So after over two years of deliberating, counseling, and ever-increasing dysphoria, I have filled my HRT prescriptions for the first time today.   In the drawer with my vitamins they are currently sitting there waiting for use. 

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit scared.  But scared only of what just a few people in my life will think and how they will react.  See, I live at home with my mom and step-dad right now, because I lost my career 7 months ago due to some bigoted people who clearly couldn't handle my androgynous appearance and behavior.  I've actually been jobless since then, but will be starting one job very soon.   I've been hired by one company and set to start at the end of September, and another job that will start sooner and pays more is likely to begin in place of it in the middle of the month.  The latter is fully aware of my transgender nature, and I advised them during my interview that I am going to be transitioning.  They were extremely supportive, even in the interview.     I don't have anyone that I spend time with...it's just been me by myself for years and years.  Both my mom and step-dad are aware that I am transgender, and my mom has been aware for a couple years that I have wanted to begin HRT.  She's not thrilled, but reluctantly gave her blessing (so to speak) if I wanted to do so.  She isn't aware that I have the hormones and am going to begin tomorrow, and I'm not even sure I want to tell her.

I know this is the right thing for me.  With each passing day my dysphoria gets worse, and it seems each week I'm reminded of another instance in my past where I knew I was in the wrong body but never really understood what it meant, and had dismissed it as me just being crazy or sinful.

I'm excited to begin.  I know it's going to be rough in the beginning.  What has me most concerned right now is I'm already (and always have been) a very slim person with a feminine build, and I know the HRT will of course reduce my already low muscle mass.   I'm not sure what kinds of exercises I should do to keep from becoming so weak that I can't do anything.   

Anyway, I thought I'd share a photo of me as I am today at 38 (39 in November), on what is I guess the last day of "the old me" and going into a new, unknown universe that is going to be my female self.

I'm sure I'll be on these forums more as I go through this.  I'll try to be as supportive to others as possible and I'm sure I'll have more questions, too!

- Jamie

I wouldn't worry much about muscle mass as I didn't have any as a male. I was one of the few who flunked PE. I would suggest moving around or walking to keep your endurance up but beyond that, do what you feel comfortable with.

From what I have been seeing, your parents could be seeing a personality change in a couple of weeks to a month as you start to become comfortable with yourself. If you haven't told them about HRT by then, you may be outed by the pill. Good luck and congratulations on starting your journey.

  I totally flunked PE, too!

Thanks for the input and support!

Walking and staying active is important. Doctors do recommend some weight training for women to keep the skeleton robust enough (especially as you get older). Usually lower weights are used. You can get an idea by looking at the weights that are covered in rubbery material which are marketed to women who don't like the smell of iron.

Doing basic stuff like squats and pushups (even if they're girly pushups) won't hurt. We don't have to do as many physically demanding stuff during the day so it is a risk to be sedentary and end up with weak back and abdominal muscles and pain as a result.