Hello everyone.
From what I have been reading here, it seems that many people here are in the process of HRT and have enjoyed it quite a bit. While I do not think I am considering hormones for the time being, I'm very curious as to what happens, emotionally, physically and mentally. I am a possible MtF, but I'm interested in hearing experiences from both sides. Any and all stories are welcome, I'd love to hear them.
Thanks all,
Michael
Oh boy do hormones kick you in the balls and cut your phone line so you can't call for help. Emotionally, it really can hit you. I breakdown crying for no reason, and I could never cry since I was little(long story, battle hardened person) Crying becomes very easy and just feeling general emotions becomes normal, unlike how men are. Oh, the pain. Physical changes always follow with the strangest pains and aches. I remember driving around and feeling the most annoying pain in my pelvis when moving my foot to the brake pedal. Your skin gets itchy and stretch marks are very common. On your breasts, thighs, buttock, etc. Mentally, a lot can happen. I feel that for everyone it's different. You do feel a lot of changes in your thought pattern for one thing. I have just random thoughts about female things, things I'd never think about before. It's just a roller coaster of changes, but it's the beauty of transitioning. It's a journey. Quite an adventure I've had over my 1.5 year on HRT.
HRT, for me, reduced my dysphoria to a livable condition. There are a lot of positive changes and I can not think of one negative. Some of the changes include, soft skin, more emotions, a fog lifting, seeing colors better, better sense of smell, calm and the battles are over in my head.
If you don't mind me asking, Willow and Cynthia, do you ever regret it? Or has it been a life-changer for you?
Im glad u said it. Im new here on hormones, and im also intrested in actual stories from people who have gone through, this early time im currently in now. Its like i feel good and different and excited, but still scared. Feels like im a step or week maybe days from experiencing all the crazy emotions. And pain and such. Things are changing but slowly, the good news is i feel at peace inside my soul. I know im new but any real advice or experiences would help me too.
Steph
Quote from: stephee72 on February 09, 2015, 08:46:19 PM
Im glad u said it. Im new here on hormones, and im also intrested in actual stories from people who have gone through, this early time im currently in now. Its like i feel good and different and excited, but still scared. Feels like im a step or week maybe days from experiencing all the crazy emotions. And pain and such. Things are changing but slowly, the good news is i feel at peace inside my soul. I know im new but any real advice or experiences would help me too.
Steph
Steph- As you can see by my "ticker" I am very, very early in HRT, and older (64). My MD recommended pellets (placed SQ in the buttocks area) to provide more consistent blood levels of estrogen. In the first week I can tell you this: first, I have a sense of being content. Hard to describe, but it just feels like I am in a good space. Second, I am calmer; less agitation about little things. Third, my dreams seem more vibrant. Fourth, my exercise tolerance with weights is not what it was. I am now doing less weight and more reps, but endurance and recovery time are not what they were. Fifth, my appetite is more acute. Food really tastes better. Soooooooooo, don't know it this helps, and frankly, don't know if all of these things are estrogen related, but I don't think it is coincidental that they started when I started HRT. Blessings, and big hugs. Sheila
HRT is a case of your mileage may vary. It will have effects of many levels, physical and emotional. Depending on the medicine used, the delivery method used (oral, patch, gel, injection, implant) and your genetic set up you may have a quick response or slower, it may improve your mood or it may make things bumpier - -a lot depends on what you take in with you at the starting point. I've been on it 18 months and it has been great, not a single regret (except that sooner would have been better!).
HRT does not "turn you into a genetic woman" it does not help you "look like a genetic woman", there are many aspects of a masculinised body that it cannot alter, but it will significantly feminise your body over time (breasts, reduced body hair, thickening of head hair providing it's not too thin already, softer skin, change of fat deposits and loss of muscle mass, etc). HRT is not the only part of transition but it is still quite significant. It won't get rid of your bears, it won't make your voice higher, won't make your hips grow, it won't change the size of your hands, feet, nose, etc.. So weigh your expectations accordingly.
Sheila,
Thanks for your reply. I am new on hrt myself. Christmas time I started. I have prevoiusly experimented with herbs in my twenties, use hormone cream in my thirties, but this time I just went for the whole thing. So far so good I feel good inside, no real panic. No major changes yet either. Some swelling, just more of the moobs thing, havent gotten that hard lump that is talked about or the emotions yet. Trying to be patient, but it is hard to be. I will be at 8 weeks this saturday. Good luck I look forward to hearing from you again. Love Steph