Alright so at the age of 20 I know the body is still growing, once I start hormones how hindering to the development will the testosterone my body already produces be? And if it's really hindering how much does an orchiectomy cost on average in the U.S? o:
Part of the hormones you will be taking is a testosterone blocker so as long as everything is working correctly it shouldn't be a problem.
They prescribe anti androgens at the same time as the hormones?
Quote from: Stormy Pichu on May 22, 2015, 07:08:45 PM
They prescribe anti androgens at the same time as the hormones?
Much will depend on a medical providers outlook and experience but most MtF people end up with an androgen (testosterone) blocker like spironolactone and estradiol as the hormone. To answer your questions it would be good to understand what "development" you are concerned about. I would guess that most 20 yo people have reached a fair amount of physical maturity and HRT will provide some opportunity to change but the basic understanding around her is that "Your Mileage Will Vary" YMWV!! It is difficult to predict how you might be effected and many different experiences have been shared here. The physical changes may not be the most important part of HRT as the emotional and preceptive changes are where many of us experience relief of gender dysphoria. What is important to you?
The cost of an orchiectomy can vary depending on where it is done. An outpatient clinic procedure with a local anesthetic could be less than $4,000 while a hospital based orchiectomy under general anesthesia could easily cost more than twice that amount. The cost is not the only obstacle for some of us. Before a surgeon will do this procedure we must typically have letters of support from our physician and therapist team and then not until we have been on HRT for a year.
What drives your interests and where would you like to be in five years?
In 5 years I want to be fully transitioned ;-; the main growth I am worried about is my facial features to be plumped up a bit. I don't want huge breasts, at some point I might get them augmented to a B cup .. with proper makeup I believe I can almost pass right now, but my cheeks are not very plump, my brow ridge is prominent so I was hoping it would smooth that out a bit
There are quite a few possible ways of application for e:
topical, oral/sublingual, injection, and implant...
there is one form of application with a high dose of implanted e and bioidentical testosterone without anti androgen...
the other forms use anti androgens like spiro...
and possibly bioidentical progesterone... theory is it lessens some side effects of e, has some anti androgen effects and helps with some tissue development of breasts ( the last one was reported by some people being even some time already on e ).
Spreading the dose throughout the day for a more steady level might be of advantage.
An orchi might be of disadvantage if someone wants srs later, because less material might be available.
Concerning brows, trimming and plugging might be an idea and might make a real difference for the face...
trimming from the underside might be of advantage to optically lift the brows and shape an arch.
Having them shaped by someone knowledgable might be an idea...
otherwise there are tutorials on how to trim and shape an arch... its possible to do this step by step over some time....
otherwise its advisable to proceed carefully and check the results often.
hugs
Hey that is way cool if your feel you can almost pass now, good for you. As you have heard from people replying to your other thread, many have had wonderful results starting at any age. Some of us can deal with brow ridges with make up and hair styles (bangs) while some feel the need for surgery (FFS). I would expect that your appearance will only improve with HRT and not wanting "huge breasts" is a plus as it seems most of us will end up with a cup size smaller than our mother or sisters. That is part of the genetics you also asked about.
The styles we wear and the composure we exhibit also have a huge impact on how people look at us. Attitude and confidence go a long way. Your ability to attract a lover and the man of your dreams is the stuff of legends, poetry and songs so keep on dreaming of the day my friend.
Quote from: Laura_7 on May 22, 2015, 08:10:15 PM
there is one form of application with a high dose of implanted e and bioidentical progesterone without anti androgen...
Should be bioidentical progesterone.
There are low dose testosterone implants for post op people, which might help with orgasms and overall drive.
hugs
I want like Bs... But my body is so big small breasts might not be good, we will see, I hope to start hrt in September maybe October (edited because the auto correct is real lol)
Hope all goes well :)
hugs
You can limit your testosterone production dramatically without surgery with an anti-androgen. In fact many doctors will start you on an anti-androgen for a month or two and re-test you for your new serum testosterone levels before starting you on estradiol.... Spironolactone is very effective anti-androgen!! As a 20 year old the sooner you limit your testosterone levels the better. Most 20 year olds have a total test blood levels of around a 1000 / Most biological females have a blood level of 60... You can do the math.
Good luck with your hormone therapy.