Well it's been four weeks since I've started HRT and I've noticed some significant (but still minor) changes. From top to bottom:
- My hair is definitely a different texture now and my old product just isn't working. My bald spot is filling in, but not significantly. Still, it's been only four weeks. I hope to be able to transition full-time without a wig, but I'm not holding out hope. I think my next haircut I'm going to find a stylist (in the St Louis area) who I can be open and honest with and see what s/he thinks.
- Brain and emotional wise I don't feel much different, although my g/f says that my emotions have definitely shifted to be more feminine and there was one day I wanted to snap at everyone for everything and another day I was stressed and my first thought was "I need chocolate." LOL. The T-blockers have lessened my yelling at other drivers quite a bit, although my ex got me going the other nice.
- As for sexual attraction, my pre-HRT fantasies were almost always about women (I consider myself heteroflexible) but in a submissive role. Now (when I have them) they are almost always about men. I am in a relationship with a woman right now and still enjoy her company/companionship/intimacy so I don't see myself leaving her. As for sex, her and I were talking about threesomes even before I began my transition.
- My facial hair has slowed and is my lighter and I believe my skin is smoother. It feels different.
- My chest hair growth has also slowed, but it's still there :(. I also still feel my back muscles although I have had more trouble opening up a twist cap and jar of PBJ (love my Goobers).
- My skin is smoother and much more sensitive to touch.
- I have had some breast development. I am up to an "A" cup now although to be honest I had a bit of a head start with my "man boobs." My boobettes have even started to jiggle when I go over a speed bump and they almost touch each other when I lay on my side.
- No more morning "wake up calls" and "it" is pretty dysfunctional although if I work at it, it does come alive. The "output" is much different. While I used "it" quite a bit in the past, I really don't miss it.
- Legs are smoother and hair growth is almost non-existent.
- Finally, I am putting on fat on my hips and butt :).
Overall I am pleased with the progress, although I'm hoping to keep everything "underwraps" until Spring. Not sure that's going to happen. My 20 year old daughter (I am not out to my kids yet) already noticed my hair being different.
I think of all the changes so far, the fact that I can look others--and myself--in the eyes more has been by far the best. The jiggling boobettes and increased sensitivity in my skin are second and third.
I plan to stay on low doses another two months when I go back to my endo for a follow-up appointment when I'm hoping to get bumped up in dosage. In the meantime I plan to work on my voice, get a new pair of glasses, mess with my hairstyle, and check into laser hair removal.
Guess that's it for now...I'm sure I forgot something and thanks for allowing me to share.
I'd post a four week photo but I haven't figured out how to do that yet :(.
That sound like excellent progress for such a short time! You're moving along nicely :)
It gives me hope on how I can do when I get my chance.
Yay for the update! You have to put your pictures on an image hosting site and copy and paste the code here. I use Photobucket, but there are lots of different ones. Hugs, Devlyn
Congrats! I just finished four weeks exactly today also but you are ahead of me on effects - are you on E as well as AAs? I've been on a low dose of Spiro only for now but it was quadrupled in dosage today after receiving another perfect clean bill of health from my doctor. What I've achieved from it is a more relaxed mind, calmer nerves and less fatigue. As these were some of my primary goals I'm delighted for it. I'm not expecting any noticeable physical changes until E is phased in likely a couple months from now after I've reached full Spiro dosage without complications.
Yay for progress! :icon_dance: Thanks for sharing the good news. :)
*HUGS*
Amy
Quote from: Violet Bloom on October 16, 2013, 07:27:18 PM
Congrats! I just finished four weeks exactly today also but you are ahead of me on effects - are you on E as well as AAs? I've been on a low dose of Spiro only for now but it was quadrupled in dosage today after receiving another perfect clean bill of health from my doctor. What I've achieved from it is a more relaxed mind, calmer nerves and less fatigue. As these were some of my primary goals I'm delighted for it. I'm not expecting any noticeable physical changes until E is phased in likely a couple months from now after I've reached full Spiro dosage without complications.
Looks like you started exactly two days after I did! We're almost twins. LOL.
I am on a low does of E as well as two AAs--Spiro as well as Finestraide (sp).
I am anxious to up my dosage, but both my endo and therapist want to give it three months so they can draw some blood to see where I am and honestly, I am okay taking things slow. Lots to learn and lots of clothes to buy!
Okay let's try this...keep in mind that I am still very much in "guy" mode. I am slowly transitioning my wardrobe (more colorful business clothes and gender neutral women's clothes like a pair of tennis shoes with light blue highlights) but it's going to take a while and I don't want to rush things.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi803.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fyy318%2Fjane_nicole1%2FOneMonthHRTSidebySide2_zpse55af284.jpg&hash=6da55b2ebb709c66bb479796779a4b896c32754a) (http://s803.photobucket.com/user/jane_nicole1/media/OneMonthHRTSidebySide2_zpse55af284.jpg.html)
By the way, in the middle picture I am sporting my Manchester City Jersey. I believe that's the day they beat Manchester United 3-1 or something like that. Great game. I was lucky enough to see them in St. Louis back in May.
And again, I realize the changes are subtle and probably more noticeable by me and those who I am close with...
Quote from: JaneNicole2013 on October 16, 2013, 08:17:44 PM
Looks like you started exactly two days after I did! We're almost twins. LOL.
I am on a low does of E as well as two AAs--Spiro as well as Finestraide (sp).
I am anxious to up my dosage, but both my endo and therapist want to give it three months so they can draw some blood to see where I am and honestly, I am okay taking things slow. Lots to learn and lots of clothes to buy!
First day was September 18 - Looks like you're going to be the 'big sister' though seeing as you've already been given a full slate of meds! I'm being ramped up to full Spiro dosage over two months and then considered for E to be added after three months. I've had a blood test for the initial intake, one for the sperm banking clinic, one for HRT starting reference, then one at three weeks in and soon another at six weeks in. Vampires, I tell ya! By the time they're satisfied my veins will be coursing with pure hormones and no blood at all. No Finestaide required for me, thankfully. And on top of that I'd actually already been growing a number of new hairs on my head solely from escaping depression and decreased stress it seems. My hairline could use a little help eventually, but for now having grown my hair out to shoulder-length it helps cover that (except when the wind kicks up). That was quite a marathon - it took a year and a half to get that long and it was all crazy looking in between until it could be trimmed right.
I started with my current doctor in full female presentation and a pretty thorough wardrobe. I always maintain that for the appointments but am taking it slow in terms of family and friends. It would be nice to have some real physical changes before going full time because it will mean less fakery and unnecessary clothing layers to create my image. At the moment I'm out and about once or twice a week.
Quote from: Violet Bloom on October 16, 2013, 11:30:10 PM
At the moment I'm out and about once or twice a week.
I'm not quite there yet, but working on it :)
Congrats. Keep us posted. Hugs Shannon