Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: RedheadWhovian on November 29, 2015, 07:41:59 PM

Title: I Have Started!
Post by: RedheadWhovian on November 29, 2015, 07:41:59 PM
Just so happy to announce that I have officially started on Spiro and Estradiol! Today is day 3. What's it going to be like? I've done so much of my homework on this, but I'm still always looking forward to hearing other perspectives. Also, while I am very excited, there are still a lot of things that worry me going forward. I hope they work well!

<3 Katie
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: Ms Grace on November 30, 2015, 01:45:57 AM
Congrats! Before you know it it'll be a week, a month, a year...
Good times ahead I hope! :)
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: katrinaw on November 30, 2015, 06:24:43 AM
Yay, congrats I recall how over the moon I was too

But don't keep checking for change, it will drive you insane, it did too me ;)

L Katy xxxx
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: MeghanMe on December 06, 2015, 12:20:17 PM
Congratulations! You're almost through a week now, hope everything is going to plan. I'm a few days behind you. :)
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: Rachel on December 06, 2015, 12:44:18 PM
Congratulations :)
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: RedheadWhovian on December 06, 2015, 05:08:52 PM
Thank you all so much for your kind words! <3
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: melissa_h on December 07, 2015, 12:21:09 PM
Congrats :)

What's it like?  I'm only about 5 weeks in, but what I'd say is this: You're likely hyper aware for anything that shifts in your body right now, the first 2 weeks will primarily be an adjustment to the meds.  Alongside that, likely a confidence boost, from making a big choice and getting to proceed with it. At some times, you might feel like you have a bit of "brain fog", but at others, you'll feel a better clarity of purpose in all that you do.

Fairly quickly I found my sleep patterns had changed and I was going to bed earlier.  Some dehydration in the second week lead to some occasional cramping/fatigue in my legs (I tripled the amount of water that I was drinking).

Libido (and discharge) will change, for me, started by week 3.

By the end of the first month, I felt my first real budding in the breast area  (nipples being a bit more erect happened by the 2nd week, but no real change til end of week 4).

Your mileage may vary :)
Title: Re: I Have Started!
Post by: KayXo on December 07, 2015, 01:37:43 PM
Quote from: melissa_h on December 07, 2015, 12:21:09 PM
Some dehydration in the second week lead to some occasional cramping/fatigue in my legs (I tripled the amount of water that I was drinking).

Equally important is eating enough salt as this will help retain water and balance out potassium so as not to have side-effects like cramps and fatigue. We have been bombarded with the idea that salt is harmful but when one takes spironolactone, this recommendation isn't valid anymore as lots of salt is lost from the body. We must adapt to circumstances and not remain rigid.