Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: TheQuestion on June 08, 2015, 04:58:01 PM

Title: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: TheQuestion on June 08, 2015, 04:58:01 PM
I mean, I'm just about 2 months in now, about 9 weeks I guess.  I have breast buds that have been there for a couple weeks and I think my skin may be a bit lighter, softer and smoother too.  It's definitely drier.  I had some hair loss going on also and I wanna say it's stopped already and could be strengthening as well.  Aside from that though, I'm not seeing a thing.  My muscles haven't really shrunk down at all either. 

I guess I'm just worried that I'll be sitting here in 6 month-then a year-year and a half etc, without looking any different.  I mean, I do feel like my chest will get a bit bigger, but I'm worried I won't get any facial softening or fat redistribution.  I'm just sketched out I guess.

I really shouldn't be seeing anything much at all in just over 2 months though, right?  All that's happened is I've gained 10-15lbs, which was on purpose.  I'm gonna cycle down and up a few times during the process.  I was on a low dose for the first month, then they doubled it the second, and then doubled again a few days ago.  I'm at what should be the "right dose" according to my Dr. and had breast buds come in at about 7 weeks with a fairly low dose, so hopefully that means I'm responding quickly.  It seems a little quick.  It's just that I don't look much different.  I know I'm probably way too early to really have any results show, but am I?  My facial hair hasn't even been totally cleared yet either, probably a couple more laser sessions.  So I'm probably just jumping the gun, but I don't know... 
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: on June 08, 2015, 05:05:33 PM
Quote from: TheQuestion on June 08, 2015, 04:58:01 PMI really shouldn't be seeing anything much at all in just over 2 months though, right?

Right!  Being patient is a hard thing to do when doing this, and that's much much easier said than done, but... it's the God honest truth.  2 months is too soon to see noticeable results, but you're getting results already!
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: Rachel on June 08, 2015, 08:12:47 PM
HRT takes time and patience.
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: Mariah on June 08, 2015, 08:24:31 PM
Don't mess around with your HRT. Please leave that to your doctors. Secondly, messing around with it could make it less affective and even your body less responsive. It takes patience and I know that is easier said than done, but it's worth it. I was worried about that too and now a any bra smaller than an B cup isn't an option. It happens when you least expect it. Hugs
Mariah
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: sam1234 on June 08, 2015, 09:24:04 PM
There really isn't any "typical" when it comes to the body's reaction to hormones. We are all individuals, so what happens to one person on HRT might not happen to another.

If you are heavily muscled, providing you are training, then you might want to cut back on your training. Eventually your muscles will atrophy. Don't give it up all together though because you want toned small muscles rather than large massive muscles.

I agree with Mariah that you need to leave your HRT to your Dr. Its ok to tell your Dr. about any concerns you have, but messing around with doses and timing can be dangerous and just isn't worth the risk.

For the past 26 years, I've been on testosterone, but recently a physician dropped my levels way down. They were so low that when I changed Dr.s, I was close to having to begin all over again. This is my second month on a higher dose and the same things that happened the first time are happening this time. It will be a while before I'm back to where I should be. Sometimes you just have to let your body advance at the rate that it needs to.

I understand your wanting things to change quickly, but you have the rest of your life to live in the right body. Having to wait a couple of extra months is not that long in the scheme of things.

The other thing is to remember that if you haven't had your testes removed yet, your body is dealing with both hormones. Everyone produces both hormones, but not at those levels. Give it time and enjoy watching the change. It will come in its own time. Relax.

sam1234
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: Jennygirl on June 08, 2015, 09:48:15 PM
You're probably jumping the gun a little bit, but there are other treatment options if one doesn't seem to be doing the trick.

Especially if you're on oral administration, there are shots and pellets which are known to be much more effective. Oral route has a built in bottleneck when it hits the liver, as I understand it. Much of the Estradiol is converted into Estrone, which is the cause behind all those nasty side effects and slowed/stunted feminization.

Overall, the facial changes will be subtle due to the underlying bone structures (goes with any kind of HRT). if you have a more masculine bone structure, hormones can only do so much. Meanwhile, breast and body development are definitely heavily dependent upon the administration method.

I have been on pellets the whole time and I have had great results, B cup at 6 months on a tiny frame (at the time). There are also several others here who swear by pellets. Unfortunately not too many docs are keen, you might have to look hard for a doctor that offers them.
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: TheQuestion on June 09, 2015, 11:30:22 AM
Well, I'm not planning on changing my doses; I've never though of doing that. I'm also not heavely muscled at all. I already have slim and toned muscles. I'm 6'0 and usually 145lbs. There thinner than a lot of womens. They just have a masculine look for some reason. I guess its the tone, but I don't know. They arent even muscular looking unless I flex. I also don't have a very masculine face. I've been told my face probably won't need ffs, but its probably a great face to work with, so I want it anyway; but I'm still hoping for fair results from hrt beforehand.

Overall, aside from my height and hands, I'm probably in good shape right now if I just had ffs, new clothes and grew my hair out. I could maybe even do without ffs. I'm just worried nothing will happen from hrt. I have pretty thin legs, but there really knobby and I need some reshaping. Its like, a lot of things I almost like, but need a little help and I'm just worried I'll get boobs and nothing else.

Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: KayXo on June 10, 2015, 02:57:33 PM
I feminized to a greater extent on injectables. Also, your own perception of yourself might be biased, best to judge from reaction of people who didn't know you as a guy. ;) and finally, HRT takes some time so be patient. Sucks, but it is what it is!
Title: Re: Should I be Seeing Anything???
Post by: Laura_7 on June 10, 2015, 03:29:34 PM
Quote from: Jennygirl on June 08, 2015, 09:48:15 PM
I have been on pellets the whole time and I have had great results, B cup at 6 months on a tiny frame (at the time). There are also several others here who swear by pellets. Unfortunately not too many docs are keen, you might have to look hard for a doctor that offers them.

Well they are made by compounding pharmacies... sometimes people just have to know, it might be possible to talk with an endo about it.

They are imo even listed as alternative if other methods are less advantageous... not wanting needles, thick skin...


hugs