I've been considering this journey for many years now and finally made the decision to move forward in September. Not planning on coming out formally for a while, but we'll see how the HRT progresses  (I'm almost 42, so far, only passing in just the right light).

My first appointment was on 10/30, had a wonderful APN who covered the session, and set me up with the prescriptions moving forward and I got started that afternoon. 

I got a call yesterday describing my initial baselines, she said I was at 24E, but only at 150T .... meaning, happily, a much shorter distance to close with the Spiro. I never really thought about my T levels before, but was pleasantly surprised to hear they were low  (she said the range for cis males was like 240-1000ish).

As for my first 6 days .... definitely feeling some effects from the meds .... some, I'm sure are placebo, the emotional joy of being on the right path. But I know I'm different now, and eager for some of the more physical changes to begin.

Some things I've noticed in this first week:

• Drink lots more water -  Spiro is draining. In spite of drinking more, I felt some cramping in the back of my thigh ... I never got that before, APN reminded me of more water when I mentioned it.
• Sleep -  Overall, I've slept better as I've started the HRT. However, I think I'm more prone to solidly waking up in the middle of the night as opposed to just stirring lightly in my sleep.  Tuesday, I actually napped for an hour after work, which I never do.
• General feeling - I feel more feminine day to day. My decision to move forward gave me a lift in life, including a confidence at work and the ability to eat less and drop about 15 pounds since September. I'm managed to keep that up since starting HRT, no sudden appetite related changes, still feeling confident, but also feeling myself be more comfortable as I start to shift my walk and improve my posture a bit.   I'm also feeling .... an occasional ... not sure the best word to use, almost a fog on my mind from time to time.  Had one afternoon where I felt more emotional, around stuff I wouldn't normally react to.  Lots to adjust to in the coming weeks and months I think. 

Anyway, just thought I'd drop a note and say where I was at and how things are going.  Hope this helps some who are just getting started.

-Melissa

Enjoy your journey! My experience, at the beginning, was filled with a roller coaster of emotion. The 'lift in life' you are experiencing, in my belief, is the alignment of your inner woman with you changes to the outer person. Enjoy the process. Be patient as changes come slowly at times and then just seem to happen. The journey is made easier with a support system in place. I don't know if you have this, but having a gender counsellor, friends, or a family member on side, is very helpful.
Look forward to hearing more!

Quick update .... After 5 months, I'm actually an A cup. As in, it's tough not to wear a bra, though most days, I'm opting for the minimizing effects of a sports bra.

Really happy with the "robe effect" headed to the shower, the shape that's beginning to take hold.  Less happy without the robe, looks like i've been working my chest out a lot, somehow with skinny arms. Chest hair diminishing, less shaving required. Some weight redistribution, definitely a bit puffier in the rear, but not super noticable just yet.  Chest band measurement has dropped from a 40 to a 38.   

I was at about 235lbs when I started, been at about 220 give or take, for the last 2 months, which likely accounts for some of the shifting in dimensions as well.

So far, I've been steady on my spiro dose, and my E dosage has now been increased after each blood test.

Not happy that dosage went up in Jan only to see levels drop at the 3rd test, but will now be taking the new dose half  in morning, half at night. Crossing my fingers for ongoing improvement.

Levels (HRT Started just after first blood test)

10/30/15: 158 ng/dL Testosterone - 24 pg/mL  Estrogen
1/12/16: 26 ng/dL Testosterone - 141 pg/mL   Estrogen
3/30/16: 21 ng/dL  Testosterone - 110 pg/mL   Estrogen


Something my practicioner said at the initial appointment:   "You'll still be you".    This definitely rings true to me, with an upside:  Dysphoria and related compulsions are pretty much gone, and feeling much more confident, relaxed and in control.

Quote from: melissa_h on April 07, 2016, 03:41:43 PMNot happy that dosage went up in Jan only to see levels drop at the 3rd test

What do you care more about? Levels or how you feel and feminization? Levels may fluctuate over time so could have been lower during that day when blood was drawn and higher at another point in time during that day. Test also doesn't measure sensitivity of individual to levels. Focus instead on what you can actually touch and feel.

Good point ...  though, i'm not sad-sad.  Just a bit disappointed that the intended effect of the dosage increase didn't really show up in the test. 

Progress is slow but steady, which is a good thing.

But I really started noticing less hair, less need to shave in January .... then, it seemed like there was more of a need (still thinner, fainter and way less than before).  That's completely based on feel and intuition rather than steady "measurement of shaving activity" but somewhat reinforced by the level drop.

I'm taking meds one pill at a time now, which prevents some of the "rolling around" under the tongue that might occur otherwise, hoping that helps a bit as well.  Switching to injections is a possibility later on as well.