Susan's Place Transgender Resources

After a long time, I finally have gotten on HRT and have started my journey to transition! I'm very excited, while somewhat nervous at the same time. I've started to come out to those closest to me, and while the reactions aren't always extremely positive, they're not always negative, either.

What can I realistically expect over the course of the next few months in terms of physical changes? Mentally, it seems a lot of my stress has been mitigated, as in finally becoming "me".

@Shelby406
Dear Shelby:
I think that it is wonderful that you started your own personal thread to chronicle your transition journey.   This is a very important thing to do and can help you to follow your own progress with your update posts and eventually with some photos, but only if you feel comfortable doing it.

I will soon be adding another post reply here for you to read that will answer some of your questions about your exciting HRT journey... be looking for it very soon.

Again, I am so glad that you are starting your own thread...
... oh FYI, for me,  in addition to my personal transition thread here on the Forums, I also keep a private and personal old-school pen & paper journal complete with doodling and pictures.   It is so nice to review my progress and notes, particually when having problems or issues with my transition.   All of this is good personal therapy...  at least for me.

Thanks for your posting and I will eagerly looking for your future updates as you post them.

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

@Shelby406
Dear Shelby:
Here are some of my thoughts as it may relate to what you might expect from HRT.
First, the transition journey is indeed exciting but the road can also be full of potholes and frustration... that is where this Forum can be helpful.  In your good times we will rejoice with you and in your not so good times we will be there to support you with our thoughts and words... and our virtual hugs.

As has been stated over and over here on the Forums on various posts, HRT will work uniquely in your own unique body.
What you read about other transitioning members experiences with HRT most likely will not be identical to your own experiences.

Some will experience more significant changes more quickly and then some will experience less significant changes more slowly....   it is all up to your genes and how your body reacts to the HRT.   Your doctor will  undoubtedly be looking at your frequent blood test results during your journey to determine if any alterations in the HRT regimen are needed.

The adage that you should know about regarding HRT and how it may work for various individuals  is "YMMV"  meaning that Your Mileage May Vary.
   
PATIENCE is definitely required.... usually not much happens very quickly with HRT... but changes will happen.  Do some reading of other transitioners posts and look at many of the posted HRT timelines and the before and after pictures. ....  they can give you a rough idea of what you MIGHT expect.

Many times the very first noticeable changes can be felt and seen within the first 2 to 6 months... breast tenderness, breast bud lumps forming under the nipples and possibly changes in body hair growth, your own body and urine smell, changes in erections becoming less intense, libido, etc.

Without a doubt this can be very "EXCITING and SCARY all at the same time."   One needs to hang on for an amazing ride.  Some of my best and most appreciated and dramatic body changes happened at about the 5 month point through the start of year #2 of my HRT journey.   
Even though I was able to very successfully pass before I went full-time... when I did go full-time at the 1 1/2 year mark I have been passing 100% of the time.  Of course that is just my own personal experience, I suppose I can thank my unique body makeup and my genes for all that.

We are here to rejoice with you in the good times and to support you in the not so good times.
One more time.... PATIENCE is required.   The attitude of many people today is "I want it all and I want it now" ... that will not apply to HRT.   You might want to re-read what I just wrote so you can get a good grasp of the details that I mentioned.

I will be looking forward to your continued updates as you feel free to post them.   
Wishing you well,
Danielle

Quote from: Shelby406 on September 18, 2018, 11:15:48 AM
After a long time, I finally have gotten on HRT and have started my journey to transition! I'm very excited, while somewhat nervous at the same time. I've started to come out to those closest to me, and while the reactions aren't always extremely positive, they're not always negative, either.

What can I realistically expect over the course of the next few months in terms of physical changes? Mentally, it seems a lot of my stress has been mitigated, as in finally becoming "me".

Hi, Shelby.  Congratulations on starting HRT and starting to come out to people!  Both are major steps and are worth celebrating.

What physical changes to expect?  Well, as they say, YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).

Most people, within the first month will start to feel tingling around their nipples.  Yes, your breasts will typically start to grow that quickly.  You may find that before long, they get sensitive and need protection when doing physical activities.  A lot of people experience fairly rapid growth in the first few months, and then it slows down, but continues for a couple of years.

You may notice your skin getting softer.  It also gets more fragile, so be kind to it.  It also gets more sensitive to pain, something to be aware of if you are doing facial hair removal.

Facial changes, due to the rearrangement of fat, can be subtle, but are not uncommon within a few months.  I noticed that my lips were fuller, and some subtle changes around the eyes.

Body hair often gets finer, lighter in colour, and sparser.  I started off with very little, and now have none, except a little bit on my legs.

You will have noticed my "hedge" words: may, might, often, etc.  You really won't know what changes you will get until you get them.  So sit back and enjoy the ride!