed my testosterone, however, since it does go through  my liver, I also have to wonder just how much of the progestin part has been working on me.  I would say probably a tiny bit, but with the first-pass-the-liver part probably not as much as I will get on bioidentical progesterone.

I'm also going to ask my NP if I can up my Estradial intake to the maximum each day.

It was everyone. The server was down over the weekend.

Allie, I understood people talking when I transitioned, but I'll never understand people talking without my explicit consent after 20, 30, and 40 years.

"Really? Really, I want to say. "That's still the most interesting thing about me, the thing that you think summarizes me?"

I was gone for a bit because I couldn't log onto Susan's. Was that just me?

Wow, Jen, congrats on the race and telling the story of your race so well too.

Hi Alana!

Yes, full transition is far from the only answer when it comes to making your life one that is more livable and gives voice to your feelings... there are many avenues that can bring you there. Keep talking with therapists and engaging in self honesty and exploration... In the end, your answers will be more based around the question of "what do I need to make my life the one I want?" Rather than what label to apply to yourself!

All good things to you as you find your way to your answers sister!

Onward!

Ashley 😀💕🌻

That makes perfect sense, Alana. The therapist can help answer your questions about that and even offer support as you encounter various obstacles. Remember that everyone transitions at their own pace. For some, that means no transition at all. Only you know what is best for you.

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on Today at 12:29:30 PMI just got my yearly bloodwork done this morning, and when I see my NP I'm going to ask to be put on progesterone.  Cyproterone is a progestin, so it has helped, however from what I have read bioidentical progesterone helps to promote even further feminization, and is better, such as growing the breasts to Tanner 5.

I have been on progesterone for just over a year now. Both medicines work the same way, but bioidentical progesterone has less health risks. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the risk of cancers, etc. Bioidentical progesterone has no such risk. When women become pregnant both their estrogen and progesterone levels rise to high levels. Extremely few pregnant women develop cancer, therefore bioidentical is the way to go.

I still argue with my doctors who want to keep levels low "to a safe level". They ignore the biological fact that high estrogen and high progesterone are what prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. We could get to Tanner Stage 5 in 9 months! But they prefer to take things S L O W L Y and after four years, my levels still have not hit the "normal" levels I should be at. They think because of my age I should be at a post-menopausal range when I am still trying to get through puberty.

My new Gynecologist and I will have a long discussion next month. I might have to tell her I want to meet with a lactation consultant to see how she would modify my hormone protocol to induce lactation in 9 months. She can't argue that it can't be done. It already has. A transgender woman breastfed her partner's infant successfully for six months before switching to formula. It was all over the news back in 2017.

Hi Sarah B,

I'm excited, and apprehensive to finally talk to a professional about being transgender. My dysphoria is a minor inconvenience to me at this point. I'm just slightly uncomfortable being male. Gender envy is a bigger issue for me. As appealing as transiting is to me, it would cause far more problems for me than it would solve. I have a very comfortable life, and don't want to go messing around with it. I hope that makes sense.

Quote from: Sarah B on Today at 07:33:53 AMHi Alana

Yes, 'therapist's' will have their own approach.  Long story short, I never told them very much about me and they hardly asked me any questions about me as well.  I was a very private, quite and shy person at the time and I heard or read that 'therapists' could and would play games with you or in other words they would 'gate keep you'.

So in a sense I never formed a relationship with them and I was only there for one thing and that was to get my surgery letters.  You might ask why was there not much interaction between them and me and you will not be the first or last to do so.

I guess it boils down to what they saw.  All they saw was a women, she had a job, was working full time, had realistic expectations and had her head screwed on properly.  So I assume from that, that was why I got my surgery letters.

Did I need the 'psychiatrist's' no, I would have had the surgery the next day when I arrived in Sydney and I still would not have regretted what I had done.  In fact I don't think I have really mentioned in my posts that I had my surgery letters within 13 months, although one could work that out.

In one of those surgery letters it basically says I would have to wait about another 9 months before I could have my surgery.  I did ask my first psychiatrist could I have it now, but no I had to wait and I was annoyed to say the least.

So to answer your questions, as others have said the first appointment will be a meet and greet, in other words both of you will get to know one and another.  Mine as far as I know was basically the same.

What should I expect to be asked?  Well I guess the answer to this would be "why are you here?" and of course only you know that answer to that question and what do you want from talking to the gender therapist.

I hope things go well with your appointment.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter

Quote from: Sarah B on Today at 07:33:53 AMHi Alana

Yes, 'therapist's' will have their own approach.  Long story short, I never told them very much about me and they hardly asked me any questions about me as well.  I was a very private, quite and shy person at the time and I heard or read that 'therapists' could and would play games with you or in other words they would 'gate keep you'.

So in a sense I never formed a relationship with them and I was only there for one thing and that was to get my surgery letters.  You might ask why was there not much interaction between them and me and you will not be the first or last to do so.

I guess it boils down to what they saw.  All they saw was a women, she had a job, was working full time, had realistic expectations and had her head screwed on properly.  So I assume from that, that was why I got my surgery letters.

Did I need the 'psychiatrist's' no, I would have had the surgery the next day when I arrived in Sydney and I still would not have regretted what I had done.  In fact I don't think I have really mentioned in my posts that I had my surgery letters within 13 months, although one could work that out.

In one of those surgery letters it basically says I would have to wait about another 9 months before I could have my surgery.  I did ask my first psychiatrist could I have it now, but no I had to wait and I was annoyed to say the least.

So to answer your questions, as others have said the first appointment will be a meet and greet, in other words both of you will get to know one and another.  Mine as far as I know was basically the same.

What should I expect to be asked?  Well I guess the answer to this would be "why are you here?" and of course only you know that answer to that question and what do you want from talking to the gender therapist.

I hope things go well with your appointment.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter

What works for you is what works! That is most important.

HRT, especially estradiol, causes body fat distribution. Many of us have experienced this in less muscle definition, softer skin, and softening of facial features. I look more like my mother than my father now after four years on HRT. Just be patient and see how things go. Don't assume you need something yet. It's still too early to tell.

Dear Lori Dee, really thankful for your warm supporting words and precious recommendations ❤️ I will have a look how my body will change through HRT, but in my case I guess ffs inevitable way. Because I have prominent eyebrows and massive jaw, which couldn't be just fixed without bones work. But maybe  after longer HRT therapy I will change my mind about ffs.
As for wearing dresses and women's accessories, it is impossible. I'm afraid to attract to much attention which is unsafe(( So I wear unisex and want to switch for the feminine style softly.