Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi again,
I had been on DIY HRT for 13 years. I just started on regulated HRT via FOLX. They prescribed Progesterone, I never took it. Sorry is this is crass but my nipples are really sore. I thought my breasts were done growing. Is this normal? I am only on day 5 of this regime. Again I was on Estradiol and Spiro for 13 years so i thought I wouldn't see any changes.

I've been on progesterone about 3 weeks and not really noticed anything tbh. Honestly I think effects of HRT must be so uniquely tied to us individually as my experiences are mostly polar opposites to others.

Do you take oral capsules?

Yes I am on 100mg everyday. I might be hyper aware or imagining things. We changed all my meds at the same time so I am paying attention to everything right now.

LORI DEE has a lot of info on Progesterone.

Quote from: tammy753 on July 21, 2026, 02:14:38 PMHi again,
I had been on DIY HRT for 13 years. I just started on regulated HRT via FOLX. They prescribed Progesterone, I never took it. Sorry is this is crass but my nipples are really sore. I thought my breasts were done growing. Is this normal? I am only on day 5 of this regime. Again I was on Estradiol and Spiro for 13 years so i thought I wouldn't see any changes.

This is perfectly normal, and it will fade over time as your body adjusts. Progesterone helps with breast tissue development, so soreness is a sign it is working. Progesterone also causes some water retention, which can cause tissue swelling and lead to sensitivity. The swelling will likely be too slight to notice, but that is what is happening in there.

It isn't just tied to progesterone. Any fluctuation in hormone levels, up or down, affects the ratio of progesterone to estrogen and can trigger the same effects. As ciswomen go through their monthly cycle, they have the same issues. Nothing to worry about. It is just a sign of womanhood.

Sorry, the thread title was making me itch. I've changed it from affects to effects.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on July 21, 2026, 02:25:43 PMI've been on progesterone about 3 weeks and not really noticed anything tbh. Honestly I think effects of HRT must be so uniquely tied to us individually as my experiences are mostly polar opposites to others.

Do you take oral capsules?

HRT can be a trip. I had a period of around two years after the orchi where stuff was starting to progress, and it freaked me out. It was, literally, growing pains. But, since I was also freaking out over what was, at the time, something that was mysterious and undiagnosed, I was in a state of perpetual panic.

My endo told me that since the evil twins were gone (my wording and not hers), the E was allowed to really do its thing. That helped calm me down....slightly. I still had the other stuff to work out, and I think that was another year or a year and a half.

In theory there should be little influence from me still having bits down there as my T is right at the bottom of the female range. If I go lower I risk the effects of low T which can be bad itself. My body doesn't react to much tbh. I never get side effects from meds often either. I just think my body is stubborn sometimes!!

Thanks all, I am nervous excited. I have been doing a lot of research today and it said that my breasts may finally fill out on Progesterone. I have my 1 1/2 year plan to move to Colorado where I can live as Tammy and it said any changes will be finished in 1-2 years so. So this is perfect.

I am really emotionally stable since starting Progesterone and Lexapro. So I think I can get working on the rest of my plan. I hope this continues cause I finally have energy to do things.

Again thank you all for being here for support I probably would have given up again if you all weren't so welcoming.

Quote from: Charlotte Kitty on July 21, 2026, 04:25:47 PMIn theory there should be little influence from me still having bits down there as my T is right at the bottom of the female range. If I go lower I risk the effects of low T which can be bad itself. My body doesn't react to much tbh. I never get side effects from meds often either. I just think my body is stubborn sometimes!!

My understanding is that removing the trouble puffs can indeed allow estradiol/HRT to be more effective. Lots of people have reported accelerated changes after an orchie, even though T was fully suppressed prior. Actually, T tends to rise after the orchie (can't remember why).

And I honestly have no idea why the above happens. Has to do with receptors/less competition or something. Perhaps others will chime in.

Quote from: Courtney G on July 21, 2026, 08:15:33 PMMy understanding is that removing the trouble puffs can indeed allow estradiol/HRT to be more effective. Lots of people have reported accelerated changes after an orchie, even though T was fully suppressed prior. Actually, T tends to rise after the orchie (can't remember why).

And I honestly have no idea why the above happens. Has to do with receptors or something. Perhaps others will chime in.

"Trouble Puffs" LOL I love it.

From what I remember, the adrenal gland freaks out and tries to compensate for the loss of the twins.

I've been on Progesterone for 2 years (July 10 was my 2 year anniversary of starting progesterone), and from 2022-2025 I was taking Cyproterone Acetate which is an artificial progesterone used for suppressing testosterone. I'm still experiencing growth 4.5 years on.  And if you read my journey posts, you'll see that my growth timeline doesn't follow what the textbooks say it should follow, even after I started micronized progesterone. 

Of course, I'll be seeing a cardiologist next week, and I don't know if I'll be taken off spironaloctone and just be down to mono E and progesterone (my doctor over seeing my transition has said that I don't need spironolactone for transition, but I'm still on it for my heart and it'll be up to the cardiologist if I go off it).  So who knows what'll happen after if I'm taken off Spiro.


https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=247807.0

I am not looking for more size. I just want them to fill out better. I am nervous that it will mean I have to accelerate my transition timeline. Also I am excited I might have to accelerate my transition timeline. This is an exciting and scary time for me since I am finally accepting my self.

I know I keep saying this but its so true. Thank all of you being here for support I am not sure I can do this alone.

I tried progesterone for about six months.  Not long enough to have any physical effect, but I didn't like that it brought the "mental static" back, so I stopped.  As it turned out, the girls filled out on their own after a few years, just on E.  I think it was about 7 years after I started E that I started to notice the difference.  It was enough that I keep reminding myself to go get them measured again one of these days, because my bras feel tight.

I had been on DIY HRT for 13 years and they never filled out. I am now on prescribed HRT and this whole new regime  is completely different. Its easier to stay on schedule and the addition of Progesterone is helping me sleep even though my spiro wakes me up all the time with a mad dash to the bathroom. Today My nipples are as sore as I remember when I first started HRT so I am nervous.

I have not tried progesterone, it certainly has not affected my breast growth (44E and Tanner V) and my sex drive and sexual response, I would say, is totally normal for a CIS female.

For me it is totally unecessary but everyones body responds differently. If you know it helps you go for it but it may or may not be needed.

It's a tricky one I think because if you do not get the effects from just E and T blockers you are hoping for then you might always be wondering if things would have been different if I'd taken progestrone.

Quote from: tammy753 on July 22, 2026, 07:21:08 AMI had been on DIY HRT for 13 years and they never filled out. I am now on prescribed HRT and this whole new regime  is completely different. Its easier to stay on schedule and the addition of Progesterone is helping me sleep even though my spiro wakes me up all the time with a mad dash to the bathroom. Today My nipples are as sore as I remember when I first started HRT so I am nervous.

Why nervous Tammy? I would have thought you would be very happy they have kicked into life again?

Quote from: Stottie Girl on July 22, 2026, 09:28:26 AMWhy nervous Tammy? I would have thought you would be very happy they have kicked into life again?

I have a plan to transition when I move to colorado. I was going to start living here as Tammy next year. If it does what I think its going to that timeline is going to need to be sooner. I haven't told my family yet. I wrote the letter but am too afraid to send it.

Quote from: tammy753 on July 22, 2026, 11:40:29 AMI have a plan to transition when I move to colorado. I was going to start living here as Tammy next year. If it does what I think its going to that timeline is going to need to be sooner. I haven't told my family yet. I wrote the letter but am too afraid to send it.

For me, family is the hardest part. It's not even that they are not supportive. They say they are. It's hard on my wife, who married me assuming I would be make forever, but she is trying. 

It's about my fears and roles. I'm afraid they aren't being honest with me. I'm afraid of embarrassing them. I'm afraid my wife will suddenly realize after I transition that she wants a divorce. 

I just posted two comments about evidence this morning yet I have no evidence for my fears. 

Quote from: tammy753 on July 22, 2026, 11:40:29 AMI have a plan to transition when I move to colorado. I was going to start living here as Tammy next year. If it does what I think its going to that timeline is going to need to be sooner. I haven't told my family yet. I wrote the letter but am too afraid to send it.

Would it help you to know that I am still in the closet at a 44E/42F breast size? I am carrying a fair bit of weight on me and I assume people just think it is moobs. I don't think I have ever had anyone say anything to me about it except my Mum and she is the only one who I have told I am trans.

Boobs can take years to grow large. You will be fine but if they grow large, it does mean adopting wearing loose baggy thicker clothing. Probably I spend more time with bad posture hunched over trying not to draw attention to them but it hasn't really been an issue for me. I landed my current job and had to sit in front of a panel of 3 male interviewers, they did not say anything and offered me the job before I had even got home (Unless maybe they were boob men ha ha!).

Don't panic and enjoy the changes if they are coming. It is incredibly validating to have your own homebuilt boobies!

I'm not panicking yet but I already make sure I am carrying stuff when I go somewhere. You can tell I am wearing a bra and my top is hanging loose form them. My therapist said I might find it hard to wait until my deadline. I think she might be right. Once I tell my family then it will probably be a lot easier.

Quote from: tammy753 on July 22, 2026, 01:52:04 PMI'm not panicking yet but I already make sure I am carrying stuff when I go somewhere. You can tell I am wearing a bra and my top is hanging loose form them. My therapist said I might find it hard to wait until my deadline. I think she might be right. Once I tell my family then it will probably be a lot easier.

I don't even wear a bra unless I'm dressed. not really had any issues. wearing a bra does make them more prominant if that is something you are worried about?

Quote from: tammy753 on July 22, 2026, 07:21:08 AMMy nipples are as sore as I remember when I first started HRT so I am nervous.

Tammy, there is nothing to be nervous about. Just relax.

Estrogens work by redistributing body fat (breast, hips, etc.) and developing the infrastructure of the breasts: the nipples and all of the ductwork connected to them. To protect the new tissues, it moves fat there to serve as a cushion. This causes the breast to grow out away from the chest. That is what you are experiencing.

Progesterone works on developing the alveoli (the glands that eventually produce milk). This is why they swell and become fuller, more rounded, and shapely. This is also where water retention takes place, which is part of the swelling.

Don't panic, because this is a VERY, very slow process and is barely noticeable visually. You notice the sensitivity, but the changes are a long way from being seen.

Think about the typical cisgirl going through puberty. She may start around age 10 or 11, and her breasts will continue to develop into her late twenties. That's ten years! During that time, there will be growth spurts and dormancy. There will be soreness and times when you forget you have boobs.

Just relax and enjoy the ride. Biologically, you are still a teenager.

Like Sarah, I'm also a hooter hider. As you've seen in my blog, my body is long and thin and my breasts are 36D. I wear bras every day. Yes, I have to make clothing choices carefully. Sometimes I don't stand up straight. There are times during which I'm overheated and can't remove a layer to cool myself down. Beach or pool days in boy mode are no longer an option.

My breasts grew quickly, so I've had to work hard to hide them for over 3 1/2 of the 4 1/2 years they've been on my body. Do I regret any of this? Not at all.

It's possible that people see them and know that there are large breasts tenting out my clothes. It's also possible that they simply fail to notice. Believe it or not, I think the latter is usually the case.

Quote from: Courtney G on July 22, 2026, 04:11:00 PMLike Sarah, I'm also a hooter hider. As you've seen in my blog, my body is long and thin and my breasts are 36D. I wear bras every day. Yes, I have to make clothing choices carefully. Sometimes I don't stand up straight. There are times during which I'm overheated and can't remove a layer to cool myself down. Beach or pool days in boy mode are no longer an option.

My breasts grew quickly, so I've had to work hard to hide them for over 3 1/2 of the 4 1/2 years they've been on my body. Do I regret any of this? Not at all.

It's possible that people see them and know that there are large breasts tenting out my clothes. It's also possible that they simply fail to notice. Believe it or not, I think the latter is usually the case.

My experience is the same as Courtneys. Rapid growth (relatively speaking) but nobody bats an eyelid. Though I do occasionally catch men talking to my boobs which is somewhat comical. Not one of them has ever passed comment. They may well all think it, they be wondering why haven't come out or why I still present male but none of that is causing real issues right now.

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 22, 2026, 04:05:25 PMTammy, there is nothing to be nervous about. Just relax.

Estrogens work by redistributing body fat (breast, hips, etc.) and developing the infrastructure of the breasts: the nipples and all of the ductwork connected to them. To protect the new tissues, it moves fat there to serve as a cushion. This causes the breast to grow out away from the chest. That is what you are experiencing.

Progesterone works on developing the alveoli (the glands that eventually produce milk). This is why they swell and become fuller, more rounded, and shapely. This is also where water retention takes place, which is part of the swelling.

Don't panic, because this is a VERY, very slow process and is barely noticeable visually. You notice the sensitivity, but the changes are a long way from being seen.

Think about the typical cisgirl going through puberty. She may start around age 10 or 11, and her breasts will continue to develop into her late twenties. That's ten years! During that time, there will be growth spurts and dormancy. There will be soreness and times when you forget you have boobs.

Just relax and enjoy the ride. Biologically, you are still a teenager.

I am excited to finally be moving forward I have 3 big hurdles left Electrolysis. Voice training, and telling my family. The last one is the scariest. Thanks for all the information, I have been reading a lot but clearly not as indepth as you have. Today the soreness lessened around 2pm so I am less concerned. I do talk to AI about all my symptoms these days to see if I am imagining things. So for you all are more reliable!

Quote from: tammy753 on July 22, 2026, 06:28:59 PMI am excited to finally be moving forward I have 3 big hurdles left Electrolysis. Voice training, and telling my family. The last one is the scariest. Thanks for all the information, I have been reading a lot but clearly not as indepth as you have. Today the soreness lessened around 2pm so I am less concerned. I do talk to AI about all my symptoms these days to see if I am imagining things. So for you all are more reliable!

Some of it is reading up but some of it is lived experience Tammy. You will be totally fine and you can disclose this on your own terms when and if you want to.

I have those exact same hurdles for what it is worth. Though I have told my mum I am trans, I have not told her I intend to transition.
I'm on hold while stuck living at my parents house but as soon as I'm in my new home, I'm going to get started on vocal therapy and electrolysis. I am probably not going to tell my folks until I am ready to go. I'm estimating a year of change during which I aim to clear most of my facial hair, perfect a female voice and get an orchiectomy. I am also actively dieting to get my weight down, It will take around a year of sustained weight loss to get back to where I was in my early 40's. If I can squeeze a hairline transplant in there too I will be laughing but I'm not rich! I have nearly enough saved now for an orchie but the new house might make a dent into this fund, hopefully not though.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on July 23, 2026, 04:07:58 AMSome of it is reading up but some of it is lived experience Tammy. You will be totally fine and you can disclose this on your own terms when and if you want to.

I have those exact same hurdles for what it is worth. Though I have told my mum I am trans, I have not told her I intend to transition.
I'm on hold while stuck living at my parents house but as soon as I'm in my new home, I'm going to get started on vocal therapy and electrolysis. I am probably not going to tell my folks until I am ready to go. I'm estimating a year of change during which I aim to clear most of my facial hair, perfect a female voice and get an orchiectomy. I am also actively dieting to get my weight down, It will take around a year of sustained weight loss to get back to where I was in my early 40's. If I can squeeze a hairline transplant in there too I will be laughing but I'm not rich! I have nearly enough saved now for an orchie but the new house might make a dent into this fund, hopefully not though.

Our stories are always so close. My mother knew but has passed away, over 10 years ago. Weight loss it high on my list but I  have made a decision on 1/1/2028 Tammy is full time. I don't care any more I am struggling with the double life. I went to pick up the pizza and almost said the wrong name. I need to get electrolysis and vocal training in the next year. I don't want to be living as my true self and have to grow out facial hair to have it zapped. So I am pushing through my fear and trying to move forward. I will have to change jobs that year so that is also scary but I don't want to live the double life anymore.

Wow my new meds are making me sound more confident than I am. I should have taken them sooner, go antidepressants! I might actually be excited for the future again! I will say it again you all make this journey a lot easier. Just having a place with people like me make this all seem possible.

Oh Tammy, I am so sorry to hear you lost your mother, that is really awful for you.

Yeah I figured electolysis now while it looks perfectly normal to grow hair out makes total sense. What's another year in the grand sceme of things.

If weight loss is your goal and you are worried about giving the wrong name to the pizza guy I have great news for you..........Step away from the pizza lol!

Last time I weighed myself I was 296 lbs! pretty sure I have lost something since then as it's been 2 weeks but I need to be under 13 stone to be certain of being allowed to have GRS. I have lost 10 stone (140 lbs) before so I know how to do it but this alone will take about a year.

yeah my weight has been a life long struggle so i have decided to not let it stop me this time. I am doing what I can but its hard. And Yes, pizza is a problem, but my Taco bell addiction is much worse.😂

My mother was not supportive so I have conflicted emotions around her memories but its been a long time now.

Bear in mind Tammy, if you decide you want to get GRS you need to be under a certain BMI otherwise they won't operate. At least that is the rule in the UK. I need to be under 30 BMI to be considered which for my height is 13.5 stone (189 lbs). Loosing weight on HRT is tough and it will take time. I do not know where you are starting from and you never ask a lady her weight but as a guide, I would expect it to take me about a year to reach my target.

I've never had a Taco Bell, I'm assuming that's mexican food?

Taco Bell

Calories, Carbs and Fat

Flour shells
(Greasy) meat
Refried beans
Cheese
Glaucomole
Salsa

Tastes very good!

It's fast food Tex-Mex. I wouldn't call it Mexican food exactly. Tasty when you crave it though.

GRS is a want but it is not my top priority. I am looking for things that will make my life better. I have never really dated because I had this huge secret my entire life and never wanted anyone to find out. I always thought "Maybe this year I will start transitioning", so I pushed people away. So GRS is a want its not a need for me I have adapted to being alone, probably not healthy the way I do it. An Orchie is more important to me but I want to be able to live a life I want for a change and not have to hide everything about my self to everyone I meet. That is what I want more than anything.

@Northern Star Girl Why is it all the nice tasting stuff is soo bad for you. It's a cruel joke if you ask me!

Quote from: tammy753 on July 23, 2026, 12:24:13 PMGRS is a want but it is not my top priority. I am looking for things that will make my life better. I have never really dated because I had this huge secret my entire life and never wanted anyone to find out. I always thought "Maybe this year I will start transitioning", so I pushed people away. So GRS is a want its not a need for me I have adapted to being alone, probably not healthy the way I do it. An Orchie is more important to me but I want to be able to live a life I want for a change and not have to hide everything about my self to everyone I meet. That is what I want more than anything.

Again we have life parallels Tammy, I have lived my entire life alone. I have never dated, never had a partner. I told myself it just wasn't fair to put anyone else through it but I was also scared of being found out. For 50 years I figured I had suppressed my sex drive to the point of being asexual.

Now everything feels like it just switched on, I think that as my hormones got into balance I sort of unlocked a heterosexual female sex drive that was always there but supressed. This is just a theory mind but because of this, GRS has become very important to me where it maybe wasn't before. This might happen to you too, your priorities might change so it couldn't hurt to get weight down just in case.

Quote from: Stottie Girl on July 23, 2026, 01:58:13 PMAgain we have life parallels Tammy, I have lived my entire life alone. I have never dated, never had a partner. I told myself it just wasn't fair to put anyone else through it but I was also scared of being found out. For 50 years I figured I had suppressed my sex drive to the point of being asexual.

Now everything feels like it just switched on, I think that as my hormones got into balance I sort of unlocked a heterosexual female sex drive that was always there but supressed. This is just a theory mind but because of this, GRS has become very important to me where it maybe wasn't before. This might happen to you too, your priorities might change so it couldn't hurt to get weight down just in case.

WHen I was younger I wanted it so bad now I just want to live a normal life where I can hang out with friends around a camp fire and tell jokes. My priorities have changed as I have gotten older. I agree they may change again and I would love to have that cursed thing gone but i have limited funds and that will not improve my life as much as other things will. I also am dealing with my agoraphobia and I don't like to be touched so that also plays into medical procedures, its really going to make electrolysis hard.

You and I stories are similar I would think we are related but not sure how I feel about being the ugly sister but what can you do.

Ha ugly sister? ha ha, did you miss the part where I said I was 296 lbs! You'll notice I never post full body shots Tammy! I look in the mirror and all I see are flaws and masculine tells. We are our own worse critics.

You might look a damn site more beautiful than you think you are.

I struggle with being touched, you are not alone there. You are like me and have not had relationships to get used to physical touch. I flinch away when people touch me, I feel incredibly uncomfortable when someone hugs me but I'm trying to change. It will take time honey just like it will for me.

I have also never been well off, I have always struggled, I wish I had enough money to do all the things I know I need to do but life has always been about hard choices for me. But I am happy in my own skin now, I feel like I have mostly beaten depression and things are looking up. They will for you too. Hang in there.

WOW are you sure we did grow up in the same house. I grew up really poor too. I do make a great living now but I struggled for years until I went into IT. I have worked my way up to a really good job but plan to give it up in a year and a half to live as my true self. I am going to try and get as much done as I can in the next 18 month before I have to change jobs. I will likely make half of what I make now but it will be worth it. Also you would be wrong I have seen your pictures I am the ugly sister, LOL.

I believe that Lori Dee said the progesterone cream is not significantly effective for breast development.

Is that true Lori?  I have seen that over the counter cream for sale many places.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on July 23, 2026, 06:49:24 PMI believe that Lori Dee said the progesterone cream is not significantly effective for breast development.

Is that true Lori?  I have seen that over the counter cream for sale many places.

Yes, it is not effective for many reasons.

First, there is not enough progesterone in the cream to achieve the levels we need to be effective. If they were high enough, they would be regulated and require a prescription.

Second, the progesterone molecule (even micronized) is too large to penetrate the layers of skin and fat to reach the tissues where it needs to go. It might moisturize the skin, but it will have no effect on tissue growth.

Third, many of these over-the-counter products do not contain progesterone; instead, they contain wild yam extract, which is what is used to manufacture progesterone. The hype is that your body will convert it into progesterone, but this is a blatant lie.

Converting the extract into pharmacy-grade progesterone requires extensive lab equipment and know-how. It is impossible for the body to do what needs to be done. And since the FDA does not regulate supplements or herbal remedies, there is no telling what is actually in there.

Check the ingredients list carefully. They will be listed in order of quantity. So the first ingredient is the major component. The last ingredient will be the one in the smallest quantity.

Quote from: tammy753 on July 23, 2026, 06:24:16 PMWOW are you sure we did grow up in the same house. I grew up really poor too. I do make a great living now but I struggled for years until I went into IT. I have worked my way up to a really good job but plan to give it up in a year and a half to live as my true self. I am going to try and get as much done as I can in the next 18 month before I have to change jobs. I will likely make half of what I make now but it will be worth it. Also you would be wrong I have seen your pictures I am the ugly sister, LOL.

Well thanks I think Tammy! Don't forget I cherry pick my best pics. There are some stinker photographs of me out there! I'm not very photogenic to be fair.

About 5 years ago I landed a job for a major blue chip UK company and my wage was pretty good for the first time but they really wanted their pound of flesh for it and the hours and lack of support eventually resulted in a breakdown due to work stress, anxiety.panic attacks and depression. I tried a different job and it happened again. Now I have changed to a part time job doing something I enjoy for a vastly lower wage and I think you can tell from my profile pic, I have never been happier. Money does not equal happiness in my view, there is far more to life.

I'm sorry, I think this has drifted way off the subject matter! I should shut up now! I can't stop rabbiting on at times ha ha! Have you started your own blog Tammy? Might be an idea so people can chat to you about random stuff on there.

Quote from: Lori Dee on July 23, 2026, 07:34:12 PMYes, it is not effective for many reasons.

First, there is not enough progesterone in the cream to achieve the levels we need to be effective. If they were high enough, they would be regulated and require a prescription.

Second, the progesterone molecule (even micronized) is too large to penetrate the layers of skin and fat to reach the tissues where it needs to go. It might moisturize the skin, but it will have no effect on tissue growth.

Third, many of these over-the-counter products do not contain progesterone; instead, they contain wild yam extract, which is what is used to manufacture progesterone. The hype is that your body will convert it into progesterone, but this is a blatant lie.

Converting the extract into pharmacy-grade progesterone requires extensive lab equipment and know-how. It is impossible for the body to do what needs to be done. And since the FDA does not regulate supplements or herbal remedies, there is no telling what is actually in there.

Check the ingredients list carefully. They will be listed in order of quantity. So the first ingredient is the major component. The last ingredient will be the one in the smallest quantity.

Lori, you are an invaluable wealth if accurate information. Thank you! Progesterone is probably in my future. 

And yes, supplements in the US are out of control. The prescription line in my pharmacy is right beside a huge supplement area. I once took a photo of it and sent it to AI, which could find no research-backed evidence for almost every product. I did the research on actual research and I take one (not gender-affirming)

I remember I used to buy the creams and what ever snake oil they were selling for trans people before I started DIY HRT. It wasted so much money on that crap and it did nothing. I remember following the direction exactly and the didn't even improve my skin. I would avoid creams that aren't prescribed by a doctor.

Hi Tammy and Sarah,

I feel your pain. I've been on a up and down diet all my post 16 year old self.

I went into a massive depression at that age eating blocks of chocholate and giving up any movement.

It was cyclic but destructive.

Anyone here knows the reason.

Then a got a job and found alcohol.

My life was a car crash until I bumped into one special person.

If I hadn't met her I would have been long dead.

We talked about my cding and had fun with it, but she only did it for me.

I burried it and now it's back.

It's really ->-bleeped-<- it's something we have to hide because it's quite common.

My weight gain and loss continues and you can tell when my mental health is good.

I eat less, exercise more and my body responds.

I am trying to get in a good place and I have a meeting with a doctor in 17 days which may redirect my life.

Sorry for hijacking the thread but you girls aren't alone

All my love and support.
P

Quote from: Petunia on July 25, 2026, 04:49:21 AMHi Tammy and Sarah,

I feel your pain. I've been on a up and down diet all my post 16 year old self.

I went into a massive depression at that age eating blocks of chocholate and giving up any movement.

It was cyclic but destructive.

Anyone here knows the reason.

Then a got a job and found alcohol.

My life was a car crash until I bumped into one special person.

If I hadn't met her I would have been long dead.

We talked about my cding and had fun with it, but she only did it for me.

I burried it and now it's back.

It's really ->-bleeped-<- it's something we have to hide because it's quite common.

My weight gain and loss continues and you can tell when my mental health is good.

I eat less, exercise more and my body responds.

I am trying to get in a good place and I have a meeting with a doctor in 17 days which may redirect my life.

Sorry for hijacking the thread but you girls aren't alone

All my love and support.
P

Thanks Petunia, it is a constant struggle BUT I have beaten this once before. I went from 24 stone to 13 stone and kept it off for 15 years. I can do this again if my body will let me!

I have noticed more hairs falling out than normal. I have long hair so I noticed them when I was combing it out in the morning. Did anyone notice that when they first started Progesterone and is it just chemical shock or should I be worried. I am worrying my self not so I finally asked.

Yeah I don't want the sex drive part so and I don't think I can force myself to take mine that way. I just don't want to lose my hair I have spent 26 years growing out.

Hormone changes can cause temporary hair loss.

I suspected that was what I was experiencing. It turns out that since my hair is dry and curly, it gets tangled and breaks fairly easily. So what I find in the comb is not hair falling out, but breakage.

I wouldn't worry much about it unless you find new areas that are thinning. Then talk to the medical people to see what they can recommend.

I sent a message asking for a DHT blocker. Hopefully they send me a prescription.

I started progesterone in my second year of HRT, and after a full year, had no difference in size or shape. The only thing it did for me was make me tired all the time. I couldn't get enough sleep! I'd nap during the day, and get 8full hours at night, and was still groggy everyday. My Dr and I decided it wasn't worth me being like a zombie, and after I quit taking it,my energy level went right back to normal. So I don't believe it's for everyone.

My breasts seem to be swelling from what I read that is normal for the length if time I have been on it. I think I am in chemical shock from the drastic changes to my hrt, adding progesterone and an antidepressant I think it was a massive shock to my system. so I am giving myself a couple more weeks to adjust. from what I have read it has to bud up in your system.  I am taking it in the evening and with food to get the m9st out of it.

Dizziness and drowsiness are common side effects of the metabolites, not of the progesterone itself. Over time, you do get used to it. I have been taking it for years now, and I mostly do not notice them at all. I do sleep better at night, though.