Susan's Place Transgender Resources

After almost thirty years of dreaming of this day, today I picked up my prescriptions and took my first dose of hormones. I have read so many HRT journals on the Internet, living through others' experiences. Now I get to have these experiences as well, and I am so excited!

I wanted to give back to the Susan's community by doing my very own HRT journal. This will be very HRT-centric, and I generally will avoid wandering into the non-HRT aspects of transitioning in this post. I'll probably post every couple weeks in the first couple months and then go monthly.

As background, I am 46 years old, and here are my baseline stats:

Physical: Hgt: 71"; Wgt: 178lbs; B: 41"; UB: 37.5"; W: 34"; H: 39.5"
(Note I have lost 35 pounds in the last four months and I do have some man boobs that can already fill out a 36B or 38A cup - I'm kinda in between band sizes. I do want to lose another 10-20 lbs over the next 3 months, and I'll be interested to see how hormones affect the effectiveness of my diet & exercise routine.)

Hormones: E: 33.2pg/mL; T: 286ng/dL; Prolactin: 6.8 ng/mL

My first pill has almost dissolved. Here we go!!!!! See you in a couple of weeks.

Congratulations on your journey. I'm also new on HRT so it'll be interesting to hear of your progress. I should probably start one also.

@sarahc
Dear Sarah:
I am so very happy that your started your very own HRT Journal thread.   Not only will you be able to submit your HRT and transition journey details all in one place that will help you to follow and chart your course but also it will allow your readers and followers to come along on your journey with you.
   
Along the way you will be able to share your good news and successes, and also your frustrations and disappointments.
Writing out things in your Journal will help you to process your possible positive steps to help you along the way.   I might also suggest that, as I do, keep an "old school "personal pen&paper journal for you more personal stuff that you may not want to share with everyone.  My pen&paper journal is complete with colorful doodling and occasional printed pictures.
   
On a cold winter rainy night many times I can be found in front of my fireplace sitting in my comfy chair reading for long periods of time, going over my transition life moments.... very good therapy for myself in my opinion.

Please know that when you post your good news that we will all be very happy for you and rejoice with you, and when the news is not-so-good, we are here to lend our ear to listen and our shoulder to lean on.

Here on the Forums we are your biggest fans and will always be supporting you as you reach for your goals.
Please continue to keep us all updated, but only as you feel comfortable doing.

Again, thank you for starting your very own personal HRT Journal thread...  it will become your home here on the Forums.
HUGS AND MORE HUGS,
Danielle

Quote from: Wendi on January 16, 2019, 05:45:50 PM
Congratulations on your journey. I'm also new on HRT so it'll be interesting to hear of your progress. I should probably start one also.

@Wendi
Dear Wendi:
Yes indeed, I would suggest that at some time of your choosing you may want to start your own personal thread and journal chronicling your progress in your own transition journey.  If you don't feel comfortable doing that for everyone here to read, please consider a personal pen&paper journal that you can privately chart your progress.

Hugs and well wishes... and I am so glad that you recently became a member of Susan's Place and have involved yourself in the Forums.

Wishing you well in your journey,
Hugs,
Danielle

Get ready for a roller coaster ride. Usually things get better after starting HRT. You'll know in short order if it's right for you. We all look forward to hearing your progress.  Be well. Jaime

Congratulations Sarah on starting HRT. You'll remember taking the first tablet(s) forever. I assume you are on both Estradiol and a T Blocker?

I wish you every happiness on your HRT journey.

Hugs

Pamela

Quote from: pamelatransuk on January 18, 2019, 07:14:22 AM
Congratulations Sarah on starting HRT. You'll remember taking the first tablet(s) forever. I assume you are on both Estradiol and a T Blocker?

I wish you every happiness on your HRT journey.

Hugs

Pamela

Yes - estradiol and t-blocker. Fortunately, my doctor is a trans health specialist, and given my generally good health, she was comfortable starting me on decent starting doses of both, so hopefully effects will kick in sooner than average.

After two days, no effects so far!

ONE MONTH UPDATE!

It has been a fairly undramatic month.  Let's start with the stats:

Start of HRT Jan 16 2019: Hgt: 71"; Wgt: 178lbs; B: 41"; UB: 37.5"; W: 34"; H: 39.5"
Feb 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 170 lbs (-8lbs); B: 40.5" (-0.5"); UB 37" (-0.5"); W: 33" (-1.0"); H: 38" (-1.5"); Thighs: 21"; Biceps: 11.5"

PHYSICAL EFFECTS:
* In terms of measurements, the diet continues to make progress in shrinking the bulk everywhere. Unfortunately, the hips are shrinking as well (darn!), and that's the one area of my body I wish would hang in there. I have noticed in the past couple of months that the diet (and exercise regimen) has shrunk my thighs and biceps a lot, so I'm going to start tracking that.
* Spiro definitely played a factor in the continued weight loss this month. I lost a ton of weight on the first two weeks on HRT, presumably because I got dehydrated. I went from 178 lbs to 171 lbs in ten days, and quite frankly I really didn't want to lose more weight that fast. So I focused on keeping weight flat for the rest of the month, so I ate a little bit more than usual. I'll be looking to go down to 165 lbs by March 15.
* Peeing: I had to drink and pee a bit more for a week or so during week 2, but that's gone away. Seems like I've adjusted to the spiro.
* Breasts: Some limited off-and-on breast sensitivity, especially 3-4 hours after my dose. I already had fairly prominent moobs and nipples prior to HRT and they can sometimes be a little bit more sensitive, but it's not yet constant soreness or sensitivity from the breasts. The nipples do seem a little firmer, however. Will be interesting to see what happens in month 2. Don't need a full-time bra yet, but given my moobs and already fairly prominent nipples, it may not take much for me to need one.
* Libido: Waaay down. Much harder to maintain an erection, and just less interested in masturbating. I do try to get things going down there 2-3 times a week, but that's definitely less than before HRT. Was surprised how fast that happened.
* Endurance: I play tennis in a two-hour block most weeks and last week was the first time ever that I felt a little winded at the end of the session, which has never happened before. HOWEVER, I have had the rotten cold that seems to be going around for the past three weeks, so that may be the reason. That cold has also prevented from me doing much running as well. I hope this cold goes away soon so I have a better sense of what my endurance level is. Hopefully it's just the cold.
* Temperature regulation: Unfortunately, I started getting the dreaded night sweats, and after many nights, my sheets are soaked in the morning. I've shed layers off my bed (bye-bye down comforter!), but I'm still having a hard time staying comfortable. But like with the exercise endurance, I'm not sure to what extent it has to do with my cold vs. effects of HRT. I got my cold the 2nd week of HRT, which is also when the night sweats started, so again, this is going to be something I monitor in month 2. There's also the fact that I've lost a lot of weight and that could be a factor...so it's all complicated. If I continue to get these night sweats after the cold goes away, I'll let my doctor know and we'll discuss.

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS:
* None. Literally I feel like the same person as before. Which is fine! I was emotionally healthy entering this process, so I'm not really seeking huge emotional changes (but will embrace them if they happen!).

I think that's it. The first month went pretty much I would have expected (except the night sweats were a mild surprise).

No change in prescription levels...next check-in with my doctor is in April, when I'll get my labs done again.

Sarah

WEEK 5 QUICK UPDATE

Boobs definitely much more sensitive this week. If I push on my boobs from my nipple area, they're pretty sore. And I have bumped them a couple of times, and...yeah, that's not fun. It's so exciting - it's happening!

Sarah

@sarahc
Dear Sarah:
I have enjoyed your HRT journal since you recently started posting it... but I just realized that I have neglected to share my thoughts with you regarding what you may expect in your HRT journey as you continue on.

At the risk of me telling you what you may have already heard... here is important stuff for you and anyone no matter where they are in their transition journey.
...here are some of my thoughts and my own experiences as it may relate to what you are going through.

As has been stated over and over here on the Forums in many of my past comments 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 continuing to look at your frequent blood test results during your journey to determine if any alterations in the HRT regimen are needed.

The adage that you have probably already heard 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 as time goes on.

As you have already reported in your WEEK 5 QUICK UPDATE, many times the very first noticeable changes can be felt and seen within the first 1 to 4 months... nipple and breast tenderness, erect nipples a lot of the time, breast bud lumps forming under the nipples and as you mentioned pain when bumping your nipples.  Also changes in body hair growth, also your own body and urine smell, changes in erections becoming less intense, less 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  4 to 6 month point through the start of year #2 of my HRT journey. 

Regarding your body measurements, it is good that you have established a reference point  allowing you to judge your body changes.   As you noted you have already seen change in many of your body measurements... much of it due to your weight loss efforts, kudos to you for your hard work in that task.   For me, I did not gain a whole lot in my hips but my breast growth was very good  and after 2 years of HRT my breasts were a C-cup.   
Many will achieve an A or a B cup and some transitioners may possibly achieve a C-cup or even a D-cup.
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 experience, I suppose I can thank my 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.

With your own progress... things will happen with HRT, but in their own time and in their own ways in your unique body.

I will be looking forward to your continued updates as you feel free to post them.  Please hang in there!
Hugs and well wishes
Danielle

WEEK 5.5 UPDATE

Played tennis today and ow! My breasts were not happy when I was running around - definitely felt soreness  when I was moving. I got through it alright, but it's probably getting close to sports bra time when I'm active.

I haven't jogged in a couple weeks because of the bronchitis I have had, but I don't think I'm going to be able to run without a bra going forward. I might go down to the treadmill in the next day or two to see how things feel.

I also feel like I have a little less endurance, but that could be the bronchitis.

 sarahc, yes, you probably do need to be considering a sports bra when you are active now.  There are sports bras with wide shoulder straps that don't appear as a bra under your shirts, also check the color of the bra and yours shirts to see if it shows through your shirt.

Congratulations Sarah, I also JUST got back from the Pharmacy (like an hour ago) and I will take my 1st dose in the morning: both E and Spiro. I'm 50 y.o. and my Endo gave me pills to see if I like the result. She also said I can switch to injections if I'd like. Finally the wait is over. Now we can focus on outfits and shoes!

Hugs girls!

Sophia

Sarah,

  So happy for you.  HRT for me has been great.  Thanks for posting updates and sharing your experiences.

Julie

You wrote:

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS:
* None. Literally I feel like the same person as before. Which is fine! I was emotionally healthy entering this process, so I'm not really seeking huge emotional changes (but will embrace them if they happen!).

Sarah,
I know you are documenting as you go. I think you will find that this aspect will sneak up on you. For the longest time, I thought that nothing was happening emotionally. It was only after quite a few months that I suddenly had an epithany and realized I was very different. My cliche for the difference I experienced is 'seeing emotions in black and white before and now seeing them in color.' I'm excited for you if you find the same thing. Just have some tissues stashed around the joint.

You around Baltimore?

Moni

@sarahc
Dear Sarah:
Yes indeed....  soon enough you will not want to be jogging, running or any activity that can bounce your breast around WITHOUT a sports bra ....  pain and discomfort is so very affirming however, it means that things are happening up there on your chest.... 
.... as the old saying goes:   "No Pain, No Gain"  !!!! :o

Regarding stamina, I have always led an active life style, hiking, running, jogging, marathons...  I have found that after less than a year of HRT that my strength and endurance did diminish somewhat, now after 4+ years I can absolutely say that I do not have the strength and endurance that I once had... but the body changes and effects of HRT are most welcome...   I guess what I am saying is that it is well worth the trade-off.

I do go regularly to the Gym to workout and also continue to be involved in running, jogging, hiking, marathons, etc.

Thanks for keeping us all posted,
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: sarahc on February 21, 2019, 12:34:44 PM
WEEK 5.5 UPDATE

Played tennis today and ow! My breasts were not happy when I was running around - definitely felt soreness  when I was moving. I got through it alright, but it's probably getting close to sports bra time when I'm active.

I haven't jogged in a couple weeks because of the bronchitis I have had, but I don't think I'm going to be able to run without a bra going forward. I might go down to the treadmill in the next day or two to see how things feel.

I also feel like I have a little less endurance, but that could be the bronchitis.

Quote from: HappyMoni on March 02, 2019, 07:12:18 AM
You wrote:

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS:
* None. Literally I feel like the same person as before. Which is fine! I was emotionally healthy entering this process, so I'm not really seeking huge emotional changes (but will embrace them if they happen!).

Sarah,
I know you are documenting as you go. I think you will find that this aspect will sneak up on you. For the longest time, I thought that nothing was happening emotionally. It was only after quite a few months that I suddenly had an epithany and realized I was very different. My cliche for the difference I experienced is 'seeing emotions in black and white before and now seeing them in color.' I'm excited for you if you find the same thing. Just have some tissues stashed around the joint.

You around Baltimore?

Moni

@HappyMoni
Dear Moni:
I absolutely agree with you about emotions....  I can hardly watch a romance movie without bawling my eyes out.  Also when out and about people watching and out shopping, I see little kids and babies and I just turn into "mush" ...  I can't hardly contain myself and I will talk to the parents and just tell them how cute their kids are...  and most small kids love to do "knuckles" or "fist bumps" with me as I ask how old they are... and they hold up their hand with the appropriate amount of fingers showing their age...  so much fun....
...  more tissues please....... NOW!!!

Thank you for posting and sharing your thoughts,
Hugs and best wishes,
Danielle

I did not really feel that I had any emotional effects either.  I had most of my life a rather female emotion costume, but estrogen must have made those emotions even stronger.  It became clear to me when I was crying an entire day a few weeks ago, and it felt good! So good that I thought the other day, anther cry day would not be all that bad.  There are still enough sad feelings that need to be flushed out with enough tears!

Yes, estrogen does it's spiel wit my emotions!

Two years on HRT and my emotions have changed some but I wish it was more.  I don't get those good cry days and it takes a lot to even start tearing.  But on the good side, I've been so very happy since I did start HRT.  So I'll take that.

Julie

The thing is - I have cried watching sob-story movies since forever. So maybe my brain doesn't need much more changing.  :P

Sarah

Quote from: sarahc on March 02, 2019, 11:59:32 AM
The thing is - I have cried watching sob-story movies since forever. So maybe my brain doesn't need much more changing.  :P

Sarah

Oh Sarah, you have been emotional, yes, but you should aspire for basket case status like the rest of us. LOL

Quote from: HappyMoni on March 03, 2019, 07:32:40 AM
Oh Sarah, you have been emotional, yes, but you should aspire for basket case status like the rest of us. LOL

haha! yes, indeed.

BTW, I missed before when you previously asked if I was from Baltimore - the answer is: yes, I am (like you, I presume, given the names of some of your practitioners, whom I recognize).

So regarding emotions.  About a month ago I had a full on crying fit the day before turning fifty.  While very emotional, it was the first time I've balled in twenty plus years.  It felt so releasing and oddly wonderful.  That started about a two week emotional roller coaster where I would  just start tearing up or balling about something.  However it has since subsided.  My therapist thinks it was due to my estrogen pellets wearing off.  I got new pellets inserted and it hasn't really happened since.  I would think the opposite would be true, ie estrogen causing the crying but she thinks it might have been low estrogen instead.  Is that possible?

Kate



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Quote from: sarahc on March 03, 2019, 10:56:50 AM
haha! yes, indeed.

BTW, I missed before when you previously asked if I was from Baltimore - the answer is: yes, I am (like you, I presume, given the names of some of your practitioners, whom I recognize).

Sarah, I think there are a fair number of us on here from the area. I know of at least two others on Susan's alone. I have become good friends with one.

Quote from: bonkatie on March 03, 2019, 11:12:07 AM
So regarding emotions.  About a month ago I had a full on crying fit the day before turning fifty.  While very emotional, it was the first time I've balled in twenty plus years.  It felt so releasing and oddly wonderful.  That started about a two week emotional roller coaster where I would  just start tearing up or balling about something.  However it has since subsided.  My therapist thinks it was due to my estrogen pellets wearing off.  I got new pellets inserted and it hasn't really happened since.  I would think the opposite would be true, ie estrogen causing the crying but she thinks it might have been low estrogen instead.  Is that possible?

Kate



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sarah, hope I am not hijacking your thread here. I think there is a general trend for stronger emotions. There was one time where I thought they had abandoned me but then they came back and have stayed. Levels play a part. When I would go on and off HRT for surgeries, it was a wild ride. I think I have learned to control my new normal better. lol Well, I have some control now, anyway. ::)

I did some crying today, after I texted for quite a bit with my ex.  It is about 16 years now that we seperated, and i still love her like crazy.  She will always be the love of my life!
Emotions come floating to the top now that were suppressed by the tough guy I tried to play.  It feels good to let the out!

TWO MONTH UPDATE!

Another undramatic yet productive month hormone wise. Let's start with the stats:

Start of HRT Jan 16 2019: Hgt: 71"; Wgt: 178lbs; B: 41"; UB: 37.5"; W: 34"; H: 39.5"
Feb 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 170 lbs (-8lbs); B: 40.5" (-0.5"); UB 37" (-0.5"); W: 33" (-1.0"); H: 38" (-1.5"); Thighs: 21"; Biceps: 11.5"
Mar 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 164lbs (-6lbs); B: 40" (-0.5"); UB 36"/37" (-1.0"); W: 32" (-1.0"); H: 37.5" (-0.5"); Thighs: 21" (0"); Biceps: 12.0" (+0.5")

PHYSICAL EFFECTS:
* Diet: Met my target weight goal for the month...diet continuing to shrink measurements generally. Probably will target losing another 10 pounds down to 150-155 lbs over the next two months and then reevaluate with my doctor how low she's willing to let me go. Very happy that I'm continuing to lose underbust measurements. I really want continue to lose the chest girth, hence the desire to continue to lose more weight. Unfortunately, as mentioned below, I'm continuing to lose fat in the hips.
* Breasts: Gained a bit in the bust-to-underbust difference, and it definitely looks and feels that way. The breasts are now clearly filling a 36B bra. Because my breasts are wide-set, they still could pass as very large pecs, but I don't know how long that's going to last. In addition, the areolas look slightly larger and seem a little large for a male (hence the issue with passing as pecs in the near-future). Continued off-and-on soreness and the breasts are definitely sore when poked. I can still play tennis without a bra for now although recently I have it issues with nipple rubbing on the fabric. However, when running, I am wearing a sports bra underneath. One note: I had been mismeasuring my underbust and have switched methods to make it closer to the bottom of the bust. So under the new method, I'm now 37", but the underbust did really lose an inch. The 36" bands are fitting much more comfortably now, and that's why I know the rib cage is getting smaller. Overall: very happy with breast progress after two months.
* Hips / butt: Still losing width here because of the diet...wish it would stop. Hormones don't seem to be helping much here yet.
* Face: It's way too early to evaluate changes to my face, but it's worth noting that because of my weight loss and hair growth, a few people who not seen me in a few months have not recognized me when seeing me. It's definitely due to the weight loss for now, but I'm trying to keep track of changes via periodic photos.
* Libido: Still very low, but I get the desire to masturbate a couple days per week..
* Athletic endurance: I recovered from my cold, but I haven't regained the endurance I had before starting hormones. I definitely get tired more easily from intensive exercise. I still want to give it another month illness-free and back to my regular exercise regimen before concluding that I've definitely gotten weaker, but signs are I have.
* Side effects: Both the peeing and temperature regulation side effects I had seem to have subsided. However, in the past month, I have had a couple of instances where I felt faint and a little woozy when I stood up too fast. Could be low blood pressure, as I am on blood pressure medication, and that plus the hormones may have reduced my blood pressure too much. In January, my doctor did say that it was possible she would take me of my blood pressure medication at some point, particularly if I kept losing weight (which I have).

EMOTIONAL EFFECTS:
* Still no noticeable emotional effects.

Overall, a good month. Definitely feel like the hormones are working. Also, I am continuing to make the usual progress on my diet.

No change in prescription levels...the three-month update will post after my doctor's appointment next month where we'll be reviewing my labs and re-evaluate prescription levels.

Sarah

QuoteThe breasts are now clearly filling a 36B bra.

Nice to see such a change in just 2 months.  I'm hoping for similar when I get started on HRT.

Quote from: AnneK on March 14, 2019, 04:20:06 PM
Nice to see such a change in just 2 months.  I'm hoping for similar when I get started on HRT.

I had decent sized man boobs at the beginning of this, but the first two months have been good. I have good genetics on both sides of my family when it comes to breasts, so even though I'm an older transitioner, I'm optimistic I can get decent results.

sarahc, you will probably need a sports bra for tennis or any activity that involves running or jumping, your nipples will feel better when your are rubbing on your shirt/top and you will be feeling them bounce around more all the time without a bra on.  Just part of becoming a woman.

QuoteI had decent sized man boobs at the beginning of this

As do I.  I nicely fill a 38A.

Quote from: mm on March 14, 2019, 06:59:48 PM
sarahc, you will probably need a sports bra for tennis or any activity that involves running or jumping, your nipples will feel better when your are rubbing on your shirt/top and you will be feeling them bounce around more all the time without a bra on.  Just part of becoming a woman.

Yes - one issue I have however is that I'm still presenting male until later in the summer, and as we head into warmer weather, I'm a little bit paranoid about sweat patterns from the sports bra. While I'm running, I'm planning to wear to two shirts over my sports bra, and I feel good that will work. But I'm not 100% confident about hiding the sports bra playing tennis. I may have to stop playing tennis in a couple of months (which is a bummer, because once I shut it down, I'm probably not going to play until after SRS).

 sarahc, I understand your situation.  You might try looking for a sports bra that looks like a vest wide shoulder straps so it appears much like a vest.  I have a couple of them and work well for me. Good luck hope you don't have to stop playing tennis.

THREE MONTH UPDATE!

Start of HRT Jan 16 2019: Hgt: 71"; Wgt: 178lbs; B: 41"; UB: 37.5"; W: 34"; H: 39.5"
Feb 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 170 lbs (-8lbs); B: 40.5" (-0.5"); UB 37" (-0.5"); W: 33" (-1.0"); H: 38" (-1.5"); Thighs: 21"; Biceps: 11.5"
Mar 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 164lbs (-6lbs); B: 40" (-0.5"); UB 36"/37" (-1.0"); W: 32" (-1.0"); H: 37.5" (-0.5"); Thighs: 21" (0"); Biceps: 12.0" (+0.5")
Mar 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 164lbs (-0lbs); B: 40.5" (+0.5"); UB 37" (-0"); W: 32" (-0"); H: 38" (+0.5"); Thighs: 21" (0"); Biceps: 12.0" (+0")

Blood check:
Pre-HRT: E: 33.2pg/mL; T: 286ng/dL
3 Months: 28.7pg/mL; T: 59.9ng/DL

Hormones: Got the first round of blood tests back. Estrogen levels were disappointing  (LOWER than baseline!) and honestly pretty surprising given that I'm pretty happy with my breast development for three months. The blood test was taken 12 hours after my last oral dose, however, so that may be a factor. Meanwhile, the spiro is clearly working, and we left the spiro at its current dose. My doctor and I agreed to bump up the oral estradiol dose a notch and re-evaluate in another three months. If that doesn't work, we'll move to injections in a few months.

Diet: I changed my mind on diet approach and took this month off. Keeping in mind that I'm still presenting male, many people said, "DON'T LOSE ANY MORE WEIGHT!" Also, I had several trips to go see friends and went out to eat a lot. So kinda wasn't as disciplined this month - I did get as low as 161 lbs. but really I've stayed flat around 164/165 for the most part. However, I do want to continue to make progress on weight. I'll aim to get to 158 lbs. by next month. Hopefully, that won't set off alarm bells with folks on me becoming too thin.

Breasts: Continued slow but unmistakable progress on breasts. Hard tissue underneath continues to grow, and I grew at least a half an inch in bust size. It probably grew closer to 3/4" but for now we'll write down 1/2" growth for the month. 36B bras are really filling out, almost getting to the point of being too small.

Hips / butt: Nothing going on here. I was on a cross-country plane ride during the month, and the weight loss has made me a lot less cushy down there, and man are those economy class seat cushions uncomfortable when you no longer have a tush...

Face: Face continues to change, in part due to the diet. Overall the face has thinned out a lot, but there are still a lot of jagged edges.

Libido: Stable...I get the urge to masturbate a couple times a week.

Athletic endurance: I got back into my regular exercise regime and recovered in part some of my endurance. I'm back to where I was in terms of being able to do distance running comfortably. But if it is a really intense exercise, I just don't have the staying power I had. My blood tests confirm that my hemoglobin levels have decreased, so my doctor was not surprised by this.

Other side effects: The occasional lightheadness after standing up quickly continues to be the main issue - it happens a few times per week (especially when I'm dehydrated) and I discussed it with my doctor. My doctor agreed that my blood pressure was now too low, so we agreed to halve my blood pressure medication to see if that alleviates the symptoms.

Emotional effects: None noted still. Keep in mind that estradiol levels are still pretty low.

So, overall...good continued progress on breast development, but need to improve estradiol levels and actively manage the light-headedness / low blood pressure.

Sarah

Sarahc, good to hear to are making progress and your dr seems to be doing a good job of following you.  Keep doing as you have been.

FOUR MONTH UPDATE!

Start of HRT Jan 16 2019: Hgt: 71"; Wgt: 178lbs; B: 41"; UB: 37.5"; W: 34"; H: 39.5"
Feb 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 170 lbs (-8lbs); B: 40.5" (-0.5"); UB 37" (-0.5"); W: 33" (-1.0"); H: 38" (-1.5"); Thighs: 21"; Biceps: 11.5"
Mar 14 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 164lbs (-6lbs); B: 40" (-0.5"); UB 36"/37" (-1.0"); W: 32" (-1.0"); H: 37.5" (-0.5"); Thighs: 21" (0"); Biceps: 12.0" (+0.5")
Apr 15 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 164lbs (-0lbs); B: 40.5" (+0.5"); UB 37" (-0"); W: 32" (-0"); H: 38" (+0.5"); Thighs: 21" (0"); Biceps: 12.0" (+0")
May 13 2019: Hgt 71"; Wgt: 161lbs (-3lbs); B: 40.5" (0"); UB: 37" (0"); W: 32" (0"); H: 38" (0"); Thighs: 21"; Bicep: 11.5" (-0.5")

Not much changed this month body-wise, so this will be a brief update.

Hormones / other medications: Cutting back the blood pressure medication has improved, but not completely eliminated, occasional light-headedness. I'll continue to monitor for another couple of weeks, but may eventually request to go completely off the blood pressure medication I've been on. The bump up of my estradiol prescription had no effect on my mental state nor did it accelerate physical changes.

Diet: Tough month for the diet as there was a lot of going out with family and eating during this past month. I did manage to go down by 3 pounds despite that. Will continue to work on making progress...I continue to eat responsibly, but my exercise has dropped off a bit from 4-5x/week to 3x/week, so I think if I bump up the exercise again, I'll go back to losing 4-5 lbs per month.

Breast: Not much change in measured size, but they continue to be consistently sore starting 2 hours after each dose.

Face: Continue to get lots of comments about, "Are you still losing weight?" even though my weight has been pretty stable for a couple of months. I have a feeling that my face has been changing a bit because of the previous weight loss + HRT + electrolysis, and that (along with my growing hair) is throwing people off.

Feet: Since starting HRT, I have now lost 1 1/2 sizes going from a size 10 1/2 men's to size 9 men's. All of my dress shoes and non-athletic shoes are very loose, and they're getting close to the point of being unwearable. My athletic shoes are still fairly wearable with thick socks, but for how long? Like with other body changes, it's hard to tell to what extent this is caused by weight loss vs. HRT (especially the spiro), but all the changes in foot size have been since starting HRT FWIW. It's nice that I have fallen into a shoe size range where it is possible to get a decent selection of women's shoes. If I can just lose another 1/2 size, that would get me down to a size 10 women's, opening up a ton more shopping possibilities. But really, I don't have much control over that. I'm pretty happy with what I've got.

No changes to prescriptions. Next check-in with doctor is in mid-July, although as noted above, I may request to be taken off blood pressure medicine completely prior to that.

I'm definitely past the "initial excitement" stage of HRT and into the "long haul" stage, but I continue to be happy with my progress.

Sarah