Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey everyone, I'm curious to know whether anyone has taken HRT but remained in the male role. So that the hormones take full (if not most) affect on your body before transitioning?

I'm 25 years old an I have finally have come to the conclusion that Im done living a LIE!!! I'm serious about beginning HRT, how ever ( I know this may sound vien) I'm super self-conscious about my appearance. I already have extremely low self-esteem, along with anxiety that's through the roof! I thought maybe if I under went HRT in "stealth mode" an waited for it to run its course on my body that it would help ease my anxiety. That way when I do make the transition it would be less awkward for me. Seeing how half the battle is waiting for your body to react to the Estrogen an T-Blockers. Another benefit to this approach I thought is, that it allows me to put money off to the side for cosmedic procedure's, or to have them done. Especially for the necessary ones like Electrolysis.

Please let me know what you guys think! I value anyones opinion/advice whether it be negative or positive.

There's been recent posts Related to this

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,218060.0.html

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,209027.0.html

Many do but be sure you are clear in your own mind what "full effect" actually means and have at least a rough game plan for transition when that point is reached. If not, you run the risk - through doubt, fear, "reasons" - of continually moving the goal posts back and potentially never getting over the line. Most people know when they are ready, for some it comes a lot sooner than they expected too.

Also, be mindful that if you define "full effect" as something fairly unrealistic you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. HRT can do some awesome things but it isn't a magic pill, won't change many structural aspects of your body, takes up to 18-24 months for some results and is only a part of the whole process of social transition.

Quote from: AnonyMs on December 29, 2016, 02:16:48 AM
There's been recent posts Related to this

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,218060.0.html

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,209027.0.html

Thanks!! Sorry about that, I figured this topic was probably covered already. I'm new here an still figuring out how to navigate my way around..

Its important to note that HRT greatest change is in our mind. The change in perspective and the increase of empathy. Acceptance mentally, made my final decision to transition fully, after 3 yrs on HRT and living as a male, it was only partially about physical which too many focus too much on.

Thank you for reading my post and taking the time to write back!! I really appreciate it.

From what I read, my understanding of HRT is that on an average it can take between 12-24 months for your body to reach its full potential. An anything after that is subtle. Like I said before I'm very self-conscious about my looks which is one of the things that trigger my anxiety. I do realize HRT isn't a "cure all" pill but it does have the power to do some amazing things! I'm not looking to become a Victoria Secret Model but I will admit I do set high standards. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing...=/

High standards are good but just  make sure they are attainable, as Grace stated, HRT can do a lot but it isn't a magic pill. You wouldn't be the first to wait until HRT has had a chance to have a fair effect first. Some, like me, just jumped in all at once. Everyone has their own best path.

Some people respond rapidly to HRT but others may take as much as 3-5 years for most of the results to happen. You will see signs early that they are having an effect but you might not pass at any point without attention to your appearance. Proper hair and makeup often make a big difference in people pre HRT or early HRT. Facial hair can be a real appearance killer so it's best to start on that as soon as possible.

MsGrace and WarlockMaker both gave very sound advice.

I never had any major expectations at all when I started HRT. After having been on/off low dose HRT several times in the past for the much needed Brain-Reset, I figured if I am FINALLY going to take the trans-beast on for real, I needed to go back on HRT. Low in time led to full thanks to the great emotional relief I was getting. I can't help but to believe and to preach that The Biggest Reason for HRT is for the (hopefull) emotional relief. The rest, if any is gravy.

As for "High Standards".... The easiest and safest way to get the breasts you want is to buy them, as in a BA. With all things hormones, YMMV. As you learned, after 2 years about all the physical changes are about over.

Today, some 7 years later, I still live and present primarily as male. A male with a for real B cup. Hiding the girls is relatively easy. Trying not to hide them is sometimes a chore in male mode. So as to the OP, you can have your HRT, your breasts and still present as male.

I'm coming up to a year on HRT, and I'm most likely not going to start presenting as a woman until I have had FFS, which will be around the 2-3 year mark on HRT. For me, it's the most sane way of doing it.

In the mean time, my body is feminising and I'm having laser so by the time I do present as a woman, I won't be stressed about those things. I think transitioning is stressful enough without worrying about facial hair coming through foundation.

Quote from: VenessaKyle on December 29, 2016, 02:12:04 AMI thought maybe if I under went HRT in "stealth mode" an waited for it to run its course on my body that it would help ease my anxiety. That way when I do make the transition it would be less awkward for me. Seeing how half the battle is waiting for your body to react to the Estrogen an T-Blockers. Another benefit to this approach I thought is, that it allows me to put money off to the side for cosmedic procedure's, or to have them done. Especially for the necessary ones like Electrolysis.

This is a wise course of action -- it's so much easier to present yourself correctly after electrolysis has been taken care of.  That, and voice work, is really so much more important to social transition than HRT.

Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on December 31, 2016, 08:56:25 PMI'm coming up to a year on HRT, and I'm most likely not going to start presenting as a woman until I have had FFS, which will be around the 2-3 year mark on HRT. For me, it's the most sane way of doing it.

In the mean time, my body is feminising and I'm having laser so by the time I do present as a woman, I won't be stressed about those things. I think transitioning is stressful enough without worrying about facial hair coming through foundation.

Perfect.

Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on December 31, 2016, 08:56:25 PM
I'm coming up to a year on HRT, and I'm most likely not going to start presenting as a woman until I have had FFS, which will be around the 2-3 year mark on HRT. For me, it's the most sane way of doing it.

In the mean time, my body is feminising and I'm having laser so by the time I do present as a woman, I won't be stressed about those things. I think transitioning is stressful enough without worrying about facial hair coming through foundation.

That's exactly how I look at it. I to want to have FFS before transitioning.

Are you happy with how HRT is progressing?  Has it surpassed your expectations of just the opposite?

Quote from: VenessaKyle on January 01, 2017, 05:37:30 AM
That's exactly how I look at it. I to want to have FFS before transitioning.

Are you happy with how HRT is progressing?  Has it surpassed your expectations of just the opposite?

I am happy enough. I would have hoped the hair on my body would thin out a little more but it hasn't. I was very smooth to begin with though. Breasts seem to be growing a bit, I have to use a binder whenever I leave the house now. Also my hairline has filled in and made more of a feminine shape, which is my favourite part.

I know it will take another year or two before I see the full effect. :)

I would check the Real Life Experience requirements for any operations you were considering and backwards plan to when you should lay the groundwork with your therapist. If you are sly about it, you can still stealth the transition portion with a few strategically planned appearances at their office in femme and have them vouch for RLE... I'm usually in Drab unless I have to make a medical appearance (except for my endo, she sees me in Drab. So there's no mistake about how much I had changed since I started).

Quote from: Harley Quinn on January 01, 2017, 07:19:44 PM
I would check the Real Life Experience requirements for any operations you were considering and backwards plan to when you should lay the groundwork with your therapist. If you are sly about it, you can still stealth the transition portion with a few strategically planned appearances at their office in femme and have them vouch for RLE... I'm usually in Drab unless I have to make a medical appearance (except for my endo, she sees me in Drab. So there's no mistake about how much I had changed since I started).

Will do!! Thank you. This January I'm meeting with a therapist who specializes in "Gender Dysphoria/ Transgender". I'm super excited an wicked nervous at the same time! I'm hoping to start hormones no later than February.   

Pre-grats! Estrogen will look good on you!

Quote from: Harley Quinn on January 02, 2017, 05:46:05 AM
Pre-grats! Estrogen will look good on you!

I hope you're right!! =\

I forgot to mention the biggest change of all. It's mental. I am much more sensitive now, I cry much easier than I did before. Sex drive is completely different too. I'm more interested in the emotional connections, rather than physical.

I'm glad I didn't wait - almost 6 years down the track and I'd still be waiting. Physically, hormones did very little for me - less than AA cup breasts, for example.. I decided to just get on with my life, I'd spent enough of it in a holding pattern. Am I beautiful? Hell no. Do I pass? I guess I must, I can enter female spaces without being questioned.

Quote from: kelly_aus on January 03, 2017, 04:23:20 AM
I'm glad I didn't wait - almost 6 years down the track and I'd still be waiting. Physically, hormones did very little for me - less than AA cup breasts, for example.. I decided to just get on with my life, I'd spent enough of it in a holding pattern. Am I beautiful? Hell no. Do I pass? I guess I must, I can enter female spaces without being questioned.

Physical changes from hormones are not the only reason we have for waiting.

Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on December 31, 2016, 08:56:25 PM
I'm coming up to a year on HRT, and I'm most likely not going to start presenting as a woman until I have had FFS, which will be around the 2-3 year mark on HRT. For me, it's the most sane way of doing it.

In the mean time, my body is feminising and I'm having laser so by the time I do present as a woman, I won't be stressed about those things. I think transitioning is stressful enough without worrying about facial hair coming through foundation.

That's exactly the approach I took. I started with HRT and continued therapy, the E helped me to understand that transition would be my ultimate goal. About 15 months later I was ready to go for it - I scheduled FFS and wrote my coming out letters, and then made arrangements for legal name and gender change. I believe I have had a very positive transition overall because I was ready for the big switch and had little if any doubts by the time I went under the knife.

Quote from: Ellement_of_Freedom on January 03, 2017, 06:38:07 AM
Physical changes from hormones are not the only reason we have for waiting.

Well, I had nothing else holding me back.. And it's worked out OK for me.

It also gives family a long time to come to terms and accept it. If it was all an overnight thing, it would not be received nearly as well.


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I have been on hormones for 6 years without transitioning. It has really helped reduce the dysphoria. Though I do look quite androgenous, it works well for me.

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You ask an interesting question. For me it kind of hangs on your definition of transitioning. I first learned of Anne in my life two years ago and, with the encouragement of my wife, began immediately interacting with the world. One year ago I realized that I am what I am and had better start taking it seriously (not even suggesting that you are not serious about this!). At that point we added therapy and 6 months ago hrt. A couple of months ago went full time and began RLE, hopefully srs in a year or so. Somewhere around a year ago started electrolysis. Long story but the point is that somewhere between two years ago and two months ago transitioning began. Time out went from the first terrifying stop at a Payless shoe store and Panera Bread Company meal to full time. All along the way was full of developing socialization skills, support group friends, and learning to just plain love my new life. Do I pass, not very often. Would I do it any other way, not on my life. But you need to do what is needed to be comfortable being you.....just try not to wait too long. - Anne

Quote from: Anne Blake on January 05, 2017, 07:02:37 PM
You ask an interesting question. For me it kind of hangs on your definition of transitioning. I first learned of Anne in my life two years ago and, with the encouragement of my wife, began immediately interacting with the world. One year ago I realized that I am what I am and had better start taking it seriously (not even suggesting that you are not serious about this!). At that point we added therapy and 6 months ago hrt. A couple of months ago went full time and began RLE, hopefully srs in a year or so. Somewhere around a year ago started electrolysis. Long story but the point is that somewhere between two years ago and two months ago transitioning began. Time out went from the first terrifying stop at a Payless shoe store and Panera Bread Company meal to full time. All along the way was full of developing socialization skills, support group friends, and learning to just plain love my new life. Do I pass, not very often. Would I do it any other way, not on my life. But you need to do what is needed to be comfortable being you.....just try not to wait too long. - Anne

Hii Anne, it sounds like your transitioning is going well!!! Its also great to hear you have the support an backing of you're wife. Transitioning to me means to present your self as a women 24/7. For me to be comfortable on transitioning i fist would like HRT to run its course. Once I feel that I can pass (appearance wise) I then would begin the transitioning phase.