I started HRT last Friday. I've been on it before so I know what to expect in the first few months and I've kept my expectations realistic, but after one week I'm already experiencing breast pain.

I felt it a small amount yesterday and figured it was in my head, but this is a very real pain. There's a deep pulsing ache in my breasts, accompanied by the sensation of two tiny gophers trying to claw their way out of my nipples. It isn't pleasant, but it means something is happening and that's got me feeling fan-freaking-tastic.

Has anyone else had this happen so quickly?

I was 22 when I started HRT last time and I remember it taking more like 3 or 4 weeks to kick in. I'm 26 now and on double the dose I was then. Perhaps that has something to do with it.

For me it was about at 2 weeks I started getting pain. At about 4 to 6 weeks, I almost went home early from work because it was so bad.

Cora, the mental image of little gophers sort of freaked me out, but you probably already had some residual glandular breast tissue from your previous HRT experience.  Think of it as a jump start to your current HRT regime.

Yes you are not dreaming.
I felt changes and sensitivity went from zero to 100 within the week.
It was wonderful.

Was I surprised, yes and it has not stopped.

It wont take long to see puffy nipples then the tenderness will increase to a constant ache and you will be on your way.
It will take about 6-8 weeks to see visible growth.
Happy days are near.

Enjoy the trip as you have an E ticket to ride.

Jen

It was on day 5 for me, and I thought I was making it up too until I ran downstairs and found myself clutching my chest. (My first and only time on HRT, too.) You're just lucky, I guess.

I wish I could have felt the growing pains. I never did, but did get the breast enhancement from the PM. I am now on the B.O. since November 15th. They do feel nice on me, though. Fun to play with, too, when nothing else to do. Even when there is something else to do!

I'm glad to hear it's normal. And the thought of residual breast tissue giving things a jump start is a reassuring thought. Even if just to make me feel like my previous HRT experience wasn't all for not

I had gynecomastia as a kid during early puberty, and my endocrinologist felt my breasts pre-HRT and confirmed both that there was a little actual breast tissue there and that "this should give you a good head start." So there's an expert's opinion.

That about right

I had sensitivity after a week when I started hrt

I've been pleased with my HRT (patch +progesterone) breast development - 3+years.  My Dr. worked with me to keep the levels right for me.  I am still tender - surprised me the other day when a male friend of my girlfriend gave me big hug - I kinda squealed!

I never went to have myself measured at a lingerie store until this Christmas when a lithe boutique has some lovely european bras on sale. Really made my day/week/year when she said "oh, you're a 34B."  Could have kissed her!  I am so fortunate. No wonder my bras had gaps & didn't fit.  3 years ago I was wearing size 38 "transgender" bras with those pockets.

Enjoy!!

Love & hugs - Bobbi

Is it reliable to measure your chest size before you even have breasts? I'm trying to get an idea of where I'd fit into the sizing spectrum. If I measure just below my pecs after exhaling I'm 33". I figured it would be more because I'm pretty big boned.

Hi Emily, I was quite shocked.  I always thought of myself as large, being 6ft tall, with broad shoulders.  But 3 years of hormones have simply transformed me into a tall, thin lady - & my girlfriends say my shoulders are fine.  I feel so blessed to have nice small breasts & I am really amazed at my body changes. 
Love & hugs - Bobbi

I still wonder if my body will keep making a lot of estrogen after six months of taking the Bovine Ovary, then stopping all together, or would it be better to take them for a whole year?

Stephanie