Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I'm currently taking Estradiol and spiro. It's only been four days but I've already noticed some weird changes.
My testosterone was very low to begin with for a boy, so I'm guessing it could be that. It was 193 ng/dL as opposed to the normal range of 340 something to 1100 ng/dL.

So far, I've noticed:

-very soft skin (it feels like I bathed in cocoa butter even though I haven't used any lotion in days!)

-slightly lower oil production on the face

-less aggressive driving (I live in Philadelphia which is known to have a fair amount of aggressive drivers. I used to cut through traffic, change lanes constantly, and tailgate people like crazy. But for the past few days, I've just been cruising along)

-mood changes (I get extremely annoyed at my friends for about 30 minutes at a time and get really quiet. I just want to tell them to shut up even though they've never annoyed me at all before HRT. But I quickly bounce back up again and get really excited/cheerful for no reason.)

It's just weird because these changes happened so suddenly... four days! That's crazy.

Could it just be my naturally low testosterone or should I be concerned?


I'm 18, 5'5, 100 lbs with a healthy diet and at least 8 hours of sleep a day. I don't drink anything but water and the occasional black coffee and I avoid excess sugar/carbs, etc

Mod edit: No dosages thanks

It really depends from person to person how they react at HRT. Some react faster than other. It's about genes. But in a few cases it may be placebo effect. It really depends and it's not necessary only one answer. I don't think Susan's place really likes when we wright doses. I've heard about dose rules.

I like hearing about the driving. I am such an angry driver and since I am starting HRT very soon every time I start yelling (just at myself because the other person can't hear me...so dumb) all I think is, "I really hope lowering my T helps me with this insanity."

I've considered an orchiectomy as a way to start my transition, simply because I have grown to loath my testosterone, but I am reminded by doctors, friends, loved ones, and web sites like this that it is a long journey and there will be many, many changes over a long time line. But I do like your internal effects. Exactly what I am hoping for.

-Brie

A lot of people report similar in their first few days, a lot don't. I suspect it is a combination of the hormones changing and placebo effect. Regardless, just enjoy it.

Also, it is against the Terms of Service (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=2.0) of this site to post dosages.

Not much really happens, but the emotional changes are a definite.  I can believe skin changes depending on your body.  That varies :)

Quote from: Ms Grace on February 06, 2016, 03:59:06 PM
A lot of people report similar in their first few days, a lot don't. I suspect it is a combination of the hormones changing and placebo effect. Regardless, just enjoy it.

Also, it is against the Terms of Service (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=2.0) of this site to post dosages.

Noted! Thank you :)

Quote from: Briezy on February 06, 2016, 02:55:50 PM
I like hearing about the driving. I am such an angry driver and since I am starting HRT very soon every time I start yelling (just at myself because the other person can't hear me...so dumb) all I think is, "I really hope lowering my T helps me with this insanity."

I've considered an orchiectomy as a way to start my transition, simply because I have grown to loath my testosterone, but I am reminded by doctors, friends, loved ones, and web sites like this that it is a long journey and there will be many, many changes over a long time line. But I do like your internal effects. Exactly what I am hoping for.

-Brie

Yeah, aggressive driving is terrible where I live. My testosterone was pretty low for my age but it still ignited me with rage every time I drove in my city.

Most aggressive drivers I see are men anyway, so I'm sure HRT will take away road rage or anything like that. Now, I just make sarcastic remarks at drivers and roll my eyes instead of honking, tailgating, and speeding past them.  :)

I started my HRT the same week as traveling across Australia to visit my parents for my mothers (who has early onset parkinsons) 60th birthday. Like you I found effects almost immediate in that my reaction to crazy parent/relative talk was much more relaxed and I found it really easy to talk to my sister who I'd been out to for a while.

For me I suspect it was less a physiological and more of mental effect of suddenly releasing years of anxiety and pressure and feeling like I've finally started down the right track.

Six days into HRT my nephew sitting on my lap leaning back on me told me I had boobies but I am pretty sure it doesn't work that quick.  :)

yes it's totally normal. everyone is different and some people react very quick with HRT  ^-^

AAs act pretty fast.
I started AAs some time before hormones and I started noticing changes after five days.

Hi :3 perhaps it could be that just being on hormones and the relieve makes it feel as if it could be working instantly. Happiness is awesomeness  :P