I finally, finally started T on the 1st! :)
It's been a very long road to get here and I had to get quite a few things lined up in my life to do this. And in the last couple weeks I was really questioning myself if this was the right thing and my anxiety was running wild. I'm not usually an anxious person. But my anxiety wasn't actually if beginning T was the right thing when I explored it more--it's more like anxiety because I don't know what lies ahead and how this will play out. So once I figured that out, I was relieved. Still anxious, because obviously a big change, but finally ready to take the leap into the unknown.
I filled my prescription last Monday and psyched myself up to start on the 1st. I decided to let how I felt be my guide. I'm using gel rather than shots and that first time putting on the gel was something else. I couldn't stop smiling after. An hour later my throat felt tight and my voice was a tiny bit hoarse over the weekend. I was really surprised, because I told myself to have no expectations of what will happen or when.
But two big things happened. One, I felt a sense of calm and peace I didn't expect. This has lasted all weekend. I'm really grateful for that. And the second is having energy! I'm someone who has suffered from fatigue for years and it was AMAZING to actually have energy to do things that regular people do, rather than my set of work around. Like go run errands in the morning and not be exhausted after. Cook dinner! Do the dishes after dinner! Even focus to read. I am dead impressed with this already, never mind the physical changes that will come. The mental stuff, whether it is making the decision to start or the shift in hormones bringing that calm, I don't know. But the energy level shift is definitely due to the T.
So far I'm thrilled. :)
Congrats!
It might be more the mental relief than the T working that fast, just so you know.
I'm also on the gel, and I noticed a couple weeks in that my throat seemed scratchy. Soon after, my voice started changing. I'd wake up every morning mentally playing "What Voice Will I Wake Up With Today?" [emoji16] A year later as of the 2nd of December, and its stabilising, but I still have times where it tries to go to my higher voice. I know that puberty takes a few years, so I know my voice will crack for a while longer. I drank lots of hot tea whenever my throat hurt, it soothed it. Know that your vocal cords are thickening and lenghtening when it does hurts.
Also, pay attention to your groin! Your junk will start growing soon, and if you're not careful, it'll get rubbed raw on your underwear! I wear boxer briefs and I didn't have that problem. I've also heard of others having good luck with briefs.
Just thought I'd give you a bit of a heads-up. Feel free to ask questions, that's what this forum is for!
Welcome to puberty...again! [emoji6]
Ryiuchi
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Congrats on your start :) I hope to start by mid-next year, and am already feeling a little anxious about taking the leap into the unknown as well!
Quote from: Ryuichi13 on December 04, 2017, 02:06:05 AM
Congrats!
It might be more the mental relief than the T working that fast, just so you know.
I'm also on the gel, and I noticed a couple weeks in that my throat seemed scratchy. Soon after, my voice started changing. I'd wake up every morning mentally playing "What Voice Will I Wake Up With Today?" [emoji16] A year later as of the 2nd of December, and its stabilising, but I still have times where it tries to go to my higher voice. I know that puberty takes a few years, so I know my voice will crack for a while longer. I drank lots of hot tea whenever my throat hurt, it soothed it. Know that your vocal cords are thickening and lenghtening when it does hurts.
Also, pay attention to your groin! Your junk will start growing soon, and if you're not careful, it'll get rubbed raw on your underwear! I wear boxer briefs and I didn't have that problem. I've also heard of others having good luck with briefs.
Just thought I'd give you a bit of a heads-up. Feel free to ask questions, that's what this forum is for!
Welcome to puberty...again! [emoji6]
Ryiuchi
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Cheers, Ryiuchi! My throat is a bit more settled so far today, so we'll see how this goes. I have to say, whatever the reason for the last few days of serenity, I'll take it. ;) I'm not usually highly wound up but there's been a lot of stressful things going on lately. And I'm excited to be moving forward at last.
And cheers for the warning about downstairs! Nothing so far that I've noticed but it's only day four. I have boxer briefs and I may even attempt to sew a couple pairs on my own to see how that goes.
Quote from: dissipate on December 04, 2017, 07:08:25 AM
Congrats on your start :) I hope to start by mid-next year, and am already feeling a little anxious about taking the leap into the unknown as well!
Cheers! It's a bit nerve-wracking like any other major life change, even when it's a positive. But I'm happy I took the time I needed to sort out a few things in my life before starting. It felt like a long road. I was prescribed T in the spring but the timing wasn't right with a couple of things going on and I ended up waiting another few months to begin with a clear head. I'm glad I did.
So far not much to report, other than ongoing frog in the throat tightness. My voice sounds a bit huskier and slightly lower already, which surprised me. I'm also seeing a slight change in my jawline, which I didn't expect but am happy to see, the slightest bit more of definition. I think I'm starting to smell a bit different because my female cat was very suspicious of me this morning when I fed her, which is not her usual deal. Skin is a touch more oily. So far so good. I honestly don't expect a lot so I'm already happy with has happened so far. As for the junk... nothing yet lol.
Congratulations, dude! They say when your body is running on the right hormone you know it. Now you know. :)
Keep us updated with your changes.
Hugs, Devlyn
Quote from: Devlyn Marie on December 05, 2017, 07:38:19 PM
Congratulations, dude! They say when your body is running on the right hormone you know it. Now you know. :)
Keep us updated with your changes.
Hugs, Devlyn
Cheers, Devlyn! I'm surprised. And happy. :)
Oh, I'm SO HAPPY for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sounds awesome, :D!!!
It could take 1-2 years before I get there...... :/ Seems like forever!
But so GLAD that you are there, ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D!!!
Makes me happy to hear all that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Keep posting, will you?
All your words sounded so reassuring... Man, I wish I could be you!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!! It makes me happy to hear how happy other people are ;D!
Aww, cheers! It's really exciting and kind of terrifying at the same time. But really, more exciting than anything else. The terror isn't because I feel like I'm doing the wrong thing--I know I'm on the right path--just about how this will all play out. I'm amazed by the little changes I've seen and didn't expect in the first week. I get a jaw line? Win!!!!
My voice seems a little higher today and yesterday but I feel like my throat is a little sore or hoarse. I've overall had a lot more energy than before, which I absolutely love. My mood is great. I'm terrified of going bald. I have no idea how I'm going to navigate my transition at work. But I'm really thrilled right now. :)
Err, weird question... anyone else notice their dimples moving?? Slightly further out.
I'm also a bit stuffed up today/sinus pressure. I'm not sure if that's due to T or catching a cold at the gym.
Something is starting to happen downstairs.
This is fantastic, Hughie! Congratulations! I just got a prescription for T myself, but insurance is having a hissy fit for some reason and I can't pick it up until they hear from the doctor. Very frustrating.
Quote from: The Flying Lemur on December 09, 2017, 10:56:09 AM
This is fantastic, Hughie! Congratulations! I just got a prescription for T myself, but insurance is having a hissy fit for some reason and I can't pick it up until they hear from the doctor. Very frustrating.
Thanks! Good luck with the insurance - it sounds like a pain. I have some coverage through work, but I had to pay the annual deductible first. But the savings on the gel is amazing. If only Rogaine was covered. :)
Quote from: Hughie on December 09, 2017, 11:03:15 AM
Thanks! Good luck with the insurance - it sounds like a pain. I have some coverage through work, but I had to pay the annual deductible first. But the savings on the gel is amazing. If only Rogaine was covered. :)
Since my last post I've been walloped by a cold that's kicking my ass hard. As a result I've mostly been oblivious to any changes. I thought I noticed a couple days ago--and confirmed today--that my new jawline has some very fine beard growth. My hair is dark but this stuff is baby fine and blonde but definitely there. I have some Mediterranean blood to thank for that. Now I need to figure out shaving. :) I think there's been more minor face changes, under my eyes, but I've been sick as a dog with sinus stuff so it could be a bit of that too.
So I guess I'm having my first man flu lol. Apparently T lowers the immune system, according to this recent article. I wondered about that, because I'm not usually prone to colds. Although I had been in the gym a few times last week and that's where I tend to get colds.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/flu-man-flu-influenza-immune-testosterone-man-sexes-1.4442806
Thanks for the update :)!
Nice to hear! (No, not that the thing you're sick :D! I mean the update & the changes!)
Quote from: PurpleWolf on December 12, 2017, 12:44:40 PM
Thanks for the update :)!
Nice to hear! (No, not that the thing you're sick :D! I mean the update & the changes!)
Ha ha, thanks! The cold can go any time, I'm ready. :) I just peered at myself in daylight with a mirror, and there's definitely been some shifts in my face already. My dimples have moved (different place than some smile line wrinkles) and under my eyes have changed--the latter looks less baggy/tired (even with the cold) so that's good. I'll take it lol.
As for the rest of my body, I haven't noticed much, aside from being stronger already with last week's workouts before I got sick. I lifted a few free weights yesterday and found them light, so that's interesting. Overall, my energy levels had been up. I think I also need a bit less sleep than before to feel human, but again, with the cold, that's hard to tell if it's still the case.
Congrats, man! A new life is beginning for you!
I feel the same about peace of mind and energy!
Quote from: 1234 on December 12, 2017, 04:12:26 PM
Congrats, man! A new life is beginning for you!
I feel the same about peace of mind and energy!
Cheers! It's been cool so far. Just need to shake the cold to enjoy this more. :)
I survived my cold but it knocked me around for a couple of weeks, then Christmas. I've been on T for about a month. Three weeks of that has been low dose and now up to a moderate dose (gel). My mood's been great, so no issues there. Energy took a hit with a cold and the monthly unmentionable.
I was back in the gym today, and even with all that stuff above, I had way better endurance for cardio than ever, and weights are easier. I am going to adjust the work out. Exciting stuff. :)
It's hard to say what else has changed, but I do notice a fair bit of peach fuzz on my cheeks, less under my chin. I think I can thank Mediterranean blood for that one so far. I'm gonna have to figure out this shaving thing sooner rather than later, I think. That'll be interesting lol.
My voice is slightly lower but nothing dramatic.
I don't know if I've gained weight, since I don't have a scale, but I've been starving and eating more in general.
So far, smooth sailing, all's gone well so far with starting T. I'll look at doing the name change paperwork in January - was hit with really high vet bills this month so I am poor, and this had to wait. :)
Awesome!!! Is that you in that pic, ;)? Always liked it.
Oh, and happy new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first year on T, ;)!
Quote from: PurpleWolf on December 31, 2017, 05:14:09 AM
Awesome!!! Is that you in that pic, ;)? Always liked it.
Oh, and happy new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first year on T, ;)!
Cheers! It's more or less me - the stubble is dark here rather than blond, which is what I have right now. :)
And yes, very happy to be starting the year on T. Such a relief after so long.
So the last couple of days I was feeling a little frustrated about the rate of changes (I know, Week 5, settle down lol). I had some minor changes that I noticed in the first week but not much of note lately. At least I was busy with the cold and Christmas. I had started on a low dose, then my doctor said after three weeks I could increase to a full dose. I went to a level between the low and full dose the last couple of weeks, then I decided to start with the full dose today. Mood has been good, so no worries there.
Then at work today my colleague was worried that I was sick because my voice sounded different. I couldn't stop smiling after that. ;) My throat had felt a bit tight but I didn't think there were any voice changes.
I'm also thinking I should get rolling on the name change paperwork next payday. This is all rather expensive! But worth it.
Quote from: Hughie on January 03, 2018, 08:49:06 PM
So the last couple of days I was feeling a little frustrated about the rate of changes (I know, Week 5, settle down lol). I had some minor changes that I noticed in the first week but not much of note lately. At least I was busy with the cold and Christmas. I had started on a low dose, then my doctor said after three weeks I could increase to a full dose. I went to a level between the low and full dose the last couple of weeks, then I decided to start with the full dose today. Mood has been good, so no worries there.
Then at work today my colleague was worried that I was sick because my voice sounded different. I couldn't stop smiling after that. ;) My throat had felt a bit tight but I didn't think there were any voice changes.
I'm also thinking I should get rolling on the name change paperwork next payday. This is all rather expensive! But worth it.
That's awesome, man. The voice changes can most definitely be weird. I went through a period where, one day, my voice would be very deep and then the next almost return to its previous state. Frustrating, but it panned out. You're probably going to see a lot more solid changes now that you've bumped up to full dose. Congratulations!
The name change thing is expensive but it's worth it. Just make sure you think of all the bases you can once it's done at the major places (license, SS and all that).
For example: I got everything changed the year before last--I even stopped by my dentist and had everything altered--and everything was going great. I went to get a new fishing license and had to play it super cool/ignorant/confused when the guy behind the counter said, after swiping my ID four times, "Uh... uh. ... I know you're not X, but it's popping up for some reason? I've never seen anything like this before man, you may want to get in touch with the DNR."
Me: "I wonder how that happened? Huh. Yeah, I'll give them a call."
Me in the car: " ****. "
Quote from: TransAm on January 03, 2018, 10:18:53 PM
That's awesome, man. The voice changes can most definitely be weird. I went through a period where, one day, my voice would be very deep and then the next almost return to its previous state. Frustrating, but it panned out. You're probably going to see a lot more solid changes now that you've bumped up to full dose. Congratulations!
The name change thing is expensive but it's worth it. Just make sure you think of all the bases you can once it's done at the major places (license, SS and all that).
For example: I got everything changed the year before last--I even stopped by my dentist and had everything altered--and everything was going great. I went to get a new fishing license and had to play it super cool/ignorant/confused when the guy behind the counter said, after swiping my ID four times, "Uh... uh. ... I know you're not X, but it's popping up for some reason? I've never seen anything like this before man, you may want to get in touch with the DNR."
Me: "I wonder how that happened? Huh. Yeah, I'll give them a call."
Me in the car: " ****. "
Ahaha! That's a great story about the fishing license. :D
I need to write down a (very long) list of all the things that will need changing. I've gone through the costs of getting my birth certificate again (and the notary for that), and fingerprints, now there's legal name change fee and I believe the name change papers need to be notarised too. Then costs to change passport and driver's license. I'm also changing my last name and I keep going back and forth between two versions of it. And I need to approach HR at work and begin that . *deep breath*
I've also noticed today that I have gained a bit of weight, even though I've been working out more and generally didn't over do it at Christmas. My appetite has gone up a lot though. I'm aiming to eat well, but I'm sure it's more calories overall than before. I had a little extra, but not much. Trousers are tight! No good.
Quote from: Hughie on January 04, 2018, 11:44:54 AM
*snip*
I've also noticed today that I have gained a bit of weight, even though I've been working out more and generally didn't over do it at Christmas. My appetite has gone up a lot though. I'm aiming to eat well, but I'm sure it's more calories overall than before. I had a little extra, but not much. Trousers are tight! No good.
Just realise that "muscle weighs MORE than fat."
So if your pants are tight, you might be gaining MUSCLE in those areas instead of "getting fat."
Just keep that in mind when you work out and then weigh yourself. ☺
Ryuichi
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Quote from: Ryuichi13 on January 07, 2018, 11:02:20 AM
Just realise that "muscle weighs MORE than fat."
So if your pants are tight, you might be gaining MUSCLE in those areas instead of "getting fat."
Just keep that in mind when you work out and then weigh yourself. ☺
Ryuichi
Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
I don't know for sure if I've gained actual weight, and I hear you on the muscle weighing more than fat. I do know that my trousers are getting difficult to button and there's a bit more of a belly, so that I don't think is muscle. ;) I have been working out, so I get why shirt sleeves are tighter and things a bit across the chest too. I'm aiming for a reasonable diet and upping the exercise, so hope that will help too! My appetite's definitely increased.
Just a quick update: still fighting the bloat a bit but I think the raving hunger and weight gain has stabilised. I've been on a full dose for about a month. I did do blood work a couple of weeks back - all good. I did gain around 4kg/10 lb, my doctor confirmed. The overall weight bothers me less than the inches gained around my middle. :( Even with workouts.
Changes that I've noticed are more gradual... more hair growth everywhere, soft fuzz. I actually shaved the peach fuzz on my face a couple of weeks back. My voice has lowered slightly, but not tons. Still female sounding. I'm still misgendered 100% by strangers... lame. Fat has shifted some in my face but not enough yet. When will I pass, I wonder? Trying to be patient. Also... sex drive... hello. Right. Not used to that.
I did get the dread monthly thing, full on. That sucked. We'll see what happens this month. I suspect it will happen again, but we'll see.
I got my legal name change certificate in the mail the other day. That was awesome. The only downer is that I have to deal with my dad as his power of attorney. I'm not out to him and didn't plan to be, since he's anti-LGBTQ. Sooo... that's awkward. I need to start changing ID this week and then also deal with his bank, international couriers, etc. I have to also call work and 'come out' to HR and begin the process of my official transition. So there's a lot of stuff happening mentally too. A lot of stress but overall glad with how things are going.
Hughie, sounds awesome ;D ;D ;D!!!
And great about the name change and all! I finally manage to change mine too, ;).
It's great to hear your things and life are moving forward!!!!!
Keep up the good work, man!