Hi, I am 18 years old.  I have not started HRT yet ( I don't even how or where to start this process).
I have only told my closet friend and therapist that I am transgender.  What is a good way to come out to my family and friends?

What is the cost of HRT. I live in Michigan, are the laws for hormones the same in each state or are they different?

After starting HRT what changes have you noticed about your self mentally and physically?

Does HRT stop facial and body hair growth?

Does HRT help change your voice?

Did your sexual orientation change?

Have your interest and or hobbies changed?

How do I change my name?

Quote from: Hailey zy on October 23, 2014, 10:47:14 PM
What is a good way to come out to my family and friends?

I met with them in person in case their were any questions myself. Then I went to my male Facebook page and posted my decision. I invited those with positive reactions and support to friend my female page. I closed the male page forever then.

What is the cost of HRT. I live in Michigan, are the laws for hormones the same in each state or are they different?

All I can do is post the pre insurance amounts for me in Oklahoma. Spiro runs $124.85 for 90 days, Estradiol Cypionate (injection) $54.28 for 90 days and Progesterone (injection) $39.67 for 90 days. I have Medicare so the cost to me for 90 days supply is $12.00. The laws should be similar a most go off the WPATH guidelines.

After starting HRT what changes have you noticed about your self mentally and physically?

OMG!  world of difference between night and day. First was a mental relaxation which was so wonderful. Then over time you get smoother skin, new body odor, breast growth, less body hair, new color vision, new sense of smell and many other effects.

Does HRT stop facial and body hair growth?

Body hair will become finer and less, but facial hair requires laser or electrolysis to get rid of. It is very time and money intensive.

Does HRT help change your voice?

NO.

Did your sexual orientation change?

There is a huge debate on this right now. My Endocrinologist says HRT can rewire your brain and I believe it in my case as my preference has changed from females to males. Others say HRT just relaxes and brings out what was there all the time.

Have your interest and or hobbies changed?

No. All of mine are still the same.

How do I change my name?

It varies by state. Here you just file for it, have a court appearance and it is changed. After that you can change your drivers license, social security info, etc.

Welcome to Susan's.

I'll try to answer your questions, at lest the ones I know anything about.

Quote from: Hailey zy on October 23, 2014, 10:47:14 PM
Hi, I am 18 years old.  I have not started HRT yet ( I don't even how or where to start this process).
I have only told my closet friend and therapist that I am transgender.  What is a good way to come out to my family and friends?

Write a letter or outline . You don't have to send it but it can guide you through answering some tough questions. Include a short bit about how you feel, what you plan to do,and online places they can go to for getting answers on their own.  Have a few books or pamphlets they can read if they choose to.

What is the cost of HRT. I live in Michigan, are the laws for hormones the same in each state or are they different?

Cost varies depending on delivery method and where you get it from as well as insurance plan. In general, laws regarding scripts are federal. Rules for getting the script may differ from insurance plan or clinic although they tend to follow the SOC.

After starting HRT what changes have you noticed about your self mentally and physically?

An emotional feeling of calm and relief. My answer wouldn't help for the physical as I'm going the other way.

Does HRT stop facial and body hair growth?

It doesn't usually stop growth but does usually slow it down and make the hair finer.

Does HRT help change your voice?

Rarely if at all.

Did your sexual orientation change?

Some people say yes, others no. It will all depend on you and how you feel.

Have your interest and or hobbies changed?

Only in my enjoyment of them and ability to do them.

How do I change my name?

File a petition with your local clerk of courts. The details vary from state to state. You usually need to post it in the newspaper. Some states require a fingerprint for background check. They will set a court date and give you all the information necessary when you go in. There are fees. These fees vary. You can sometimes get the fee waived.

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Quote from: Hailey zy on October 23, 2014, 10:47:14 PM
What is a good way to come out to my family and friends?
I've only come out to my mum so far and I waited until she was alone and we wouldn't be disturbed by anyone, and gave her a letter I had written to summarise my feelings. I let her ask questions and answered them as best as I could. I don't know if it will work for everyone but I tried to be humorous to out her at ease. For example I said I might have bigger breasts than her  

I can only answer the first question.

Hugs,
Hailey

Quote from: Hailey zy on October 23, 2014, 10:47:14 PM


Does HRT help change your voice?

Looks like the others have covered the rest but I do have something to say about this one.
It can actually raise the voice. Not a whole lot though. My voice used to be bass, very deep and full of manly resonance. I don't know what it was in Hz. Now my natural voice is 134-140hz...i can tell you whatever it was before, it was way lower than that. Resonance has been mostly eliminated all together. The voice I use in public now is 190 Hz. In the past I was unable to get it up this high. I dont know how it has improved over time, but it has. You might be surprised what it will do to your voice, I know I am. Just don't count on anything.