Susan's Place Transgender Resources

 My name is Ashley. I'm 27 years old, a MTF pre-op, college student, and just recently started HRT. Been a while since I was active on a forum. Seems like it's all Facebook these days lol. But I've been coming here off and on for years now via google, using the excellent threads here as a resource. And now I just felt like I needed a place to actually ask questions if I feel I need to, or to just gush about things that my friends and family might not quite understand. xD

I might type out my 'origin' story a bit later, because it'll probably be a bit long. But skipping to the end, I started seeing a mental health counselor via the local LGBT center back in January. He's a really nice guy, just a few years older than me, and his prices were great lol. So I'm really glad I found him, he helped a lot. But I didn't exactly have any issues to work through. I knew what I wanted and made that clear! xD So we went through the requisite steps and covered everything, and I got my GID/Gender Dysphoria diagnosis and letter of recommendation to start hormone therapy a few months ago. :) Then it was only a matter of finding an endo who would help me. The first place I tried couldn't help me, but they gave me a recommendation for another local endo and amazingly he was willing to help! I was surprised how easy it was lol. I walked in, gave him my letter, explained what I wanted, and at the end of the visit he prescribed me  Estradiol and Provera. I cannot convey how elated I was! And relieved! If he hadn't helped, I don't know who would have. There are only so many endocrinologists around here. I also had gotten turned down the first time for laser hair removal because they didn't do it at the location I tried. But like the endo, second time was the charm lol. So I've been on 'mones for a month now, and had my first laser session a couple weeks ago. Just... wow! I was a bit skeptical about it all at first. I wanted RESULTS! But a little patience has gone a long way, and I'm finally getting the results I've been longing for. Most of my facial hair is gone already. I still have a bit of a shadow so I know there are still more sessions to go, but my face is quite smooth now and I hardly have to shave. And with the hormones, my libido has noticeably dropped (yay, I can think now!), I have some slight breast growth, and well.. my armpits smell a bit different. xD Not a huge difference, but enough that I noticed and it's kinda weird but cool.

SO, this brings me to my current reason for gushing. I just went for a follow-up visit hoping to at least up my Estradiol dosage. Not only did he double it, but he also put me on  Spironolactone! But I got the exact prescriptions that I wanted. :) The funny thing is, my endo had prescribed me Arimidex the first time around. I had never heard of it being used for MTF HRT so I was skeptical. And turns out, for good reason! It would have BLOCKED the estrogen and probably would have increased the testosterone! I can see how he messed up, and I'm not saying he's incompetent, but it's a good thing I double-checked. Not that I would have gotten it anyway, it's like 3-8 dollars a pill. o_O So anyway, when I went back today he caught the mistake and wondered why he had done that lol. So I suggested Spiro and he said that'd be fine. So yay! And then he checked my lil titties and asked if I had taken anything prior to what he prescribed me last vist, and I said no. And he says 'well congratulations, you already have some breast tissue.' I was beaming. xD So proud of the girls lol. Between that and the new prescriptions, I'm just super excited now and feeling really good and confident about my transition. :) Oof, sorry for writing a book my first time! Glad I've saved the prequel for another post. :P

Hello everyone!

Hi Ashley,

Looks like patients has really paid off for you and looks like you're coming along well with your transition. Really happy for you girl! :eusa_clap:

Aside from that welcome to Susan's amd welcoem to our family where I'm sure that you'll find lost of excellent information and excellent people to converse and share with. *HUGS*

Congratulations and welcome!  As a sister google-lurker (tm) I can empathize, this place is a wonderful resource and it's easy to just skim content from outside, but I'm glad you found your way in.

The people here are lovely and informative and, well, really quite amazing.  They are why I feel like I have a home here.  I hope you find the same. :)

*hug*

Hi Ashley  :icon_wave:

Welcome to Susan's  :)  Glad to have you here

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Hugs

V M

Hi Ashley, :icon_wave:

Welcome to our little family. Over 8400 members. That would be one heck of a family reunion.

Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.

But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister. (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-3.gif&hash=f49e2f86761323f2abd9c33941920389dbb3b10f)

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fsmileys.on-my-web.com%2Frepository%2FAnimals%2Fferret-5.gif&hash=cfc7a68438be4575d8493dfbe65d1b3586f10b81)
Janet  )O(

Hi Ashley!

Welcome to the family, sister. I'm glad you finally said hello. Don't worry about making overlong posts, we like to read here. This is the perfect place for venting about anything on your mind. Well, maybe in different section...  ;)

I'm so happy for you that you're on your way. Go, you!

love,
-maggie

Hi Ashley, welcome to Susan's Place! I'm from Boston. I'll agree that looking at Susan's is nice, but coming in and playing is even better! See you around the site, hugs, Devlyn

Hi Ashley,
       Welcome sweetie, love your avatar photo it's adorable!

Glad you are here.  Welcome,

Hugs,

Jen

Thanks everyone. :) *group huggles*