Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 15, 2018, 02:30:43 PM

HRT Begins Officially March 27th

I am very excited for the beginning of HRT. I came out to my mom & brother on march 2nd. They told me that they did not want to support it at first. They told me to wait until I am a bit older because I could make the wrong decisions. I told both of them that "I have never been more sure in my life about what I want it. You both will not stop me from my happiness. I have never stopped you guys from doing the things that make you happy no matter how drastic it was. Society can put me in a category all they want, if people want to look down on me.. Then so be it." I just want to make myself happy and be in the body I've always wanted to be in. Do any of you veterans have any advice for a young HRT starter like me? (I said this in other post, but I am 19 year olds). I also made an introduction post.

Hello Claire:  I remember welcoming you on your introduction posting on March 11th... you had terrific pictures and a wrote very detailed and wonderfully about yourself and where you are going with your transition.
It is terrific that you are getting support from your family members.... for most folks that transition it is the family and close friends that one could have the most issues and problems with.

The best advice I can give you is that you will need patience.... in my experience with my transition nothing happens very quickly with HRT, it was a slow and steady journey and for some they will see results more quickly and for some they will see results more slowly.... every body will respond differently so what you read about someone else's experience may not be indicative of what will happen in your body...   PATIENCE, and follow your doctor's guidance... your doctor will be doing frequent blood tests to customize your HRT regimen to your specific body need.

Thank you for writing and please keep the updates coming during your transition journey... it will be an exciting time for you.... but it can be also can be frustrating and disappointing at times....   but as you near your goal it will become well worth the effort.

Wishing you the best,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 15, 2018, 03:04:32 PM
Hello Claire:  I remember welcoming you on your introduction posting on March 11th... you had terrific pictures and a wrote very detailed and wonderfully about yourself and where you are going with your transition.
It is terrific that you are getting support from your family members.... for most folks that transition it is the family and close friends that one could have the most issues and problems with.

The best advice I can give you is that you will need patience.... in my experience with my transition nothing happens very quickly with HRT, it was a slow and steady journey and for some they will see results more quickly and for some they will see results more slowly.... every body will respond differently so what you read about someone else's experience may not be indicative of what will happen in your body...   PATIENCE, and follow your doctor's guidance... your doctor will be doing frequent blood tests to customize your HRT regimen to your specific body need.

Thank you for writing and please keep the updates coming during your transition journey... it will be an exciting time for you.... but it can be also can be frustrating and disappointing at times....   but as you near your goal it will become well worth the effort.

Wishing you the best,
Danielle

Yes.  And you can get patience pills from Ellie, Julia (no typo), and Laurie ;)

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 15, 2018, 02:30:43 PM

HRT Begins Officially March 27th

I am very excited for the beginning of HRT. I came out to my mom & brother on march 2nd. They told me that they did not want to support it at first. They told me to wait until I am a bit older because I could make the wrong decisions. I told both of them that "I have never been more sure in my life about what I want it. You both will not stop me from my happiness. I have never stopped you guys from doing the things that make you happy no matter how drastic it was. Society can put me in a category all they want, if people want to look down on me.. Then so be it." I just want to make myself happy and be in the body I've always wanted to be in. Do any of you veterans have any advice for a young HRT starter like me? (I said this in other post, but I am 19 year olds). I also made an introduction post.

Congratulations Claire on the new road your about to embark on!
You are about the same age I was when I first had visions of being a woman.  You are so lucky to live in a time where you have the options that I did not.  Making sure that your personal self is happy should be paramount in anyone's life.  Support from your friends and family are important, but don't let your happiness be dictated with thoughts like "I can't be happy if they're not happy".  Let others experience "you", so they can see your a happier version of the same person.

Hugs, Jessica

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 15, 2018, 03:04:32 PM
Hello Claire:  I remember welcoming you on your introduction posting on March 11th... you had terrific pictures and a wrote very detailed and wonderfully about yourself and where you are going with your transition.
It is terrific that you are getting support from your family members.... for most folks that transition it is the family and close friends that one could have the most issues and problems with.

The best advice I can give you is that you will need patience.... in my experience with my transition nothing happens very quickly with HRT, it was a slow and steady journey and for some they will see results more quickly and for some they will see results more slowly.... every body will respond differently so what you read about someone else's experience may not be indicative of what will happen in your body...   PATIENCE, and follow your doctor's guidance... your doctor will be doing frequent blood tests to customize your HRT regimen to your specific body need.

Thank you for writing and please keep the updates coming during your transition journey... it will be an exciting time for you.... but it can be also can be frustrating and disappointing at times....   but as you near your goal it will become well worth the effort.

Wishing you the best,
Danielle

Thank you so much for the compliments. I have a question regarding HRT. You said it takes patience and trust me im fully commited, I went through puberty at the age of 11. I know it'll be different this time, I am hoping i will get results decently quick. Whether I do or don't, I am okay with that because I know its a long journey ahead of me.

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 15, 2018, 04:10:32 PM
Thank you so much for the compliments. I have a question regarding HRT. You said it takes patience and trust me im fully commited, I went through puberty at the age of 11. I know it'll be different this time, I am hoping i will get results decently quick. Whether I do or don't, I am okay with that because I know its a long journey ahead of me.

@ Claire:  Only your body will "know" if it happens quickly or not.   Usually when we start HRT we want to see quick and significant results but that may be or may not be the case.... hope for quick results and be satisfied with slower results, not too much you can do about it.  Please keep us updated.
Wishing you the best,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 15, 2018, 05:32:10 PM
@ Claire:  Only your body will "know" if it happens quickly or not.   Usually when we start HRT we want to see quick and significant results but that may be or may not be the case.... hope for quick results and be satisfied with slower results, not too much you can do about it.  Please keep us updated.
Wishing you the best,
Danielle

Thank you for the advice. My boyfriend is excited to see the results as well slowly or quickly. Which makes me happy to have support from him. I guess we all want fast results when transitioning. I will go with the flow for sure!

Congrats!! That's so exciting good luck!

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Hai Guys, I got both my prescriptions for HRT... I am so happy and my insurance cover both <3 Life fully begins now and I actually do not feel anxious or sad anymore.. My mom is supportive & my friends love it <3

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 27, 2018, 08:10:34 PM
Hai Guys, I got both my prescriptions for HRT... I am so happy and my insurance cover both <3 Life fully begins now and I actually do not feel anxious or sad anymore.. My mom is supportive & my friends love it <3

@ Claire:   This is really good news about your HRT prescriptions and with your supportive mom and your friends.   You can count yourself fortunate to have supportive people that are close to you.... especially your MOM....  not every transitioner can say that.

Of course  now, we will be looking for your regular updates....  but only as you feel comfortable doing.
 
As comment on your Mom supporting you.......  My own Mom and family members wouldn't talk to me just before I started HRT 3+ years ago and if they ever did talk to me (very seldom) they never called me by my female name.   There was a little progress at Christmas time when I called my mom on the phone, she actually called me Danielle!   VERY FIRST TIME in 3+years.

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 28, 2018, 11:55:37 AM
@ Claire:   This is really good news about your HRT prescriptions and with your supportive mom and your friends.   You can count yourself fortunate to have supportive people that are close to you.... especially your MOM....  not every transitioner can say that.

Of course  now, we will be looking for your regular updates....  but only as you feel comfortable doing.
 
As comment on your Mom supporting you.......  My own Mom and family members wouldn't talk to me just before I started HRT 3+ years ago and if they ever did talk to me (very seldom) they never called me by my female name.   There was a little progress at Christmas time when I called my mom on the phone, she actually called me Danielle!   VERY FIRST TIME in 3+years.

Hugs,
Danielle

Aww, I feel very blessed. My situation is still a bit difficult though. My dad is very homophobic and hates gay people. But, my relationship with my dad was never close. It does not bother me very much whether he knows or not. I am just happy that 5+ of my friends love it and still treat me the same. My mom is okay with it and she actually reminds me to take my meds! (Obviously I remember myself, but she just wants to make sure). I will definitely keep this forum updated. You guys have helped me so much with understanding  who I am. I try to get on here as much as possible to read. Thank you Danielle & I am glad your mom is trying her best! Hopefully the family progression goes well.I took my pill this morning at 7:16am. I am going to take my Spiro again in the evening which I want to do at like 5:30pm to 6:00pm ^-^. Have a great day

Congrats girl! Hope you have an amazing journey (:

Congrats! I started HRT March 31, 2004 and what a ride it has been!

Thank you guys ! I take Estradiol once a day and 2 spirolactome morning / evening ^-^

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 28, 2018, 11:33:12 PM
Thank you guys ! I take Estradiol once a day and 2 spirolactome morning / evening ^-^

@ Claire:  Most probably no physical changes yet just after one day.... but I am more than certain that you are experiencing mental euphoria every time you see those pill bottles.
I will be eagerly looking for more updates as things progress for you.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 29, 2018, 12:24:43 PM

@ Claire:  Most probably no physical changes yet just after one day.... but I am more than certain that you are experiencing mental euphoria every time you see those pill bottles.
I will be eagerly looking for more updates as things progress for you.
Hugs,
Danielle

Yes, Everytime I think or look at the pills. I smile and say " I am glad I worked very hard to get here". I am eager for the physical changes. I took my medication again at 7:05am this morning. I was a bit sleepy, but I made sure I got out of bed

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 29, 2018, 01:50:40 PM
Yes, Everytime I think or look at the pills. I smile and say " I am glad I worked very hard to get here". I am eager for the physical changes. I took my medication again at 7:05am this morning. I was a bit sleepy, but I made sure I got out of bed

Claire:
Unless your doctor requires a very strict time schedule to take your meds, you might have been able to sleep in a little longer.  Be sure to ask your doctor next time you go in for a check about late or missed dosages and specifically what you should do.

I know that I take my HRT twice a day and after the first year I sometimes got a little careless and forget my dinner time pills and finally remembered to take them before I head to bed for the night.   
However in the excitement when I was first taking HRT meds I would eagerly and anxiously and impatiently wait for the exact moment that I could get them into my mouth and swallowed at the correct time.

You have a fun journey ahead....  I am always looking for your update.
Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 29, 2018, 02:28:29 PM

Claire:
Unless your doctor requires a very strict time schedule to take your meds, you might have been able to sleep in a little longer.  Be sure to ask your doctor next time you go in for a check about late or missed dosages and specifically what you should do.

I know that I take my HRT twice a day and after the first year I sometimes got a little careless and forget my dinner time pills and finally remembered to take them before I head to bed for the night.   
However in the excitement when I was first taking HRT meds I would eagerly and anxiously and impatiently wait for the exact moment that I could get them into my mouth and swallowed at the correct time.

You have a fun journey ahead....  I am always looking for your update.
Hugs,
Danielle

I understand, I take it at a strict schedule because of how eager I am. Also, I want to be very organized. I have 4 college classes. So, I have a lot of homework to do. I do have a question though. My eagerness gets me thinking a lot of these thoughts. Because I take Estradiol once a day and 2 spiro (morning/even). Feel I should just stop thinking about being excited and go with the flow. I know this take months, I am scared that maybe I am taking my Estradiol TOO EARLY. Maybe 7:05am is to early. Maybe I should start taking it at 10am. What do you think?

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 29, 2018, 02:40:38 PM
I understand, I take it at a strict schedule because of how eager I am. Also, I want to be very organized. I have 4 college classes. So, I have a lot of homework to do. I do have a question though. My eagerness gets me thinking a lot of these thoughts. Because I take Estradiol once a day and 2 spiro (morning/even). Feel I should just stop thinking about being excited and go with the flow. I know this take months, I am scared that maybe I am taking my Estradiol TOO EARLY. Maybe 7:05am is to early. Maybe I should start taking it at 10am. What do you think?

@ Claire: My doctor has had me taking everything both morning and evening for over 3 years now... but of course dosages and variations in the meds can be a factor with that.
 
I really don't think (and I certainly am not a doctor and am not qualified to say for certain) it would matter too much when exactly in the morning that you take your meds but that is a question you need to pose with your doctor for sure.   

Why do you think that 7:05 AM is too early?  I usually have an early start too my work day and many times I will take my morning pills at 6:30am or so.... and on my day off when I may sleep in I may not get to taking  my pills till around 8:30AM or so. 
But again, for my peace of mind, please talk to your doctor about these kinds of concerns and questions that you have. Agreed??
Danielle

Quote from: ClaireXO on March 28, 2018, 11:33:12 PM
Thank you guys ! I take Estradiol once a day and 2 spirolactome morning / evening ^-^

Congrats on getting your meds started, Claire! It's a time to celebrate. I started mine 3/23/18 so we're on a similar path. I hope it goes smoothly for you and that all of your dreams get realized :)

(Don't forget to drink lots and lots of water!)

Lindy

Quote from: Lindy on March 29, 2018, 03:30:22 PM
Congrats on getting your meds started, Claire! It's a time to celebrate. I started mine 3/23/18 so we're on a similar path. I hope it goes smoothly for you and that all of your dreams get realized :)

(Don't forget to drink lots and lots of water!)

Lindy

@ Lindy:  And congrats to you too Lindy.... please continue to keep us updated with your transition and HRT progress, it is always wonderful and edifying for the members here to read about others updates and reports.
Hugs,
Danielle

Oh, and Lindy, regarding your comment and admonition to Claire about drinking lots of water....  any of us on Spiro or similar has the same issue, drinking lots of water, peeing all the time and a salt craving... I go through a big jar of dill pickle every week if not more often.... certainly less fattening than salty chips or salted nuts.
Danielle

I would continue taking them the way you have been until you talk to your doctor, as Danielle mentioned.

I talk with my doctor and he goes with what I want. I usually just try to let him know. He's well aware of how long the journey is and I think more than anything lets me choose at my comfort. Which I like a lot. I'm a bit obsessive at keeping my levels steady throughout the day... I take multiple pills spread across the day. Usually morning/evening, is good because of work schedules.

I'm still only 6 months so I'm still very eager like you. Also I think it has to do with personality because I tend to be "extra" with everything I do. I think as we see results we're happy with finally, we'll ease on it all. It takes years, and that's just the reality of transitioning. I don't think morning or night really matters in the long run.

Sent from my SM-G930T using Tapatalk

Quote from: Lindy on March 29, 2018, 03:30:22 PM
Congrats on getting your meds started, Claire! It's a time to celebrate. I started mine 3/23/18 so we're on a similar path. I hope it goes smoothly for you and that all of your dreams get realized :)

(Don't forget to drink lots and lots of water!)

Lindy

Congrats on your transition. I hope all goes well and I hope you're very eager !!!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 29, 2018, 04:12:46 PM
@ Lindy:  And congrats to you too Lindy.... please continue to keep us updated with your transition and HRT progress, it is always wonderful and edifying for the members here to read about others updates and reports.
Hugs,
Danielle

Thank you Danielle!

I have to say the first 5-6 days were quite unpleasant, but it was uphill from there. I developed anxiety at day 11 and my doctor lowered my Spiro which really helped. I usually feel "floaty" late in the morning after taking my estradiol. It's like a drug! I'm surprised that I'm not having any salt cravings, so I just add extra to my meals anyway. I've probably doubled my water intake from the past and have become a bit obsessed with it. A good thing, right? Since I buy bottled water - I have a well with yucky water - I drink any free water I can during the day. Libraries, grocery stores and of course restaurants are good sources.

Starting this late in life, I think I underestimated the affect HRT would have on my health. I'm not complaining, because the girl in me is getting happier by the day, but the power of hormones is something to be respected. I read for months about HRT, but the reality of it is very very different. I would advise a friend to talk to others who are actually going through it, and ask lots of questions at their appointments.

Are you really in Alaska? How wonderful :)

Hugs from the Midwest
Lindy

Quote from: Lindy on April 06, 2018, 08:47:24 AM
Thank you Danielle!

I have to say the first 5-6 days were quite unpleasant, but it was uphill from there. I developed anxiety at day 11 and my doctor lowered my Spiro which really helped. I usually feel "floaty" late in the morning after taking my estradiol. It's like a drug! I'm surprised that I'm not having any salt cravings, so I just add extra to my meals anyway. I've probably doubled my water intake from the past and have become a bit obsessed with it. A good thing, right? Since I buy bottled water - I have a well with yucky water - I drink any free water I can during the day. Libraries, grocery stores and of course restaurants are good sources.

Starting this late in life, I think I underestimated the affect HRT would have on my health. I'm not complaining, because the girl in me is getting happier by the day, but the power of hormones is something to be respected. I read for months about HRT, but the reality of it is very very different. I would advise a friend to talk to others who are actually going through it, and ask lots of questions at their appointments.

Are you really in Alaska? How wonderful :)

Hugs from the Midwest
Lindy

Hi Lindy:   Thanks for your message reply....  yes, indeed, I do live in Alaska, when I arrived here over one and a half years ago I had just gone Full-time so I established myself here and started my own small business... AS A WOMAN.

Spiro is a powerful drug in your HRT regimen and it is not unusual that your doctor will adjust the dosages of many of your HRT drugs as your future blood test results dictate.    Yes, even though you are not having salt cravings (yet)...  it is important to keep hydrated... this will help to flush out your system from the bad things that can be a strain on your liver and kidneys....   HRT can be tough on those organs anyway and that is why that a part of your regular blood checks may look at their health and function..

There are lots of members here that post regular updates regarding their HRT experiences.  Please remember that the results that you get... are yours alone.   What you read about others may or may not be what your results will be.  Every BODY reacts uniquely to HRT so therefore be PATIENT....  usually significant body changes do not happen quickly and perhaps they might.... there is no standard set timeline that applies for everyone.  The standard phrase used here by many members is that "Your Mileage May Vary" .... the meaning is clear... you body will most likely change uniquely fast or slow, significantly more or less..... as compared to all others

I am always telling transitioners that I write to as I follow their HRT progress....
... "Please keep your updates coming!!!".

Hugs and well-wishes to you on your exciting journey ahead.
Danielle

ATTN:  ClairXO..... 
Hmm, where is your HRT update??? 
Curious minds and supportive members want to follow your progress. 
I shouldn't have to remind you that YOU started this thread!!!

Please, only post when you feel comfortable doing so.
Hugs,
Danielle

Hey there,
Today i received my appointment for my endo, I am very anxious as i am excited and nervous about this, the appointment is the end of May!!
I will keep everyone posted!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on April 06, 2018, 09:17:36 AM
ATTN:  ClairXO..... 
Hmm, where is your HRT update??? 
Curious minds and supportive members want to follow your progress. 
I shouldn't have to remind you that YOU started this thread!!!

Please, only post when you feel comfortable doing so.
Hugs,
Danielle

OO Danielle! I am so sorry, I've been literally welcoming all the emotions and changes within my body. Okay, so here is the progression that I actually noticed in the LAST 2 Weeks of Hrt. I have been feeling some emotional changes. My doctor told me I would experience some (possibly) Boy! Was he on point with that one. My boyfriend stuck by my random eruption of tears. Body changes I noticed dry skin and softening of the skin. I do have some muscle cramps/aches from to time (Very observant of this making sure its DVT). Now here is the crazy thing, I have been taking pictures and whenever I can just to follow my transition. My muscle mass is dropping. I can see it in my arms, obviously it is not fully there. Now here is the biggest most exciting thing for me. I noticed some changes in the face. My skin just looks so vibrant and semi different. I took a lot of pictures and I do not know what it is exactly. My boyfriend noticed it and so did many of my friends. Which is great for me. Other than that I've been A-OKAY. My libido dropped heavily too. I use to be very intimate every single day. Now its like every 4 days or so. Which is nice and I do not rely on it anymore. I am enjoying my transition so much!

Quote from: Tria on April 10, 2018, 08:10:34 PM
Hey there,
Today i received my appointment for my endo, I am very anxious as i am excited and nervous about this, the appointment is the end of May!!
I will keep everyone posted!

Good for you!!!!

I had signed up here on Susan's back in December of last year and was about 3 weeks out before getting my first prescription and was both excited and anxious too as I'm sure 99.99.999% of us are :)

Best wishes on your new adventure!!!!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on April 06, 2018, 09:11:23 AM
Hi Lindy:
There are lots of members here that post regular updates regarding their HRT experiences.  Please remember that the results that you get... are yours alone.   What you read about others may or may not be what your results will be.  Every BODY reacts uniquely to HRT so therefore be PATIENT....  usually significant body changes do not happen quickly and perhaps they might.... there is no standard set timeline that applies for everyone.  The standard phrase used here by many members is that "Your Mileage May Vary" .... the meaning is clear... you body will most likely change uniquely fast or slow, significantly more or less..... as compared to all others

I am always telling transitioners that I write to as I follow their HRT progress....
... "Please keep your updates coming!!!".

Hugs and well-wishes to you on your exciting journey ahead.
Danielle

So true, Danielle! I'm sure my health history, age and chemistry are very different from the next person's and my experience will be unique and my own. I've been treated for cancer and my body will have its own special way of responding to HRT. I'll be at 3 weeks in 2 days and couldn't be feeling better. I have a new habit of swaying when I listen to music in the morning, and I can't believe how much my body now wants to move! I've also had moments while fixing my hair that prompt a deep and very beautiful emotional response. Of course there's much to figure out socially but I'm not in a hurry :)

Big, big hugs
Lindy

I am almost 3 weeks Into HRT ! I want to show you guys the progress so far <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3cuEI5QjKU&feature=youtu.be

On my 3rd week of HRT! Breast growth. I have buds under both my nipples and they're pretty painful. I am excited and patient. I have some facial changes as well. I know people say YMMV. i didn't know changes would happen this quick, but I am loving it!

Hello sisters!

I'm checking back in as I approach my 3-month mark and I never thought I'd get this far. I've gone through many med changes, the biggest with Spiro. My endo took me off the med when my sodium level dropped to risky levels at my 2-month mark. Luckily my level normalized within a week or two. My all-important testosterone level had dropped to .17 at 2 months, so all is well. I'm also on twice-weekly patches now and feel much better.

My boobs ache - what a wonderful sensation! And there's the small zaps of electricity moving into my nipples that makes them feel like they're ready to leap off my chest. I always wear two layers because my nipples show too much. Looks like they'll be perky little devils :)

I have lots of women's clothing for the warm weather, and my sister has taken me shopping often. I happy to report that things couldn't be better in my corner of the world.

Lots of love,
Lindy

Same Lindy! I went through facial changes far distribution and my boobs are almost bcup. Within 2 months and a half. I am very excited for more wonderful changes to come. I am just excited for life honestly.  I am glad your journey is going wonderful

Hello ClaireXO and Lindy

I am so glad to see your HRT journeys are both progressing well as you both approach the 3 month mark next week.

It is wonderful to see physical aswell as mental changes, isn't?

I wish you both continue success.

Hugs

Pamela

@ClaireXO
Dear Claire:  I have been watching and reading your thread and I am very happy to read about your wonderful transisiton progress as you continue your journey.   It can be an exciting ride for sure.
Please continue as you have been doing... keeping your readers up to date.
Thanks for your postings.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Hey My Love Doves. I am back with picture updates. I started HRT ON MARCH 27TH. I am on my 3rd month of HRT. You guys have my previous pictures in the beginning ^.^




Old Pictures of me prior to hrt: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,237231.msg2132533.html#msg2132533

(https://i.imgur.com/DaMBXJn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wkCcQ1B.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1GYu2EL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fAPUvWw.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/PJN291y.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/axFJaqs.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/PBXxC4w.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/89TZDxU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Zq1bLhx.jpg)

@ClaireXO
Dear Claire:   Wow-whee... way to go girl. 
You look terrific in your pictures that you posted.

For only 3 months of HRT you are making great progress. 
For everyone, HRT is different, some see quicker and more significant body changes and others may see slower and less significant body changes. 

Thank you for keeping us all up to date...

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Hello everyone. And especially Claire - you're looking wonderful!
I promised everyone to post updates, so here I am! I reached 6 months last weekend and have had some med changes. I'm still off Spiro because it lowers my sodium level too much, and my endo said I'll never be able to take it because of my age. (I'm 62.) Fortunately my testosterone level is still quite low on just estradiol so I'm not too concerned. I'm using patches and change them twice a week.

Enough medical stuff :) I now have boobs! I don't need a bra yet, but I assume this will come in time. Most of the women in my family are well endowed, and my endo said I might expect the same. Some days this I wonder and worry about this. I'm not a large person, and quite shy, and I can't imagine having noticeable breasts at while shopping for groceries! But I'll also admit it's a problem I'd love to have. I'm almost done with laser on my face and will start electrolysis soon - I can't wait to have this done. My closet is filled with women's clothes from second hand stores, and I'm beginning to think about what I want to wear this winter. I've noticed that I no longer worry about wearing anything too feminine: it's who I am; it's what I want to wear; everyone needs to accept it. :) :)

I haven't cut my hair for 1 year and will color it for the first time in my life this week. And I'm very very excited.

Big, big hugs,

Lindy

@ClaireXO
Dear Claire:
You are way overdue for posting an update here on your thread...
... Please come back and let us all know how you are doing at almost the 6 month point of your HRT.
Your curious followers want to know!

We are your biggest fans.
Hugs and well wishes as always,
Danielle

It is wonderful to read Lindy that your transition journey is progressing so well.

Good luck on the electrolysis, the big boobs and the winter clothes!

Hugs

Pamela

@ClaireXO
Dear Claire: 
Yes, you were very overdue for your HRT update... but now that you have posted you terrific 7 month report and wonderful pictures, yes indeed, as you correctly stated: "Everything Has Changed"

Thank  you for treating all of us to your update and new pictures!!!!
You look terrific!!
Hugs,
Danielle