Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I started down this amazing path of discovery a bit over two years ago. I'd been married for over 48 years when I came out to my wife in a gushing of revelations, guilt and fear. My key goal was to keep my marriage together. I couldn't, and still can't, imagine a life without her. So, I made a conscious decision to pace my transition slowly making sure my wife was comfortable with the steps I was taking. I also closely worked with my therapist as I planned my way ahead, learning more and more about this amazing woman I'd been holding inside for so many years and figuring out what transition was going to look like considering that I'm now 70 years old.

I am blessed that my wife supported and encouraged me; we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary last fall.

Over the past few months I've had the desire to take a big step in my transition. With the input and advice of some truly inspirational friends and in coordination with my therapist and my wife, I've decided to start the process of seeking HRT. I'm waiting for my intake appointment to be scheduled, hopeful that I'm found medically eligible to begin.

 
I am so excited that I barely slept last night thinking about the possibilities.


Wish me luck!!

April Marie!

What a wonderful post sister!... I believe you will take to the experience like a duck to water... new perspectives and possibilities will indeed be yours to explore and experience!  Enjoy it all...🌻

Onward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕

Quote from: April Marie on June 16, 2025, 11:13:47 AMWith the input and advice of some truly inspirational friends and in coordination with my therapist and my wife, I've decided to start the process of seeking HRT. I'm waiting for my intake appointment to be scheduled, hopeful that I'm found medically eligible to begin.

 
I am so excited that I barely slept last night thinking about the possibilities.


Wish me luck!!

Congrats, April, that's excellent news, best wishes on your journey! 💓🌷


~ Lilis 🫂

Wonderful news!

Hopefully, you can get started without too long a delay so you can experience the peace and elation that having the correct hormones can cause.

Congratulations, April. 🥳

@April Marie
Dear April:
This is exciting news that you just shared !!!

Starting HRT is one of the bigger steps in your transition journey.
  Buckle up, lots of changes will be happening.

Have patience, lots of patience, as you begin your HRT journey.  Changes will happen, but
usually not as quickly as you will want.  For some, changes will happen fairly quickly and be
more noticeable, and for others HRT will work more slowly...  it all depends on your
unique body and your genes....

The axiom regarding HRT that I like relate to our members here on the Forum is
  Y M M V ... (Your Mileage May Vary)   Again, patience is required.

I am very happy for you... wishing you success and happiness as you continue on.

Along with your other readers and followers, I will be eagerly reading your updates
here on this thread and the other various Forum threads that you feel comfortable
about sharing and posting.

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: April Marie on June 16, 2025, 11:13:47 AM{snipped text}
- - - - - - -
        - - - - - -
Over the past few months I've had the desire to take a big step in my transition. With the input and advice of some truly inspirational friends and in coordination with my therapist and my wife, I've decided to start the process of seeking HRT. I'm waiting for my intake appointment to be scheduled, hopeful that I'm found medically eligible to begin.
- - - - - - - -
        - - - - - -
Wish me luck!!

April, I'm thrilled for you. I eagerly anticipate hearing about your experiences once you've begun the treatments. Congratulations!

How exciting, April!  Congratulations on taking this big step.  And well done on the way you have handled it with your wife.  I wish you the best.  I am sure you will enjoy the journey.

Hi April,
That is wonderful news. I hope it works out for you.
Ciara.

Quote from: April Marie on June 16, 2025, 11:13:47 AMI am so excited that I barely slept last night thinking about the possibilities.

And I am so excited for you, April Marie! Best wishes as you take your journey forward. Your wife is awesome! With someone so supportive in your corner, there's no need to curb your enthusiasm.

Wow April, such a nice post to read from you!

I hope this all works out for you in very nice ways.


Chrissy

Quote from: April Marie on June 16, 2025, 11:13:47 AMI started down this amazing path of discovery a bit over two years ago. I'd been married for over 48 years when I came out to my wife in a gushing of revelations, guilt and fear. My key goal was to keep my marriage together. I couldn't, and still can't, imagine a life without her. So, I made a conscious decision to pace my transition slowly making sure my wife was comfortable with the steps I was taking. I also closely worked with my therapist as I planned my way ahead, learning more and more about this amazing woman I'd been holding inside for so many years and figuring out what transition was going to look like considering that I'm now 70 years old.

I am blessed that my wife supported and encouraged me; we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary last fall.

Over the past few months I've had the desire to take a big step in my transition. With the input and advice of some truly inspirational friends and in coordination with my therapist and my wife, I've decided to start the process of seeking HRT. I'm waiting for my intake appointment to be scheduled, hopeful that I'm found medically eligible to begin.

 
I am so excited that I barely slept last night thinking about the possibilities.


Wish me luck!!

Sweetie you don't need luck when you have April Marie! <3

And... can I just say, massive congratulations on your 50th anniversary. That's unreal. Sometimes two souls just connect and that's it. You become swans. You're in it for life.

You are gorgeous. Just from the smile in your picture. Everything else is just a bonus.

Massive love and hugs, to both of you! <3

Oh April I'm so happy for you. I hope hormones make you feel as good as mine made me feel. It's truly amazing when your body gets the hormones its been craving all your life.

We began HRT

Quote from: April Marie on June 16, 2025, 11:13:47 AM, I've decided to start the process of seeking HRT

Tomorrow, I replace an Estradiol patch for the first time. Though I still believe much of my initial reaction was due to years of anxiety and anticipation, I suggest having plenty of Kleenex on hand. Just in case I'm wrong about the whole anxiety thing. Whatever's going on, I'm loving it.   

I will have my blood drawn tomorrow and then be scheduled for the appointment with the doctor. I'm so excited. And, we have extra boxes of tissues on hand!!!  :D

I'm so excited for you!

Quote from: April Marie on June 23, 2025, 02:02:49 PMI will have my blood drawn tomorrow and then be scheduled for the appointment with the doctor. I'm so excited. And, we have extra boxes of tissues on hand!!!  :D

Best wishes sweetie ... we are here for you no matter what happens!

Quote from: April Marie on June 23, 2025, 02:02:49 PMI will have my blood drawn tomorrow and then be scheduled for the appointment with the doctor. I'm so excited. And, we have extra boxes of tissues on hand!!!  :D

@April Marie
Dear April:
    EXCITING TIMES are ahead for you...  please keep me and the rest of your readers
    and avid followers updated as you feel comfortable sharing. 
                          ❤️❤️❤️
    We are all rooting for your success and happiness in your continuing journey.

HUGS, and more HUGS,
Danielle  [Northern Star Girl]

Quote from: April Marie on June 23, 2025, 02:02:49 PMI will have my blood drawn tomorrow and then be scheduled for the appointment with the doctor. I'm so excited. And, we have extra boxes of tissues on hand!!!

One step closer! 💗🌹


~ Lilis 🫂

I love your attitude, April Marie! So often, I approach my transition with fear and trepidation overwhelmed by the awareness that I have no idea where I'm going. But you, my dear, rejoice in every moment from a trip to the hairdresser to getting your blood drawn. Thanks so much for reminding me of the joy I experience in my own journey. I mean, heck, I changed dresses four times today while out watering trees. And it was so much fun.

Blood tests are complete. My appointment with the physician is July 7th at 3:15.

Does anyone know how to pull off a Rip Van Winkle sleep? I am so excited. These next 12 days are going to crawl by.

Thanks to everyone for the words of encouragement.

I can burn up nervous energy cleaning up the house.

I am happy for you, April Marie.  It just goes to show that it's never too late to start.  I'm a late starter myself (65), and have my GP appointment in September. Like you, I can't wait.

Group hug
Paula

April,
       the 7th will get here soon enough, and I hope it all works out for you! For many of us, that day we start HRT becomes a second Birthday, and we celebrate it as such! I wish you the euphoria and peace HRT can bring, but know you will still be the April we all know and love!

Hugs,

Allie

I pick up my prescriptions tomorrow!!!! Oh my gosh!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!

I can only imagine!

Congrats April!!!

Onward!

A💕

Quote from: April Marie on July 07, 2025, 03:15:27 PMI pick up my prescriptions tomorrow!!!! Oh my gosh!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!

Wow, that is exciting!  Congratulations, April Marie!

Quote from: April Marie on July 07, 2025, 03:15:27 PMI pick up my prescriptions tomorrow!!!! Oh my gosh!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!

Well, that is good news. :) Remember, this community is here to support you. I wish you the best and keep us posted on how you are doing!

Congratulations on your Big Day, April Marie!

After a bit of a hiccup with the pharmacy, I picked up my prescriptions about an hour ago and took my first dose of Estradiol and Spironolactone about an hour ago. I can already feel my breasts swelling!!!  :D  Well, maybe not but I did have to pee. lol

The next leg of my journey begins today. It's E Day!

Enjoy the ride sister!!! All shall be well 💕

You took the plunge, April Marie! I am so happy for you.

Day 8. The first week passed both quickly and agonizingly slowly. Despite knowing better, I kept looking for some sign of physical change.

I have noted a calmness; my dysphoria has been quieted. I'm fairly sure that it's more a result of the excitement of starting GAHT and not any effect of the estradiol, yet. But, whatever it is, I'll take it.

On to week 2.

Maybe it's the peace of feeling like you're headed in the right direction. If so, that's a huge improvement.I'm so happy for you!

I had a similar experience when I started on estradiol. I'm not sure if it was a placebo effect, because I felt good knowing I had taken it, or if my body was rejoicing that it was finally getting what had been missing for 60 years.  ;D

2.5 weeks in and feeling amazing. My dysphoria is gone and I feel somehow more calm. I've had several spontaneous cries brought on by things that never affected me before.

Physically, pace of hair growth has slowed a lot already. I'm noticing changes to my skin; softer and my pores are shrinking. Speaking of "shrinkage," there's been some of that, too. lol Nothing that I can definitely latch on breast wise yet,  but I know it's way early. I am feeling as if they are a bit more dense and heavy but that may also be wishful thinking. And, perhaps just a bit of tenderness this morning.

In any case, I am feeling so amazingly happy.

Quote from: April Marie on July 26, 2025, 05:25:43 AM2.5 weeks in and feeling amazing. My dysphoria is gone and I feel somehow more calm. I've had several spontaneous cries brought on by things that never affected me before.

Physically, pace of hair growth has slowed a lot already. I'm noticing changes to my skin; softer and my pores are shrinking. Speaking of "shrinkage," there's been some of that, too. lol Nothing that I can definitely latch on breast wise yet,  but I know it's way early. I am feeling as if they are a bit more dense and heavy but that may also be wishful thinking. And, perhaps just a bit of tenderness this morning.

In any case, I am feeling so amazingly happy.

April Marie,

I am glad you are happy!  Changes should become evident over time.  The softer skin seems to arrive early on.  Insofar as male part shrinkage, that too will likely be very obvious over time.  I started out as one might say on the large size but it has diminished.  Body hair lightens up in growth and look.  Head hair did not change for me because of estrogen.  However, the Finasteride has prevented any male pattern baldness.  In fact, I have a beautiful Bob cut which makes looking like a male much harder and looking like myself wonderful.

I am happier than ever and I wish all your days to be nice ones.

Hugs,

Chrissy

I probably should have kept a detailed diary of my transition.  All well.  I have memories.


Chrissy

April, thank you. I'd have appreciated you posting an update even if it weren't so positive. But this! I felt amazingly happy reading about your happiness. I keep saying, thinking, feeling that it's impossible to deny the "rightness" of the path one is on when choices result in the happiness and contentment that you're experiencing.

Thank you again.

Pema

Quote from: April Marie on July 26, 2025, 05:25:43 AM2.5 weeks in and feeling amazing. My dysphoria is gone and I feel somehow more calm. I've had several spontaneous cries brought on by things that never affected me before.

Physically, pace of hair growth has slowed a lot already. I'm noticing changes to my skin; softer and my pores are shrinking. Speaking of "shrinkage," there's been some of that, too. lol Nothing that I can definitely latch on breast wise yet,  but I know it's way early. I am feeling as if they are a bit more dense and heavy but that may also be wishful thinking. And, perhaps just a bit of tenderness this morning.

In any case, I am feeling so amazingly happy.

So happy for you, April. I experienced exactly what you described my first few weeks. The only thing that haven't experienced is being able to cry. I just can't get it to happen.