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So in a little under two months, I'll be having my second anniversary of taking MTF HRT (I'm still not out).  I have been on Lupin-Estradial and Cyproterone Acetate.  Over the last 22 months I have found that my face has feminized, and especially now with chin-length hair, when I do a half-up do, that really enhances my faces femininity (plus I have been getting tinsel in it, and people have liked seeing that and find that it suits me). 

Also, my breasts have grown to where some tight shirts, at least in the mirror, do show some shape and protrusions (I do wear a bra occassionally, however, I am also a larger person, so I think to some it still looks like I have "male boobs" without assuming that they are female).  For the past three weeks, after not feeling much for about four or five months, I've been getting some pains from my breasts, so I think I have entered another phase of their growth.  I am also thinking of asking at my next appointment to start progesterone to help further develop my breasts (I realize that Cyproterone is a progestin, however, for those who have been on Cyproterone and started Progesterone, did you notice any changes with using the two?)

Now then I've been looking on this site and online, and there is not a lot on what happens in the third year of HRT.  What changes did any of you notice during your third year or 24-36 months on HRT?

My prescriptions are different than yours. I assume it is due to US protocols vs Canadian protocols.

I'm just past four years HRT now. About a year ago, my endocrinologist retired from the VA, so I got sent to a different endo. I begged the previous doctor for progesterone citing numerous studies that it helps with breast development, sleep at night, and a whole host of other benefits. She said no. My new doctor agreed with me and started it right away.

It took about a month, but I noticed the soreness, tingling, etc. Although my breasts did not get larger, they became more rounded and shapely. Now with both estradiol and progesterone working, they are S L O W L Y getting bigger.

This may not relate to your specific situation but was my experience.

Hugs!

I had some more breast development after two years.
Sometimes one breast has been slightly larger than the other.
They are about the same now, round and perky, and it is hard to tell any difference in size, so there may not be any now.

Chrissy

Quote from: LoriDee on April 05, 2024, 01:53:54 PMMy prescriptions are different than yours. I assume it is due to US protocols vs Canadian protocols.

I'm just past four years HRT now. About a year ago, my endocrinologist retired from the VA, so I got sent to a different endo. I begged the previous doctor for progesterone citing numerous studies that it helps with breast development, sleep at night, and a whole host of other benefits. She said no. My new doctor agreed with me and started it right away.

It took about a month, but I noticed the soreness, tingling, etc. Although my breasts did not get larger, they became more rounded and shapely. Now with both estradiol and progesterone working, they are S L O W L Y getting bigger.

This may not relate to your specific situation but was my experience.

Hugs!

Yeah, I know that in the US because of regulations Cyproterone is unavailable, whereas in most of the world it is probably the most prescribed anti-androgen.  (Any other country besides the US where Cyrpo is unavailable due to government regulations?  Also, that's kind of been a question that I have wondered about: if I were to cross into the US for a few days on vacation, would US customs say anything about it, even if I had the prescription label on my bottle?)

I honestly don't know the answer, but I suspect that since it is prescribed and you are traveling as a guest or tourist, it should be fine. I don't believe they would/could/should deprive you of any prescribed medication.

I have been one month on HRT. Nothing has changed, except libido  :)

Hello Sweet Luck

My name is Sarah B   and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

You mentioned in your first post;

Quote from: Sweet luck on April 06, 2024, 02:38:27 AMI have been one month on HRT. Nothing has changed, except libido  :)

• You can expect your boobs to be smaller than your closest female relatives by up to a cup size.
• You may notice signs of breast enlargement around the third month if you're using both hormone blockers and hormones.
• Breasts take 3 to 5 years from  tanner stage 1 to tanner stage 5.

When I first started HRT I knew it would take time for my breasts to develop and I heard at the time it would take about 5 years.  I was patient, so in the end I did not worry about them growing.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and to share your thoughts and comments regarding your journey. Just about everyone here has been confused about their gender at some point in their lives. Some discover they are transgender and others realize they are non-binary, while others may feel they fit best somewhere else along the gender spectrum. No matter where that may be, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,8.0.html).  I'm always learning something new.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most of us have experienced these as well.  You can read about my story (still in progress)  in a link listed below my signature.

Please review the links at the end of this message, they include information which will help you navigate the site and use the available features. When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile, until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact, the Forum Admin Danielle Northern Star Girl alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Offical Greeter
@Sweet luck
@LoriDee
@Northern Star Girl

---

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Quote from: Sweet luck on April 06, 2024, 02:38:27 AMI have been one month on HRT. Nothing has changed, except libido  :)

Hello Sweet Luck! Welcome to Susan's Place.
 
You are just getting started on HRT, so you are in for some exciting times. As Sarah pointed out, this will be a long slow journey. My breast development started at about three months on HRT and became more noticeable to me by six months.

Ah yes, libido. You can expect ups and downs in that area too. It is perfectly natural. Your body is just making adjustments and reacting to new hormone levels. Things sort of smooth out later on.

Please be mindful of your moods. Any signs of depression, sadness, or harmful thoughts, or if things just don't feel right, please contact your doctor right away so they can adjust your dosage as necessary. If all is good, then relax and enjoy the ride.

Hugs!

Speaking of libido, it can be both strong or indifferent.  One would hope not the latter when, let's say, one is in a situation where you should not be indifferent! 

There are days I want to be the most good looking and let's say, a most talented and desirable in the right ways, woman.  There are other days when perhaps reading a good book is of more interest.

Chrissy

I have now been back for a while on my usual dosage of Estradiol. 
I went way back to see what impacts that would have on me, and recents labs are just fine.

All in all, I am better off with a full tablet each day.
I felt some tingling again in one of my breasts recently, so I think my body is noticing what it missed.  I do not see a loss of libido.

Also, this may have absolutely nothing to do with the E, but I seem again to be much more wanting to wear dresses and skirts, although other feminine clothes are certainly still appreciated and worn.

I have noticed a few pounds being added on so I decided to try to skip a meal when I am not hungry and that is keeping things pretty much the same.


Chrissy

Hi Chrissy

You mentioned several things in regards to HRT and they are;

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMI have now been back for a while on my usual dosage of Estradiol. 
I went way back to see what impacts that would have on me, and recents labs are just fine.

All in all, I am better off with a full tablet each day.

I'm more diligent in taking my HRT these days and long story short, I'm more happy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMI felt some tingling again in one of my breasts recently, so I think my body is noticing what it missed.  I do not see a loss of libido.

I was never 'active', before or during the period I changed my life around.  I was always on HRT during this period and I never noticed any functionality problems downstairs.

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMAlso, this may have absolutely nothing to do with the E, but I seem again to be much more wanting to wear dresses and skirts, although other feminine clothes are certainly still appreciated and worn.

While I looked after my mum, I was not religiously taking my HRT and since she passed away I have been taken it regularly like I used to do when I started to change my life around.  So I have noticed a difference about myself, I'm more happy, patient, and I have been weepy in recent times, although this never occurred before,

I'm taking more time in deciding on what new clothes will look good on me.  Instead of just taking some clothes of the racks or shelves and saying that will do.  In addition, getting some new earrings has been fun in and of itself.  Why?  I swim a lot and when I do, I always have studs in my ears.  So not many opportunities to wear them, when going out on special occasions.

This could just be, I have more time on my hands!

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 12, 2024, 10:02:26 AMI have noticed a few pounds being added on so I decided to try to skip a meal when I am not hungry and that is keeping things pretty much the same.

Chrissy

Breasts growing means a few more pounds!!  Take care, have fun and enjoy the feelings of being feminine.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter
@ChrissyRyan

The third year was when I couldn't pass as male anymore. Everyone's results vary, but my experience was 24 months onward was when I had to start planning for living full time as a woman because people no longer saw me as a man even when wearing men's clothing.

Quote from: BlueJaye on April 12, 2024, 07:00:58 PMThe third year was when I couldn't pass as male anymore. Everyone's results vary, but my experience was 24 months onward was when I had to start planning for living full time as a woman because people no longer saw me as a man even when wearing men's clothing.

That is a nice transition outcome. 

Quote from: Sarah B on April 12, 2024, 04:18:55 PMHi Chrissy

You mentioned several things in regards to HRT and they are;

I'm more diligent in taking my HRT these days and long story short, I'm more happy

I was never 'active', before or during the period I changed my life around.  I was always on HRT during this period and I never noticed any functionality problems downstairs.

While I looked after my mum, I was not religiously taking my HRT and since she passed away I have been taken it regularly like I used to do when I started to change my life around.  So I have noticed a difference about myself, I'm more happy, patient, and I have been weepy in recent times, although this never occurred before,

I'm taking more time in deciding on what new clothes will look good on me.  Instead of just taking some clothes of the racks or shelves and saying that will do.  In addition, getting some new earrings has been fun in and of itself.  Why?  I swim a lot and when I do, I always have studs in my ears.  So not many opportunities to wear them, when going out on special occasions.

This could just be, I have more time on my hands!

Breasts growing means a few more pounds!!  Take care, have fun and enjoy the feelings of being feminine.

Love and Hugs
Sarah B
Official Greeter
@ChrissyRyan

I do not want heavy breasts, maybe just a tad bigger, but that is all!
A little more "padding" on the rear to round me out may be nice.  A bit more proportional would be nice but I am pleased as is.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 05, 2024, 01:55:35 PMI had some more breast development after two years.
Sometimes one breast has been slightly larger than the other.
They are about the same now, round and perky, and it is hard to tell any difference in size, so there may not be any now.

Chrissy

"Perky" is a beautiful word! :eusa_dance:

Quote from: Colorado Girl on April 13, 2024, 11:26:32 AM"Perky" is a beautiful word! :eusa_dance:

 :)   I think so too. 

So besides your breasts getting bigger, were there any other changes in the third year that any of you noticed?  I know that during the first two years a lot of fat moves around, and @BlueJaye I know said that she could no longer pass in her third year.  So what else might I expect?

I lost a lot of muscle definition. I mostly noticed it in my legs. The fat distribution sort of filled in stuff. Yay, cellulite!

I noticed in my face, that my features smoothed a bit so I look more like my mother than my father. I think breasts are the most noticeable change. But then again, my estradiol levels have been low for four years. I am hoping to fix that and see some bigger changes.

Not just at the three year milestone, but earlier, my face filled out.
My rear has not, thus there is not a 10-12 inch difference between my waist and hips.

Smooth skin?  Or perhaps better said as smoother feeling skin?  Yes, some of that too.  Not to be mistaken with softened hot water and soap when taking a shower, that feels smooth too. 

Chrissy

Yes! I didn't notice it, but my dental hygienist said that she noticed my skin being smoother and softer. I think I notice it mostly after shaving my legs. I love how soft and smooth they get.

Quote from: LoriDee on April 16, 2024, 10:18:40 AMYes! I didn't notice it, but my dental hygienist said that she noticed my skin being smoother and softer. I think I notice it mostly after shaving my legs. I love how soft and smooth they get.

It is a lovely and welcomed change, for sure.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 15, 2024, 09:09:42 PMNot just at the three year milestone, but earlier, my face filled out.
My rear has not, thus there is not a 10-12 inch difference between my waist and hips.

Smooth skin?  Or perhaps better said as smoother feeling skin?  Yes, some of that too.  Not to be mistaken with softened hot water and soap when taking a shower, that feels smooth too. 

Chrissy

I'm noticing that my face is getting more feminine—-of course because of my intersex condition it never really developed the brow ridges and other masculine features (from what my doctors can tell for most of my life before HRT my testosterone was sitting right on the border of the "crossover" zone where the say if males are in there they have low testosterone but if women are in it then they have high testosterone.  So they figure my natural estrogen during my puberty was doing more than most males—-however I also carried a lot in the stomach so they think a lot of my testosterone was converted to estrogen from the aromatase in my belly fat), so I never had those strong masculine facial features and it also helps explain why I have managed to maintain my early-twenties look when I am in my early-forties.

Last night I was out for dinner with a group I volunteer with, and I'm not out to them, however I just saw a photo on Facebook and I was in the back in the photo, and at first I was like "Who's that woman?  I don't recall seeing her there."  Then I realized that it was me!  The way I had my hair, I really had that feminine look even though I was presenting male.

I was told that T is a much more powerful hormone than E. Which is why we get T-blockers in addition to E. They suspected that like you said, my T was being converted from E. So they took me off Spiro and put me on two other blockers. One prevents T from being produced. The other blocks the T receptors, so if any E is being converted it will have no effect. They still haven't figured out why my E is so low despite continually increasing my dosage over four years. But the small improvements I have experienced are very affirming, like seeing a photo or a glance in the mirror and realizing that is you!

Quote from: LoriDee on April 18, 2024, 02:28:08 PMI was told that T is a much more powerful hormone than E. Which is why we get T-blockers in addition to E. They suspected that like you said, my T was being converted from E. So they took me off Spiro and put me on two other blockers. One prevents T from being produced. The other blocks the T receptors, so if any E is being converted it will have no effect. They still haven't figured out why my E is so low despite continually increasing my dosage over four years. But the small improvements I have experienced are very affirming, like seeing a photo or a glance in the mirror and realizing that is you!

No, for me my E levels are good.  However, before I started HRT, I had been tested a few times for my testosterone levels over my life, and they always showed me testosterone back then being on the border of being low.

Quote from: LoriDee on April 18, 2024, 02:28:08 PMI was told that T is a much more powerful hormone than E. Which is why we get T-blockers in addition to E. They suspected that like you said, my T was being converted from E. So they took me off Spiro and put me on two other blockers. One prevents T from being produced. The other blocks the T receptors, so if any E is being converted it will have no effect. They still haven't figured out why my E is so low despite continually increasing my dosage over four years. But the small improvements I have experienced are very affirming, like seeing a photo or a glance in the mirror and realizing that is you!

Sorry, I got interrupted earlier, however, before I started HRT, what the doctor's think was happening was that a vast majority of my testosterone was being converted to estrogen by the belly fat (dietitians have concluded that I'm genetically disposed to being overweight) that I had, and since I had had the situation since I was a baby, possible even in the womb (or I might also have PAIS), my body developed as intersex, because my estrogen was probably at the same level as my testosterone or slightly higher, to where my body developed both male and female characteristics and neither to a fully developed form.  (https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/extra-abdominal-weight-in-men-health-risks) (It's interesting how U.S. News mentions 'Belly fat converts naturally-made testosterone into estrogen, which promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics.')

So as I was saying, before I started MTF HRT, I had never really fully developed my male facial features or other male things. Of course I didn't fully develop my female features either.  However, since starting MTF HRT it is helping my female features to come out more to the world.

Quote from: Sarah B on April 06, 2024, 08:09:06 AMHello Sweet Luck

My name is Sarah B   and I would like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

You mentioned in your first post;

• You can expect your boobs to be smaller than your closest female relatives by up to a cup size.
• You may notice signs of breast enlargement around the third month if you're using both hormone blockers and hormones.
• Breasts take 3 to 5 years from  tanner stage 1 to tanner stage 5.

When I first started HRT I knew it would take time for my breasts to develop and I heard at the time it would take about 5 years.  I was patient, so in the end I did not worry about them growing.

We strive to make this a safe place to find information and to share your thoughts and comments regarding your journey. Just about everyone here has been confused about their gender at some point in their lives. Some discover they are transgender and others realize they are non-binary, while others may feel they fit best somewhere else along the gender spectrum. No matter where that may be, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/index.php/board,8.0.html).  I'm always learning something new.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most of us have experienced these as well.  You can read about my story (still in progress)  in a link listed below my signature.

Please review the links at the end of this message, they include information which will help you navigate the site and use the available features. When you reach 15 posts, you will be able to send and reply to private messages and you will also be able to add an avatar to your profile, until then if you have any questions about the Susan's Place site and the Forums, please feel free to contact, the Forum Admin Danielle Northern Star Girl alaskandanielle@yahoo.com

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!
Sarah B
Offical Greeter
@Sweet luck
@LoriDee
@Northern Star Girl

---

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Hello, dear Sarah! Sorry for posting so late, since April I suffered from a strong gender disforia. So even I wanted to give up my HRT, I was disappointed with no effects. But now everything is all right! I feel my body is getting more and more feminine, I feel my new brests growing and I'm so happy 😊. By the way I've posted my newcomer's introduction.

By the way, I'm not passing as a female, besides I have my long hair and rather feminine face and voice, being on HRT and wearing unisex. But noone unfortunately identifies me as a female. So I'm planning to have a ffs surgery after several month of HRT. Now I'm looking for a good clinic in Thailand or South Korea to fix my face.

I just got my yearly bloodwork done this morning, and when I see my NP I'm going to ask to be put on progesterone.  Cyproterone is a progestin, so it has helped, however from what I have read bioidentical progesterone helps to promote even further feminization, and is better, such as growing the breasts to Tanner 5.

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on May 22, 2024, 12:29:30 PMI just got my yearly bloodwork done this morning, and when I see my NP I'm going to ask to be put on progesterone.  Cyproterone is a progestin, so it has helped, however from what I have read bioidentical progesterone helps to promote even further feminization, and is better, such as growing the breasts to Tanner 5.

I have been on progesterone for just over a year now. Both medicines work the same way, but bioidentical progesterone has less health risks. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the risk of cancers, etc. Bioidentical progesterone has no such risk. When women become pregnant both their estrogen and progesterone levels rise to high levels. Extremely few pregnant women develop cancer, therefore bioidentical is the way to go.

I still argue with my doctors who want to keep levels low "to a safe level". They ignore the biological fact that high estrogen and high progesterone are what prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. We could get to Tanner Stage 5 in 9 months! But they prefer to take things S L O W L Y and after four years, my levels still have not hit the "normal" levels I should be at. They think because of my age I should be at a post-menopausal range when I am still trying to get through puberty.

My new Gynecologist and I will have a long discussion next month. I might have to tell her I want to meet with a lactation consultant to see how she would modify my hormone protocol to induce lactation in 9 months. She can't argue that it can't be done. It already has. A transgender woman breastfed her partner's infant successfully for six months before switching to formula. It was all over the news back in 2017.

Quote from: LoriDee on May 22, 2024, 01:26:44 PMI have been on progesterone for just over a year now. Both medicines work the same way, but bioidentical progesterone has less health risks. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the risk of cancers, etc. Bioidentical progesterone has no such risk. When women become pregnant both their estrogen and progesterone levels rise to high levels. Extremely few pregnant women develop cancer, therefore bioidentical is the way to go.

I still argue with my doctors who want to keep levels low "to a safe level". They ignore the biological fact that high estrogen and high progesterone are what prepare the breasts for breastfeeding. We could get to Tanner Stage 5 in 9 months! But they prefer to take things S L O W L Y and after four years, my levels still have not hit the "normal" levels I should be at. They think because of my age I should be at a post-menopausal range when I am still trying to get through puberty.

My new Gynecologist and I will have a long discussion next month. I might have to tell her I want to meet with a lactation consultant to see how she would modify my hormone protocol to induce lactation in 9 months. She can't argue that it can't be done. It already has. A transgender woman breastfed her partner's infant successfully for six months before switching to formula. It was all over the news back in 2017.

I don't go through my family doctor or other healthcare providers that do not specialize in trans health issues.  My family doctor and other doctor's that I deal with do know about the clinic that I go through for my HRT.  So I do deal with doctor's and nurse practitioners who work with trans people and specialize in trans health. 

With the Cyproterone Acetate, ever since I started in June 2022 I am on what, from what I have seen online, an ultra low daily dose that doesn't even come close to what the guidelines say for daily.  (I'm trying to dance around not posting how much I take.) By August 2022, the Cypro  at that level had essentially killed my testosterone, however, since it does go through  my liver, I also have to wonder just how much of the progestin part has been working on me.  I would say probably a tiny bit, but with the first-pass-the-liver part probably not as much as I will get on bioidentical progesterone.

I'm also going to ask my NP if I can up my Estradial intake to the maximum each day.

Very often, providers like to quote the Women's Health Initiative study as their guidelines. Even the FDA has warnings for Prometrium (bioidentical progesterone). I point out that the WHI study was a good thing and we learned much about Premarin (Conjugated HORSE estrogen) and synthetic progestins. The study was canceled due to too many instances of cancer in the study subjects.

I have read the study myself and there are problems with it. The purpose of the study was to determine if adding progestin to Premarin would improve the cardiovascular health of post-menopausal women. The problems with that study are:

1. Not a single participant was transgender.
2. Our prescribing protocol now includes bioidentical progesterone, not synthetic progestin. We are not prescribed CEE (Conjugated Equine Estrogen), i.e. Premarin.
3. You cannot look at the results of one drug and automatically assume that applies to all drugs in that category.

As part of that study, they looked at just Premarin and found it causes an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They looked at just the progestins and found that it increases the risk of certain cancers. But they ignore the fact that neither of these products is found in the human body.

Yes, they are still prescribed. But as you pointed out, they do it at a low dose to avoid those risks. And some patients have a good outcome.

As yet, not one provider has been able to explain to me why we don't follow basic biology and do what the human body normally does. Estrogen levels rise at the beginning of the monthly cycle for the first half, then drop in the second half. Progesterone rises in the second half and drops at the end.

Estrogen provides fat distribution (bust, hips. and butt) and develops the ductwork inside the breast connecting to the nipple. This causes an increase in bust projection. Progesterone builds the glands (alveoli) that will produce milk later. This causes an increase in breast volume.

When pregnancy occurs, both estrogen and progesterone climb several times higher than baseline. This kicks breast development into high gear so that they will be fully matured and ready for lactation in nine months. Progesterone blocks prolactin so that lactation does not occur. Post-partum, (after birth), both hormones drop to baseline levels, allowing prolactin to cause milk ejection.

Because all of these hormones are bioidentical, because they come from the human body, the high levels do their job and do not cause all of the dangerous side-effects. If the risk is there, there would be very high numbers of pregnant women with cancer, blood clots, and stroke. But there isn't.

Sorry for the long post, but this is the long discussion I will have with my gynecologist. We will see what her response is.

Quote from: LoriDee on May 22, 2024, 03:35:23 PMVery often, providers like to quote the Women's Health Initiative study as their guidelines. Even the FDA has warnings for Prometrium (bioidentical progesterone). I point out that the WHI study was a good thing and we learned much about Premarin (Conjugated HORSE estrogen) and synthetic progestins. The study was canceled due to too many instances of cancer in the study subjects.

I have read the study myself and there are problems with it. The purpose of the study was to determine if adding progestin to Premarin would improve the cardiovascular health of post-menopausal women. The problems with that study are:

1. Not a single participant was transgender.
2. Our prescribing protocol now includes bioidentical progesterone, not synthetic progestin. We are not prescribed CEE (Conjugated Equine Estrogen), i.e. Premarin.
3. You cannot look at the results of one drug and automatically assume that applies to all drugs in that category.

As part of that study, they looked at just Premarin and found it causes an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They looked at just the progestins and found that it increases the risk of certain cancers. But they ignore the fact that neither of these products is found in the human body.

Yes, they are still prescribed. But as you pointed out, they do it at a low dose to avoid those risks. And some patients have a good outcome.

As yet, not one provider has been able to explain to me why we don't follow basic biology and do what the human body normally does. Estrogen levels rise at the beginning of the monthly cycle for the first half, then drop in the second half. Progesterone rises in the second half and drops at the end.

Estrogen provides fat distribution (bust, hips. and butt) and develops the ductwork inside the breast connecting to the nipple. This causes an increase in bust projection. Progesterone builds the glands (alveoli) that will produce milk later. This causes an increase in breast volume.

When pregnancy occurs, both estrogen and progesterone climb several times higher than baseline. This kicks breast development into high gear so that they will be fully matured and ready for lactation in nine months. Progesterone blocks prolactin so that lactation does not occur. Post-partum, (after birth), both hormones drop to baseline levels, allowing prolactin to cause milk ejection.

Because all of these hormones are bioidentical, because they come from the human body, the high levels do their job and do not cause all of the dangerous side-effects. If the risk is there, there would be very high numbers of pregnant women with cancer, blood clots, and stroke. But there isn't.

Sorry for the long post, but this is the long discussion I will have with my gynecologist. We will see what her response is.

I know that you're are in the US, so you can't get cypro, however, Cyproterone is more anti-androgenic than progestenic, so it is a weak progestin.  So in my case, with taking an ultra low dose, the progestin is not that effective.

I was at the salon yesterday and my hair stylist was commenting about how, even though I had been getting highlights for over a year (and it's the foil method),  my hair has really had volume added to it (some of it is probably from the coloring), and it has really filled in.  Plus it is very soft.  Plus she was noting just how fast it is growing now.  I am growing it long---it's in between chin and shoulder, and I do get her to trim off the split ends, so I do loose like an eighth of an inch every time I go, but then it grows back more the next time.  Yesterday before I left she put some waves in my hair, so it looked a little bit more feminine---at least until the wind got it.

Having been on HRT for 2 years now, I wonder how much of that change is from the HRT and it is just now becoming noticeable as I enter Year 3?

I noticed my skin and hair being softer. I have been growing it out for several years. It is just a bit past my shoulders. I was taking a multivitamin with high biotin. That made my hair and nails grow faster. Then my Endocrinologist said to stop taking it one week before labs because the biotin interferes with a bunch of lab results (hormone levels, PSA, thyroid, etc.). So I stopped.

Last summer I went through a deep depression. My labs showed my B12, D, and hormones were all too low. My Primary told me to take a multivitamin, especially B12 drops and D3 to get my vitamin levels up. She said that she would prefer I don't stop taking anything before labs because that is inaccurate. They want to see what is really happening on a normal day.

So, I started taking Super B Complex, the Hair, Skin & Nails Multi (biotin), and D3 gummies. And the biotin kicked in again and my hair and nails are growing, and my hair is trying to fill in.

I like the perkiness of my boobs.  That makes me perky most days! 

Have a nice, wonderful day everyone!

Chrissy

Hard to believe but tomorrow (June 2) will be two years since I started Estrogen and then Monday (June 3) will be two years since I started Cyproterone (back in 2022 the pharmacy ran out of the Cyproterone so had to wait until they received another shipment to fill my prescription hence why I started estrogen before my blocker).

Last night when I was getting a shower, I had leaned over and weighed my breasts with my hands and the do have a lot of weight to them now (maybe 5 lbs each).  I'm a bigger person with a bit of a stomach so they don't stand out as much as on someone who is skinny minnie. 

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on June 01, 2024, 08:52:34 AMHard to believe but tomorrow (June 2) will be two years since I started Estrogen and then Monday (June 3) will be two years since I started Cyproterone (back in 2022 the pharmacy ran out of the Cyproterone so had to wait until they received another shipment to fill my prescription hence why I started estrogen before my blocker).

Last night when I was getting a shower, I had leaned over and weighed my breasts with my hands and the do have a lot of weight to them now (maybe 5 lbs each).  I'm a bigger person with a bit of a stomach so they don't stand out as much as on someone who is skinny minnie. 

I would not know how to guess how much my boobs weigh.  Yours sounds so big!

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on June 01, 2024, 09:48:24 AMI would not know how to guess how much my boobs weigh.  Yours sounds so big!

Chrissy

I'm not exactly sure.  I was just trying to compare it to other stuff that I have lifted in the past that has that squishy feel.  So I'm not sure, what my 54D's truly weigh.

I am not on HRT I can not comment on this topic. But I have a few questions, and I am prob a bit uneducated. My questions would be for those individuals who have been on hormones for a long time. Prob 5+ years.

I know bone and skeleton does not change, but I know soft tissue and cartilage does. Has anyone noticed that their height has changed, or hands have gotten smaller, maybe even dropped a half and shoe size or so.

Also has anyone noticed their eye color change. Maybe more vibrant or completely changed color while on HRT.

Just wondering.

Hands and feet would fall under the "bones" category, and eye color is genetic.

As we age our spines do compress a bit, but not all that much. Again, bones. I'm soon to be 67, and on HRT for almost five years, and still 6 feet tall.

The changes that can/could/will happen are due to estrogen's role in fat distribution. Gaining weight in the bust, hips, and butt mostly. It does fill in other areas as well. I noticed my legs do not have the same muscle definition as before. It's like the muscles are still there, still strong, but have a fat layer over the muscles to smooth things out. Same for my arms. Facial features have softened.

When I started HRT, I was 5'10". Now 5'8" I have heard its due to the pelvic tilt, others say its just aging(61) anyway I take it as a win/win. My shoe size has dropped a half size as well.

Quote from: Robbyv213 on June 04, 2024, 01:58:29 PMI am not on HRT I can not comment on this topic. But I have a few questions, and I am prob a bit uneducated. My questions would be for those individuals who have been on hormones for a long time. Prob 5+ years.

I know bone and skeleton does not change, but I know soft tissue and cartilage does. Has anyone noticed that their height has changed, or hands have gotten smaller, maybe even dropped a half and shoe size or so.

Also has anyone noticed their eye color change. Maybe more vibrant or completely changed color while on HRT.

Just wondering.

Just recently I've found that my fingers have shifted towards a feminine appearance, so while the bones haven't changed, I would say that the fat has moved around and I have also allowed my nails to grow out and I have been putting clear nail polish on them.

With my eyes, my color has gotten lighter on the inside but I have developed a deeper colored blue limbal ring that also seems to be a little thicker. Also my irises used to be, in my left eye, a greenish-brown, and in my right eye a more bluish green.  Now they still have some brown, but they are more green and lighter.

So far I haven't noticed anything with my feet, they are still pretty big.  And my height has decreased.  But my skin is paler, and when I put the sunscreen on before my makeup, I notice that the sunscreen gives, not just a white pale to my skin (I have had people ask me if I was feeling alright, because to them the sunscreen makes me look like "death warmed over".  And since Covid I have found that if you even have a slight hint of a cold or the flu, people recoil and do not want to be around you out of fear.  So I tell people that I need to wear make-up in order to give me some color, because I was getting tired of, with just the sunscreen, people constantly telling me that I looked like death---also lately the sunscreen has been giving me a bluish cast as well as the white paleness.) 

But I am also finding that, even though I am a bigger person, I am getting that hourglass shape between my breasts and stomach, and my breasts are becoming more rounded, so tighter shirts are giving me that look.  Also I'm finding that my hips are getting wider as the fat moves to them.  But on HRT my hair also seems to be growing faster, and every time that I get a haircut, my stylist can't believe how fast my hair has grown or even how thick it's become.  This last time she even commented on how the texture of my hair has changed, even with getting highlights in my hair.  Of course I started HRT when I was 38, so compared to those in their 60's, HRT is having more effect because I was not on my natural testosterone as long as those who didn't start until their late-50's or 60's.  Also, when I was starting I had the choice between Spiro or Cypro since I'm in Canada, and I went with Cypro because it is a progestin, and I wanted to have that as part of my HRT (in a few weeks I'll be asking my doctor's to put me on actual progesterone, besides being on just Cypro and Estradial---I had asked them to put me on when I had only been on HRT for six months, but they didn't want to do it at that time, they wanted to wait for the year, but then I forgot to ask about it last year, but from what I hear progesterone will help even more at 2 years or more).  So I think that, even though Cypro is a progestin (not natural progesterone), that progestin has helped with the feminization that I have undergone over these last two years, even though I have been taking it at a very low level.   

So I just had my appointment with the clinic today.  They didn't want to increase my estrogen, since they said according to the guidelines I was already at the maximum and my bloodwork was showing that I was in normal cis female ranges, so it would be risky going up even one pill more a day.  They suggested that if I wanted to try injectable I could try that, however, at this time, I'm sticking with the pills.

They did agree to a three month trial of progesterone.  So I'll be starting that.  I don't know the brand I'll be on, but it is micronized bioidentical progesterone pill that I'll take sublingually at night (as I write this, they have sent it to the pharmacy, but the pharmacy hasn't input it into their system so I can't see on the app what it is or when I can pick it up).  In three months I'll have to get bloodwork and that done just to make sure everything is okay, since they noticed that my in my bloodwork for this check up, my prolactin was a little high---however that could be because the day I had the test done, because the lab kind of got backed up, I was a little stressed that I would miss another appointment, even though I had gone early enough.  The clinic is also cutting my Cypro down from every day to every other day, even though I've been on a very low dose of Cypro.

Also recently I've been noticing that my breasts are still growing.  I've been getting every so often little annoying itches in my breasts (not pain, just itchiness).

So my pharmacy's app just updated and its Prometrium that the clinic is putting me on, which I believe from seeing on these boards, most of the other girls here on progesterone are on it too.

So I just picked up my progesterone today, so I'll be starting it tonight.

Prometrium is the best choice. Since it is micronized and bioidentical it has all the benefits of ovarian progesterone with fewer risks. You may notice it makes you drowsy and maybe dizzy, so they recommend taking it before bed. I don't have those side effects anymore, so I take mine three times a day but at half the dose. I hope you have great results!

The reason I take mine throughout the day is because previous studies showed the elimination half-life of oral progesterone was about 18 hours. Since it takes 18 hours for your body to eliminate it, once-a-day dosing would seem appropriate. However, a newer study using a more modern type of assay found that it is eliminated from the body as quickly as 3 hours.

I told my doctor that would mean I take a dose before bed, and even if I wake up in the middle of the night and take another dose, my body will have eliminated it by the time I get up in the morning and I should be getting another dose. But I have to wait until bedtime.

She reviewed the literature I sent her and she agreed to try it my way. I am not suggesting that is what you should do. But be informed and if things do not seem to be working for you, have a discussion with your prescriber.

For reference, here is the discussion about the elimination half-life. Yes, it is Wikipedia but it lists its references.

Pharmacology of Progesterone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_progesterone#:~:text=The%20elimination%20half%2Dlife%20of,about%2016%20to%2018%20hours.)

Prometrium, hmm, well .. my breast growth had stalled so I had nothing to lose. 2 yrs ago I had it added (all my Drs said optional so didn't care if I did or didn't). I'm at 6yr 4mo at the moment and have recently stopped it - no more gain seen and it's expensive.

Results: slight increase in size, rounded and fuller, over the 2yrs. My guy friends aren't afraid to tell me that they like how they look. They profess "honest feedback" as the reason. I think it's because they are guys.

I am not on any type of blocker for some time now, my T levels are too low to measure
My E level are just shy of 200pg/ml. I am trying to convince my Dr to keep it there. He refuses to allow over 200 citing 'normal women of my age' (Um, except I'm not and this is a comfortable level for me) and he would prefer that I was lower.

I had similar discussions with my doctors when they couldn't get my levels consistently above 100. They wanted to target "my age" and I explained that they were looking at 66-year-old me as post-menopausal but I'm still trying to get through puberty!

I convinced her that after 4, almost five years now, oral doesn't get it done and patches didn't do it either. I understand the concepts of "lowest effective dose" and "first, do no harm". But I was tired of them slowly increasing my dose over the years without any benefit. I told her to put it in my records that I am giving informed consent and that if I suffer any ill effects, it is on me. She documented my request and switched me from patches to injections. It has only been a couple of weeks (3 injections so far) and I feel much better.

Many doctors rely on the prescribing protocol set out by the Endocrine Society. As @Allie Jayne pointed out, they have not been studied in transgender people. They know what the medicines do in cis-gender women and they hope there will be similar effects in transgender women. As pointed out, they are being used off-label to accomplish this. Spironolactone is a diuretic. But it has the interesting side effect of affecting the 5a reductase enzyme which converts testosterone into DHT which is the more potent version responsible for male-pattern baldness, facial hair, etc. Finasteride works in the same way but is stronger than Spiro.

The problem is that the 5a reductase enzyme affects all hormones: estradiol, testosterone, progesterone, pregnenolone, etc. When my Endocrinologist was trying to figure out why my levels were consistently low, she stopped the Spiro, and the Finasteride and went with Eligard injections every three months, and oral Bicalutimide (Casodex) tablets daily. Eligard (leuprolide) blocks testosterone production. Casodex blocks the androgen receptors without affecting the 5a reductase. It and its metabolites have no hormonal activity at all.

It pays to do your research, be informed, and inform your doctors. There have been very few studies on transgender women, so most doctors are not up on the latest studies and treatment protocols. Don't be afraid to ask them about these things. By showing them the information you can help yourself and every other patient that provider has in the future.

Quote from: LoriDee on July 10, 2024, 12:12:04 PMPrometrium is the best choice. Since it is micronized and bioidentical it has all the benefits of ovarian progesterone with fewer risks. You may notice it makes you drowsy and maybe dizzy, so they recommend taking it before bed. I don't have those side effects anymore, so I take mine three times a day but at half the dose. I hope you have great results!

The reason I take mine throughout the day is because previous studies showed the elimination half-life of oral progesterone was about 18 hours. Since it takes 18 hours for your body to eliminate it, once-a-day dosing would seem appropriate. However, a newer study using a more modern type of assay found that it is eliminated from the body as quickly as 3 hours.

I told my doctor that would mean I take a dose before bed, and even if I wake up in the middle of the night and take another dose, my body will have eliminated it by the time I get up in the morning and I should be getting another dose. But I have to wait until bedtime.

She reviewed the literature I sent her and she agreed to try it my way. I am not suggesting that is what you should do. But be informed and if things do not seem to be working for you, have a discussion with your prescriber.

For reference, here is the discussion about the elimination half-life. Yes, it is Wikipedia but it lists its references.

Pharmacology of Progesterone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_progesterone#:~:text=The%20elimination%20half%2Dlife%20of,about%2016%20to%2018%20hours.)

I'm taking Prometrium.  Right now I'll be taking 1 tablet sublingually before bed.  If I'm reading that page right it looks like sublingual gives a 6-7 hour half life.

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on July 10, 2024, 12:56:19 PMI'm taking Prometrium.  Right now I'll be taking 1 tablet sublingually before bed.  If I'm reading that page right it looks like sublingual gives a 6-7 hour half life.

True, and also says that at those doses it is normally taken three times a day. The intent is the same: to try to maintain an even serum level so it can do its work and make us rounder and fuller up top.  ;D
 

So over the past week have my breasts ever been itchy around the aerola and nipple.  I don't seem to have pain when my breasts are growing, just itchiness. 

And from what I've read, you don't really see any growth from progesterone until you have been on it six months.  Or I wonder if because I'm on Cyproterone if my body is already used to some form of progestin/progesterone, if the effects will start sooner.

I have been on progesterone for a few years now without much effect. I read an article that discussed dosage frequency. Under the old assay method, progesterone was believed to have an elimination half-life of 18.5 hours. Thus, the prescriptions given were for a single dose before bedtime. The thinking is that once every 24 hours should keep levels where they need to be, and the side effects some people have are dizziness and drowsiness. You can't get dizzy and drowsy while sleeping in your bed, so take the dose before bed.

However, the new assay method shows that the elimination half-life was way off. It is closer to three hours. I discussed this with my doctor. If the half-life is three hours, that means I take a dose before bed, and even if I wake up and take another in the middle of the night, it is out of my system by morning and I need another dose.

She reviewed the report and agreed to try a lower dose but three times a day. The results are that this is working much better. I, too, feel like my breasts are now growing. There is no measurable increase in bustline measurement, but they are filling out (volume) and feel more firm.

This is because of how these hormones affect the body. Estrogen redistributes fat (breast, hips, and butt) and develops the infrastructure of the breast (the ducts that connect to the nipple). This causes the breasts to grow out to project more from the body. Progesterone develops the alveoli which is the gland tissue that would eventually produce milk. As the glands develop, the breasts increase in volume.

In my case, now that I am injecting the estradiol weekly, my labs show my level at 244 where it has rarely been over 100 in almost 5 years. Taking the progesterone three times a day keeps my levels steady so the hormone can work. And I can feel the results.

I think that every transgender woman who is taking hormones and progesterone needs to have this discussion with their doctor. Surveys have found that a majority of trans women are not satisfied with their breast growth and end up opting for surgery. I think if prescribers would stay up to date on the latest information about hormones and how they function, many surgeries could be avoided.

For those interested in the reports, the summary is on Wikipedia with footnotes to the source references. Pharmokinetics of Progesterone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pharmacokinetics_of_progesterone#:~:text=The%20elimination%20half%2Dlife%20of,about%2016%20to%2018%20hours.)

I hope this information is helpful.

It is past year three for me.  I have not measured or noticed any pelvic tilt.
I have nice round boobs though and a more feminine face for sure.  Strange as it may seem, I look more in the face feminine than some female world class athletes, but that is my opinion only.

But I am no outward beauty either.


Chrissy

It's been 2.5 months since I started Prometrium for my Progesterone.  I had and still am on Cyproterone.  Prometrium is a bio identical progesterone that is identical to the progesterone that Cis girls make.  Cyproterone is a progestin, or artificial progesterone, and it's weak and is primarily used as a testosterone blocker.  I've been on Cyproterone for about 2.25 years now at a lower than recommended daily dose.  And back in July I was cut to every two days.  So while I have been getting some progestin advantage over the last 2 years, it's been weak.

Over the last week and a half, I've been noticing that I'm eating a little bit more, and everything seems to be going to my breasts.  They feel a little heavier and my nipples seem to be forming up and pushing out.  There had been some development on my nipples since I started estrogen and Cyproterone a few years ago, however they were still soft on the inner part and were only starting to stick out. 

My NP did extend my prescription through next July, so it'll be interesting to see what happens over the next nine and a half months.

It's been 3-1/2 years since I had my orchiectomy and been injecting estradiol valerate once a week. I go for blood work every 6 months and my levels have been holding at 140.

As of lately I only feel minor breast discomfort, they're quite generous in size and I now have to wears a sports bra. For something I didn't want at all, it turns out that I love having them.
 
My body fat has been distributed to my waistline, I'm not sure how I appear outwardly since I still present as male, but I feel quite different. I do feel like I get quite a few stares, but I don't know if it's just me thinking that.

My hair has thinned and takes longer to grow back after shaving. the results have been very satisfying, one of the things I've found tricky is going to the beach I lay out topless but wear a shirt when walking the beach, I'm about a C cup with large areolas It's just another one of the things I didn't realize before beginning my transition.

I'm 67 Years old and married for 36 years I don't have a desire to do anything else regarding my transition.

So I've been noticing that my breasts have been really itchy over the last few weeks, especially around the aeorolas.  Plus I think I've experienced some pelvic tilt, since went to turn off the outside water tap for winter and the shut off is in the ceiling and I wasn't able to get the grip on it to turn it like I used too, so I had to get a stepladder. (The ceilings are 8 feet high., also I have more body fat than some at that area, so it doesn't look like thinner bodies there where you can notice.)

This morning I noticed in the mirror that I'm starting to see that "S" curve where my breasts and rear are giving that feminine look.  Of course I put a bra on today, so that was helping with my breasts (48DD, I tried a 52DD the other day but it kept going over my breasts when I raised my arms, so I use a bra extender to increase the bust size).

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on December 20, 2024, 05:23:17 AMThis morning I noticed in the mirror that I'm starting to see that "S" curve where my breasts and rear are giving that feminine look.  Of course I put a bra on today, so that was helping with my breasts (48DD, I tried a 52DD the other day but it kept going over my breasts when I raised my arms, so I use a bra extender to increase the bust size).

Good luck to you on developing the curves.  I still have seen not much growth in my hips.
Breasts, yes.  Slightly slimmer waist, yes. 

Voice, not really feminine in my opinion.  All well.

Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on December 20, 2024, 06:47:26 AMGood luck to you on developing the curves.  I still have seen not much growth in my hips.
Breasts, yes.  Slightly slimmer waist, yes. 

Voice, not really feminine in my opinion.  All well.

Chrissy

I'm one of those bigger people, so it's been difficult seeing the curves.  However I have seen my breasts grow, but today was the first time from the side I saw the "S".

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on December 20, 2024, 11:02:34 AMI'm one of those bigger people, so it's been difficult seeing the curves.  However I have seen my breasts grow, but today was the first time from the side I saw the "S".

Yay!

I was just realizing that in just over a month I'll be crossing into my 4th year of HRT.  What did others find from months 36 to 48 in their development on HRT?

Recently I've been getting a lot of compliments from women about how I look.  I'm finding that I'm liking have some of my hair in a ponytail with a scrunchie (either an iridescent multi color one I have or a purple one—-the one scrunchie I don't wear a lot is a tie-die one, but I find it doesn't really stand out in my hair like the others—-I only have it because it was in a pack of 3) but then the rest cascading around my face/neck.

About a week ago I was discussing something with a man and he mentioned that there was something different with my face and I looked better than I had in a while.  Where we were I didn't have any sunscreen or makeup on because I wasn't in a place with fluorescent lights or other UV radiation sources, so he was just seeing my natural face.  I think that just naturally, while my intersex condition has always given me a youthful feminine look, just without makeup my features are taking on a more feminine appearance.  Also trying to loose weight helps.

I do not remember exactly when each occurred; however I had some small growth spurts in my breasts around that time, and even afterwards.  Sometimes, mostly growth in just one.  They eventually evened themselves out every time.  They are both roundish, firm, and they nicely help define my female appearance.  Some days I want a little more there but that is not that often.

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on April 20, 2025, 09:12:38 AMI was just realizing that in just over a month I'll be crossing into my 4th year of HRT.  What did others find from months 36 to 48 in their development on HRT?

Like you, the estrogen softened my skin and softened my facial features a bit. I have always received comments that I don't look my age, but now people seem to think I am much younger looking. Breast development was disappointing, but during my first four years, my hormone levels were consistently too low. My healthcare team and I struggled to figure out what was going on. Once I switched to weekly injections, things started improving.

Four years is a milestone, so celebrate! But the journey continues, and you will keep getting better and better.  ;D
 

I like scrunchies but I do not have that much natural hair for them.
I can make a short ponytail or two short pigtails but they would not hang down much at all.

Where I use them is on the days I choose to wear a long hair wig.  Sometimes that is the look I want to have that day.  The bows, clamps, scrunchies, and barrettes do provide function of keeping hair where you want it, as well as they can add nice looks.

However, day in and day out, my own hair is what I go with.


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on April 20, 2025, 09:25:58 AMI like scrunchies but I do not have that much natural hair for them.
I can make a short ponytail or two short pigtails but they would not hang down much at all.

Where I use them is on the days I choose to wear a long hair wig.  Sometimes that is the look I want to have that day.  The bows, clamps, scrunchies, and barrettes do provide function of keeping hair where you want it, as well as they can add nice looks.

However, day in and day out, my own hair is what I go with.


Chrissy

My hair is fine, and even on HRT it has grown back in in a few places where my hair had thinned.  However I find that claws, barrettes and some bows don't stay in my hair that well, even when I sprayed them with dry shampoo. Scrunchies I find stay in my hair the best.

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on April 20, 2025, 12:05:41 PMMy hair is fine, and even on HRT it has grown back in in a few places where my hair had thinned.  However I find that claws, barrettes and some bows don't stay in my hair that well, even when I sprayed them with dry shampoo. Scrunchies I find stay in my hair the best.

Scrunchies are good!

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on April 20, 2025, 09:12:38 AMWhat did others find from months 36 to 48 in their development on HRT

Hi Nancy, lovely to hear that you have reached year 4 and progressing wel. Looking back on one of my old computer cds where i tended to store events, measurements progress, i went thorough stops and starts or growth spurts.My hips hurt and i could feel fat more noticeable around my hip and backside, it might have been a combination of eating more or being more aware that something has changed. I too love to play around with my hair which is now just above my waist at the back, its taken years to get to where it is I tend to get lots of knots and tangles, scrunchies are ok but getting them out can be a pain. I love experimenting with colour, and go for wash in less harmful colours

Quote from: kat2 on April 20, 2025, 04:55:57 PMHi Nancy, lovely to hear that you have reached year 4 and progressing wel. Looking back on one of my old computer cds where i tended to store events, measurements progress, i went thorough stops and starts or growth spurts.My hips hurt and i could feel fat more noticeable around my hip and backside, it might have been a combination of eating more or being more aware that something has changed. I too love to play around with my hair which is now just above my waist at the back, its taken years to get to where it is I tend to get lots of knots and tangles, scrunchies are ok but getting them out can be a pain. I love experimenting with colour, and go for wash in less harmful colours

Are you sure that you are not thinking of hair ties?  Because, except for one scrunchie that is like fleece (think of like the underside of a fleece top with the cotton knots or whatever they are called) I find hair ties are the worst to get out (and for me they just put too much pressure on my roots, so I have some, but I don't use them), whereas most of my scrunchies are satin or like a viscose and they tend to slide out, but hold for a day.

Also, my next appointment with my endo at the end of June, I'll be asking to be switched from my current cypro/estradial regiment of pills to an injectable mono estrogen regimen (with progesterone), since from what I've read, while I have had breast growth and that on the pills, however, injectable estrogen can maybe make them grow some more.  Plus, even last year, my endo reduced my cypro level because, from my blood test, my testosterone wasn't even registering.   

Quote from: Lori Dee on April 20, 2025, 09:24:31 AMLike you, the estrogen softened my skin and softened my facial features a bit. I have always received comments that I don't look my age, but now people seem to think I am much younger looking. Breast development was disappointing, but during my first four years, my hormone levels were consistently too low. My healthcare team and I struggled to figure out what was going on. Once I switched to weekly injections, things started improving.

Four years is a milestone, so celebrate! But the journey continues, and you will keep getting better and better.  ;D
 

One thing I like about looking younger, is that I am just over the "over the hill" age, so it's nice when they think that I'm no more than 25, but really I'm in my very early 40's.  And I don't even consider myself close to being "over the hill"!

So tomorrow is my third anniversary of being on estrogen and Tuesday will be my third on Cyproterone. 

This morning I was noticing just how heavy my breasts are.  I was leaning forward and I just cupped them and I couldn't get over their weight! 

Quote from: NancyDrew1930 on June 01, 2025, 04:02:48 PMSo tomorrow is my third anniversary of being on estrogen and Tuesday will be my third on Cyproterone. 

This morning I was noticing just how heavy my breasts are.  I was leaning forward and I just cupped them and I couldn't get over their weight! 

Amazing feeling, is not it?

Mine are not big, but they are Bs.  I am grateful.


Chrissy

Quote from: ChrissyRyan on June 01, 2025, 04:04:53 PMAmazing feeling, is not it?

Mine are not big, but they are Bs.  I am grateful.


Chrissy

Mine are B's as well.  But it explains why I am seeing slimming in other places, but the scale is saying that I am still around the same weight as a few weeks ago.