Hey all. So since my last post, I've come out (again) to my family and friends, have gotten my HRT letter from my therapist, and have my appointment with my PCP (who specializes in trans health and will be prescribing me HRT meds) scheduled for tomorrow morning.

My plan is to ask for injected hormones immediately rather than taking pills first. I am already 26 and want to start as soon as possible for all the reasons that all of you I'm sure already know. I've known I powerfully wanted to be female since I was 5. But as I'm sure many of you understand, families who don't accept your trans-ness can result in self-denial and whatnot, and so it's gotten pushed back until now.

But I'm kind of ready. Like, I just want to tackle this and do whatever it takes. So -- given my level of "gung ho"-ness to all of this, what is the community's opinion on beginning with injected estrogen straight away rather than going with pills? I want to be me, and now that I'm kind of aware of what that feels like the urge to transition is... extreme.

Thanks all. <3

It normally doesn't matter how you get your hormones as long as enough gets in your system to do the job. Injections are far more costly that pills however injections are done once a week or longer. It's more important to find something that fits your life style.

I started on injections about a month ago it's not as bad as I thought it would be pain wise, very thin needle. I'm seeing very slow, but noticable changes, I think I was started on a fairly low dose probably to be ramped up in October when I get a blood test and a follow-up I imagine, I get a bit cranky at the end of my weekly dose I've noticed.

So if injections are once a week, how often do you take other forms?

I actually had better breast growth on pills and gel vs injections BUT skin/hair were better on injections.

Other forms need to be taken daily (gel, pills), or every 3-7 days (patches) or even every 3-12 months, in the case of pellets.

Try injections if your insurance will cover injections...But really like was already said your body will use the estradiol one way or the other.

I inject, but mainly because I wouldn't remember to take pills on a daily basis.  I still forget my spiro every once in a while, but my testosterone levels are unmeasurable, so there is not much to block.

My primary care does my hrt as well.  She said that it depends what works for you.  Shots, patches, pils, oh my!  Ive been on tabs for a year with good results but may switch to injections soon.  I want a few less pills to take a day, thats all.

there is so much information in everyone's posts -- i really appreciate the time you all took to respond and provide some different information and experiences... thanks.

my doctor wound up prescribing me injectable estradiol at my request. it is good to know that the effects are so simply different for everyone, as i will be sure to keep an open mind about trying other forms if i do not like the injected effects.

in any case, it should be in stock and ready to pick up in my pharmacy by tuesday, i'm so excited!   

Congratulations! Very exciting to get it in hand!