Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey guys! I'm proud to announce I have an appointment for starting hormones scheduled for Monday at 3pm! I have one semester left in college so it will be a little difficult the next three to four months keeping things hidden, but I want to be ready to face the workforce world as a man. Any hints, tips, or etc about what to expect? I'm going to a hormone specialists doctor, it's fairly expensive but at least with him I can get on the right track and have the right amount prescribed.

Wow! Congratulations, Caleb!  Now, are you going to actually get your first shot or are you going to talk to them about it?  I presume they've treated trans patients before?

Thank you Kreuzfidel... yes they have treated trans patients before, but his main thing is weight loss I believe. I'm not really sure if I will receive an actual injection Monday or not, they didn't really go over the details in phone. Lol I hope so though! Have you started hormones yet? If so, how are things and what were things like first starting?

I'm a junior in university, and I was worried that my changes would be super noticeable before I got my name changed legally. I still haven't gotten it legally changed, but the changes are subtle as of right now. My third month on T was this week, and I pass 100 percent already(I passed most of the time BEFORE T though). The only problem is that pesky name. I talked to my professors, and told them the name I would rather go by. I have only told one professor about transitioning and that was through a student paper that we had to fill out on the first day of class. So that's something you could consider? Or is it a small school where everyone knows you as female?

I really wouldn't worry about anyone noticing this semester though. Changes are slow; people aren't going to notice too much. The voice change will be the biggest thing and even that won't be too noticeable.

I got my shot the first day; without even getting blood work done first. I got my blood work done that day and my first shot and script since I didn't want the doc to give me the others(50 bucks a pop; no thanks).

I'm super happy for you though; so congrats!

BTW the things that I started noticing personally was that my temper was shorter, body hair was EVERYWHERE, and it was hard for me to do my "elmo" voice without hurting myself

I started a little over a month ago, and only people who know me very well have noticed outward changes.

My first changes were genital growth and skin oiliness. Also I used to be pretty emotional, and that leveled out a lot as soon as I started T. And I'm bulking up faster from the same exercises.

I think you could get away with hiding it for 3 or 4 months. If you get facial hair in that time (most people don't, or not much) you can shave it, and if your voice drops you can convince most people they're imagining things. :)

Haha awesome feedback stiltsk...

My school is pretty large, but the thing is... being a senior, I've met many people in my major courses throughout the past couple of years and so now there are a lot of people that I know and who know me as female. I figured that within the semester, shaving and such shouldn't be something I wouldn't be able to cover up, fingers crossed on that one. I already have to shave my chin and lip so it won't be anything too new.

Here's the kicker though, I haven't told my parents about it yet. I don't plan on it either though.

Fifty bucks? This first go is going to be 200 bucks. : / which is a hurt to the pocket for a college student. Lol. Follow ups with him after that are 100 bucks. And then what do I do? Find someone who will prescribe me a prescription? How much is that usually once all this initial stuff is over?

And I hope to not grow back hair, haha, did you? And I hope that my temper doesn't get too bad, my g/f would not be happy about that! What about appetite? Sex drive? Muscles? Body fat distribution?

Haha very good to know Felix. So has the skin oiliness caused acne or are there things your having to do to prevent that?

And it's good to hear that you're bulking up quicker. I really wish to drop a couple pounds and start getting right with my body!

Quote from: Caleb on January 17, 2012, 09:59:49 PM
Haha awesome feedback stiltsk...

My school is pretty large, but the thing is... being a senior, I've met many people in my major courses throughout the past couple of years and so now there are a lot of people that I know and who know me as female. I figured that within the semester, shaving and such shouldn't be something I wouldn't be able to cover up, fingers crossed on that one. I already have to shave my chin and lip so it won't be anything too new.

Here's the kicker though, I haven't told my parents about it yet. I don't plan on it either though.

Fifty bucks? This first go is going to be 200 bucks. : / which is a hurt to the pocket for a college student. Lol. Follow ups with him after that are 100 bucks. And then what do I do? Find someone who will prescribe me a prescription? How much is that usually once all this initial stuff is over?

And I hope to not grow back hair, haha, did you? And I hope that my temper doesn't get too bad, my g/f would not be happy about that! What about appetite? Sex drive? Muscles? Body fat distribution?

Yeah, mine was 200 bucks as well. It's 50 for the shot itself if a nurse gives it to you at the doc office(or atleast where I go). That's why I chose to not have it after that first time at the doc LOL. And yeah, I definitely know how hard it is for a college student especially with no help financially from parents (my parents are supportive, but aren't in a position to help). My first visit was 200, and that included lab work, the visit, and the shot. My follow up visits were 50 bucks, unless there was lab work and then it was 150. I continue to go to the same doc. He calls in scripts for me when I can't make it in for follow ups(which saves me a LOT of money), and with insurance my script is 10 dollars. Without insurance(which my dad just switched jobs, so therefore I have none) it's 85 - which makes me want to cry. However, the good thing is - my 10 dollar vial went for every week injections. My 85 dollar vial is going for every OTHER week injections(meaning, that 85 dollars is going to last me about 5 months)

And I was in your position with the classmates as well. I'm in the biology department at an engineering school. There aren't that many of us. Once you're in upper division courses, you see the same ppl over and over and over again. I came out to the people that I was hanging out with outside of class. The others, I don't really care what they think.

And yeah, my temper only is shorter. Not extraordinarily so, and not to the point where anyone really thinks I'm a douche. I'm still a pretty chill person. And no lol.. no back hair... thank god. Just more dark hairs on my thighs, stomach, and chest. Being on it for only 3 months, I'm developing a lot of chin hair too - but I'm on a pretty large dose. I shaved that off though, it was too patchy and retarded looking LOL.

I have seen a little body fat redistribution. Mostly my hips and my ass. It shifted to my stomach; awesome. Sex drive is through the roof, which is bothersome at times. All in all though, I'm really happy and I'm glad I made this decision,. Oh and appetite ... O_O just say no. LOL I'm hungry all the time. When I'm full, and I mean severely full, I'm wanting more food in like two hours. I've never been like that. The holidays made me put on a crap ton of weight in combination with T. OIIII


Oh and speaking of acne... I also started breaking out BAD around 5 weeks in. I have NEVER had acne... and now it's horrific. Well not NOW, but it was...

I recommend getting 3 in 1 acne sport by university medical. It lasts a while, and it's cheaper than proactiv. It's a facial cleaner, wipes during the day, and a night cream(it's clear and dries quickly. doesn't look like a face mask). I cleared up in like 2 days.

Unless you are incredibly receptive to testosterone, like me, than the changes shouldn't be terribly noticeable in the first few months. If you are like me, being on testosterone will probably be hard to hide. I say this because I'm already beginning to grow a substantial amount of facial & body hair, my voice has dropped significantly, my fat has begun to redistribute, my body is much more muscular, my Adam's apple is visible, my facial structure has slightly changed, and my skin looks more oily & rough. 


You asked about whether or not you would grow back hair...and all I can say is that you might. How much facial and body hair you have is largely dependent on your genetics; for instance, if the men in your family are virtually hairless, it's very unlikely that you will have much androgenic (body/facial) hair at all. The same goes for acne as whether or not someone gets acne or not is usually related to whether people in their family are predisposed to acneic skin. Testosterone just might make it more likely for you to get acne because of DHT and the enlargement of your pores.

congrats man in 4 months i think the biggest thing that would change would be your voice but if you see the same people every day they might not realize the same way people cant tell when there own voice gets lower because they hear it every day and it changes gradually.

Stiltsk: Amazing feedback once again bro. Where about are you located? Haha we could be sitting in about the same area and not even know it. But anyways... yea I'm like you on the sense that I'm carried on my parents insurance, which they would never be ok with this anyways so I'm not even going to ask. Once I graduate and get a real job though, it's hopefully going to be a bit easier as far as money goes. This doctor I'm going to is like an hour away, so I hope there's a way he can just start writing the script out for me after a few visits. So considering you eat more now... would you say you're metabolism has gone up though? Or no? And acne... when I was in my teens I had break outs, but I wouldn't call it acne, if you know what I mean. Getting acne and back hair= things I really don't want. Haha. And thanks a lot, I'll have to try that if things start getting bad.

JasonRX: Very true statement Jason, I would say the guys in my family are in the middle, they're not hairless, but they're not hairy beasts either. And about how well I'll take to T... I've thought about what you're talking about. My voice isn't particularly deep right now, but my facial hair on my chin and lip is crazy. I have to shave at least every other day for it to not be noticed. I dunno what's up with that.

Anibioman: Thanks man. And that's true, I was hoping to get some before pictures and record my voice so that I could recognize when things are getting different. And congrats to you, being on it for four months!

Quote from: Caleb on January 17, 2012, 09:39:35 PM
Thank you Kreuzfidel... yes they have treated trans patients before, but his main thing is weight loss I believe. I'm not really sure if I will receive an actual injection Monday or not, they didn't really go over the details in phone. Lol I hope so though! Have you started hormones yet? If so, how are things and what were things like first starting?

Oh well I'm glad they've treated trans patients before - that will be a good thing!  Funny you should ask me that, I'm supposed to see my GP tomorrow to hopefully get my first shot!  I think they'll probably want to do bloodwork first for you to get baselines.  I had my bloodwork done last week.

Haha nice! Sounds like we may get to go through these changes together then! Congrats to you as well my friend!

Caleb, great to hear you are getting started on T.  Keep us posted on how it goes.  I hope to start soon.

Congrats!!  ;D

Awesome!!!!! *thumbs up*

Caleb: Unfortunately, I reside in the horrific state of Tennessee for the time being LOL - and yeah, metabolism goes up since you eat more frequently. I haven't gained much weight overall, but this Christmas was a beast. I didn't work out, so it was pretty noticeable. Now that I'm back at school and the gym is free, I take advantage of it.

I really can't wait to hear/see how T affects you.

Thanks for all the encouragement and support fellas, words honestly can't express how appreciative I am!

Stiltsk: I feel you dude.... I'm in the great state of South Carolina. Who has it worse?! Lol.

Oh the lovely state of South Carolina, I live there too and that gives me a little bit of hope that if you can do it I can too.

I feel you Malachite. Don't get me wrong, I love the state. And I love some of the people, but it's just so close-minded. Believe it or not though, there are actually people who are understanding. Mostly people my age (22) and younger. The older generation isn't having it though. Lol. But yea man, I'm going to be going to this appointment on Monday. It's in Charlotte. So if you need any help when you get started, if you haven't already, just let me know.

Quote from: Caleb on January 18, 2012, 01:40:20 PM
I feel you Malachite. Don't get me wrong, I love the state. And I love some of the people, but it's just so close-minded. Believe it or not though, there are actually people who are understanding. Mostly people my age (22) and younger. The older generation isn't having it though. Lol. But yea man, I'm going to be going to this appointment on Monday. It's in Charlotte. So if you need any help when you get started, if you haven't already, just let me know.

Yeah, believe it or not though - the only person that I have lost from my life was a cousin. My grandparents are supportive - and that shocked me. They used to be the most homophobic, transphobic people in the world. I have just learned that most of the people in your life will surprise you. Who I thought would be the most understanding, turned out to be the least, and who I thought would be the least turned out to be the most.

Man I'm sorry you lost someone from your life... but I feel personally that if they want to walk out on me because I choose to be who I feel I am, then I don't need that person in my life. I feel like none of my family will be supportive, but they will all need to eventually know. Haha that's going to be a whole other story when that day comes. I think they all just assume I'm a lesbian.. expect for my parents. They know. They just don't know I'm going through with the hormones and all.

Congratulations Caleb! I remember reading some of your posts ages ago, so its great to hear things are finally happening for you!
An obvious one here, but go in with knowledge of T and its effects. Show them that you understand the risks and bla bla bla. Either, youre moving forward and thats great to hear for you :)
In terms of changes, your hunger, sex drive and energy levels may be the first things to change (They were for me), but as for outward changes, itll probably be the voice to go. Mine took 3 months to properly drop.
   Your skin will become oily, and maybe you will experience acne for awhile. But all the other joys will follow, which Im sure you are very excited for.
From your picture, I bet T will work really well on you.

Again, good luck with everything!

(And Kreuzfidel, good luck to you too!)

Make_it_good... thank you so much man. And yea it's been a long time coming! So my question I guess would be since your hunger increased... did it make you bigger or because of being on T did it not affect you as greatly? And good to know that the acne won't last long, hopefully! And also.. your chest looks awesome... who did it?

Thankyou very much :) My surgeon was done by a UK surgeon here in England called Mr.Ward.
   I put on a bit of weight, probably about 7Ibs in the first say, 6 months. Its not loads (and that was me trying to gain weight :p ) Though I was eating more, I was doing more activities. And I have always had a high metabolism, and it just increased.
   In terms of the weight gained, I noticed fat redistribution, but I think the weight was from muslce gain, as that definitely became easier on T, thankfully.

The oiliness of my skin did subside after not too long. Probably no more than 2 months.

My acne however, it seems to have its moments. Itll flare up abit, clear up, then show again. I still have that problem (28months on T), although I havent experienced it in about a month, so Im hoping thats the end of acne!
I am on Nebido though, I have my shots every 12weeks, so I dont know if that makes any difference.

Again, congrats! And I hope all goes well.

Thanks man, I really appreciate it. And thanks for all the feedback!  :)

I find that when I am active; I eat more and don't gain weight.

Congrats! 

Shorter temper, darkening of body hair, acne, voice changing, weight loss (in my case), hair pattern changing not less hair just different, hot flashes (yuck) as your body is forced to go through extremely early menopause, easier growing muscle, some facial hair, protruding veins on arms and hands, increased appetite, genitals changing, sweatier and stinkier ....

That was my first couple of months

Squirrel698, I have wonder about getting those menopause effects and how bad they would be.  Can you explain a little about those effects?

I had about 2 or 3 hot flashes.  Basically your entire body gets tingly, itchy and uncomfortable.  Then no matter how cold the room is, the whole thing sudden transforms into an oven.   They last about 30 minutes to an hour.  My partner said my face got obviously flushed as well.   

That was about the size of it for me.  The first one was worrying because I didn't know what was going on.  The others were easier to handle.  I just sat still and waited for them to end.  My heart did race each time but not to dangerous levels.     I haven't had one for awhile, so hopefully after 19 months on T they are gone for good.

mm: I hope the same goes for me. Haha I like to eat already, so hopefully an increased appetite won't be too bad on me.

Squirrel: Thanks for all the feedback man. How bad was your acne? And did it go away or get better after a certain amount of time?

My acne was really really bad for awhile.  I had cyst acne which is deep acne like a hive on your face.  Really gross.

I was in and out of the dermatologist for a year before I found a combination which works relatively well.

For face wash and toner I use Oil-Free Acne Stress Control

Then I use prescription Differin  http://www.differin.com/differin.aspx (http://www.differin.com/differin.aspx)

On top of that I use Acne Therapy Lotion by Menscience which is mail order  http://www.amazon.com/MenScience-Acne-Therapy-Lotion-1-55/dp/B000SAHD5W (http://www.amazon.com/MenScience-Acne-Therapy-Lotion-1-55/dp/B000SAHD5W)

When my flare ups get seriously bad I use the antibiotic Solodyn

It's just not great but it's much better then it use to be.  Really a pain and it's like fighting a war but what are you going to do?

Dang man that really sucks! I don't know... I guess I'll have to wait it out and see how bad it gets.

Quote from: Caleb on January 17, 2012, 10:01:57 PM
Haha very good to know Felix. So has the skin oiliness caused acne or are there things your having to do to prevent that?

And it's good to hear that you're bulking up quicker. I really wish to drop a couple pounds and start getting right with my body!

I got acne at first, but I don't have any now. I do have blotchier skin and bigger pores. I had to increase my showers so as to not look and feel gross. I used to shower maybe twice a week and now I have to shower every other day at the very least.

I'm mostly vegan and have dealt with a lifetime of being too thin, so my habit is to consume as many calories as possible anytime I'm hungry. Lol that is a BAD habit on T. So there's that. I really needed to gain about ten pounds, but I've gained 20 in 6 weeks. Some of that is muscle. My bmi is still good, but I think I need to change the way I eat.

Also, I have a gut now, and my belly is not squishy like it used to be. My thighs are smaller, and my arms and legs have more definition. My voice is getting funny, sometimes deeper and sometimes just hoarse. Lots of genital change.

I have chronic pain because of some old injuries, and that is so so much better. My normal physical therapy is more tolerable, too.

I still have periods, which sucks.

I used to get hot flashes occasionally, before I started T, but I don't anymore. The first time it happened it freaked me out. I covered myself with ice packs and wet washcloths, and it got better within the hour. After figuring out what it was it was easier to deal with. Pretty much Squirrel's experience, but mine was not triggered by hormone therapy.

Caleb, in order to become a guy, all you have to do is harden yourself, so to speak.

Same reason that, to become a girl, all you have to do is soften yourself.

Look at me. I'm actually going in stealth right now. I'm actually living AS A "GUY" right now. I mean I'm in community college taking computers and, yes, AUTO LAB, one reason to "prove my "masculinity"", another so I can fix my car one day without having to shell out big dollars, also to paint my car pink and redesign it.

I'm softening myself as I speak.

I'll especially need to "prove my "masculinity"" when people start questioning my sex. When it gets too obvious, and when I look silly as a dude, I'm gonna pull it, and live as a girl.

Quote from: ~~BebeLyss~~ on January 20, 2012, 10:38:02 PM
Caleb, in order to become a guy, all you have to do is harden yourself, so to speak.

Same reason that, to become a girl, all you have to do is soften yourself.

Look at me. I'm actually going in stealth right now. I'm actually living AS A "GUY" right now. I mean I'm in community college taking computers and, yes, AUTO LAB, one reason to "prove my "masculinity"", another so I can fix my car one day without having to shell out big dollars, also to paint my car pink and redesign it.

I'm softening myself as I speak.

I'll especially need to "prove my "masculinity"" when people start questioning my sex. When it gets too obvious, and when I look silly as a dude, I'm gonna pull it, and live as a girl.

That's kind of a stereotypical black and white way to view it. He's already a guy, and he doesn't have to be "hard". There are sensitive cismen

Felix: So these are your experiences after 6 weeks on T? It hasn't even crossed my mind about the period having a chance to go come on. Hopefully yours will go away once your on it a bit longer. I hate it of course, so I know how you feel. I usually take a shower everyday, so fingers crossed that will be beneficial to odor, acne, and such. And as far as your body fat distribution to your belly... did you have any love handles before and dont anymore?

Babelyss: I can sorta see what you're saying, but I guess I see it a little differently. Such as, I would never do anything to "prove" my feminitity. But that's just me.

It would be great to be rid of periods, the mess every month.  I am using the mensroom now and have to be so careful when I have to change a tampon at school, get the old one rapped up and into the trash without being seen.  I hope to start t soon and end the situation forever.

I feel you mm. I feel you man!

Quote from: Caleb on January 21, 2012, 08:45:32 AM
Felix: So these are your experiences after 6 weeks on T? It hasn't even crossed my mind about the period having a chance to go come on. Hopefully yours will go away once your on it a bit longer. I hate it of course, so I know how you feel. I usually take a shower everyday, so fingers crossed that will be beneficial to odor, acne, and such. And as far as your body fat distribution to your belly... did you have any love handles before and dont anymore?

Babelyss: I can sorta see what you're saying, but I guess I see it a little differently. Such as, I would never do anything to "prove" my feminitity. But that's just me.

Yeah most people I talk to lost their period by 3 or 4 months, but nothing feels like quickly enough. As far as love handles, I actually had none, was kinda creepily skin and bones, and now I'm starting to get a touch of them. My mild binder-induced armpit boobs are gone now. Yay.

Felix: Haha I see, I see. Good to know.

So my appointment went well. I still haven't given myself the first injection yet, waiting on blood work to finish up! So now it's just a waiting game!

Good luck!!

I hope all goes well.
I remember when I was waiting on my bloods, it was the very first time Id ever had tonsillitus, so my white blood cells were low. I had to wait another 3 weeks and have another blood test, oh the impatience!! :p But man,  when you finally get that first shot....!

Good luck. :)

Thank you fellas. I'll keep you guys posted!

Hey Caleb,   I have been away for a while, but wanted to give you a huge congrats on on your appointment and also having only 1 semester left.  Maybe I will see you on the alumni roster here soon?

Haha thank you Jigsaw! I'm very excited. I've got my blood work through, and I've got my shots ready. They are just waiting on me to start.

I'm going through some things right now, so I'm putting it off for another week or two. Me and my girl of six years, off and on, are going through some difficult stuff right now. We're taking a few away from each other, which I hope and pray isn't long, but I figured while I'm going through this, I would rather wait until we can fix things. The last thing I need is these new hormones changing me when I'm in this state of mind and heartache. So you guys just keep me in your thoughts and prayers. And hopefully after she's had some time to think, we'll be able to work things out.

Good luck with your girl, Caleb.  Take care of yourself!

Thanks man. Things are already looking a lot better, so hopefully we can get these hormones started off right! I'm excited.

Alright ladies and gents.... as of 10:00 last night I am officially no longer pre-T! I had to get my girlfriend to give me the shot. I done it my left thigh, it wasn't too bad, but the area is pretty sore today. My stomach was a little upset last night, but that could have been due to the fact that I ate pretty late. Today I've felt... a little foggy or lightheaded in a way. Other than that though it's all normal and obviously no changes yet. It's exciting though. I'm seeing a doctor as so as of now I'm prescribed a small dose once a week for two weeks, then it doubles. So very low dosage as of now.


Edited for dosage.

Congrats Man!  Make sure to let us know of all the changes!   :)

Congrats, Caleb!

Thanks guys! I'm so excited! I have a question though... is it normal for the place around your injection to be sore? It's two days now and it's still really sore.

Quote from: Caleb on February 01, 2012, 08:17:31 AM
Thanks guys! I'm so excited! I have a question though... is it normal for the place around your injection to be sore? It's two days now and it's still really sore.

It depends? I've not had all that many shots, but for me sometimes it's sore and sometimes it isn't so much. There's a little bit of skill and getting used to your own body involved.

Thanks Felix...

I posted another thread here recently to get more exact answers on it. Most of the guys are saying that it's most likely normal, and it's just going to take some getting used to. Beauty is pain... I feel the girls pain now. Haha.