Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Well friends, tomorrow marks six full months of HRT for your nutty lil' friend here

So I've been reflecting upon the +'s & -'s... So here goes...LOL

+ = Breast growth and general feminizing of body and facial features  :icon_chick:

The ability to actually be able to express emotions

- = Weight gain, insatiable cravings  :icon_chew:

Riding the emotional roller coaster with the mood swings from hell!!!  >:-) :icon_burn: >:-)

Anyone else experience these and/or other +'s and -'s from HRT?

I am at 5 months so it is pretty new to me.
Bonus is just about everything realy.
From being freed from an insatiable libido, too being able to understand other people better due to improved empathy. Not too mention the restoration of my fragile sanity.
The part that sucks is that people do not give me the male privilage I had grown so fond of without even knowing I had it. I ussed to be taken at my word and taken seriously. Not anymore it seems. /sigh
Anouther negative is new to me I have lost my muscle and my center of gravity is shifting which is makeing me clumbsy.
But I think the bigest negative to HRT is when I get hit in my tits. OMG that freaking HURTS!

I'm a year on HRT.

Plusses: Breast growth, increased size of butt and thighs, softer skin, rounder lower belly (the 'pouch'), center of gravity has shifted so I stand and walk in a more feminine way, more emotional, freer, able to "feel", chattiness, more even (despite being more emotional), able to cry, the evil twins are dormant.

Minuses: I've gained 15 pounds in the last year, lower upper body strength (but not enough to be a problem), weight gain.

All in all, not a bad deal. :)

- Kate

Oh yes... You can def. expect to be humored by "The Men" if you try to talk to them about "Guy stuff" as you did before

Yes... Your center of gravity does shift and makes you feel uncoordinated and you can't really help but stand and/or walk like a woman

The loss of strength didn't affect me as much because I'd already lost most of my strength due to injuries incurred

On the plus side of that... No-one expects me to be as strong as I once was

Another plus that I'd forgot is thicker, fuller, softer hair

Oh and yes, the ability to have empathy and understand others better

Sorry to mix 'n match but you both brought up great points  :)

Two years
Pluses: Breast growth ( B cup ), finer slower growing body hair, weight loss, lower center of gravity, more emotional, total loss of male libido, more head hair growth.

Minuses: No growth in the butt or hip area, some weight gain, more emotional at the wrong times, increase in female libido.

And with the removal of the evil twins a reduction in the number of medications.

One of the quickest and biggest pluses that made me almost squee in joy was seeing how my hair and skin which had been so oily and so greasy and dandruff and zits the upkeep was so hard I could never enjoy it... 1 week of hrt and it was a different person. Seriously it was like someone flicked a switch with them from
"Violent psychopath" To "My Best Friend forever <3"

And I was equally happy to see buds, I'd never in my whole life until then experienced a pubertal change that didn't make me crushingly depressed to the point of self harm or worse. but when I saw them I felt normal for the first time in my life.
Happiness confidence and nervous anticipation and only alittle anxiety googling my worries sent me to pages for young teen girls, instead of "suicide hotline and mental health advice" when I checked my feelings about male changes.

Minus... I still worry about my kidney and liver function going wrong or developing a reaction against the blockers and having to potentially go back to how I was. It's a spectre of worry that follows me part of me wants rid of the poison glands right now so I don't have to depend on risky meds.

The only minus I thought about in any great detail was the irreversible sterility... I was acutely aware how angry and guilty I was at not doing taking action and getting there sooner, a future version of myself is disgusted with a historical version for them doing something seemed like a good idea at the time.
I worried that although I don't want a child now and squirting DNA is not parenting... A future incarnation of myself may think differently and may resent my priorities at this time.

I have been sterile long before HRT.
Azoospermia due to hormonal imbalance. The doctor could not get my T above 225 ng/dl. That is not enough T to enable sperm production.
Kinda wierd how they couldnt get my T up to even close to normal on the same dose my wife is on that put hir up too 600ish ng/dl.
Guess my body just doesnt like too absorb T like other people.

i LOVE everything thats happened in my 6 months :)

the only bad thing is when you feel so emotional that you could cry at anything. your having a perfect day and BAM that pissed me off and now im an emotional wreck.... hello BITCH :O

i hope it comes natural to sort yourself out quicker in them emotional moments :,) hehe

xoxo

I only started HRT about a month ago, but I'll put the things I've noticed so far :P

Pluses: My skin and hair isn't oily anymore. I didn't have much acne before HRT, but now I don't have any. My hair and skin overall seems healthier too. I use to take anti-depressants don't need them anymore. Now I'm not sure if it's the hormones or just my life is going better now. Whatever it is, I feel happier now, less anxiety, and just overall feeling great :). My sex drive has dropped considerably too. 

I was already emotional before HRT, so no changes there. I actually got better at "controlling" it before I started HRT, so I'm not an emotional wreck too often :laugh:. I tried to "hide" my feelings, and my feminine side when I was in my teens, and I was able to let myself "be" before starting HRT also. I think a lot of it is being able to accept yourself, not necessarily that HRT brings it out.

Minuses: None yet ;) Although I'm interested to see if I gain weight, my family and friends always say I'm too skinny, so maybe it's a good thing :P

I can only hope I gain weight!  Bit of a twig at the moment :).

OK I shouldn't be here...as no HRT..

..but my mood and emotion swings are like I have high E..

..and my aggression, libedo, and frustration is like I have hight T...

...I really don't know if there is a solution for me...but I'm glad it's working for so many of you... :icon_flower:

:icon_hug:

Chrissty

im 41 and only been on hrt for 3 weeks as of today,

plus points so far, im now very relaxed, happiest i have been for a very long time. skin has improved but is now starting to feel quite dry, so will have to start using moisterisers i suppose. looking forward to breast growth (surprised to see some developent this week due to my age) hair feels really good to the touch for the first time in my life.

negative points, frequent trips to the bathroom, small price to pay  :) other than that i have no negative points. not sure how i will handle the change to emotions though, spent all my life controlling my emotions to a high level. no change to emotions so far, as far as i can tell

my + are finally having peace GID has lessened quite abit, breast growth softning of skin and thicker hair this is a definate plus i love my hair lol less body hair reduction in facial hair or at least slowing of its return but laser has impacted this as well. one curious note is i seam to be shrinking lol ive lost an inch in height and have gone from 91/2 shoe to a size 8 i like this but not sure why its happening.
loss of upper body muscle mass this is a plus but it sucks watching my gym work evaporate lol.
- = loss of upper body strength substancial in first 2 months of hrt.
jessica

As I am not allowed to get HRT, my +/- are like

-: in the mirror, I see my face become more and more masculine. I should insert some pads when wearing bra. my body skin is not smooth.

+: physically I am stronger than most women, although weaker than most men.

Weight gain? Even without HRT, my weight increases quickly when I do not exercise enough, especially in winter. Spring is a period for loosing my weight.

Barbie~~

HRT hasn't worked on me, so I only see minuses! I gave it my best shot for 12 years but it's not working for me. I am now considering quitting altogether.

Plus: Having my body run by female hormones like I wanted
Minus: There are no minuses. Seriously I've been on HRT about half a year now and there's NOTHING I could say bad about it.

After 1 year of HRT here are the plusses and minuses for me:

Positives:

More in touch with my emotions
A wonderful sense of well-being
No more of that stupid male aggression
Breast growth, albeit modest
Super-smooth and soft facial skin
Fat redistribution, especially to my bum
Weight loss and much smaller tummy
Softening of body hair
I have become a lot weaker, and can't lift much anymore
Change in sexual orientation from bisexual to only sexually interested in men
A complete transformation of my libido from selfish animalistic lust to a desire for connection
Sex, especially climax, consumes my whole body, and my mind, and the world really does shake lol.
No more messy boy excretions to clean up

Negatives:
Physical changes have been slower than I would like
Bouts of melancholy and uncontrollable crying, especially regarding the slow (albeit sure) progress
Muscle reduction has been significant, although not as significant as I would like. I hear this takes years.
Worrying about health issues especially on different AA meds and oral estrogens - every little ache and pain is a heart problem in my mind
Constantly tired for the first six months
Not able to sleep as long as I used to (6 hours whereas I used to sleep 8 hours)
Scattered feeling - it's a lot harder to concentrate

6-1/2 weeks on HT.
Strong emotional changes, spelled improvements, and one major emotional improvement - I know this is the right choice for me; somewhat improved skin smoothness, although could be partly to starting to pay attention to moisterizing; no changes in hair or body (yuck) hair; no noticed loss of strength; strong loss of male libido without loss of orgasm but with much less output; little to no change in body fat distribution; perhaps a very small increase in breast size or perhaps in perception of size (come on girls, grow damn it!)
One more thing, a compulsion to watch the calendar closely, wishing days away.

SusanKG

HRT is vastly over rated and for many the results are limited.
On the plus site it seems to help people's minds and well being.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 26, 2010, 06:30:30 PM
HRT is vastly over rated and for many the results are limited.
On the plus site it seems to help people's minds and well being.

No you just vastly under rate it and for most under about 30 the results are pretty good.

I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but I see you post this stuff in virtually EVERY HRT related thread. I am really, REALLY sorry that HRT hasn't had the effects for you that you would like. But virtually deterring other people from going on or being unrealistically pessimistic because you're bitter just isn't right.

If you're before mid-20's. You can probably expect pretty significant changes. There are no guarantee's, but the vast majority of the time it's pretty effective.

The HRT forum is FULL of examples, all of the people I've known in that age bracket who've done it have had good results.

Again, I'm sorry you haven't gotten what you wanted, but going around constantly making out as if HRT is useless is just bitter and harmful.  ::)

EDIT: For interests sake, of her past 20 posts, 7 are just saying how HRT doesn't work.

Unfortunately for Naturally Blonde, she has not had any luck with HRT.  I feel bad for her after all these years.  But after 2 years and at 56 I have had good results

Quote from: Rhalkos on April 26, 2010, 08:07:37 PM
Like most biological things, HRT results can be plotted out as a bell curve. The majority of people have average-to-good results. A very few people have awful results. A very few people have utterly amazing results.

If you landed in the ->-bleeped-<-ty end of the bell curve, that sure sucks, but it doesn't invalidate the rest of us.

True, also the odds are significantly different depending on age.

In my experience the line tends to be about in your 30s where the odds start to shift against your favor. But there's always exceptions.

Quote from: Laura91 on April 26, 2010, 08:02:30 PM
I agree with you, it's constant whining and moaning.

I have noticed this too, but I think instead of berating her, perhaps it would be nice to see if there are any ways to help.

There are many things one can do to mix things up when it comes to HRT, even with orals. I even think stopping for a couple of months, sticking only with anti-androgens, and then starting again might have the benefit of clearing out the receptors, reducing SHBG levels, and thus re-priming the body for estrogen receptivity.

I have read Naturally Blonde has been using orals, and perhaps patches too (although I don't remember this clearly). Changing to a different medium like injectables or pellets may be helpful. If these aren't available, combing oral types may help as well. I experienced greater itching in my breasts when I combined oral Estradiol Valerate with oral 17b estradiol, whereas prior to that I was using the equivalent dosage of oral 17b estradiol alone. Also, oral use is less efficient in that it is metabolized into a higher proportion of estrone as opposed to the more powerful estradiol, whereas direct applications such as injections and pellets will yield a higher proportion of estradiol in the blood, which is far more feminizing.

What about your serum hormone levels? Do you get your hormone levels checked regularly? If not, then perhaps you should. Getting them into female range makes a huge difference. 800 to 1500 pmol/l is a desirable level to be at as 1500 is the top of the range for 15-17 year old girls.

Have you had an orchiectomy or SRS yet Naturally Blonde? If not, then this would help too, wouldn't it?

Have you tried introducing a progesterone or progestin into your regime? Although this may not improve femininity, it does assist in the development of fuller breasts, which is a definite plus. Progesterone also helps you to sleep, which ties in with something I talk about later here (more sleep = more growth hormone = greater development).

Have you tried changing your diet? I naturally eat a low calorie diet - approx 1400 cals a day - but I do have pig-out days, and the morning after those high calorie days I feel particularly feminine, and my breasts also hurt more. Mixing up your diet, experimenting with different foods, will help. From your face pic you look skinny, so I wonder if the inclusion of 100ml of uncooked extra virgin olive oil a day might help with your development, as well as rounding out your face. This would give you about 1000 extra calories a day, provide you with the health benefits of added omega 3s and omega 6s, and also develop into the desirable subcutaneous fat, as opposed to unhealthy visceral fats.

Have you tried vitamin supplementation? Multi-B vitamins, I have read, can have a beneficial impact on hormones receptivity.

You could also try reducing your SHBG levels, thereby increasing the amount of unbound, free estradiol in your system. Herbs like stinging nettle root contribute to SHBG reduction, and so does increasing your testosterone levels, although I don't think you want to do that.

You could also think of ways to increase you growth hormone levels - growth hormone aids in the development of your cells. Getting more sleep is the best way to do this, but supplementation-wise, you can incorporate 5-HTC (a precursor to tryptophan) which increases serotonin levels and elevates mood, and also helps with sleep. You could also try GABA, a supplement which is designed to directly increase growth hormone levels. Take naps in the afternoon, if you can. Otherwise, go to bed earlier, and if you can't get a hold of those 5-HTC supplements, and you find it hard to sleep, drink a large glass of warm full cream milk. Infrequent bouts of short, high intensity exercise will also increase your growth hormone levels. High intensity interval training on whatever piee of equipment you like (running even) twice a week, for just 12 to 20 minutes will improve your fitness, improve your circulation, and increase your growth hormone levels.

I think the point is that you need to plan, and if something isn't working then try to change things in a methodical way. Keep records of what you are doing, measure every part of your body on a regular basis, and see if anything has changed. Keep records of how you feel on a particular day.

I'm sure there are so many other things that one can do - the permutations of what you can do are limitless, and until you have tried everything, don't tell yourself that the hormones aren't working.

Quote from: Laura91 on April 26, 2010, 08:02:30 PM
I agree with you, it's constant whining and moaning.

Hi Laura,

I understand the comments on Naturally Blonde's post, but I thought as a Global Moderator it would have been better to not endorse what is effectively a personal attack.

Maybe unlike others here, I have taken the time to talk to her, and I understand the frustration she has with her condition, and injustice she has suffered over many years (and continues to suffer) from the inflexible medical system in the UK.

We all express our personal opinions, and in her case while such opinions may seem negative, they are factual for her circumstances.

Please, I thought we were here to support each other through understanding and acceptance of our diversity of views. ;)

:icon_hug:

Chrissty

Quote from: Chrissty on April 27, 2010, 04:25:38 AM
Hi Laura,

I understand the comments on Naturally Blonde's post, but I thought as a Global Moderator it would have been better to not endorse what is effectively a personal attack.

Maybe unlike others here, I have taken the time to talk to her, and I understand the frustration she has with her condition, and injustice she has suffered over many years (and continues to suffer) from the inflexible medical system in the UK.

We all express our personal opinions, and in her case while such opinions may seem negative, they are factual for her circumstances.

Please, I thought we were here to support each other through understanding and acceptance of our diversity of views. ;)

:icon_hug:

Chrissty

^ this 100 percent
jessica

That has to be one of the nicest most helpful posts i seen in susans for a long time Andream, well done to you Missy

i have been frustrated at NB in the past but it doesnt mean she should be attacked, she seems a kind and decent person just let down by a system and anyone full time knows how frustrating it is if your not fitting in

dont give in NB

Quote from: Virginia Marie on April 14, 2010, 09:07:45 PM
Oh yes... You can def. expect to be humored by "The Men" if you try to talk to them about "Guy stuff" as you did before

Really? I think of myself as humoring them. :)

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Post Merge: April 27, 2010, 05:48:19 AM

---

Quote from: andream on April 26, 2010, 08:46:02 PM
I have noticed this too, but I think instead of berating her, perhaps it would be nice to see if there are any ways to help.

I suggested she contact some well known experts to see if she could find a referral. Not sure if she did that or not. NB, I hope you don't give up. But you really should exhaust all possibilities before doing so if you decide.

Quote from: andream on April 26, 2010, 08:46:02 PM
I have noticed this too, but I think instead of berating her, perhaps it would be nice to see if there are any ways to help.

There are many things one can do to mix things up when it comes to HRT, even with orals. I even think stopping for a couple of months, sticking only with anti-androgens, and then starting again might have the benefit of clearing out the receptors, reducing SHBG levels, and thus re-priming the body for estrogen receptivity.

I have read Naturally Blonde has been using orals, and perhaps patches too (although I don't remember this clearly). Changing to a different medium like injectables or pellets may be helpful. If these aren't available, combing oral types may help as well. I experienced greater itching in my breasts when I combined oral Estradiol Valerate with oral 17b estradiol, whereas prior to that I was using the equivalent dosage of oral 17b estradiol alone. Also, oral use is less efficient in that it is metabolized into a higher proportion of estrone as opposed to the more powerful estradiol, whereas direct applications such as injections and pellets will yield a higher proportion of estradiol in the blood, which is far more feminizing.

What about your serum hormone levels? Do you get your hormone levels checked regularly? If not, then perhaps you should. Getting them into female range makes a huge difference. 800 to 1500 pmol/l is a desirable level to be at as 1500 is the top of the range for 15-17 year old girls.

Have you had an orchiectomy or SRS yet Naturally Blonde? If not, then this would help too, wouldn't it?

Have you tried introducing a progesterone or progestin into your regime? Although this may not improve femininity, it does assist in the development of fuller breasts, which is a definite plus. Progesterone also helps you to sleep, which ties in with something I talk about later here (more sleep = more growth hormone = greater development).

Have you tried changing your diet? I naturally eat a low calorie diet - approx 1400 cals a day - but I do have pig-out days, and the morning after those high calorie days I feel particularly feminine, and my breasts also hurt more. Mixing up your diet, experimenting with different foods, will help. From your face pic you look skinny, so I wonder if the inclusion of 100ml of uncooked extra virgin olive oil a day might help with your development, as well as rounding out your face. This would give you about 1000 extra calories a day, provide you with the health benefits of added omega 3s and omega 6s, and also develop into the desirable subcutaneous fat, as opposed to unhealthy visceral fats.

Have you tried vitamin supplementation? Multi-B vitamins, I have read, can have a beneficial impact on hormones receptivity.

You could also try reducing your SHBG levels, thereby increasing the amount of unbound, free estradiol in your system. Herbs like stinging nettle root contribute to SHBG reduction, and so does increasing your testosterone levels, although I don't think you want to do that.

You could also think of ways to increase you growth hormone levels - growth hormone aids in the development of your cells. Getting more sleep is the best way to do this, but supplementation-wise, you can incorporate 5-HTC (a precursor to tryptophan) which increases serotonin levels and elevates mood, and also helps with sleep. You could also try GABA, a supplement which is designed to directly increase growth hormone levels. Take naps in the afternoon, if you can. Otherwise, go to bed earlier, and if you can't get a hold of those 5-HTC supplements, and you find it hard to sleep, drink a large glass of warm full cream milk. Infrequent bouts of short, high intensity exercise will also increase your growth hormone levels. High intensity interval training on whatever piee of equipment you like (running even) twice a week, for just 12 to 20 minutes will improve your fitness, improve your circulation, and increase your growth hormone levels.

I think the point is that you need to plan, and if something isn't working then try to change things in a methodical way. Keep records of what you are doing, measure every part of your body on a regular basis, and see if anything has changed. Keep records of how you feel on a particular day.

I'm sure there are so many other things that one can do - the permutations of what you can do are limitless, and until you have tried everything, don't tell yourself that the hormones aren't working.

Hi andrea, thanks for your message. Most of the things you have listed I have tried including Estradiol Valerate in tablet form, but in the U.K we can't get injectable HRT licenced here which is something I'm wanting to try. I might have to buy it from overseas and hope it's not seized by U.K customs.

My diet is pretty good and I cut out the carbs. I excercise daily and have followed almost everything you have listed. I know it doesn't go down well to highlight the limitations of HRT for many people, not just me (even though they might say otherwise).

I also used to measure my body for a few years to see if there were any physical changes and no there are not any physical changes apart from an unwanted pot belly. I have no increase in fat on my legs or thighs or mass loss in my upper body.

I think you can list a million things to try but if your body's receptors are not working there is not much that can be done. My endo has more of less said that's it which is very upsetting and I may get to the point after 12 years of giving up. I get my oestrogen hormone levels tested regularly and they are in the high female range

Sorry to be so down beat but those are mine (and other TS's I know in England) experiences of HRT.

Quote from: Ashley4214 on April 24, 2010, 06:41:21 PM
Plus: Having my body run by female hormones like I wanted
Minus: There are no minuses. Seriously I've been on HRT about half a year now and there's NOTHING I could say bad about it.

I feel the same way.

Loss of strength? Yay! Now I don't have to pretend to be weak anymore, I actually am!

One cool thing I have noticed that I love is that I have gotten rounder in my lower half but not gained any weight. I think it's because it balances out with the loss of muscle.

Everything about HRT is amazing. It validates everything I have ever thought about my true identity. E fits me like a glove.

NB's expeirence is not unigue to her alone i have heard others say it has failed them it is unfortunate although having seen her other photos when i was responding to a post about exercise for her i do think she has had some affects because i read her as female in those photos but im just one person. If infact her receptors for estrogen are not functioning normally and i see no reason to doubt an endocrinologist oppinon of it changing her delivery method will be of little effect. are you read as male often NB? perhaps the other avenues available such as surgery if its with-in your means can benifit your presentation. im a big fan of using the tools available and if that means plastic then so be it. lipo will remove the pot belly and ffs can modify your face dramatically in some cases. i give Maghans transformation (see her U tube if you havnt) its astounding what her sergeon was able to acomplish. Also everything ive read on Hrt states that maximum benifit is achieved in 2 years so after 12 years of taking it its pointless to continue except to maintain your e levels and t suppression. as far as the gaining of body wait to offset a so called-male apperience i have seen women without the prefered hour glass figure it dosnt afect her presentation she is still accepted as female. i think NB just needs to evaluate her presentation then if shes not being read as a female take the necessary surgical steps to achieve her final best presentation.
jessica
hugs nb i hope you find peace

Quote from: jesse on April 28, 2010, 02:04:39 AM
NB's expeirence is not unigue to her alone i have heard others say it has failed them it is unfortunate although having seen her other photos when i was responding to a post about exercise for her i do think she has had some affects because i read her as female in those photos but im just one person. If infact her receptors for estrogen are not functioning normally and i see no reason to doubt an endocrinologist oppinon of it changing her delivery method will be of little effect. are you read as male often NB? perhaps the other avenues available such as surgery if its with-in your means can benifit your presentation. im a big fan of using the tools available and if that means plastic then so be it. lipo will remove the pot belly and ffs can modify your face dramatically in some cases. i give Maghans transformation (see her U tube if you havnt) its astounding what her sergeon was able to acomplish. Also everything ive read on Hrt states that maximum benifit is achieved in 2 years so after 12 years of taking it its pointless to continue except to maintain your e levels and t suppression. as far as the gaining of body wait to offset a so called-male apperience i have seen women without the prefered hour glass figure it dosnt afect her presentation she is still accepted as female. i think NB just needs to evaluate her presentation then if shes not being read as a female take the necessary surgical steps to achieve her final best presentation.
jessica
hugs nb i hope you find peace

Hi Jenny, thanks for the message. In the days before I started on HRT (1990's) I wasn't usually read as male but recently it's happened a few times. Around 2004 I always seemed to be read as female but recently things have changed and I'm sometimes perceived as male. It can be very frustrating and upsetting. I often have a cry day to day which seems to help me keep going.

My endocrinologist is one of the best in the U.K and he says the only way to go is surgery, especially liposuction to the belly area which is my biggest problem and the only place fat seems to deposit itself. It may be that I'm expecting too much from HRT and many girls seemed to be happy with very little development but I did think HRT would have more effect and at least put fat on my lower and upper legs and butt, which of course hasn't happened. I seem to be ok from the the neck upwards but HRT hasn't make any improvements to my body fat distribution which I think still looks male.

NB

For what its worth, your avatar looks female to me.

Quote from: LordKAT on April 28, 2010, 04:16:48 AM
NB

For what its worth, your avatar looks female to me.

Thanks! but I'm concerned about my poor body fat distribution and a male body shape and not my face. 

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 28, 2010, 04:28:15 AM
Thanks! but I'm concerned about my poor body fat distribution and a male body shape and not my face. 

The avatar I saw had your upper body clearly visible. I was going on more than just face. I admit it didn't show all of you.

Quote from: LordKAT on April 28, 2010, 06:16:27 AM
The avatar I saw had your upper body clearly visible. I was going on more than just face. I admit it didn't show all of you.

You can only see my arms and not my fat belly.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 28, 2010, 10:59:55 AM
You can only see my arms and not my fat belly.

I wouldn't be defined as female proportions either since I have a lot of trouble putting on weight right now but I mean it doesn't seem to hinder anything.  I think you just have to find alternative ways to dress maybe too to help bring out the parts of the body that you DO like.  I know it's not really a solution to the problem but I mean it can help

Quote from: shanetastic on April 28, 2010, 11:08:08 AM
I wouldn't be defined as female proportions either since I have a lot of trouble putting on weight right now but I mean it doesn't seem to hinder anything.  I think you just have to find alternative ways to dress maybe too to help bring out the parts of the body that you DO like.  I know it's not really a solution to the problem but I mean it can help

My point was that my arms, legs, butt etc are stick thin and then I have this pot belly which looks like I'm pregnant! HRT seems to have piled on the fat just in one area and not anywhere else. The belly area also looks like a male type fat distribution which is not what I was trying to achieve.

As for your solution with covering up with clothes, it's a good solution in the winter but not so cool when it's boiling hot on the beach in the summer!

Virginia Marie:

I'm on hormone replacement therapy now for approximately 4.5 months.  Pretty much, I'm having the same effects that you are.  The psychological effects are the best.  I could go on and on. 

The one minus is weight around the middle.  I had very little of that before hormone replacement therapy.  The weight is around the middle and NOT at the hips!   Grrrr!   Maybe it will shift eventually. 

Breasts are WAY sore whenever I lie on them to sleep ... face-down position.  Whenever I accidentally bump them, yeow!  Your breast development is better than mine, but I'm doing okay and am ever hopeful.

Love reading everybody's experiences!

L.L.    :)

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Post Merge: April 28, 2010, 02:04:10 PM

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Quote from: K8 on April 14, 2010, 07:23:22 PM
I'm a year on HRT.

Plusses: Breast growth, increased size of butt and thighs, softer skin, rounder lower belly (the 'pouch'), center of gravity has shifted so I stand and walk in a more feminine way, more emotional, freer, able to "feel", chattiness, more even (despite being more emotional), able to cry, the evil twins are dormant.

Minuses: I've gained 15 pounds in the last year, lower upper body strength (but not enough to be a problem), weight gain.

All in all, not a bad deal. :)

- Kate

Hi, Kate!  Long time no talk ... I see that all is going well ... Excellent!    :)

Quote from: LaceyLynne on April 28, 2010, 02:56:48 PM
Virginia Marie:

I'm on hormone replacement therapy now for approximately 4.5 months.  Pretty much, I'm having the same effects that you are.  The psychological effects are the best.  I could go on and on. 

The one minus is weight around the middle.  I had very little of that before hormone replacement therapy.  The weight is around the middle and NOT at the hips!   Grrrr!   Maybe it will shift eventually. 

Breasts are WAY sore whenever I lie on them to sleep ... face-down position.  Whenever I accidentally bump them, yeow!  Your breast development is better than mine, but I'm doing okay and am every hopeful.

Love reading everybody's experiences!

L.L.    :)

I'm glad that others are facing up to the reality of the situation.

Anyone who is having trouble with their weight may have run up against a human physical limitation.  Fat cells apparently increase in size as we put on weight, up to a certain point then stop growing.

We can still put on weight however, as the body gets around this limitation by producing extra fat cells, over and above the  "normal" number.

If we then reduce our weight, these additional cells are not lost ,creating  the well known situation where it is harder to get rid of the fat than to put it on.  The only way that seems to work is to actually physically remove them by surgery or liposuction.

Hope this makes those with difficult weight control problems feel a little better about themselves.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 29, 2010, 06:10:48 AM
I'm glad that others are facing up to the reality of the situation.

Hi:

Looking at your picture here, you are actually having much better results than I am!

My gender counselor is guiding my hormone replacement therapy.  I'm on estradiol and nothing else.  No androgen blockade.  No secondary estrogens.  She is nationally-renowned in her field and has been in it for nearly 30 years.  I trust her implicitly. 

Inasmuch as I'm older, I told her that I don't expect much from hormone replacement therapy physically ... I really don't.  She told me not to doubt it and said that I'd be surprised.  Many of her clients are in my age range and have excellent results.  Indeed, I actually saw one my age in her waiting room.  She looked fabulous! 

At only 4.5 months into hormone replacement therapy, maybe I'm expect too much.  After all, a GG does not blossom full-force just 4.5 months into puberty.  I'm speaking to myself here!

Going by your picture, you're doing better than I am.  Keep the faith!  My best!

L.L.    :)

without arguing your counselors methods im not sure why she is only having you on estrodial. this counter to what ive heard every other provider due i will be interested to know what results your having after a year.
jessica

Quote from: jesse on April 29, 2010, 06:56:07 AM
without arguing your counselors methods im not sure why she is only having you on estrodial. this counter to what ive heard every other provider due i will be interested to know what results your having after a year.
jessica

Jessica:

I totally agree with you!

I've very much wondered about this selfsame thing and have broached the subject several times tactfully and diplomatically during my most recent sessions.  If you don't mind, would you (or anybody knowledgeable on this forum) tell me precisely what your regimen for hormone replacement therapy is?  I realize this is personal and that I may be asking too private a question. 

Advice or comments, anyone?  Feel free to send me a private message (e-mail) at this website.  Thanks!

L.L.    :-\

On the "plus side" of the equation:

The psychological effects are marvelous!  Most of you are too young to remember this.  Perhaps K8 and Janet Lynn may remember it. 

In the mid-1960s, British singer Donovan had a song called "Mellow Yellow."

That about says it for me!  Some mood swings, but I recover very quickly.  I get over negatives quickly.  Overall, I'm happy as all get out ... in a mellow way ... peacefully happy ... almost euphoric!

However!  I STILL get off on The Rolling Stones doing "Brown Sugar," Jimi Hendrix doing "Vodoo Chile" and, of course, R.E.O. Speedwagon doing "Roll with the Changes!"   I'm nuts ..., and I love it!    :D

Sorry Lacy...
Discussion of doseing of HRT is forbiden fruit around here.
Sorry.

HRT is allowed, dosages are not.

Quote from: LaceyLynne on April 29, 2010, 06:50:26 AM
Hi:

Looking at your picture here, you are actually having much better results than I am!

My gender counselor is guiding my hormone replacement therapy.  I'm on estradiol and nothing else.  No androgen blockade.  No secondary estrogens.  She is nationally-renowned in her field and has been in it for nearly 30 years.  I trust her implicitly. 

Inasmuch as I'm older, I told her that I don't expect much from hormone replacement therapy physically ... I really don't.  She told me not to doubt it and said that I'd be surprised.  Many of her clients are in my age range and have excellent results.  Indeed, I actually saw one my age in her waiting room.  She looked fabulous! 

At only 4.5 months into hormone replacement therapy, maybe I'm expect too much.  After all, a GG does not blossom full-force just 4.5 months into puberty.  I'm speaking to myself here!

Going by your picture, you're doing better than I am.  Keep the faith!  My best!

L.L.    :)

My profile picture is from 2004 and I have always looked the same as I do now, even long before I started HRT. But I haven't noticed any changes from the HRT apart from a fat belly and a tiny bit of breast growth. But my fat distribution hasn't improved or changed. Also why do you think you are older than me?

You have only just started on HRT, so it's far too early to find out how it will effect you personally. But you need to be on an anti - androgen as well as estradiol. I'm not quite sure why your endocrinologist isn't giving you anti-androgens?

Quote from: Rhalkos on April 29, 2010, 04:12:06 PM
If the dose of E is high enough and effective enough; you can forego blockers.
Some people have adverse reactions to blockers and cannot take them, so this is how they compensate.
Ever noticed that FTMs don't take 'estrogen blockers'?

That's because testosterone overpowers estrogen far more easily than vice versa, which is exactly WHY anti-androgen are important.

Given the usually relatively mild side effect profile of spironolactone, I'd be interested to hear the reasons some people can't take them. (In private though, don't wanna derail the topic)

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 29, 2010, 06:10:48 AM
I'm glad that others are facing up to the reality of the situation.

Ok now really, I've been letting this drop because the Admins asked me too. But this is EXACTLY why I made those posts.

By sayings like that, you are indirectly saying that any of us who don't agree with you are denying reality.

I don't really think that's ok.  ::)

But whatever, I won't post anything else related to naturally blond.

Getting back on topic, I haven't really had any noticeable psychological effects. Maybe slightly less aggressive? For me the psychological affects are virtually nonexistent.

Physiological affects however have been many and rapid. Softer skin, facial fat redistribution, massive body hair loss. My voice has changed a lot without me really doing anything, but that's probably more subconscious if only because it's generally accepted that HRT can't do ANYTHING for that. Breast development started within the first week or so.

Personally I have nothing negative to say about HRT. The only thing I would consider a 'side effect' is having to pee more often because of spironolactone, and that's reduced a lot over time.

Quote from: Ashley4214 on April 29, 2010, 05:25:03 PM
Ok now really, I've been letting this drop because the Admins asked me too. But this is EXACTLY why I made those posts.

By sayings like that, you are indirectly saying that any of us who don't agree with you are denying reality.

I don't really think that's ok.  ::)

But whatever, I won't post anything else related to naturally blond.

You really do like an arguement don't you Ashley? You are 21 years old and HRT might work better for you being such a young age. I'm well over twice your age so give me a break! I was agreeing with Lacey who had similar effects from HRT (See post underneath:). Some people get fat around the belly from HRT and don't get the fat on the hips or butt:

Quote from: LaceyLynne on April 28, 2010, 02:56:48 PM
Virginia Marie:

I'm on hormone replacement therapy now for approximately 4.5 months.  Pretty much, I'm having the same effects that you are.  The psychological effects are the best.  I could go on and on. 

The one minus is weight around the middle.  I had very little of that before hormone replacement therapy.  The weight is around the middle and NOT at the hips!   Grrrr!   Maybe it will shift eventually. 

L.L.    :)

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 29, 2010, 05:31:14 PM
You really do like an arguement don't you Ashley? I was agreeing with Lacey who had similar effects from HRT (See post underneath:).

You were agreeing in such a way that was a put down to anyone who don't agree with your assertion that your experiences are the norm.

Anyway, lets just drop this before we incur the wrath of the admins (if I haven't already).

Any more arguing and I will request this topic locked

ENOUGH!

Some have a great experience, some have had nada.

Leave it that!

I will lock this thread if everyone does not quit the bickering,  This fair warning, the next person who decides to push it further will receive a 10 percent warning

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on April 29, 2010, 05:31:14 PM
You really do like an arguement don't you Ashley? You are 21 years old and HRT might work better for you being such a young age. I'm well over twice your age so give me a break! I was agreeing with Lacey who had similar effects from HRT (See post underneath:). Some people get fat around the belly from HRT and don't get the fat on the hips or butt:

I'd just like to reiterate the fact that some natal women carry weight on the abdomen as opposed to the hips and behind. I was a relatively normal biological female who never was able to experience weight gain on the lower body. It all went to my upper body. This is a normal occurrence that happens to many natal females and has nothing to do with whether HRT works or not (I had normal female hormone levels before HRT).

You don't necessarily need anti-androgens, especially if you are on injectables or pellets. I think LaceyLynne said she was on a very low dose of oral hrt before the dosage was edited out, so in that case I think an anti-androgen would be beneficial. Depending on the type of AA you use, there are other benefits too, such as the progestin side-effect of Androcur. Androcur will make your testosterone level plummet within a couple of weeks. Androcur is popular here in Australia, and in Europe, but I don't think it is available in the US.

In the long run you don't need an anti-androgen because E suppresses the testosterone anyway, eventually, but I think the anti-androgen sure makes the process quicker.

hrm  . . .

to divert this back on topic! 

I don't think I've seen a ton of changes on HRT but I mean the softer skin, more emotion, less sex drive has probably been the top of my list for pluses.

the only con is that I have to use the restroom a lot now because of spiro.

To Everybody:

I edited out the dosages.  Sorry!  I did not know the discussion board etiquette and protocol on this subject.  Never again shall I mention dosages or comment on this subject, for that matter.  No offense intended.  I've learned.  

FYI:  By profession, I'm a quality control coordinator of medical editors/transcriptionists for the top company in the field in the USA.  In my job, it IS ... brain surgery, open-heart surgery, orthopedic surgery, gynecological surgery ... and medications and dosages (... often very advanced ones in very precise dosages ...) all day long, every day, every year.  My eyes are "the last stop" these reports make before they go to the hospitals (top hospitals in the nation) and become people's official medical records.  Rattling of medications and dosages is second nature to me because of this.  That's why I fired off dosages and Latin abbreviations reflexively. 

Anyway, I shall NOT mention ANY dosages here on Susan's Place heretofore!

Sorry about the blunder ... Thanks!   

L.L.    ;)

Quote from: Nero on April 29, 2010, 06:18:31 PM
I'd just like to reiterate the fact that some natal women carry weight on the abdomen as opposed to the hips and behind. I was a relatively normal biological female who never was able to experience weight gain on the lower body. It all went to my upper body. This is a normal occurrence that happens to many natal females and has nothing to do with whether HRT works or not (I had normal female hormone levels before HRT).

Thank you nero - I've been thinking that for some while as I've lurked in this thread. All the women in our family are like that, massive boobs and a spare tyre around the midriff isn't my ideal look - but I have simply learnt to keep it under control. The alternative seems to be my Alison - who was like a bean pole, yet had the most feminine shaped hips and backside that I have ever seen on a transwoman - but ultimately had to have BA surgery because after decades on HRT she couldn't even get to an A cup. It's just a lottery.

The plus points of HRT are that (unless I get really ill) I feel so well all the time, I'm far more emotionally open, my language skills have improved, my small amount of body hair disappeared, and my skin is soft.

Negatives, my spatial perception, which was never that good, is rubbish (so for example I have difficulty reversing a car into a space), Weight gain all around, attacks of the munchies on days when my progesterone is high, my stamina and upper body stength is like ZERO while my thighs are now like tree trunks.

Quote from: rejennyrated on April 30, 2010, 01:47:22 AM
All the women in our family are like that, massive boobs and a spare tyre around the midriff isn't my ideal look -

Oh I wish Jenny! I have hardly any breast growth and long for 'Massive Boobs'! I have the spare tyre though!

Quote from: Rhalkos on April 30, 2010, 03:18:30 PM
Implants!  :D

Yes, I have been for a consultation already!

(An Androgyne chiming in)
I started HRT for one reason- to help control the life sucking malaise of my Gender Dysphoria. It took a transition level estrogen/spiro regimen to keep me from suicide. HRT has been a godsend.

Simply put, my brain needed the female hormones my body was unable to produce for me to be at peace with being a guy. I have not experienced any other emotional or psychological effects. As a 49 year old bean pole, the physical effects have been mild, another positive for me as it is extremely important to me to be able to present female AND as a guy. Although my libido (albeit low before HRT) has not been affected, the cessation of erections and messy orgasms is quite nice. I developed full A cup breasts within 2 months, small enough to hide when I am not in girl mode, but a huge positive to my sense of female self.

The only negative I can think of it having to take medication. I have always hated to take anything, but that is such a small price to pay for all the advantages.  I'm not sure why the medical profession seems so hesitant to prescribe HRT for other transgendered folk besides transsexuals. I mean it's not like you are going to get hooked from the first pill you put in your mouth and you'll know long before the effects become irreversible if it is right for you. I guess they just have more experience with HRT and that group?

Hi Virginia you are like the mirror situation of my spouse. S/he is a transitioning female androgyn.
I have noticed a vast improvement in hir mental stability since HRT became part of hir world.

If it works use it.

Quote from: cynthialee on May 11, 2010, 05:08:49 PMyou are like the mirror situation of my spouse. S/he is a transitioning female androgyn.

It's nice to meet you, CynthiaLee. I have actually chitchatted with your spouse a few times on the Androgyne forum. We have alot in common!

Two months tomorrow. Not very long, but whatev.

+ male hairline
+ breasts chest fat shrinking, I know they'll never all go away on their own, but still..makes showering a lot more bearable
+ voice dropping and starting to crack
+ grew a quarter inch
+ lots of "nervous male energy"!
+ drastic increase in upper arm muscle/strength
+ some fat redistribution (lost 10 pounds and beginnings of hollows in cheeks)
+ increased sexual interest
+ genital growth
+ before I came out and even before I got started on T, I was irritable, angry, aggressive, cold, mean and intolerant/insensitive to other people. Now, I'm calm, happy, friendly, easy-to-get-along with and I'm even gradually trying to let my sense of humor come out.

- fat redistributed to abs
- STUPIDLY painful menstruation - as if I didn't hate it enough
- sudden hot/cold flashes - guess it's my body temperature reconfiguring things out


Seriously, the stuff works wonders.

Quote from: fastknight on May 17, 2010, 01:11:27 AM
Two months tomorrow. Not very long, but whatev.

+ male hairline
+ breasts chest fat shrinking, I know they'll never all go away on their own, but still..makes showering a lot more bearable
+ voice dropping and starting to crack
+ grew a quarter inch
+ lots of "nervous male energy"!
+ drastic increase in upper arm muscle/strength
+ some fat redistribution (lost 10 pounds and beginnings of hollows in cheeks)
+ increased sexual interest
+ genital growth
+ before I came out and even before I got started on T, I was irritable, angry, aggressive, cold, mean and intolerant/insensitive to other people. Now, I'm calm, happy, friendly, easy-to-get-along with and I'm even gradually trying to let my sense of humor come out.

- fat redistributed to abs
- STUPIDLY painful menstruation - as if I didn't hate it enough
- sudden hot/cold flashes - guess it's my body temperature reconfiguring things out


Seriously, the stuff works wonders.

Hormone therapy seems to work much better with Female to Male transsexuals than the other way around. Most of your plus's are of course minuses for male to females and those plus's are hard to eradicate. Especially male hairlines and male fat distribution in Male to Females which are dead give away signs in the passabitly stakes.

I've met quite a few female to males and on many occasions had no idea of their origins where as male to female in the main are very easy to spot.

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 24, 2010, 04:10:29 PM
Yet their surgery can be best described as 'rudimentary'.

You could describe surgery from both genders as 'rudimentary'.

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 25, 2010, 06:26:49 PM
Yes, FTMs get the best out of hormones.
But they also get a really ->-bleeped-<-ty deal when it comes to surgery.

Usually F to M's are far less detectable in the street and male to females are usually very detectable, even in a dark club. The male body shape is far easily recognised no matter if genital surgery has been facilitated. To actually get a female body shape is very hard for male to females.

is so jealous of vexing I wanna bug her eyes out.... >:-)

No really omg you are sporting a nice figure. I would kill to look like that.

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 26, 2010, 06:19:23 PM
Really? I haven't experienced that at all.
See following diagram (**WARNING! Image not safe for work!**):

http://www.noobtown.co.nz/body.jpg (http://www.noobtown.co.nz/body.jpg)

:o You are very fortunate to have a great body shape!! Do you know of the best way to lose fat on the sides of the waist?? I have lost a decent amount of muscle and male body fat pre HRT but I can't get rid of of those love handles on the sides... besides those I am quite skinny and only about 125 lbs... though I am pretty short so the I'm not anorexic or anything at 125 lol... for about 5'2 I think that is a healthy weight.

Quote from: Stella Blue on May 27, 2010, 09:37:33 AMDo you know of the best way to lose fat on the sides of the waist?? I have lost a decent amount of muscle and male body fat pre HRT but I can't get rid of of those love handles on the sides... besides those I am quite skinny and only about 125 lbs... though I am pretty short so the I'm not anorexic or anything at 125 lol... for about 5'2 I think that is a healthy weight.

Being quite skinny might be part of the problem. Before HRT I lost over 60 pounds in 9 months, which put my BMI all the way down in the underweight range. Since then and while on HRT I have gained back about 12 pounds (5 kilos) because it was healthier, and when I did most of it went straight to my hips and breasts. The "love handles" I used to have migrated downward to blend into my upper hips and for the first time I actually had a real waist.

I have been told that you can't target specific areas for weight loss; that's not how it works. Typically you lose it in a "last on, first off" manner. Except in the case of HRT which does tend to add new weight back on into target gender appropriate places.

As for Naturally Blonde's comment which ƃuıxǝʌ replied to, that hasn't been my experience either.

Yeah I've been running mostly, and situps to tighten up the belly haha. Its been taking off a decent amount of bulk from my body but I have a ways to go. Best I can do is be more consistent with it and keep eating healthy, so if I can't get rid of that area of fat then hopefully it will blend in eventually and won't bother me soo much (once I start hormones). I plan on putting a little bit of weight back on once I start hormones I just wanted to try and get rid of what I can in muscle and male body fat beforehand.

I managed to get rid of the love-handle type stuff before starting HRT, with a very simple exercise:

You stand straight, and then lean sideways with the opposite arm over your head (so if you lean left, put your right arm over your head).  But don't lean your head on your shoulder, keep your neck aligned with your spine.  If you do it right, you should feel the stretching right in the area where the 'love handle' is.

I did that once or twice a day for 1 minute on each side, and the small bit of 'love handle' that I had went away within a couple months.  It's not a big time investment, so you don't have much to lose :).  I did it while waiting for food to heat up in the microwave...

Haha maybe I should try that. I usually just stand there with my face to the microwave, hopelessly impatient, thinking maybe if I continue to gawk at the food it will somehow be done faster.    :icon_inyourface::rolleyes:

Quote from: Stella Blue on May 27, 2010, 10:43:52 AM
Yeah I've been running mostly, and situps to tighten up the belly haha. Its been taking off a decent amount of bulk from my body but I have a ways to go. Best I can do is be more consistent with it and keep eating healthy, so if I can't get rid of that area of fat then hopefully it will blend in eventually and won't bother me soo much (once I start hormones). I plan on putting a little bit of weight back on once I start hormones I just wanted to try and get rid of what I can in muscle and male body fat beforehand.

that's actually a good idea. It worked for me and for others who have mentioned losing weight before HRT as well.

Thanks for the tip Ketsy :)

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 26, 2010, 06:19:23 PM
Really? I haven't experienced that at all.
See following diagram (**WARNING! Image not safe for work!**):

http://www.noobtown.co.nz/body.jpg (http://www.noobtown.co.nz/body.jpg)

Who is in the diagram? and where is it taken from? from the picture's the body shapes look pretty good. Most of the TS's I've seen here in England, U.K don't have that kind of fat distribution.

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 29, 2010, 02:21:54 AM
It's me; it was taken from...behind me.
I have that kind of fat distribution because I eat a lot of good fats and don't smoke or drink alcohol.

Very funny! I wish it was that easy. I've never smoked and I don't drink alchohol and I have a very good diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegtables, fish and lean meat only.

You pics are good but you have to understand that no matter what diet or intake, not everyone can achieve the same fat distribution as yours which may be due to genetics and other factors but not just based on diet.

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 29, 2010, 05:24:12 PM
I eat bags of potato chips cooked in oil, fatty curries, free-range chicken, fatty steaks, lots of steamed veges, very little fruit and a lot of carbs (noodles, bread, etc).
Sounds like you don't have enough ordinary fats in your diet.

And I think you need to understand the opposite; just because your results have been poor, doesn't mean everyone will end up like you.

That was the point I was making actually. That it varies from person to person and some get the right fat distribution and some don't, no matter what their diet. Now If I was on your diet of chips, high carbs and saturated fats my belly would be even bigger than it is now! and in the past I have tried to pig out on the foods you mention to see if I can put on weight in the right areas but it doesn't happen, and the weight went on in the wrong places far worse than it is now.

You could have 10 people on HRT and 5 might respond to it and adapt the right fat distribution and the other 5 might just get and increased male type fat distribution. Also age can sometimes come into it as well and the younger you are the more chance you might have of HRT working.

I think both vexing an naturally blonde bring forward a very important point. Just because you manage to get on HRT does not mean it works for you. We seldom hear about the people who have suffered because HRT has been a  (physical?) let down. But it is very important to understand it.  If you think you are going to look like a play girl bunny, forget it. Not many women do, (and most don't want to thank Goddess) and most pics  are heavily air brushed. I realise this comment is different to what naturally blonde and vexing are talking about but it is the same old reality check. You don't always get what you want and it can be incredibly frustrating to take on this life and not get the out comes that some other people do.  I appreciate naturally blondes comments. It puts a lot of pain into perspective.

JMO
Cindy

Whilst disappointment with results of HRT is a major issue, I can't help but think that it is one of those things that falls into the catagory of 'that's life!' because what are the alternatives? Not transition for fear of not passing or looking as good as you like? Well, I did just that and all it got me was a couple of decades of turmoil and feeling like an alien in my own body and a complete inability to form intimate relationships. My biggest fear is that I won't get the desired amount of muscle loss rather than body fat distribution,which is frankly a little odd for a genetic male as I store fat all over, incuding my breasts, at 38 I am really not expecting miricles from HRT and think that it will probably be more benificial to my head rather than my body. Whatever happens, I will try to work with what I've got and pass as well as I can and I'm really not ruling out surgery either.

I think that sometimes it is a very human thing to focus on the impossible and make that your ideal, I was talking about this with my therapist and she was saying that she thought that I would look great and pass well,but added, you're not going to be some six foot supermodel, I thought that the last thing in the world I would want to be was six feet tall and skinny, I'd like to be even shorter than I am (I'm 5' 6") with big hips and a small waist and a great big bum. The fact that my therapist is very petite and short probably explains why she sees being  six feet tall as an ideal.

HRT is a lottery for trans women at any age and the odds shift against you as you get older, we all know this,but until there is a better alternative, I'm just going to cross my fingers and try to stay positive. It could just be a total coincidence but out of the trans women that I know,the ones who have used the patches seem to get slightly better results than those who have taken oral estroegen tablets, does anyone know whether there is any fact in this?

Quote from: MillieB on May 30, 2010, 07:09:14 AM
HRT is a lottery for trans women at any age and the odds shift against you as you get older.

When I first started transitioning, I would complain to my GG friends about various physical shortcomings of mine – shoulders too broad, whiskers, nose too big, no hips, [*fill in your favorite ones here*], etc.  Almost invariably they would say: "Oh yeah, I have the same problem" or "Oh my sister is like that" or some such.  I soon learned that we all have things we'd love to have better.

HRT has been pretty kind to me, considering I didn't start until I was 65.  I was afraid that it would have little effect on me, considering my age, but I count myself lucky because it has changed my body – just not as much as I would have liked.  The big thing for me is that it makes me feel wonderful. :D

- Kate

Quote from: MillieB on May 30, 2010, 07:09:14 AM

HRT is a lottery for trans women at any age and the odds shift against you as you get older, we all know this,but until there is a better alternative, I'm just going to cross my fingers and try to stay positive. It could just be a total coincidence but out of the trans women that I know,the ones who have used the patches seem to get slightly better results than those who have taken oral estroegen tablets, does anyone know whether there is any fact in this?

You raise some interesting points Millie. I was on oral estrogen tablets for about 9 years and it wasn't working. I have been on patches for about a year and there are improvements. So my next attempt was going to be injectable HRT but it isn't lisenced in the U.K which is a shame, but implants are so I'm now going to see how I get on with those.

The problem with pills is that they get broken down so much by the digestive system that the effects are not as powerful as injections, implants or patches (in my opinion) which go more directly into the blood stream.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on May 30, 2010, 10:32:06 AM
You raise some interesting points Millie. I was on oral estrogen tablets for about 9 years and it wasn't working. I have been on patches for about a year and there are improvements. So my next attempt was going to be injectable HRT but it isn't lisenced in the U.K which is a shame, but implants are so I'm now going to see how I get on with those.

The problem with pills is that they get broken down so much by the digestive system that the effects are not as powerful as injections, implants or patches (in my opinion) which go more directly into the blood stream.

injectable estrogen isn't licensed in the UK but testosterone is? That's strange

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 30, 2010, 03:31:33 PM
Your original statement was:
"To actually get a female body shape is very hard for male to females."
Which is false. For some it is hard. For some it is easy.

OK. I know and have met many male to females that struggle to get the right fat distribution but a smaller percent like yourself do get the right fat distribution.

Quote from: ƃuıxǝʌ on May 30, 2010, 04:24:27 PM
I'm hardly unique. I know plenty of girls with good fat distribution - especially those who start in the teens or 20s.

True, but you also have great shape to your hips which is more unusual for someone who didn't start HRT at a very young age (this is meant to be a compliment and not a continuation of any argument) The truth is that your age and your genes play an important part in all of this. but there are no absolutes, I'll be happy with fairly modest results, I'll never look stunning in a bikini,  :'( But I am nearly 40! so I'll take what I can get). Superb body fat distribution does not make a woman a woman.

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on May 30, 2010, 04:04:40 PM
OK. I know and have met many male to females that struggle to get the right fat distribution but a smaller percent like yourself do get the right fat distribution.

"but I think a smaller percent".


Maybe state your opinions as opinions and not facts and people wouldn't challenge them as frequently.  ::)

Okay, I'm going to take the plunge and hijack this a little bit and ask a question (It is related to the thread, but let me know if this is bad form :embarrassed:)

So, I'm about to start HRT (I'm having my bloods done on Tuesday then have to make an appointment with the specialist, should only be a couple of weeks), I really need to lose a little weight on  my stomach so I plan to diet and get more exercise. Is this a good idea in the initial stages of HRT or will I just be depriving my body of needed proteins and fats. Should I wait until I am up and running on the hormones before dieting? or should I wait untill I have lost some weight before starting on the hormones?

As I have said, I don't have unrealistic expectations about what hormones will do for me, but I don't want to sabotage myself either. Or should I just starve myself fo the next month? :laugh:

I doubt that anyone would recommend starving yourself

What I did was eat smaller potions of healthier food and I got an exercise book that is specifically for women

I also started driving less and riding my bicycle about more and I got an oliptical exercise machine