I am genetically male, 39, and totally new to addressing my GD/GID, I have read allot, but it is still new and scary to me.

I feel Androgyne more than anything, and I find the mental benefits of lose dose to be extremely worth while.  But as many have said it is more of a slow transition than a half transition with all that that implies.  I have seen some early and frankly welcome physiological signs of this.   But while I want physical androgyny, I also want to maintain the ability to generally pass as male.  Metro-male is fine, heck I have long hair anyway. 

At what point do I need to start worrying about involuntary Male Fail?  Can clothes and presentation alone take someone that is 50/50 and make them pass?

On this sort of a path, how easy is it to get trapped in a place where you pass as neither?

With long hair and an increasing andro frame, how badly would I be pushing it to kill the beard for good?  (I *HATE* the darn beard...)


- JJ

You just never know how HRT even low dose will affect you. Some have minimal changes and some not so. It depends on a lot on your genetics, health and overall medical history. It is just a coin toss. 

I've been on low dose for more than 5 years, and have no physical problems passing as male. The main problem I've had has been that eventually low dose wasn't enough, and I'm having mental problems instead. It was great for a while though, although I do try not to see myself in mirrors. I started a bit older than you, and I am binary.

I have 2-3 mm stubble rather than a full beard. Earlier on I was shaving, but I started looking pretty odd and so I let it grow. I'm not sure what I'd look like now - I'm probably in for a big surprise next time I shave. The stubble, clothes, and male hair cut have been 100% successful. People just can't see past it. My breasts are a bit of a problem, but still managing there, at least for now.

My breasts eventually stopped growing, but have restarted now I've gone to a normal dose hrt. At least in my case development on low dose hrt was wasn't just slow, but incomplete.

I'm not entirely sure, but I think in some ways the facial changes have made me more attractive as a male. Pretty odd that.

I can still pass as a male and I am no medium-high transition dosage - I have noticed that the most important part is presentation (if people are unsure about Your gender, they will look at clothes and other stuff) and the way You carry Yourself. I do get unexpected male fails even when dressed as dude and not andro (but my dosage is by no means "low") and it took about 8-9 months for me to get there.  Sometimes, people just assume I am a younger guy with feminine facial features, sometimes they think I am a girl (but I have not worked out on what their decision is usually based).
Another thing - as was previously mentioned - this stuff is addicting and when I tried to switch to low dosage, I just could not - in 4-5 days dysphoria was back. Also, You might consider that althought there are many things which You like about male presentation, while being on HRT for quite a long time - Your attitude might change, also sometimes maintaining male person would require extra self-conscience and control - which is not very healthy, IMO.

2 1/2 years, 2 years low dose on pills, 6 months on implant.
I still pass as male, just look really you for my age.

But it's a slippery slope, it's all too easy to go just that bit further and end up  wing further along than you intended.

Yes, I am on low AA&E, it makes such a huge difference for my mental well being, I cannot be off of it for long, but I already see the physical changes starting.

The consensus here and on my other forum is that MTA passing male is quite possible, unless one is way too lucky with the hormones.  To a degree that seems unlikely at 39, but I have seen others get that result, though not on low dose...

I still worry about an Estrogen Yhatzee scenario, but if it actually happens I guess I could always socially transition too and just be MTA passing female?  The beard does allot of heavy lifting for passing, but it must die, and I won't cut my hair.  But at least I am tall and broad shouldered?  My real worry is passing as neither binary. 

Though I suppose some sort of a compression solution and a swim shirt will be necessary for the beach.  I have crossed the "Those are not moobs" line...  (yay!)

How is the response to the truly androgynous male thing, do I need to worry about anything scary, or will male presentation defuse the ignorant people?


- Jaded (NewbieNebieNewbie) Jade