Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Okay, so I'm a little complicated and easily confused. I've always identified more masculine than feminine (born female-bodied), and am in the process of starting my physical transition. I feel weird as I progress because when I started, my view of gender was very close to the binary concept that society pushed on us. But now that I have expanded my knowledge on the topic and realized that there's nothing wrong with accepting and embracing my femininity along with my masculinity, I feel like I can't say I'm 100% male or anything. I'd say it's probably more 70/30. I heard the term "transdrogynous", and if it's what I think it sounds like, it sounds like that is more of how I feel. I identify more masculine, and I feel that I should have been born into a male body; but I also love some aspects of my feminine self (maybe a form of gender Stockholm Syndrome?), and I have always had interests that were both masculine and feminine (again, the split is about 70/30). I'm also terrified of some of the effects T will have on me in the long run due to the family history of male health, so I don't want to do a lot for long periods of time. I know I still want to transition, but can I be on HRT until I'm androgynous, then live my life mixing the two genders in both expression and identity? Can I take T for a period, then stop and restart at my choosing? Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

IDK. Maybe. I know there are MTF people who have taken low doses for extended periods of time and found a comfortable place to live but I honestly haven't got a clue how that works with T.

Early on, I did a lot of trying to quantify how much male and how much female was in my identity. I always wanted to be a woman but I didn't "feel like I was one" whatever that means.

What I've learned from reading years of posts here, is that transgender feels differently to different people. For some people it comes as a certainty that they are, and perhaps always have been, a member of the gender opposite their birth sex. For others, we get a more androgynous feeling - that elements of male and female have mixed themselves in us.

My therapist has encouraged me to stop this sort of thinking. What's important, she tells me, is to find what style of presentation makes me feel the most true to myself. I gladly transitioned to living as a full-time female, despite feeling male some of the time.

One of the best decisions I've every made. Lets me be myself.

Good luck, Gene. I hope this helps.

omg transdrogynous is the best word and I am totally using it from now on.

Also, I have heard about assigned-female-at-birth people using T for a time and then stopping. I think that if you get to a point after taking T where you aren't comfortable with the changes happening you should stop. But whatever you do, tell your doctor. Don't just stop T without a doctor's advice and get your hormone levels checked.

Gene

I am pretty sure that working with a good endo you can pretty much achieve any desired result.  While a lot of what you feel resonates with me I was born male with massive gd.   My endo has helped me silence the incessant noise with low dose hrt and it has taken me to a much better emotional place and controlled the extent and rate of physical change.

Given this I am pretty sure that you could achieve a similar result.  Well worth identifying a supportive endo and discussing it with them.    Ativan has posted a number of times a description of her relationship with her endo and the extent to which she is allowed to vary dosages to achieve her desired outcome.   It seems to be quite common now that informed consent has become the standard protocol

Safe travels

Aisla

I don't have a real answer for you.  I do know that t is a very powerful hormone stronger than e is for MTF. FTM's only need to take t as MTF take E and something to stop production of t in their bodies.  I would think the effects you would see would depend on the dosage of t you take.  What changes would you like to see from being on t?

Hi Gene!
     I coined the term "Transdrogynous" as it was most applicable to myself. I am male born but was headed at warp speed toward MtF when I had a bit of a meltdown and de-transitioned for two years and eventually had an epiphany and decided that I would be much happier living out my life as a non-binary type and thus came the term transdrogynous as it seemed most suitable for who I am. One needs to maintain a tough hide and an outrageous sense of humor because let's face it the term passing or passable is and never will be applicable here so one needs to delete that from their thoughts and personal vocabulary. On the other hand though it takes all that pressure off to make one's self passable on a day to day basis and as we know many MtF and FtM types fail miserably at it anyway so it seems to onlookers as no-one is trying to fool them, so many seem to accept it and move on with their own business rather than smirk, point and whisper and that sits well enough with me. So it's not about hormones though some can benefit by a little hormonal tweaking, but it's really more about attitude and personal presentation as you see fit.

Quote from: Gene on May 05, 2014, 02:34:37 PM
Okay, so I'm a little complicated and easily confused. I've always identified more masculine than feminine (born female-bodied), and am in the process of starting my physical transition. I feel weird as I progress because when I started, my view of gender was very close to the binary concept that society pushed on us. But now that I have expanded my knowledge on the topic and realized that there's nothing wrong with accepting and embracing my femininity along with my masculinity, I feel like I can't say I'm 100% male or anything. I'd say it's probably more 70/30. I heard the term "transdrogynous", and if it's what I think it sounds like, it sounds like that is more of how I feel. I identify more masculine, and I feel that I should have been born into a male body; but I also love some aspects of my feminine self (maybe a form of gender Stockholm Syndrome?), and I have always had interests that were both masculine and feminine (again, the split is about 70/30). I'm also terrified of some of the effects T will have on me in the long run due to the family history of male health, so I don't want to do a lot for long periods of time. I know I still want to transition, but can I be on HRT until I'm androgynous, then live my life mixing the two genders in both expression and identity? Can I take T for a period, then stop and restart at my choosing? Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Living as two gender is difficult in the binary world, but if you want to I think you can do so homones or not.
if you want homones to make you more androgynous I think you could start on a very low dose and stop when you felt satified. I done so and I know people who did so too, I am pretty andrognynous looking but I think I also been so, it something who depends from person to person, just remember the change you get on T, like voice and facial hair, is not something you can get rid off again, so if you are sensetive on these fact then I would think you should insteed focus on other aspects.
-
I like the word transandrogynous =) my story is rather simular to you, I been pretty binary as a kid but now I don't decribe myself as a binary person. I do live and identify as a guy but I don't want to be tired down by the binary expectations of what that is. I think alot of this also have to do with the fact that I got the chance to express myself more and learn more about myself.

 

I have this unusual thing where I blend in as a cis woman (call it passing then but I try not to) but identify as non-binary and have been on low-dose hormones for a few years now, the equivalent of what cis women use after menopause. So I don't necessarily think being androgynous has to mean not being perceived as cis, though I agree there's significant overlap.

I know very little about the effects of T, but I do think you should do what's comfortable for you and not let social pressure get in the way.

Quote from: Shantel on May 19, 2014, 09:26:57 AM
Hi Gene!
     I coined the term "Transdrogynous" as it was most applicable to myself. I am male born but was headed at warp speed toward MtF when I had a bit of a meltdown and de-transitioned for two years and eventually had an epiphany and decided that I would be much happier living out my life as a non-binary type and thus came the term transdrogynous as it seemed most suitable for who I am. One needs to maintain a tough hide and an outrageous sense of humor because let's face it the term passing or passable is and never will be applicable here so one needs to delete that from their thoughts and personal vocabulary. On the other hand though it takes all that pressure off to make one's self passable on a day to day basis and as we know many MtF and FtM types fail miserably at it anyway so it seems to onlookers as no-one is trying to fool them, so many seem to accept it and move on with their own business rather than smirk, point and whisper and that sits well enough with me. So it's not about hormones though some can benefit by a little hormonal tweaking, but it's really more about attitude and personal presentation as you see fit.

Thank you for your advice :)
I'm currently in the process of beginning my medical transition. I have top surgery coming up on June 10th which I'm intensely excited about, and I decided to start Androgel or another low-dose form of T afterwards. I figure I'm going to go with them until I'm comfortable with the changes that occur with my body. My husband is incredibly supportive of me while I figure out and explore my sense of identity and what I want to change with transitioning.

Quote from: Natkat on May 19, 2014, 06:30:29 PM
Living as two gender is difficult in the binary world, but if you want to I think you can do so homones or not.
if you want homones to make you more androgynous I think you could start on a very low dose and stop when you felt satified. I done so and I know people who did so too, I am pretty andrognynous looking but I think I also been so, it something who depends from person to person, just remember the change you get on T, like voice and facial hair, is not something you can get rid off again, so if you are sensetive on these fact then I would think you should insteed focus on other aspects.
-
I like the word transandrogynous =) my story is rather simular to you, I been pretty binary as a kid but now I don't decribe myself as a binary person. I do live and identify as a guy but I don't want to be tired down by the binary expectations of what that is. I think alot of this also have to do with the fact that I got the chance to express myself more and learn more about myself.

I agree. I'm going to try to start Androgel or another form of low-dose testosterone sometime after my top surgery this upcoming June and go with it until I'm satisfied with the changes. I'm glad that I have a kindred spirit in you :)

Quote from: Gene on May 21, 2014, 06:31:37 PM
Thank you for your advice :)
I'm currently in the process of beginning my medical transition. I have top surgery coming up on June 10th which I'm intensely excited about, and I decided to start Androgel or another low-dose form of T afterwards. I figure I'm going to go with them until I'm comfortable with the changes that occur with my body. My husband is incredibly supportive of me while I figure out and explore my sense of identity and what I want to change with transitioning.

You have a big extended family here, you'll get plenty of support I'm sure.

I am the same way as you Gene. I was never binary to begin with even before transitioning. That's why I started a very low dose of T gel that I can actually control. I definitely don't want to look like a stereotypical male.

Hi, Gene.  Please remember that we can't pick and choose what masculine characteristics we get from T.  Additionally, you don't know ahead of time how quickly you will masculinize.  Low T does not work the same as low estrogen. Testosteron is a much more powerful hormone.  Guys can transition just as quickly on low dose as on regular dose, it just depends on the person.  I think it is important when you are looking for information on this, that you seek information on the effects of T specifically, as it is a whole different ball of wax than estrogen.

If you stop T your face will change back to a more feminine shape and your body fat will redistribute back to your hips and butt.  Your muscle mass will drop back to your original muscle mass.  You will continue with whatever body hair grew while you were on T (including facial, but it will become softer, especially if you stop before one year...but again it varies and no one can predict this).  Your downstairs growth will remain.  Your voice will not return to a female voice.  I have seen guy's voices change literally after their first T shot.

I think it is dangerous when someone uses T in hopes of presenting as more "androgynous", as you never know what you will get and most of the changes people would like to keep they lose when they stop T (masculine face, muscles, fat distribution).

You might appreciate some of the posts in this thread:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,164250.0.html

Educate yourself before that first shot, my friend!   :)

Quote from: Brett on May 26, 2014, 10:02:06 AM
Hi, Gene.  Please remember that we can't pick and choose what masculine characteristics we get from T.  Additionally, you don't know ahead of time how quickly you will masculinize.  Low T does not work the same as low estrogen. Testosteron is a much more powerful hormone.  Guys can transition just as quickly on low dose as on regular dose, it just depends on the person.  I think it is important when you are looking for information on this, that you seek information on the effects of T specifically, as it is a whole different ball of wax than estrogen.

If you stop T your face will change back to a more feminine shape and your body fat will redistribute back to your hips and butt.  Your muscle mass will drop back to your original muscle mass.  You will continue with whatever body hair grew while you were on T (including facial, but it will become softer, especially if you stop before one year...but again it varies and no one can predict this).  Your downstairs growth will remain.  Your voice will not return to a female voice.  I have seen guy's voices change literally after their first T shot.

I think it is dangerous when someone uses T in hopes of presenting as more "androgynous", as you never know what you will get and most of the changes people would like to keep they lose when they stop T (masculine face, muscles, fat distribution).

You might appreciate some of the posts in this thread:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,164250.0.html

Educate yourself before that first shot, my friend!   :)

I appreciate the concern, but don't worry, I have done research and spoken with my therapist about my intentions as well. She specializes in transgender and gender non-conforming patients and has seen many variations of hormone therapy used to help patients achieve desired results (and I don't mean I think I pick and choose; I mean I get to decide when the scale has slid enough towards male and away from female for my personal preference). I will also be seeing a doctor who has specialized in FTM primary care, HRT, and has a long long history working with the trans* community, so my medical and hormonal care is in excellent hands. I've been researching this for well over 5 years and have long weighed the pros and cons before addressing the forums.

Additionally, while it could be possible, it's unrealistic to expect such drastic changes to occur so soon on a low dose. T is a powerful hormone that quickly overrides estrogen, but every incidence of guys starting T (even regular strength) that I can think of has not yielded immediate results like you speak of. Usually they're only blooming after the initial month or two.

Guys who stop T after figuring out where they were comfortable because of non-binary/androgynous identities are in no more danger when they stop T then binary-identified transguys who stop T for whatever reason they want. Of course there are risks and considerations to be heavily reflected on before reaching a decision.

I won't be using shots, either. I will be using the topical cream and yes, I have researched and educated myself on the difference.

Hey, Gene, sorry if it seemed that I was being preachy (or something along those lines).  No disresepct meant.  I made the assumption that you were still gathering information on the subject due to the statements below in your opening post:

<<I know I still want to transition, but can I be on HRT until I'm androgynous, then live my life mixing the two genders in both expression and identity? Can I take T for a period, then stop and restart at my choosing? Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.>> Gene


As an aside, as a 85% male and a 15% gender neutral person (or something around those percentages), I do have a sense as to what it is feels like to not fit in the binary.  Some may find this strange, but I personally would find it easier to fit the binary.

Quote from: Brett on May 26, 2014, 02:10:04 PM
Hey, Gene, sorry if it seemed that I was being preachy (or something along those lines).  No disresepct meant.  I made the assumption that you were still gathering information on the subject due to the statements below in your opening post:

<<I know I still want to transition, but can I be on HRT until I'm androgynous, then live my life mixing the two genders in both expression and identity? Can I take T for a period, then stop and restart at my choosing? Any advice or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.>> Gene


As an aside, as a 85% male and a 15% gender neutral person (or something around those percentages), I do have a sense as to what it is feels like to not fit in the binary.  Some may find this strange, but I personally would find it easier to fit the binary.

No problem. I'm sorry about snapping back, I tend to get defensive straight off. I was asking more or less because I'm still working out exactly how I feel about my gender identity (since posting, I realized I was pushing to enhance my femininity, and that in reality I am more of a 90/10 split of masculinity and femininity), and when I think too long and hard by myself I tend to think I'm not "trans enough". So it wasn't a matter of the effects that it would have on my body but a question of reassurance that I can proceed only at a rate comfortable to me. Hope that helps clarify. Thanks friend. :)

Quote from: Gene on May 26, 2014, 05:40:04 PM
No problem. I'm sorry about snapping back, I tend to get defensive straight off. I was asking more or less because I'm still working out exactly how I feel about my gender identity (since posting, I realized I was pushing to enhance my femininity, and that in reality I am more of a 90/10 split of masculinity and femininity), and when I think too long and hard by myself I tend to think I'm not "trans enough". So it wasn't a matter of the effects that it would have on my body but a question of reassurance that I can proceed only at a rate comfortable to me. Hope that helps clarify. Thanks friend. :)

No problem.  I totally get it. 

I´m myself transandrogynous
i want to transitioning but not totally to the male side,but to a butch-androgyne side

i'm hopefully starting T soon myself and i identify almost the same way. i'm glad to know i'm not alone!!

Not trans enough..   gggrrrrr.   An illusion my dear... we are all trans enough, and here for each other, to express our unique gifts and identities as we discover them, an ongoing and fascinationg process.

Cool that someone has the inside scoop on testosterone.  I am fundamentally incompatible with it.

Glad you are in here and I think it very special that you have the long time support in the medical/therapy world.  I also have that, and it is priceless.

As Aisla says.... safe journeys....

Blessings to all here

Quote from: Gene on May 26, 2014, 05:40:04 PM
No problem. I'm sorry about snapping back, I tend to get defensive straight off. I was asking more or less because I'm still working out exactly how I feel about my gender identity (since posting, I realized I was pushing to enhance my femininity, and that in reality I am more of a 90/10 split of masculinity and femininity), and when I think too long and hard by myself I tend to think I'm not "trans enough". So it wasn't a matter of the effects that it would have on my body but a question of reassurance that I can proceed only at a rate comfortable to me. Hope that helps clarify. Thanks friend. :)

There's really no clear-cut way to define what is "transgender" enough. I'm already quite androgynous looking and sounding pre-T and I do plan to start hormones sometime at the end of this year. However, you' and I can relate to each other because while I do identify as male, I do have a slight feminine side since I was socialized as female for 22 years and that is a permanent mark. I think it's not exactly what I was would label transdrogynous since you can even see some cismales enjoy some feminine aspects. I think the whole transgender community outside of Susan's makes new people that are exploring their gender identity crisis more complicated because they feel the need to set a standard on what makes a person trans when in reality, no two cases are the same. So don't worry about not feeling "trans enough".  :)

Quote from: ryanjoseph on June 25, 2014, 06:38:41 PM
i'm hopefully starting T soon myself and i identify almost the same way. i'm glad to know i'm not alone!!

Birds of a feather, my friend :D

Quote from: Satinjoy on June 26, 2014, 03:37:00 PM
Not trans enough..   gggrrrrr.   An illusion my dear... we are all trans enough, and here for each other, to express our unique gifts and identities as we discover them, an ongoing and fascinationg process.

Cool that someone has the inside scoop on testosterone.  I am fundamentally incompatible with it.

Glad you are in here and I think it very special that you have the long time support in the medical/therapy world.  I also have that, and it is priceless.

As Aisla says.... safe journeys....

Blessings to all here

Thank you so much. I know it's silly of me, but I guess sometimes I'm prey to my insecurities despite my attempts to rise above. I'm working it out with my therapist who is incredibly supportive and identifies as androgynous, so it really helps that she understands me and that gender is above all a personal experience and to not let anyone else define it for me. She helped me learn to accept and love myself, and most importantly to never feel like I owe someone an explanation about why I am who I am. Your kind words are very appreciated. Happy journeys to you as well :)

Quote from: Blue Senpai on June 26, 2014, 03:49:58 PM
There's really no clear-cut way to define what is "transgender" enough. I'm already quite androgynous looking and sounding pre-T and I do plan to start hormones sometime at the end of this year. However, you' and I can relate to each other because while I do identify as male, I do have a slight feminine side since I was socialized as female for 22 years and that is a permanent mark. I think it's not exactly what I was would label transdrogynous since you can even see some cismales enjoy some feminine aspects. I think the whole transgender community outside of Susan's makes new people that are exploring their gender identity crisis more complicated because they feel the need to set a standard on what makes a person trans when in reality, no two cases are the same. So don't worry about not feeling "trans enough".  :)

I agree with you on that. I have found some places where the majority believes that, but there's always a couple of people that come along and spread hate butter all over my happy toast. That, and my support group here in Denver is pretty great too. They're very understanding of non-binary identities and even though our group is technically for "FTM" identified people, we accept all who identify under the trans* umbrella to join us. It's very open and no one judges me there. I think it's sometimes my own internalized ideas of what is expected of one or another gender due to what I had been taught and how I have been socialized as I grew. It's a little hard to beat back the deeply ingrained cultural expectations, but I think I'm getting there. :)

I've come to the conclusion that transitioning isn't about "gender transition" anyway, it's about transitioning from someone with dysphoria to someone without dysphoria - and that may or may not involve crossing any perceived "gender boundaries".

Quote from: Padma on June 27, 2014, 06:00:39 AM
I've come to the conclusion that transitioning isn't about "gender transition" anyway, it's about transitioning from someone with dysphoria to someone without dysphoria - and that may or may not involve crossing any perceived "gender boundaries".

Hey Padma!
Transitioning really isn't about a gender transition. (Gender changes are more of a transformation, if that makes sense.)
It's a physical transformation to adjust ones self that may or may not be apparent to others and really is none of others business.
Just what they do, to what degree, whether the results are or are not what they want is pretty damn personal.
Some talk about it, some don't. If they comment on theirs, it doesn't mean you should necessarily be focusing on it.
We should be able to keep a gender transformation or maybe a new awareness of our genders distinct from a physical transformation.
Your physical self and your gender self are two different things and they can overlap, that's true.
But they should never be confused or the thinking interchanged.
While it does come across that way in our comments at times, it's easily corrected and most often is in the next comment or few...

From what people have expressed, genders can drift into what could be called a different one, the dangers of labels.
Physical transitions have all kinds of labels, but they are personal. A label is hard to use while the process is ongoing.
Only if you put it out there as a question or some other reason to comment on, it's your business.
Someones presentation is the same way, it's usually an evolving thing, to box it up doesn't work.
Being descriptive works better than a label, it tells your truth, not a perceived one.
Nobody can define what is correct for someone else, but we can help when asked to.
Same thing for genders.
Trying to push labels isn't of much value if those labels have definitions that are all fuzzy around the edges or there isn't a consistent one.
Descriptive, not descriptions. The conversations are much more informative and fun that way.

No two people have the same makeup of hormones, no two people react the same.
It is why when you start, you get low dose, even if you have had all the blood work and more done.
Just how you react is always going to be different than someone else. Ask your Endo's, your Doctors.
Hormones are complicated and they have a lot to do with how you are going to physically change and how you perceive your gender.
Just what exactly will happen is confined into very general areas that have exceptions to them as well.
But the bottom line is that physical transformation and gender are two different things.

They can both be changing, but you can't quantify them together as if they are connected.
The are connected loosely by time, not much more. Changes to both happening at the same time.
Hormones play into both of them, but they are still two separate things that we see happening at the same time.
You can have a change in one but not the other. Either way. It is to a large degree, an unknown.
Something having somewhat predictable results but also having a large number of exceptions shouldn't be labeled.
What you are doing when you see your endo is giving a descriptive narrative of how it's going. They don't ask you for your label.
When you see your therapist, it's the same. They shouldn't be labeling you, but if you insist, they can both give you a best fit label or box.
That can change by the next time you see them. Especially the perception of your gender.
It is for the most part, your perception that defines yours.
Lots of studies about this and that, the wiring and where the wiring goes. It's still your perception.
Be descriptive. Use labels as a reference, not a box to sit in or put someone in.
Transdrogynous is a descriptive word, not a label to be used as a box.

This is a fun topic and has some very good viewpoints.
Just another tangential comment from my viewpoint.
Ativan

From Ativan:  "That can change by the next time you see them. Especially the perception of your gender.
It is for the most part, your perception that defines yours.
Lots of studies about this and that, the wiring and where the wiring goes. It's still your perception."

Perception... boxes.... hard to pin it down, ins't it?  I think some like the security of having a box because the free form of gender can be a bit scary, we want to stick it into one place, make it static, grasp the elusive only to find it is the smoke of incense in our hands, a pleasent scent we wish to repeat, that brings pleasure where truth is brought to light, the truth of who we are.  especially if we feel we are losing control... that is very scary and probably very common in here.

And others perception of us can change us, if we buy into their views... thats the key.... not one of us buys into an outsiders view that we are fully our binary birth gender... no buy in, no cis label, no prison of forced gender assignments, not for us...  and at a deep level we don't buy into being entirely our opposite birth gender either.  That makes us healthy non binaries, if it applies to us.  If we are fully the opposite or the same gender, then we are healthy binaries.  The key, is truth to who you are, without limitations, and then once you know the truth, figuring out what you need to do with it.

Just thoughts unraveling like yarn tonight. 

Our perceptions of our own genders are ours to do with as we need.
We own them, nobody else. We can box them, have definitions if we so wish.
I talk about refraining from using them only because I see so many people get stuck and are unable to change, or at the least have a difficult time.
When we use definitions, they are always useful if we all have the same one for those boxes.

You own your gender, your perception of it. It's yours and yours alone.
I try to stress this as much as I stress not confining yourself to a description.
They are hard to climb out of when you're being fluid and your perceptions are changing.
People have a tendency to rely of those descriptions and in turn have a difficult time if their perceptions change.
But it is yours, to do with as you need, as you see fit to. You own it.

The perceptions of boxes as a way of describing your gender limits the description when you talk about it.
It's why I like descriptive instead of descriptions.
Being descriptive isn't as binding, yet can actually have a more secure feeling.
Because it is your perception, the one you own. The same as your gender.

I'm babbling again, it's late. I will be back tommorrow, or at least the perception will be that...  ;)
Ativan

Quote from: Brett on May 26, 2014, 10:02:06 AM
Hi, Gene.  Please remember that we can't pick and choose what masculine characteristics we get from T.  Additionally, you don't know ahead of time how quickly you will masculinize.  Low T does not work the same as low estrogen. Testosteron is a much more powerful hormone.  Guys can transition just as quickly on low dose as on regular dose, it just depends on the person.  I think it is important when you are looking for information on this, that you seek information on the effects of T specifically, as it is a whole different ball of wax than estrogen.

If you stop T your face will change back to a more feminine shape and your body fat will redistribute back to your hips and butt.  Your muscle mass will drop back to your original muscle mass.  You will continue with whatever body hair grew while you were on T (including facial, but it will become softer, especially if you stop before one year...but again it varies and no one can predict this).  Your downstairs growth will remain.  Your voice will not return to a female voice.  I have seen guy's voices change literally after their first T shot.

I think it is dangerous when someone uses T in hopes of presenting as more "androgynous", as you never know what you will get and most of the changes people would like to keep they lose when they stop T (masculine face, muscles, fat distribution).

You might appreciate some of the posts in this thread:  https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,164250.0.html

Educate yourself before that first shot, my friend!   :)

Good lookin' out man. My new PCM is a family practice doctor and 70% of her clients are transgender, so she's very well versed in trans-related care not only concerning hormones but regular care as well. I can get my pap-smears by her so I don't have to worry about going to the gyno (from what I understand, it's an awkward experience). She attends conferences and medical conventions about treatment for both MTFs and FTMs. I'm going to talk to her. I know I can't pick and choose my results (my mother was very clear on that when we were discussing how I wanted to go about it), and that I may have accelerated results. I may not. I'm just trying to go in this as easy as possible. However, whatever happens I'll deal with it in stride. I have a great support network and therapist who is androgynous themself (they really get the whole "gender" thing ya know?). I'm in great hands and my transition will be not only well monitored but I'll have plenty to handle if something goes a way I didn't expect. Here's hoping it goes smoothly though. I appreciate your concern :)

Quote from: Padma on June 27, 2014, 06:00:39 AM
I've come to the conclusion that transitioning isn't about "gender transition" anyway, it's about transitioning from someone with dysphoria to someone without dysphoria - and that may or may not involve crossing any perceived "gender boundaries".

May I quote you on Facebook? This is just brilliant! If you would prefer an alias or to remain anonymous I understand :)

You can quote me if you like, my preferred alias is Womandrogyne :)