This topic has been recreated in order to provide more room for future updates, I ran out of adequate space and in order for me to share this with everyone and continue I had to make this change.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,93037.msg679105.html#msg679105 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,93037.msg679105.html#msg679105)
I have been waiting for a thread like this. I wish it could be stickied!!
WTG on the progress, I really love these details! You mentioned chest hair is growing back much more sparse, but could you possibly explain how much you had before? I am extremely hairy and I am praying hormones will do away with at least most of it.
As for voice, I've read somewhere that hormones can change inflection (not pitch). Maybe this is why it sounds better?
I didn't have an overly hairy chest, I had what I called a superman patch. Pretty much look at supermans S on his chest when he's wearing tights and that's where I had thick chest hair. Otherwise it was like a slight fur everywhere which has pretty much vanished completely and now resembles peach fuzz. The hair on my shoulders has also turned blonde/peach colored as well and is MUCH better then the dark black "fur" I had before.
I will add this entire part to my post as well! I also went ahead and added links to my therapist and doctor that I visit, as well as adding the wiki links for my medication.
point of order: what was your level of interest, in terms of sexual or intimacy, in men before you started HRT?
Quote from: Tammy Hope on September 02, 2010, 01:34:45 AM
point of order: what was your level of interest, in terms of sexual or intimacy, in men before you started HRT?
Before I was able to tell if they were good looking or not, but there was no attraction and I didn't just happen to notice them, they would have to be in front of me and talking directly to me.
There was no interest in intimacy or sexually at all prior.
Now I find myself noticing them even if I'm just passing them by. I also am noticing most guys aren't all that good looking. For those who are I just want to get close and be held. I definitely feel a desire for them but not with my parts, I want to be able to accept them naturally, or what should have been naturally.
sounds like where I am now (in most respects) and what I'm hoping for....I'm so impatient!
Its been 6 months. Have seen some changes but not a whole lot. Of course I am 50 too. A little breast change and very sore. Skin is softer and hair is a little fuller. Not much yet on my unwanted hair. I am doing laser treatments now. I see not much as far as my thoughts/emotions. I thoink one of the biggest things would be my waistline is much smaller. Lost some muscle mass too....Like I was told......Sit bak and enjoy the ride....
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on September 01, 2010, 07:19:41 PM
I have been waiting for a thread like this. I wish it could be stickied!!
WTG on the progress, I really love these details! You mentioned chest hair is growing back much more sparse, but could you possibly explain how much you had before? I am extremely hairy and I am praying hormones will do away with at least most of it.
As for voice, I've read somewhere that hormones can change inflection (not pitch). Maybe this is why it sounds better?
I made a personal journal where I made something similar up until the 5 month mark I might post it some other time.
I was pretty hairy before I've been on hormones for 7 months now I must say it still has some male pattern to the body hair growth although it's alot thinner. And I still get several hairs growing out of my chest and on my stomach although they are much thinner than before.
Quote from: pebbles on September 02, 2010, 12:37:26 PM
I made a personal journal where I made something similar up until the 5 month mark I might post it some other time.
I was pretty hairy before I've been on hormones for 7 months now I must say it still has some male pattern to the body hair growth although it's alot thinner. And I still get several hairs growing out of my chest and on my stomach although they are much thinner than before.
Do you have to shave less often? If so, how less?
Quote from: Alainaluvsu on September 02, 2010, 03:44:11 PM
Do you have to shave less often? If so, how less?
I epilate any body hair that I don't like I also did so before HRT it takes alot longer to regrow. Before it was 3 weeks before it regrew now it's more like 6-8 weeks.
in some regions of my body where I used to have body hair shoulders upper arms mostly The hairs have turned blond and are fine enough for me to not need to epilate them anymore.
I'm hoping my body hair responds similarly. I've attempted to shave my legs and it's just not feasible. It grows in too thick. I mean, I can do it but it takes two mach3 razors and two hours. Even then, I could still see the spots where the hairs grow. It was almost like 5 o'clock shadow on my legs. I tried to reshave a few days after one attempt and the hairs literally wouldn't shave off. I kept going over and over the same area of hair and they wouldn't come off. It was insanely frustrating. This was with a new razor and shaving cream, too.
Well for myself. I had really thick hair on my legs, and everytime I shaved it HURT and I'd get really bad bumps all over and you could still see the hairs, I'd have to wait a few days for the bumps and cuts to heal. Around week three I noticed the bumps didn't return after shaving. Now I shave my legs once every 2-3 days and during the 2nd day my legs still look fine but are a bit rough.
Hoping the effects increase further! As always though ymmv...
I have added month two! I hope this information is helpful!!
Hi Gabrielle,
thank you for posting this. It's great to read about your experiences and compare. I'm 2 months HRT and past 2 laser appointments too :)
Tippe
Quote from: Gabrielle_Nicole on September 24, 2010, 11:54:40 AM
I have added month two! I hope this information is helpful!!
It is helpful, thanks for posting.
Same height (roughly) as me and 143...WOW!
If you have pics that you would let me see, here or via pm (nothing special, just an idea of how that weight level looks on someone 5'!11" it would be great.
I've resorted to asking strangers on the street how much they weigh in order to visualize what my ideal goal is.
Sadly, i sometimes despair anything short of a (mega-expensive) lap band is going to get me down there.
I'll ask my roommate to take some body shots of me, I'll just crop my face since I'm not ready to show what I look like til I'm presentable :P
And I don't mind posting a body shot up here. I'll see if she will when she gets home tonight!
Quote from: Gabrielle_Nicole on September 24, 2010, 11:54:40 AM
I have added month two! I hope this information is helpful!!
Fantastically so!
You seem to be developing quite rapidly... may I ask what your rough age is? I am mid 30's (I can't ask and not tell, that wouldn't be fair!)
Thanks!
-Gwen
I am 27, nov I turn 28. Most people think I'm 21 or 22 tho.
Still working on getting some body shots posted so you can see what 140 lbs looks like on someone 5 11.
Also gonna talk to my doctor about increasing my dosage of e, I feel that my blood test results are a bit low, and really hoping I'll gain at 20 lbs being on a higher dosage.
*fixed typo's and such from posting this on my droid.*
So I really have a hard time with the way I look right now. I know that's normal but my problem is the amount of weight I've lost. I'm down to 136 now, and really worried about this, I DON'T have any more weight to loose!!!
I'm really hoping to put on weight. I don't know what will happen but I guess it's one of those ymmv things. Anyways, here are a few pics of what I look like at 136 lbs.
Here's two from the front, I don't know why I posted both they look the same but whatever.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg835.imageshack.us%2Fimg835%2F5905%2F39018198.jpg&hash=a2a39a17fc4c604eac7eddd7b5caf728b9391dec)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg835.imageshack.us%2Fimg835%2F9736%2F23225879.jpg&hash=bb8e2189721dceb35eacaec7182bb84ee92e21c5)
This is just to show how I'm developing right now. You can also look at my chest to see how the hair growth is, I haven't shaved or waxed my chest in over 2 weeks as of today, as you can see there's some slight hair there still and it's definitely noticeable but it's not anywhere near where it was.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg688.imageshack.us%2Fimg688%2F9944%2F49415016.png&hash=78c5fd240270c342f62879e8c253640b9569b8c0)
My weights been stable during the three months I've been on HRT, but I've noticed that my fat intake has increased. I would want to gain a few stones too.
I don't know what medication you're taking and the board doesn't acknowledge exchanging information regarding this, however if you loose weight you should check with your doctor because it can be a side effect from some antiandrogenes and you might be able to switch to another.
Tippe
that does give a good idea of a "floor" - actually with boobs, probably a reasonable floor is 150, and I already have a conception of a ceiling of 200.
(Knowing how I struggle with my weight, I doubt I'll ever flirt with the floor)
That's still a pretty broad range though. In my mind, my target is to get at least under 180...
155 is my weight goal
Added month 3!
This is a great thread!
Thanks for the continued updates - very thorough and well written.
Thank you so much.
This is a great thread ! I've seen quite many journals about physical changes which aren't uninteresting, but your integration of psychological and behavioural changes are what makes your thread exceptional. I urge you to continue updating (and I personally find the psychological portion most recomforting).
You inspired me : I'll most probably make a similar thread once I (at last) begin actual transition. I'm looking forward for updates !
I've now added my fourth month!
Quote from: Gabrielle_Nicole on November 27, 2010, 08:45:23 PM
I've now added my fourth month!
Love the updates!
I really admire how comfortable you are with yourself. Can't wait for the six month update.
Quote from: caitlin_adams on November 27, 2010, 10:16:31 PM
Love the updates!
I really admire how comfortable you are with yourself. Can't wait for the six month update.
I'm not that comfortable... yet!
But, I hold faith in tomorrow and know the results are worth this.
Maybe for the sixth month I'll post some before and after pics! Just depends on where I am at!
I am following this avidly.
It sure does look good for you !
Quote from: Gabrielle_Nicole on November 27, 2010, 08:45:23 PM
I've now added my fourth month!
I admire your openness about your transition, I think it's a good way to go about things, because as well as saying to the world that you have nothing to be ashamed of, you also show people that you are just another human being and not a freak.
It feels like one of those odd moments of syncronicity, that's how I'm transitioning at work and I've just reached 4 months on HRT as well. ;D
Quote from: Helena on November 28, 2010, 02:46:52 AM
I admire your openness about your transition, I think it's a good way to go about things, because as well as saying to the world that you have nothing to be ashamed of, you also show people that you are just another human being and not a freak.
It feels like one of those odd moments of syncronicity, that's how I'm transitioning at work and I've just reached 4 months on HRT as well. ;D
Well if that's you in your avatar you are definitely more passable by a long ways!
I think I remember you saying we were on the same time frame before. I would love to hear where you are and how it's going for you if you wouldn't mind sharing!
Are you on injections? I highly recommend them as long as needles don't bother you.
Why tank you...I guess I do ok. My voice lets me down though I think and it's hard not to develop a bit of a complex about it. It doesn't help that I've had a cold as well. yukky
Lol was modifying my post then saw you replied.
Yea I have a cold as well atm. I think you might enjoy checking out Kathe Perez. I'm very pleased with the changes I've gotten from her cds in just one week. She does say that it takes 6 months to 1 year. And of course everyone I've talked to about it and listened to on youtube says that the voice they use matured and changed as time went on to become the voice we hear. I hope that is the case because I do believe I've found my correct pitch and I am not very happy with the way I sound female or not.
I'm on oral...I'm not sure if we can get injections in the UK.
anyway, changes...they're all kind of stacking up now, especially since I've started the new regime. I've been a lot more settled since starting the HRT, I actually had to come off for about 10 days and once the T kicked back in I felt incredibly on edge and wired with nervous energy...I actually remember there used to be a time when that was my base state of being and I'd convinced myself that that was normal. I really enjoy the feeling of not being chemical driven to move around and fidget...I can actually sit still now, I never used to be able to do that. My body hair is thinning down noticeably now which is good. plus I've noticed little random hairs sprouting up near my hairline.
My skin is a lot softer ( my G/f commented on it yesterday) and more sensitive, which is especially nice when she runs her hands over me. he he
My sex drive has changed, though not gone away and also the way i orgasm has been slowly changing and while I can still just about experience a male orgasm (they're as anti climatic as ever), experiencing a female one is lots and lots of fun.
I also swear my hips have changed...not fat distribution but actually changed. It's subtle but it's uncomfortable to sit on the toilet at work, both my hip bones rest on the seat and it's impossible to find a happy medium...this was never the case before.
The final thing is my boobs! 4 months in and I'm a healthy, though still small a cup...and they do seem to be getting bigger all the time.
But yeah, that's it so far really...it's hard to see changes as they occur though when i look at old photo's of me I can really see them.
So exciting! I did forget to mention I was getting regrowth in my hairline, very subtle of course.
Sounds like we are on very similar paths. Can't wait to see where things are in two months from now!
Hi Gabrielle Nicole
I just noticed you hadn't update this post in a while. I'd be super interested to hear how you're going. Judging by the other responses, many others would too.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Ill be updating in about ten more days with before and after photos! So check in around the 24th!
Ok I updated a few days early but I just got told my my psychologist that she is going to go ahead and write the letter for my orchi and just HAD to write this, it's 2 am and I still can't sleep I'm so excited, AND as I got to work today and told my boss she immediately went and gave me vacation for the entire two weeks following the surgery!
Gabi, that's WONDERFUL!!! Oh, I'm SO thrilled for you! I'll say this: The life of a transsexual is NOT boring! Lots of wonderful adventures...
I'm happy for you, really ! I hope things go so well for me.
awesome update hun...that might be my mission for sunday as it'll be 6 months to the day.
Quote from: Gabrielle_Nicole on January 20, 2011, 03:06:48 AM
Ok I updated a few days early but I just got told my my psychologist that she is going to go ahead and write the letter for my orchi and just HAD to write this, it's 2 am and I still can't sleep I'm so excited, AND as I got to work today and told my boss she immediately went and gave me vacation for the entire two weeks following the surgery!
We all need bosses like that!
Congratulations on your progress! And thanks for keeping this informative log of your experience with HRT.
I have moved this topic to another thread on this site so future updates can be read there;
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,93037.msg679105.html#msg679105 (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,93037.msg679105.html#msg679105)
well i did do a six month update but I put it on my blog
http://dreamsandrelfections.blogspot.com/2011/02/so-i-suppose-its-time-for-that-six.html (http://dreamsandrelfections.blogspot.com/2011/02/so-i-suppose-its-time-for-that-six.html)