Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: harlequin on June 23, 2006, 12:49:50 PM

Title: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: harlequin on June 23, 2006, 12:49:50 PM
I was wondering, as I'm 16, what the effects of HRT for an MtF would be during puberty? I couldn't find anything about it via google, so I figured I would come on Susan's and ask the experts here. I can make guesses as to what would happen, but would it be too different from after puberty? I know that bones and muscles are softer during than after- would that affect it? I'm very curious; I haven't come out to my parents yet and I would like to know how succesful HRT would be on someone my age.

-harlequin
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: Nero on June 23, 2006, 01:52:51 PM
I could be wrong, but I think you have to be 18 before they'll prescribe hormones.
However, maybe you could get an androgen blocker to stall any further testosterone development, if you can you should do this ASAP. Every passing year, you'll grow more masculine and the effects of testosterone are pretty much irreversible. In general they say the younger you are when you transition, the more passability you'll probably have. But more importantly, it's better to start later in life than to rush into something you're not sure about.
The androgen blocker if you can get it, will stall development until you're ready, and if you decide not to transition, you can stop taking it and develop normally as a male.

I'm FtM, so I'm not really qualified to comment, but I'm sure the ladies will jump in and correct any errors I might have made.

Good luck.
Nero
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: Melissa on June 23, 2006, 02:22:52 PM
I think you said it all Nero.

Melissa
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: harlequin on June 23, 2006, 02:38:12 PM
Quote from: Nero on June 23, 2006, 01:52:51 PM
I could be wrong, but I think you have to be 18 before they'll prescribe hormones.
However, maybe you could get an androgen blocker to stall any further testosterone development, if you can you should do this ASAP. Every passing year, you'll grow more masculine and the effects of testosterone are pretty much irreversible. In general they say the younger you are when you transition, the more passability you'll probably have. But more importantly, it's better to start later in life than to rush into something you're not sure about.
The androgen blocker if you can get it, will stall development until you're ready, and if you decide not to transition, you can stop taking it and develop normally as a male.

I'm FtM, so I'm not really qualified to comment, but I'm sure the ladies will jump in and correct any errors I might have made.

Good luck.
Nero
Mmm, thank you. That's basically what I wanted to know- and I do plan on telling my parents as soon as possible; it's a matter of timing for me.

-harlequin
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: tinkerbell on June 23, 2006, 03:08:13 PM
Hi Harlequin:

If you're underage, you can't get hormones on your own.  If you are over thirteen, you may get anti-androgens as long as your parents sign a consent form to your medical provider.  The anti-androgens block the production of testosterone and prevent your body from masculinazing any further.

The best way to deal with it is by talking to your parents and seeing a gender therapist to see what options are best for you.  Best wishes and keep us posted!

tinkerbell
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: Melissa on June 23, 2006, 04:00:52 PM
Yeah, get the gender therapist requirement out of the way first, then you could start hormones as soon as you turn 18.

Melissa
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: BandannaChild on June 23, 2006, 07:49:24 PM
I'm in a similar boat about getting testorone suppressors. Remarkable difficult. My docotor will only pescribe them for anger issues. Issues I lack. However this is Canada, even more so this is Ontario, our medical system is backwards. Maybe whereever you are is different. Ask.
Title: Re: Effects of HRT while young?
Post by: harlequin on June 27, 2006, 09:59:48 PM
Quote from: tinkerbell on June 23, 2006, 03:08:13 PM
Hi Harlequin:

If you're underage, you can't get hormones on your own.  If you are over thirteen, you may get anti-androgens as long as your parents sign a consent form to your medical provider.  The anti-androgens block the production of testosterone and prevent your body from masculinazing any further.

The best way to deal with it is by talking to your parents and seeing a gender therapist to see what options are best for you.  Best wishes and keep us posted!

tinkerbell
*nod* I'm trying my hardest, but i'm being distracted by several other things right now (relationship problems, exes, etc.). Also, my girlfriend is out of town at the moment, and I would really want her to be here for when i tell my parents; so basically i'm not going to talk to them until August... but i will certainly tell you how it goes then.