I have been on HRT for 3 weeks. I am 49 so this was a late start. The first thing I noticed was after about 5 days my sense of smell changed, can't say if it was better or worse, but things began to smell different i noticed new smells as I took my daily walks. On that same note some spicy foods which I really liked now seem overpowering maybe my taste buds are more sensitive. I have also noticed when I get mad I don't have near the intensity of anger that I would felt 3 weeks ago. The first week of Estrogen and Spiro I actually had more morning erections and feelings in my Testes than normal, however by week 2 my feelings there decreased considerably. I had very good dreams the first 2 weeks don't remember much about them but that they were pleasant, but week three I had a few strange dreams so maybe the good dreams aren't a permanent thing.
Physically after about 10 days I felt a twitching in my breasts and now after 3 weeks I see a definite enlargement of my breasts. I am also getting fat deposits on my thighs which is semi good, though I need to hit the gym to make that fat go away rather than redistribute throughout the body. I also passed a kidney stone on my 3rd week, At first I thought Oh No kidney problems and I stopped meds for 2 days, but then I confirmed that if had just been a kidney stone moving (not sure if hormones made that happen)
Anyway I think the best thing is that it has made me feel good. Almost feel like saying that this has been a great anti depressant, however I don't think taking Hormones as a antidepressant is a good idea since much more is involved.
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23031157_10204290177769880_1263300217289755705_n.jpg?oh=308923c069ab476e473e62e3684bb836&oe=5A6364CF (https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23031157_10204290177769880_1263300217289755705_n.jpg?oh=308923c069ab476e473e62e3684bb836&oe=5A6364CF)
Dehydration can contribute to kidney stones and spironolactone can dehydrate because it flushes out sodium and water. You need to drink enough plain water and eat salt to remain hydrated, very important. Also, not overdo it with caffeine containing drinks/sodas.
Estrogen has been reported to have antidepressant effects in ciswomen. :)
Congrats on your journey. HRT is a wild but slow ride. Everyone experiences different results at different rates. For me the mental clarity and the softening of skin was the first thing I noticed that beginning week. Now after three months I have itty bitty titties and a few other nice things. We've still got a long way to go but I'm enjoying it.
Thank you for the replies. I am drinking lots and lots of water to keep everything moving through my systems. I guess now I am getting to the point that others have told me about where your nipple is hurting all the time. I cannot wear a not soft Tee shirt even a sports bra seems to rub against them and causes a slight discomfort as I take my walks every day. I find that wearing a silk pajama top at night while sleeping rubs less against them . I have been told this will last for about a year . I am going to try some softer bras that would have less friction. I don't have enough growth of the breast yet to necessitate a bra, but this is going to jump start a daily routine of bra wearing.
Hi NCmuse
Welcome and come on in. The road on HRT is certainly full of adventure when you start out. Enjoy it while it remains new for you. It's great. I am curious why you added the picture link in this thread. Is it you?
Hugs,
Laurie
Im about 6 weeks in taking spiro and estradiol. I think the emotions for me are starting to kick in and ive always been an emotional person.. I think ive been getting hot flashes too.
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My first setback, my provider said to call her when my first batch of pills ran out and she would renew the meds. She told me I didn't need an appointment. I have 2 days of pills left. Now her message box has someone elses message and the front desk says I need an appointment to talk to here. Next appointment available is 2 weeks. I am pretty sure the person at the desk is just confused. I hate to look for a new provider one month after starting HRT but this is ridiculous.
Quote from: dist123 on November 19, 2017, 01:05:12 PM
Im about 6 weeks in taking spiro and estradiol. I think the emotions for me are starting to kick in and ive always been an emotional person.. I think ive been getting hot flashes too.
Hot flashes are a sign that too little E and/or T is present in your system. Not good. This should be discussed with your doctor ASAP.
Quote from: NCmuse on November 19, 2017, 08:22:07 AM
Thank you for the replies. I am drinking lots and lots of water to keep everything moving through my systems. I guess now I am getting to the point that others have told me about where your nipple is hurting all the time. I cannot wear a not soft Tee shirt even a sports bra seems to rub against them and causes a slight discomfort as I take my walks every day. I find that wearing a silk pajama top at night while sleeping rubs less against them . I have been told this will last for about a year . I am going to try some softer bras that would have less friction. I don't have enough growth of the breast yet to necessitate a bra, but this is going to jump start a daily routine of bra wearing.
Camisoles are your friend :) I went to old navy on some sale and got a dozen, fixed that sensitivity problem. It really hurts and sucks with regular cotton undershirts. I couldn't stand it anymore. Now no issues. I was using band aids for a while and that helped, but was not a long term solution as it gets pretty expense pretty quickly!
Quote from: KayXo on November 22, 2017, 04:29:16 PM
Hot flashes are a sign that too little E and/or T is present in your system. Not good. This should be discussed with your doctor ASAP.
Im barely 2 months in though isnt it too soon?
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Quote from: dist123 on November 22, 2017, 05:02:47 PM
Im barely 2 months in though isnt it too soon?
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You shouldn't be getting any at all. I've been on HRT over two years and have never had that.
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Quote from: NCmuse on November 14, 2017, 09:46:28 AM
I have been on HRT for 3 weeks. I am 49 so this was a late start. The first thing I noticed was after about 5 days my sense of smell changed, can't say if it was better or worse, but things began to smell different i noticed new smells as I took my daily walks. On that same note some spicy foods which I really liked now seem overpowering maybe my taste buds are more sensitive. I have also noticed when I get mad I don't have near the intensity of anger that I would felt 3 weeks ago. The first week of Estrogen and Spiro I actually had more morning erections and feelings in my Testes than normal, however by week 2 my feelings there decreased considerably. I had very good dreams the first 2 weeks don't remember much about them but that they were pleasant, but week three I had a few strange dreams so maybe the good dreams aren't a permanent thing.
Physically after about 10 days I felt a twitching in my breasts and now after 3 weeks I see a definite enlargement of my breasts. I am also getting fat deposits on my thighs which is semi good, though I need to hit the gym to make that fat go away rather than redistribute throughout the body. I also passed a kidney stone on my 3rd week, At first I thought Oh No kidney problems and I stopped meds for 2 days, but then I confirmed that if had just been a kidney stone moving (not sure if hormones made that happen)
Anyway I think the best thing is that it has made me feel good. Almost feel like saying that this has been a great anti depressant, however I don't think taking Hormones as a antidepressant is a good idea since much more is involved.
https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23031157_10204290177769880_1263300217289755705_n.jpg?oh=308923c069ab476e473e62e3684bb836&oe=5A6364CF (https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23031157_10204290177769880_1263300217289755705_n.jpg?oh=308923c069ab476e473e62e3684bb836&oe=5A6364CF)
Many of us have reported the exact same changes. A more calm demeanor, fat redistribution and breast sensitivity are all part of the experience. Enjoy the ride, as we say! :-*
Thanks to all who have replied. One of my greatest fears was going through this alone and I have confidence now that I can chat here with some legit people. (I have been on sites filled with mostly trolls before). Anyway I managed to phone my doctor (the answer machine had gotten filled over the weekend, and the calls forwarded to another office when I called earlier). She doubled my doses of Estradol and Spiro. Strangely I seem to have less feeling in the breast now than I did with the half doses I started on. I guess maybe you feel the first little changes but then get used to it. Before I started hormones I made a habit to at least put on makeup and go out in femme at least 2 times a week, I guess to kind of validate myself and confirm that that was who I wanted to be. Now that I am actually taking physical steps in that direction I think I have only put on Make up once this month. I guess since I actually am working on the changes I don't need to justify myself and I present myself somewhat androgynous.
I hope that everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and thanks again for all the support.
I have been on HRT for 2 months now. The first month was half doses, for the past month it has been full doses. THe first month and a half it was mostly wonderful feelings, a small physical change but great emotional relief. However the last 2 weeks I have been feeling physically drained all the time and just lacking energy. I am thinking the spiro has eliminated most of the testoterone in my body. I am hoping that my body makes adjustments and that I get more energy somewhere because I feel frumpy all the time. My nipples also are sore quite a bit now so I know the estradol is working. The good news is that the anger that I had a few months ago is gone and I still feel good in general, but am physically tired quite a bit. I think I have also lost all male sexual feelings I am not sure if that has to do with the general loss of energy or if I am getting different emotional thought paths.
I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Hey it seems we started around the same time? I'll be 3 months in next week. I definitely felt tired but drinking more water and getting more salt in helped.
I felt the same way and stopped wanting to use makeup as much too! I go out maybe once a week with makeup and mostly it's to cover any facial hair. I do like using lip gloss, mascara and eyelashes. But I still feel like I look boyish... it sucks!
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Congratulations I Happy for and if you think your nipple hurts now just wait until you forget that your body now sticks out more and bit a door. I am good through the tired phase again and I am almost at a year.
Quote from: dist123 on December 20, 2017, 07:55:17 AM
Hey it seems we started around the same time? I'll be 3 months in next week. I definitely felt tired but drinking more water and getting more salt in helped.
I felt the same way and stopped wanting to use makeup as much too! I go out maybe once a week with makeup and mostly it's to cover any facial hair. I do like using lip gloss, mascara and eyelashes. But I still feel like I look boyish... it sucks!
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I dont think you look boyish, when I started with makeup I used darker colours now I use lighter neutral ones. You learn what works best with you
This week has been an emotional roller coaster. The good is I do not get riled up with anger. However I think I feel every other feeling over the course of 24 hours. Before I started HRT I had read about the changes and thought I knew what to expect. However actually going through these emotions is something I can't really describe. It is kinda like what everyone says, but completely different. I am a little disappointed right now that I am feeling no sexual urges, I was a gay male however now I have no attraction to guys and no attraction to women either and this is true through all 20 emotions I am going through every day now. I am hoping that maybe things will stabilize soon and I will feel one way at least for a full day at a time. I imagine this is what people have meant when they talk about going through puberty a second time.
But wait!!!! There's more!! Yep better tighten that seat belt a little tighter the ride has just started. It's called a second puberty because it is. Puberty is emotions an physical change as your body and mind reconfigure themselves into a new configuration with all that that entails. Emotions all over the place at inconvenient times. Physical changes as things grow along with various amounts of growing pains and sensations. Yep, it all there. Now hold on tight and try to enjoy the ride.
Hugs,
Laurie
Quote from: NCmuse on December 20, 2017, 06:14:19 AM
I have been on HRT for 2 months now. The first month was half doses, for the past month it has been full doses. THe first month and a half it was mostly wonderful feelings, a small physical change but great emotional relief. However the last 2 weeks I have been feeling physically drained all the time and just lacking energy. I am thinking the spiro has eliminated most of the testoterone in my body.
I was the same way, starting in mid-July I only seemed to regain my energy earlier this month. In month 3 I really began to feel the loss of upper body muscle, which I found amusing actually, it's kind of weird to suddenly have trouble lifting your arms. I figured the general malaise was more of the same; I'd be taking 3 hour naps after getting home from work. My arms are fine now, I had to rebuild some muscles I guess, and the rest of the body did the same thing, so perhaps this is the mechanism involved.
Since the beginning of this month I have tons of energy, plus lots of enthusiasm about things in general. Libido vanished in a puff of smoke, genitals visibly shrank and breasts grew a bit. Maybe you'll get your groove back in a few months as well.
I doubt my hormones were the culprit with the fatigue, my levels these days are normal and I only had dosages changed once beforehand.
Not sure if this thread is the right place to keep posting, but it gives me something to look back at as I move along. I spent 23 years in the Army and after I retired I was diagnosed with PTSD. Not very active but occasionaly things like being stuck in the middle of a crowd, or stuck in unmoving traffic for hours set me off. I also had super graphic violent gory dream once or twice a month. Sometimes I would wake up and be troubled by them for a day or more afterwards. When I began serious therapy about Gender identity I stopped having those dreams and hadn't had one for about 18 months until Friday night. I had thought most of my anexieties and testoterone rushes had gone away so that dream really shocked me. Right now is a strange time I guess lots of new feelings I just hope the PTSD stuff doesn't come back any more.
It has been almost 3 months now. It is funny I read all the forums for months before I started so I thought I knew what to expect. However it is what everyone says, but totally different. I now have noticeable breasts I cannot go anywhere without trying to conceal them or flaunting them. I was balding and it seems my head hair is beginning to grow back a little. I had done a couple passes over my face with laser and was doing 2 1 hour electrolysis sessions a month. I have had about 10 hours of electrolysis. I had thought I would be clearer in the face before my breasts began growing. I have probably cleared half of the hair follicles on my face and the laser has made all the remaining hairs light and thinner. I can go maybe 4 days before my facial hair becomes noticeable. So I need to shave every 4 days to keep my face from looking to male. If I go out I look androgynous without makeup and when I put on make up I am semi passable. I still have a long way to go on the voice.
The tiredness lasted about 3 weeks and does not seem as bad now, I guess my body is adjusting to the changes. Some mornings I wake up and say why am I doing this, there is no going back now. However looking in the mirror and seeing a woman there I just feel amazing. While wearing a bra is a pain it is also wonderful .
My biggest issue right now is body hair, it is a constant battle keeping it in check it seems to be growing faster now than before I started hormones. Nothing like getting up admiring your breasts just to look at the side and see your back hair raging out of control. I hope that it is thinning but it is hard to tell, especilly when you shave it a lot you don't see how much is actually there.
I guess I need to change my title to (Almost) 4 months of Spiro and estradiol. The mental effect is still amazing. My thinking seems clearer and the anger that once plagued me is gone. I have had some sexual effects I no longer even think of my boy parts. The good and bad is that my breasts are growing and I constantly have feeling there. The down side is that I often awake from my sleep with sore breasts. I am still doing electrolysis 2 times a month, probably need to do more but finances are an issue with that now. I would encourage anyone thinking of starting HRT to read through most of the posts on this forum, while everyones experience is unique, my reading about other's journey's prepared me for what I was beginning.
Wow, that's great progress! How has electrolysis been working and how many sessions total have you had? Just turned 36 and having my 3rd laser session tomorrow, between that and hormones my facial hair has thinned out and slowed in growth quite a bit, I still have 3 more sessions scheduled over 18 weeks. Also I should say I wasn't a hairy man, the only place I had it was on my face, armpits and pelvic area, dont know if that would mske an overall difference or not..
I was very hairy. I have had 4 lasers over the full face and neck it has thinned my hair there. The neck hair is about gone. I had 2 1 hour electrolysis on the neck to pick off the stragglers and now it is 95% clear. The face has been tougher. I have had maybe 7 1 hour electrolysis sessions on the face in addition to the laser. I am 50 years old so I had a lot of grey hair on the face. The laser lightened all the hair and got rid of 80% of the upper lip hair which was darker than the rest of my facial hair. Each 1 hour session for me get an area about the size of a quarter cleared. However because of hair growth cycles about half of that hair comes back a month later. I had hoped based on some optimistic reports from others that 10 sessions might clear my face, but now I am thinking it will probably be something like 25 hours. I have also done laser on the chest and 2 sessions has gotten rid of about 70% there I think one more session with continued HRT I should have a hairless chest.