Well, in three weeks I get my bloodwork done and hopefully in another week I start HRT! ;D :D ;D
Now I have some questions about HRT that I thought RL experiences might help with. I checked out the Wiki, but I was wondering...
1) Will HRT shrink my hands or feet at all? I have heard a yes and no from official sources, anyone out thee this has happened to?
2) Which is supposedly safer? The patch was featured on the discovery channel and was reported to not increase risk for embolism.
3) How will HRT affect my fat production? Is it gradual or will I have to start the salads now?
4) Breasts...how big can I reasonably expect from the B cups that my mother and sister have?
Thats all my questions for now, so please give me advice! ;D ;D
Quote from: Luana on June 26, 2006, 07:21:49 AM
Well, in three weeks I get my bloodwork done and hopefully in another week I start HRT! ;D :D ;D
Now I have some questions about HRT that I thought RL experiences might help with. I checked out the Wiki, but I was wondering...
1) Will HRT shrink my hands or feet at all? I have heard a yes and no from official sources, anyone out thee this has happened to?
Now remember these are general terms as everyone's reaction to HRT is different from a significant difference to minimal difference. HRT will not change your bone structure, but it will affect the other tissues (muscle mass, body fat etc.) so there would be or could be some shrinkage.
Quote2) Which is supposedly safer? The patch was featured on the discovery channel and was reported to not increase risk for embolism.
Generally speaking any drug that is metabolized by the liver can have risks, and the patch, injectable, and sub-lingual stress the liver far less than oral HRT. However, estrogen's can/will increase the risk of the body developing embolisms, that's why many physicians prescribe daily doses of Low Dose Aspirin.
Quote3) How will HRT affect my fat production? Is it gradual or will I have to start the salads now?
A healthy diet will go a long way in improving your well being bu as far as the redistribution of fat goes it is gradual, and for some it never happens. For myself I had not fat to redistribute so I will not see those effects (I don't think)
Quote4) Breasts...how big can I reasonably expect from the B cups that my mother and sister have?
Who knows. Generally speaking, and this is very general, a rule of thumb quote most often is that you could expect to develop approx. two sizes smaller than your mom. But again this depends on the individual and their own body structure.
QuoteThats all my questions for now, so please give me advice! ;D ;D
I'm sure that others will comment so get out you note book :)
Steph
I think breast size depends on the age you transition too. One that transitions as a child can develop fully, if never going through puberty. After 40 I have read effectiveness of growth goes down. Im not a hormone specialist though, just seems like I have read this somewhere.
I wish all of us wanting transition could have done it before puberty.
First, Stephanie answered most questions, but let me touch on a couple points. If I remember correctly Luana, you are young(22?) and tall(6'4"?). These are some of my guesses regarding you.
You should have good effects from HRT due to your age. Breast size will most likely be 1 cup size smaller or they may actually get closer because of your age. You should also lose some height (1"-2" maybe) and I think your feet will also shrink. I think the bigger you are, the more likely you are to shrink. I have no idea about hands, since most people don't measure these.
Ok, back to facts. Also, changes in metabolism do not happen overnight. You will need to watch your food intake more as time goes on. Most of the changes from HRT should be complete after 2 years and all effects should be done after 5.
Melissa
Close Melissa, i'm 21. ;)
If what you say is true, then my final height could be around 6'2"-6'3"? Yatta! :D
I was just thinking though, I can feel my ribs under my skin, if i'm right that your skin is about 1" thick as a man and slightly thinner as a woman, then I should lose maybe 3" off my 42" chest?
Oh, a question about waist thinners. My tailor told me that the fat will have to go somewhere as my waist is contracted. Is it true that it will be moved to my chest and butt? Anyone have experience with this?
*wink* Expect to acquire more bottom and hips...
It should go to your chest, hips, and butt. Mine still has not redistributed much after almost 5 months though.
Melissa
Hrm, well um, the latter part of 6 months for me I think is when I first noticed... *chortle* I was trying to figure out why the waist of my pants was loose, and the next day I think it was I noticed I had a more appropriate waist... *chortle* The pants getting tight in the legs wasn't imagination! (I still wear the same boy pants I have been wearing, by the by)
Hey there Luana.
As the others have mentioned your age will be a factor on the plus side for you, however to get more clinical info you can check out our Wiki article by typing HRT in the Wiki search box.
Steph
Luana,
Baby, sugar, my little budding princess!!! How exstatic I am for you!
Quote from: Luana on June 26, 2006, 07:21:49 AM
1) Will HRT shrink my hands or feet at all? I have heard a yes and no from official sources, anyone out thee this has happened to?
Nah, don't expect that too happen
Quote2) Which is supposedly safer? The patch was featured on the discovery channel and was reported to not increase risk for embolism.
like Steph said but she forgot to mention the patch is somewhat difficult (fall off sometimes, and irriates some peoples skin where it is attached)
Injectable's (Yeah! ;)) but it's hard as hell to give yourself a needle in the butt and I don't know about anyone else but im not sticking any sharp objects in my breast! (thats if they let you give yourself your own injections) ps estrostep or oral estrogen usually tste like sugar if you dissolve them under your toungue Plus it helps them metabolize quicker ;) or so im told
Quote3) How will HRT affect my fat production? Is it gradual or will I have to start the salads now?
Hormones make me hungry i like crave everything the day after an injection but it usually goes directly to where I want it hips, & breast area!! you got to eat in order to grow! :)
Quote4) Breasts...how big can I reasonably expect from the B cups that my mother and sister have?
Unofficially speaking - although if i look it up im sure its document you get what the woman in your family have\had except maybe a cup size smaller...so unfortunantly based on your post don't get too disappointed if you don't develop a big rack,,,,just remember woman come in all "sizes" besides there a real pain in the but when you drive and sleep on your stomach! oh and my doctor suggested something I found incredible wierd when mines started to grow again..(you'll feel them being real sensative and hurting most of the time fyi) He said let someone play with them or suck on them...true story!!...and it does help.
My 2 cents
Chynna
First, the all-purpose disclaimer: everything I say below comes from what I've read, what I've experienced in the 6 months I've been on HRT, and what I've learned from talking to others.
Everyone is different, I am not an expert, your mileage may vary, some assembly required, batteries not included, etc.
Quote from: Luana on June 26, 2006, 07:21:49 AM1) Will HRT shrink my hands or feet at all? I have heard a yes and no from official sources, anyone out thee this has happened to?
I wouldn't count on much shrinkage of hands and feet. The explanation I've heard is that under the influence of HRT, the water content of the cartilage in the body decreases, and the cartilage shrinks slightly. The shrinkage of the disks in the back explains the loss of height.
This same shrinkage could theoretically make for some reduction of the size of the hands and feet, but it would probably be a very small effect at best. The
appearance of the hands can change, however; in my own case, a change in skin texture has made them appear much softer, and they seem to be filling in somewhat making them appear less bony.
Quote2) Which is supposedly safer? The patch was featured on the discovery channel and was reported to not increase risk for embolism.
Each of the methods of delivering estrogen has its advantages and disadvantages. The patch delivers a consistent level of medication and bypasses the digestive tract, but it's expensive and there are the problems Chynna mentioned about trouble sticking and skin irritation for some.
Injection is simpler and also avoids the liver, but estrogen levels fluctuate quite a bit, depending on how often they are given; I've heard some reports of moodiness as a result. There's also the ick factor!
Estradiol taken sublingually also spares the liver (as long as you actually let it absorb rather than just swallowing the dissolved pill!) and is very cheap, but it generally needs to be taken more than once a day and you have to remember to take it. Personally, I went this route, mainly because of cost; at my dosage, it's running me about $50 for 3 months.
Quote3) How will HRT affect my fat production? Is it gradual or will I have to start the salads now?
I've thus far avoided gaining weight, but I've seen a pronounced redistribution of fat. The bust, hips and rear have grown while the waist has shrunk. The first I noticed was that my belly descended; prior to HRT, it was mostly above the belly button; now it is below.
Quote4) Breasts...how big can I reasonably expect from the B cups that my mother and sister have?
The big question: breasts! Family members are a good indication, but the question is
which family members? Your mother may be a double D, but if you generally more closely resemble your grandmother who is an A cup, that's more likely to be your lot. Remember too that we're talking about genetic potential; age and body type also play a role. If you are one of those people with a tiny percentage of body fat, who can eat 5000 calories a day and never gain an ounce, you're probably going to be somewhat small breasted. If you're like me and gain 5 pounds just thinking about fried chicken, you may end up larger.
You have interesting times ahead; enjoy the ride!
Annie
Quote from: Annie Social on June 26, 2006, 09:46:54 PM
First, the all-purpose disclaimer: Everyone is different, I am not an expert, your mileage may vary, some assembly required, batteries not included, etc.
LOVE The disclaimer Anne!!! but you forgot..
"HRT comes with everything you see here....Sex drive sold seperately"
LMAO
Chynna
Quote from: Annie Social on June 26, 2006, 09:46:54 PM
The explanation I've heard is that under the influence of HRT, the water content of the cartilage in the body decreases, and the cartilage shrinks slightly. The shrinkage of the disks in the back explains the loss of height.
Ooo! Ooo! NOW I'm excited! I've heard of this before on other forums and mailing lists. It would be a MOST welcome effect for me, being 6'2". I remember a poll taken long ago, where the average loss of those who reported a loss was 1" to 2". An unscientific poll of course, so who knows.
QuoteThis same shrinkage could theoretically make for some reduction of the size of the hands and feet, but it would probably be a very small effect at best.
Does the musculature surrounding the thumbs shrink? Most of the "largeness" of my hands is entirely from my thumb muscles. My hand width is fairly small, my fingers are thin... but my thumbs area bulges out. All those years of, "Honey, can you open this for me?" took their toll I guess :(
Um, hand strength definitely goes down the pot. I think my paws are the same basic shape/size but frankly I've not been paying any attention to them.
Quote from: Kate on June 27, 2006, 09:18:30 AM
Ooo! Ooo! NOW I'm excited! I've heard of this before on other forums and mailing lists. It would be a MOST welcome effect for me, being 6'2". I remember a poll taken long ago, where the average loss of those who reported a loss was 1" to 2". An unscientific poll of course, so who knows.
I've already lost 1/2" on almost 5 months HRT. My spouse didn't believe me and said I measured wrong, so I had her measure and sure enough I had.
Quote from: Kate on June 27, 2006, 09:18:30 AM
Does the musculature surrounding the thumbs shrink? Most of the "largeness" of my hands is entirely from my thumb muscles. My hand width is fairly small, my fingers are thin... but my thumbs area bulges out. All those years of, "Honey, can you open this for me?" took their toll I guess :(
I sure hope so. I have the same thing. I still have hand strength, so we'll see where that goes.
Melissa
just educated me DAMN I didn't want to get shorter
Chynna
What's wrong with being physically short Chynna? Your personality will always overshadow others. :)
Melissa
I can bearly reach stuff on the top shelf now!!!
Oh but wait good excuse to wear them six inch stillettoe's on a daily that i should only wear in the club!
CHYNNA
How tall are you Chynna? I'm currently 5'9 and I still envy women shorter than me.
Melissa
I was 5'8" when i started HRT over a year ago I should measure myself to see if I shrunk :)
Steph
Quote from: Luana on June 26, 2006, 08:58:51 AMI was just thinking though, I can feel my ribs under my skin, if i'm right that your skin is about 1" thick as a man and slightly thinner as a woman, then I should lose maybe 3" off my 42" chest?
I've gone from a 42" bust to a 38". I think it is from loss of muscle mass in the vicinity of the chest cavity due to antiandrogen (and it's only been 2 months).
Do not get hung up on measurements, it will drive you crazy. Your body is going to react the way it's going to react, there is no certain way to determine on an individual basis how HRT will affect you. What can be determined is that you monitor yourself on a regular basis with your Dr. That way you can head off potential problems before you become at risk.
You should find that the changes to your body are so subtle that they may go unnoticed. I've often asked Gill how I look and she will often say the same as yesterday :)
Steph
Quote from: Melissa on June 27, 2006, 12:14:27 PM
How tall are you Chynna? I'm currently 5'9 and I still envy women shorter than me.
Melissa
5'8 but I haven't measured myself in years thou..
Never knew shrinkage was a factor
For my frame my weight is suprising....I think im carrying like 30 - 40 pounds in my chest thou! :o ;D ;)
Chynna
PS don't even think of asking about the weight!!! LOL
Height loss... Id never actualy heard of that... but it explains allot. my Official height on my ID and medical records have me at 6ft 1in... but when I had my breakdown and was measured I was just a hair below 6ft... Was on Hrt for 7 months. Bust size, at my high point I hit a B cup but all the women in my family are extreemly large chested. If your hands and feet actualy shrink that would be a blessing... they did get softer in appearance though. and finaly atleast in my case strenght dropped off massivly... Im a drummer and it took allot more work to keep in good enough shape to play... especialy at shows. *shrugs* Oh, I did restart HRT about 2 weeks ago and am feeling allot better for it :)
I had to get a replacement driver license recently because I had lost my other one and I need one it to change my name and gender on it. So, I have officially changed my height and weight on it. The guy at the DOL office was like "You're shrinking". :)
Melissa
QuoteOh...Ok...Chynna how much do you weigh?
ONLY....Only because YOU asked LOL
In the pic of me with the white on im 262lbs believe it or not
Chynna
I weigh about 175, which isn't terrible, but I would like to lose another 25 pounds. I'm kind of maintaining my weight for now and just having a little muscle loss.
Melissa
**BUMP**
Tee-hee. :D
I've actually dropped to 227lbs.
I found my daily meds tend to have me vomiting all the time which is in sharp contrast to the Depo injections which make me eat like I was just rescued from gilligians island after the Skipper ate all the food and the professor and mary anne!
I guess I should stop watching reruns of gilligians island off the net and actually get back to doing work!
Damn buzzkill! :icon_chainsaw:
Chynna
I'm actually trying to gain weight (162 lbs... but I'm 6'2"), as I've decided it'll make my face look more feminine if I can fill in the cheek area a bit.
You know you've really lost it when you're intentionally shoveling down ice cream, as a genetic male, in hopes you'll gain weight and look "softer" and more feminine. But I've seen pics of myself a few years ago when I weighed more like 175-180ish, and I definately looked better (in the face anyway).
The annoying thing is every ounce I gain seems to go right to my tummy. Another perk of middle age :(
Quote from: Kate on July 13, 2006, 10:54:54 AM
I'm actually trying to gain weight (162 lbs... but I'm 6'2"), as I've decided it'll make my face look more feminine if I can fill in the cheek area a bit.
You know you've really lost it when you're intentionally shoveling down ice cream, as a genetic male, in hopes you'll gain weight and look "softer" and more feminine. But I've seen pics of myself a few years ago when I weighed more like 175-180ish, and I definately looked better (in the face anyway).
The annoying thing is every ounce I gain seems to go right to my tummy. Another perk of middle age :(
HRT will solve all of that. It makes it so not so much goes to your tummy and your cheeks fill in.
Melissa
Posted at: July 13, 2006, 09:01:15 AM
Quote from: Chynna on July 13, 2006, 10:47:40 AM
...the Depo injections which make me eat like I was just rescued from gilligians island after the Skipper ate all the food and the professor and mary anne!
OMG! That is too funny. :D
Melissa
2 weeks! Yatta! ;D
Only two things suprised me, one, I gained about 5 ibs. This raises me to 240ibs ><. But I insist it was all in the chest! ;)
The other is they tried to tell me I was 6'6" now! T.T
Oh well, we will se how this all turns out!
Quote from: Luana on July 13, 2006, 08:29:52 PM
2 weeks! Yatta! ;D
Only two things suprised me, one, I gained about 5 ibs. This raises me to 240ibs ><. But I insist it was all in the chest! ;)
The other is they tried to tell me I was 6'6" now! T.T
Oh well, we will se how this all turns out!
Just remember that while HRT can be expected to produce certain results, not everyone reacts the same way. So while you can read how others have reacted there is no way to tell how you will react. Some have fat redistribution, some don't; some grow finer hair, some don't; some develop wonderful breasts, some don't, you get the picture.
Remember it's you and how you develop and grow that counts.
Steph