Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: Rochelle on November 12, 2025, 01:17:14 PM Return to Full Version
Title: Starting out
Post by: Rochelle on November 12, 2025, 01:17:14 PM
Post by: Rochelle on November 12, 2025, 01:17:14 PM
I've been using herbal supplements for the last 23 months and received some minor positive results, kinda like microdosing, but after my yearly physical last Monday and thinking and my place in life, I've decided to stop slow rolling it and move forward.
I signed up online last week and made a telehealth appointment consultation which I had yesterday with my clinician. My state has the informed consent model. Today I received my first set of HRT meds. Although I am not on the young side, I feel the need to live my desired reality.
I feel like I will have questions going forward on this journey. The support I feel and see here is amazing. Although each person's journey is different, others have already experienced similar questions, challenges, triumphs that can be shared if asked.
I am extremely grateful that this community exists. Thank you.
I signed up online last week and made a telehealth appointment consultation which I had yesterday with my clinician. My state has the informed consent model. Today I received my first set of HRT meds. Although I am not on the young side, I feel the need to live my desired reality.
I feel like I will have questions going forward on this journey. The support I feel and see here is amazing. Although each person's journey is different, others have already experienced similar questions, challenges, triumphs that can be shared if asked.
I am extremely grateful that this community exists. Thank you.
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Pema on November 12, 2025, 01:37:47 PM
Post by: Pema on November 12, 2025, 01:37:47 PM
Good for you, Rochelle! I think you'll be glad you took this step. I'm in my third week of very low-dose HRT, so we are "classmates."
There is no doubt that the community here will be supportive, so feel free to post whatever comes up for you as you move ahead.
Congratulations!
There is no doubt that the community here will be supportive, so feel free to post whatever comes up for you as you move ahead.
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Lori Dee on November 12, 2025, 01:50:03 PM
Post by: Lori Dee on November 12, 2025, 01:50:03 PM
Congratulations, Rochelle!
You made a wise decision. Herbals and over-the-counter creams and supplements do not contain enough hormones to be effective. If they did, they would be regulated with prescriptions. By going the medical route, you know you are getting what you need, in the proper form, without impurities, and in the correct dosage. That is crucial to your success.
I met an online gamer who was trans and told her I was doing the herbals and OTC route. She told me to stop screwing around with my health and talk to my doctor. Best advice ever.
Of course, you will have questions as you continue on the path. That is what we are here for. If it is something that we think needs your doctor's attention, we will tell you that. If it is a question like, "Is it normal for ...?", we can provide our combined experience to get you the answers.
Again, congratulations! And welcome to womanhood!
BTW, that Gold Subscriber badge looks good on you! Thank you.
You made a wise decision. Herbals and over-the-counter creams and supplements do not contain enough hormones to be effective. If they did, they would be regulated with prescriptions. By going the medical route, you know you are getting what you need, in the proper form, without impurities, and in the correct dosage. That is crucial to your success.
I met an online gamer who was trans and told her I was doing the herbals and OTC route. She told me to stop screwing around with my health and talk to my doctor. Best advice ever.
Of course, you will have questions as you continue on the path. That is what we are here for. If it is something that we think needs your doctor's attention, we will tell you that. If it is a question like, "Is it normal for ...?", we can provide our combined experience to get you the answers.
Again, congratulations! And welcome to womanhood!
BTW, that Gold Subscriber badge looks good on you! Thank you.
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Charlotte Kitty on November 12, 2025, 02:50:36 PM
Post by: Charlotte Kitty on November 12, 2025, 02:50:36 PM
Congratulations. This is such a beautiful journey you have begun. I'm sure alongside the expected stuff you'll find lots of other interesting effects and benefits as you explore the you that you want to be.
It's so special during this stage to look inwards and really try to learn your inner feelings and experiences.
Charlotte 😻
It's so special during this stage to look inwards and really try to learn your inner feelings and experiences.
Charlotte 😻
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Rochelle on March 14, 2026, 06:01:11 PM
Post by: Rochelle on March 14, 2026, 06:01:11 PM
So, I was walking into a gas station and a guy rushed up from behind me to get to the door first so he could hold it open for me. I was in male clothing mode, jeans, tennis shoes and a short sleave shirt. I thanked him and went in. heh 💚
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: ChrissyRyan on March 14, 2026, 06:05:09 PM
Post by: ChrissyRyan on March 14, 2026, 06:05:09 PM
Quote from: Rochelle on March 14, 2026, 06:01:11 PMSo, I was walking into a gas station and a guy rushed up from behind me to get to the door first so he could hold it open for me. I was in male clothing mode, jeans, tennis shoes and a short sleave shirt. I thanked him and went in. heh 💚
That sounds nice. Yay!
Chrissy
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: ChrissyRyan on May 19, 2026, 01:38:33 PM
Post by: ChrissyRyan on May 19, 2026, 01:38:33 PM
One thing I noticed not that long into taking MFT HRT medical estradiol was that it was often uncomfortable to sit in most office chairs for long before HRT. A few months into it, not so. I must have had just enough "padding" down there added, so when I sat, it was very comfortable.
To date, I have not developed a shapely bottom but I have a bit more rounded thighs. I like to see the slightly rounded tops of my thighs when I sit.
Bring on the nice proportions! I am ready!
Chrissy
To date, I have not developed a shapely bottom but I have a bit more rounded thighs. I like to see the slightly rounded tops of my thighs when I sit.
Bring on the nice proportions! I am ready!
Chrissy
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Galtar on May 24, 2026, 10:55:00 PM
Post by: Galtar on May 24, 2026, 10:55:00 PM
I started HRT about a month ago and I've noticed some changes, but nothing visible yet. It's hard to believe it's happening so fast, but maybe because I was so low T before.
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 24, 2026, 11:14:33 PM
Post by: Northern Star Girl on May 24, 2026, 11:14:33 PM
Once you give HRT some time to regularly get into your body... changes do happen slowly
and then around the 3 months time, you will see some body changes and then at 6 months
the changes will start coming more quickly and more dramatically. It can take a
year or several years on HRT to see the kinds of bigger changes you may be hoping for.
An important thing you can do is to document your changes over time. You may not notice
subtle changes but people that do not see you often will indeed notice.
Patience is required... the phrase "I want it all, and I want it now" does
not apply with HRT.
***Please know that we are all rooting for your success.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
and then around the 3 months time, you will see some body changes and then at 6 months
the changes will start coming more quickly and more dramatically. It can take a
year or several years on HRT to see the kinds of bigger changes you may be hoping for.
An important thing you can do is to document your changes over time. You may not notice
subtle changes but people that do not see you often will indeed notice.
Patience is required... the phrase "I want it all, and I want it now" does
not apply with HRT.
***Please know that we are all rooting for your success.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
The Forum Administrator Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com
Title: Re: Starting out
Post by: Stottie Girl on May 25, 2026, 03:37:27 AM
Post by: Stottie Girl on May 25, 2026, 03:37:27 AM
Congratulations Rochelle! And belatedly to you Galtar!
This is a big step on your journey and you both have some exciting times ahead of you.
The first things to happen for me was within a week I felt enourmous relief and a sense of calm wash over me, it felt so amazing to be free of the testosterone drive. Next I think was the start of breast buds, I'm going back some but I think it was maddening itching around the nipples that happened first then the painful buds could be felt. It's nicely afirming pain though. You will bump them into door frames (a lot!) until you learn to be more careful! The sexual drive dropped off dramatically too which was fantastic, it was still there but far far less urgent.
As Danielle says around about the 3-6 month mark is where things really start accelerating. But some changes will take years. It's a marathon not a sprint.
Sit back and enjoy the ride😄
This is a big step on your journey and you both have some exciting times ahead of you.
The first things to happen for me was within a week I felt enourmous relief and a sense of calm wash over me, it felt so amazing to be free of the testosterone drive. Next I think was the start of breast buds, I'm going back some but I think it was maddening itching around the nipples that happened first then the painful buds could be felt. It's nicely afirming pain though. You will bump them into door frames (a lot!) until you learn to be more careful! The sexual drive dropped off dramatically too which was fantastic, it was still there but far far less urgent.
As Danielle says around about the 3-6 month mark is where things really start accelerating. But some changes will take years. It's a marathon not a sprint.
Sit back and enjoy the ride😄