As the testicles shrink--o, and are they guaranteed to shrink too? I mean is it possible they wouldn't? But as they do, what happens to the skin, the sack? Does it reduce in size as well, or do you end up with a lot of loose skin down there?
And I think I already know the answer to this question, but after you've become sterile, do you still need to take an AA?
(I think the answer is yes, that you need to take an AA until the testicles are removed)
O' and how do you know when you're permanently sterile? Is it pretty much a given after a certain amount of time?
I'm not sure if they're guaranteed to shrink. Mine aren't all that much smaller, so from my experience they may not shrink... but that may be something wrong with me, rather than a result that truly indicates whether or not testes always shrink on HRT. The scrotal skin shrinks with the testes, so you don't end up with a terrible amount of loose skin - just a normal amount of it.
And yes, you take AAs until you have no testes. As for sterility, it's variable - some people can become fertile again if they stop HRT after x time, some people can't. As for when sterility occurs in HRT... the generalization is six months, but that doesn't apply to everyone. After a year or so, though, I'd say it's a given if one's hormone levels are where they should be.
I hope so! I can't wait for mine to shribble up!
As with the earlier post it varies with individuals, but I've read it can happen anywhere between 3-12 months.
This is all very interesting. I am all ready to start taking hormones now so I will keep you guys updated with the effects....the thought of them shrinking and becoming sterile makes me very happy.
I feel like pointing a medical disclaimer: while infertility is a side effect of hormone therapy, the speed and effect varies so it shouldn't be viewed as birth control by proxy.
AAs may not be necessary if the oestrogen alone can keep the testosterone levels down. It is obviously dependant on your own metabolism and there is no hard and fast rule.
I was able to drop it after only 6 months.
Some clinics in Europe do not use AAs at all.
Caroline
After 18 months of HRT, mine have shrunk by about %15-25. My "other part" has shrunk by about %45-50. I could care les about the shrinkage, other than the possibility of not having enough material for GRS. I would rather not have a skin graft if possible.
I had a vasectomy 10 years ago so becoming sterile due to HRT is a non issue in my case, I am pretty excited though for the boy parts to shrink noticeably!
I will be starting HRT in a month or so :)
Quote from: Kelly J. P. on January 01, 2013, 03:02:06 PM
The scrotal skin shrinks with the testes, so you don't end up with a terrible amount of loose skin - just a normal amount of it.
WRONG After 14 months my testicules shrunk by 60% but my scrotal skin and everything else did not shrunk at all.
Quote from: PrincesseAlli on January 02, 2013, 10:44:19 AM
WRONG After 14 months my testicules shrunk by 60% but my scrotal skin and everything else did not shrunk at all.
I'm jealous! And I want to add that you are absolutely beautiful!
Quote from: PrincesseAlli on January 02, 2013, 10:44:19 AM
WRONG After 14 months my testicules shrunk by 60% but my scrotal skin and everything else did not shrunk at all.
Well, that's fortunate. Having lots of SRS material is a plus.
Mine have shrunk about 60%. I lost 40% of skin.
The third element shrunk about 10%
after 8 months mine have shrunk maybe 15-25%...It is hard to remember what they were or quantify it. There is a local endo (not mine) that measures testicle size at each visit though so it must be cool to have it documented.
I am not convinced that skin can actually shrink. They crease and folds rather than actually shrink me thinks.
Quote from: Keroppi on January 16, 2013, 09:54:27 AM
I am not convinced that skin can actually shrink. They crease and folds rather than actually shrink me thinks.
You are probably right.
My average size varies from 1in - 2in nowadays. The skin I believe is still there, it just doesn't expand like it used to. Not often at least.
I am very happy with my heightened response though~