I expect to be starting hormones somewhere between Feb 10th and Feb 15th. I am really eager to get going as soon as possible.  On Feb 25th, I will be traveling to attend a major family event. For a week, I will be staying with relatives. I am a little concerned that my tube of Oestrogel will get discovered in such close proximity. I am also concerned about putting a tube of gel in my suitcase in these days of heightened security. I also a little worried about any emotional effects I might have at that point adjusting to the hormones. But I am also worried about being on hormones for a week or two and stopping for a week. Any advice on this would be appreciated.
Thanks,
April

Hi April,

Hummm if necessary, put you gel in with your other bathroom items, perhaps after wrapping the gel tube in packing tape so no one can see what it is.

If the tube is more than 100 g, then you'll have to put it in your checked baggage, otherwise it'll be confiscated if you have it in hand. Regardless of it's medical nature.

Hummmm. The emotional roller coaster. You'll just have to run with that one I'm sorry. I wouldn't suggest stopping and starting. You can possibly pass your behaviour off as being a little uneasy about something. But don't be surprised if some women pick up the pheromones you'll be giving off.

Good luck. Embrace and enjoy.

Huggs
Catherine

I had no emotional effects from hormones until months after starting. I wouldn't worry about that.

Quote from: suzifrommd on January 29, 2014, 12:20:49 PM
I had no emotional effects from hormones until months after starting. I wouldn't worry about that.

yeap and even if you have emotional effects...just control them , if you REALLY dont want to cry or something you can try and stop it...

From what I've experienced most of the effects in the first few weeks have been minimal and most likely more related to wanting effects....

I agree with very one else. This should not impact your emotional state too drastically. Not that quickly. If anything, you are more likely to be in a good mood.

After a month, I was talking to my mother on the phone and she said, "I don't know what it is but you just seem so happy lately."

"Funny you should mention that Mom... "

If your family are the types who look through your toiletries, sorry. That seems unlikely though.

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on January 29, 2014, 11:27:24 AM
But don't be surprised if some women pick up the pheromones you'll be giving off.

Hi Catherine,

I have read about the pheromones changing before. Could that happen that fast? And if a woman can pick up on it, what does that mean? Is there just a feeling that the pieces of the puzzle just don't fit, or is there some innate ability to connect the dots? I find this fascinating.

Thanks,

April

I have noticed other women are often behaving slightly differently around me, even if they do not know about my transition. It may be because of subtle changes in my behavior or it may be pheromonal or a bit of both, I have just seen a general friendliness and willingness to talk about more normal, boring, female stuff.

I do not know if this is what Catherine means.

Pheromones DO change... BO will be quite different, and that tends to be one of the first things that changes. Often within the first few weeks/months.

I imagine the women most likely to notice would be the ones who have been attracted to your musk in the past... I think this is more often a subconscious observation rather than a conscious one.

It is highly unlikely anyone will connect the dots at such an early point though. That said, you may have perma-perky nipples by that point on HRT. Considering dressing accordingly.

I have noticed the same thing with women suddenly being chatty and friendly to me in the office. I have been on low dose HRT for about 4 years and never noticed it, but I recently stepped up to a full strength dose of HRT and the friendliness started soon after. I don't know if it's my smell or my new sunny outlook on life/behavior that might be causing it but it has definitely happened.

I'm not out at work just yet so all of this is happing in male mode.

Quote from: Tori on January 29, 2014, 04:37:46 PM

I imagine the women most likely to notice would be the ones who have been attracted to your musk in the past... I think this is more often a subconscious observation rather than a conscious one.

I am intrigued that my attractiveness as a heterosexual male may lesson that quickly. I might actually have an opportunity to test that out. I might have an opportunity to see one, maybe two women that this would fit. If that happens, I will be curious as to how they interact with me. Strangely, I find myself rather delighted at that prospect. It is sort of a validation that my transformation is under way.

Quote from: Tori on January 29, 2014, 04:37:46 PM
It is highly unlikely anyone will connect the dots at such an early point though. That said, you may have perma-perky nipples by that point on HRT. Considering dressing accordingly.

Warning noted, even in my pre HRT state, I have rather responsive nipples for a genetic male. I can't wait to see what is in store for me in the near future.

Thanks,

April

I've been noticing something similar recently too. If I start talking to a woman then we talk for ever for one thing. For another, I've been really busy on a project at work and woman keep stopping by to encourage me with it and bring me tea and chocolate.  This has never happened before.

I've been on HRT for only 3 weeks.

To get back to your topic, I don't think you need to worry though. I hope you have a good trip

 The pheromone thing is something that I had never thought  about before. But thinking back  all these many years,yes I have had a closer relationship with women that didn't know that I am on HRT. They have been talking about clothing ,makeup and  etc. with me. Look at this as a good thing and enjoy your trip. 

Hi April,

Quote from: April Lee on January 29, 2014, 03:53:46 PM
Hi Catherine,

I have read about the pheromones changing before. Could that happen that fast? And if a woman can pick up on it, what does that mean? Is there just a feeling that the pieces of the puzzle just don't fit, or is there some innate ability to connect the dots? I find this fascinating.

Thanks,

April

Yes indeed April. Changes in your body chemistry can be that quick. Within an hour of an oestrogen implant my E can be over 3000 pmol/L. Over the next 12-15 months it will wain to 800 or so. Another friend of mine uses patches and topical cream and within 15 minutes her serum levels are on the rise. One of her testing methods is a saliva swab. She then compares notes with her Endo.

It's more of a subconcious connection with other woman. It's a very primal instinct. It's as though you are sensed to be friend, not foe. Hence the propensity to make better communication. Sme women are more perceptive than others, and can Jion the dots irrespective of how you present. Obviously if you present as a woman, the stronger that initial connection. You're seen as "one of us" and are afford the appropriate recognition.

You may become aware of this the longer and stronger your HT regime becomes. Embrace and enjoy.

Huggs
Catherine

Hi Tori,

Quote from: Tori on January 29, 2014, 04:37:46 PM
I have noticed other women are often behaving slightly differently around me, even if they do not know about my transition. It may be because of subtle changes in my behavior or it may be pheromonal or a bit of both, I have just seen a general friendliness and willingness to talk about more normal, boring, female stuff.

I do not know if this is what Catherine means.

It's a summation of both, plus the other 70% of our total communication. Speech represents less than 30% of our over all communication. The remainder is all non verbal.

Quote from: Tori on January 29, 2014, 04:37:46 PM
I imagine the women most likely to notice would be the ones who have been attracted to your musk in the past...

Not necessarily so Tori. After all you are changing your body chemistry and brain function considerable under HT.

Quote from: Tori on January 29, 2014, 04:37:46 PM
It is highly unlikely anyone will connect the dots at such an early point though.

Again, not necessarily. Good point you raise though about the nipple development. Good idea to pack loose shirts.

Huggs
Catherine

Two points:

To the original OP it's tempting to say if you have concerns, just wait. But honestly, if you do that, you'll never find the perfect time to begin. After I made my appt to start hormones, I was assigned a one week out-of-town training assignment--as the trainer. I thought about waiting, but I've been waiting for 40+ years. It was time.

As for women reacting differently at work, I've noticed that too, but I had just started working there a few months before starting HRT so I don't know if it's just getting to know me, the hormones, or both, but it is a different relationship. And it is nice to hang around the other gals without having to act all manly and such--just to be myself. I even have a Wine and Cheese Shop buddy I go to the local wine merchant with almost every pay day.

Jane

Quote from: Catherine Sarah on January 29, 2014, 09:17:30 PM
Hi Tori,
It's a summation of both, plus the other 70% of our total communication. Speech represents less than 30% of our over communication. The remainder is all non verbal.

Not necessarily so Tori. After all you are changing your body chemistry and brain function considerable under HT.

Again, not necessarily. Good point you raise though about the nipple development. Good idea to pack loose shirts.

Huggs
Catherine

Thank you for not slapping me down. Especially since neither of us linked to actual science.