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.

I 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.

You are doing the right things by staying healthy and allowing the HRT to do its work. I have not had FFS or BA. I did have eye surgery for drooping eyelids and the plastic surgeon did a brow lift and cheek lift at the same time. But it was not considered FFS.

You don't need to jump right to surgery. I asked my surgeon about breast implants and he said he won't do them until the breasts have stopped growing. I am 66 years old, but because I am on HRT, growth is still ongoing and I would have to wait to have that surgery.

You can wear padded push-up bras or even breast forms to enhance your top. Dress in feminine clothing, but be subtle. Look at what others are wearing in your area and adopt their style if possible.

Makeup and jewelry are a big help. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets that have thin chains or a feminine theme (think hearts, flowers, etc.). With makeup, a little goes a long way. I wear a bit of eyeliner and pink lipstick. Avoid extreme colors like red, blue, or black. Nail polish is another good thing. Using just a few of these and being subtle will send the subconscious cues of femininity and you can pass.

Too often I see women wearing formal dresses to business meetings with too much bright makeup and they look like drag queens. Nothing wrong with drag, but it may not be appropriate for a business meeting or reading to children in a library. The best way to pass is not to stand out screaming "I AM A WOMAN!" The best way is to be subtle and blend in with how other women look.

I hope this helps. Keep reading posts on the forum, as others have shared their tips and advice too. We even have a Beauty sub-forum that might interest you.