Not interested in transitioning for various reasons... not the least of which is the potential disruption to my family.  Has anyone successfully gotten  therapist to diagnose low dose hormone treatment?  Just enough to reduce hair growth, soften features, etc. without significant fat redistribution. 

There's a few people that do it. There's a good thread on it

My low dose HRT experience (was 9 month low dose HRT)
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=130268.0

I had my prescriptions after a twenty minute talk with my primary care physician (informed consent). You can look here for an informed consent clinic near you.

https://www.susans.org/wiki/Informed_consent

You may also wish to look into supplements. I had great results from them.

Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks girls very helpful information... 

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 28, 2017, 06:22:30 AM
I had my prescriptions after a twenty minute talk with my primary care physician (informed consent). You can look here for an informed consent clinic near you.
https://www.susans.org/wiki/Informed_consent
You may also wish to look into supplements. I had great results from them.
Hugs, Devlyn

OMG...  the Mazzoni Center seems perfect.  Anyone have experience?

Glad to help.    I'm pretty sure we have a lot of people who have been to the Mazzoni Center. Let's sit and wait for them to show up...or you can make a new thread with Mazzoni Center in the title asking for experiences. That will let people really find your post.

Hugs, Devlyn

Even low-dose estradiol is going to shrink your testicles, reduce semen production (eventually to nothing), affect your libido and ability to get and maintain erections. It will also, slowly, result in breast development and progression through the tanner stages. All this before you get softer facial features and a long, long, long time before it has any (if any) effect on body hair. And all this whilst not providing that female high so many talk about (when on good quality estradiol).

I have read that entire thread referenced in the first reply.  That stretches over about four years and the authors don't mention any of the effects you mentioned, Vicki.  As with all hormone-related posts, YMMV.  There are several anecdotal threads about the success of overcoming dysphoria through the use of low dose hrt without "rapid" feminization.  AA's may produce some of the effects you are referencing, but it is an alternative for those who cannot, for different reasons, socially transition.  One thing that it will do is verify that hrt is the right path.  This is the path that I intend to pursue after much thought and deliberation with my wife.  So, it won'the hurt to try it out, as if it isn't right, you can go off them or move to "transition" dosage.  Best of luck in finding what's right for you.  If you do decide to go this route, please keep us updated on how things are going for you.

Quote from: NikkiB51 on April 12, 2017, 10:07:42 PM
I have read that entire thread referenced in the first reply.  That stretches over about four years and the authors don't mention any of the effects you mentioned, Vicki.

I was referring to what I've discovered from speaking to a number of TS in the community on HRT forums. Having said that, I have just read the first post in the link and the OP mentioned reduced libido and breast development - as I did - so not sure why you think they didn't. They didn't mention shrinking testicles but that doesn't mean it's not happening. I check mine regularly, the OP may not. It takes years even on decent-dose HRT to reduce body hair, and this is due to the way estradiol affects the endocrine system, it's not a YMMV situation, plus it needs to be in sufficient quantity) so I dismiss anyone who says they're noticed a slow down within a few months on low-dose HRT as that will be wishful thinking and placebo.

The reduction in libido (as well as develop breast growth, softer skin) is down to the shifting balance of estradiol/testosterone. Whilst it can vary from person to person, the bottom line is you're negating testosterone with an increase in oestrogen and you don't get one reduction in male sex function without the others: shrinking testes (and - as a result -reduced semem) and as a result HRT should never be taken on the expectation (or hope) that even just a mild dose will not have any effect on the areas you don't want it to have an effect on. This isn't a pick 'n' mix store where you can get the fun stuff only - it's altering your body chemistry -  and you have to be prepared for and be accepting of all changes, including sterility, shrinking penis and reduced sex drive.

Ultimately, it's each to their own but as I note you and your wife have settled on going down the mild-dose route I can only assume you don't want your lives to be affected too much but to work on that principle would be very dangerous, especially if neither of you wants sterility, an end to sex, physical changes to get the neighbours gossiping. My friend was sterile and shooting dry orgasms within 3 months on just 1mg oral tablets - and that's so weak that it's considered a bridging dose.

I guess I better chime in given the fact that my long running thread has been quoted.
Bear in mind my responses are now with my current dosages which are "low" transition dosages.

Quote from: vicki_sixx on April 12, 2017, 08:10:15 PM
Even low-dose estradiol is going to shrink your testicles,

Minor amount while I was on pills.  Pellet stimulated atrophy.

Quote
reduce semen production (eventually to nothing), affect your libido and ability to get and maintain erections.

I did mention that.  Staying on HRT long term tends to reduce production so to speak, both in quality and quantity.  Libido is lower, and I'm happy with that.  YMMV on the last front - half of it is mental, and yes there is a physical component to it.  Stimulation will maintain size and ability.

Quote
It will also, slowly, result in breast development and progression through the tanner stages. All this before you get softer facial features and a long, long, long time before it has any (if any) effect on body hair. And all this whilst not providing that female high so many talk about (when on good quality estradiol).

Facial softening and hair reduction occurred in my case on low dose.  Dysphoria was reduced markedly as well.

I always forewarn people contemplating low dose there's only a few possible outcomes.
1.  You go on low dose HRT, and hate the results.  Filter result - most likely you're not trans, and have something else going on.
2.  You go on low dose HRT, and the dysphoria goes away, the effects physically are minor and you feel no need to go further.  Happy days.
3.  You go on low dose HRT, dysphoria goes away, and it works too well and you blossom.  Logistical issue then on hiding the changes!
4.  You go on low dose HRT, dysphoria is reduced, but you discover you need to transition.  Welcome to the rollercoaster ride!

Provided you're ready for all of these possibilities, then yes, low dose HRT may be worth a try.

Post script:  I should get my bloods done so I can update.

Good post Luna. I never had an issue with your posts, I was just replying to Nikki.

Thread drift alert but I have to ask. So many new terms and especially abbreviations since joining this forum and I have learned a lot. But what is  . . .  "the tanner stages". Have never heard the term and I am stumped. Thanks.

Quote from: vicki_sixx on April 12, 2017, 08:10:15 PMIt will also, slowly, result in breast development and progression through the tanner stages.

Someone will be more accurate I am sure but basically Tanner identified staged of growth in developing males and females and the tanner stages describe the growth of the breasts divided up into 5(?) stages of growth...I think the 5th is where lactation is achieved... Hope that helps

Thanks ElizabethK. I just googled it, guess I should have done that first. Even had graph, I guess according Dr Tanner I am a 3. Was pleased with that until thought wait . . . Only a 3 so far. Mom always told me patience was a virtue so . . .

I've been on/off low dose E several times over the decades for the much needed brain reset. The reason for going off was always the inevitable conflict with "The Prime Directive" . Eventually things started taking a hit below the belt, hence no longer a "Normal(ish)" male. (BTW - no genital dysphoria in my case just rather not have them

The Mazonni Center is very well respected and highly recommended even here in NJ.