This thread is meant to be a journal of sorts of my HRT travels and experiences:

A bit of back ground, since about 2008 I dabbled in herbal feminization products after I bad break-up with my fiance at that time.  I'm not really sure what started me on that road, but I found myself there.  I was also dabbling in crossdressing as well.  But for the most part it was streaks of a few days or weeks here and there over the years.

In late 2015 my wife and I began to have martial problems, and I found myself starting and stopping herbal regimines, for no more than a  week here and there, and never longer than a couple of weeks if that.  this past fall she found some of the pills I was taking and confronted me about it.  A huge part of me was terrified and embarssed by it, but it gave me the strength and freed om to start seeing a therapist about my gender identity issues and then shortly afterwards I saw my  GD for informed consent. I went to 2 appointments with my GD to discuss the informed consent process and establish some base line lab work.  I had a 3rd appontment scheduled where we would have reviewed the informed consent foremd signed it and gotten my perscriptions but IU had chickened out, mostly due to hoping I could salvage my marriage.  At that time I had opted to do another round of Testopell pellets as well.  And for a few months I was all good.  Then around the 3 month mark on those pellets I began to really wish I had started my MtF HRT regime at the beginning of the year and made an appointment with my GD.  THe earliest I could get in was the end of June 2017.

I managed to get in to see my GD nearly a month earlier then I had scheduled, and had my 3rd Informed consent appoint on June 5th.  My GD and I went over and signed my Informed consent form and I was prescribed a low dose of Estradiol.    I had dabbled in PM and Natureday over the last few years and never really stuck with either for more than a couple of weeks. This fall I  had tried BO for a week or so.  Up until this point, I hadn't been able to see much of any affect or physical changes.  I think I had developed some amount of fatty tissue in the breast area enough to note my measurements as 38 1/2 inches under and 39 1/2 inches over.

The next morning, I took my first dose of Estrogen.  About half way through the day (if even that long), I started to notice random aches and pain in my chest area. I tried not to think too much of this aching and what not.  The Second day, it became more noticable, but I was still afraid it was all in my head.  Late the second day or early on the third day, I noticed what seemed like a really sore muscle on my left side in the area where breast tissue starts to wrap under the arm pit. And later that night, as I was watching TV, I noticed the achy feeling all across my chest area, and it feelt warm or something.  I have also noticed  a change in my skin.  It feels much more soft and smooth feeling and more oily, but not oily. That part is hard to describe.

I over the last 3 days I've tried to tell myself that these achy feelings were all in my head.  Now I am not so sure.  They come and go, but today were much more steady and a bit more uncomfortable.

I am not on Sprio or any T-blocker.  In fact Feb 28, I did a round of T -pellets as  I tried to sort things out.  Prior to starting that my T was 238ng/DL.  On May 22, just before I was schedule for a new pellet placement round my T was 408ng/DL.  Last July, before I did my first T replacement with Pellets it was 194 ng/DL.

So my T is naturally now in the 200 area.  Could I be responding to the Estradiol so well practically immediately?

1 Month Update:

I may have gained 1/2 inch over and am now 40inches over and 38 under.  I think that this difference in measurements could be a result of any variation in how I measured myself etc...

But over all, I haven't noticed much discomfort or swelling or itchiness since early on.  My mood may be a bit  happier, despite a ton of negative stuff going on in my life right now.  One thing I have noticed in comparison to when I was taking herbal supplements, is that I am no longer having any kind of WTF am I doing  moments that made me stop taking the herbal supplements.

1st Follow-up appointment with my GD July 11, 2017

It was a fairly easy and informal appointment. a few questions about how I was feeling  since I started on Estrogen.  I asked my GD a bunch of questions about Spironolactone and discussed my options moving forward. I had a long discussion about the pros and cons (side effects) of adding an Anti-Androgen to my regimen.

She gave me the option the option of just doing blood work to check my hormone levels, both T and E, increasing my Estradiol, keepiong the Estradiol the same and adding a T-blocker, or checking my hormone levels, increasing my Eatradiol and when my lab work comes back making a decision about adding in the Spironolactin.

I opted for the later option and am now on what I think is generally considered a medium dose of Estradiol. I had gone into thmy follow-up under the impressions that we would not discuss, let alone consider increasing  it until after 3 months.

I am still leary about starting the testosterone blocker for several reasons. But at this point if my Estrogen levels are not notocobly higher and my T is still in my normal range, i will seriously consider adding it. A year ago my T was at 194. In January, after 4 months of T pellets it was in the 280s and at the end of February is was down to the 230s, before I started another round of T pellets. Oddly enough it was around the 3 month mark on T pellets, both times, that I really considered starting  HRT with Estrogen.

Today: July 13, 2017.

My GD emailed me with my lab results, my total T is at 180mg/dL, so about the same as a year ago.  I am honestly not surprised that is where my total T is at after only 1 month.  Sadly, she did not order any tests to check my Estradiol levels.  She said it was much to soon.

I made the bold decision to start on Sprionolactone today.  After 1 dose, I have been peeing like crazy, but I am also drinking a ton of water today too because of the effects it has on the body (diuretic etc...).  I need to go get some lab work done in 2-4 weeks to check my kidney functions and electrolytes, after being on the Spiro for a bit.   Then I follow-up with my GD in September when we will likely check all my hormone levels.

At this point, I am fairly excited about all of this, and look forward to taking my next dose.  I find my self counting down til then all the time.

But at this point I am feeling good.  I'm still waiting for the big changes/development to kick in.  I haven't noticed any budding yet.  My breasts/nipples are not sore or sensitive or anything yet, but I am eagerly awaiting for that to happen.  I;ve heard it is both torture and delightfull all at the same time.

But most importantly at this point it is still way to early in this process for me to get any of the answers I am looking for.   But I am positively looking forward to the journey.  Now that being said, can we get some physical development started already please.  What does a girl have to do to get her breasts to start growing?    Patience is the key I know.  But still....

Hello Myranda,

Thank you for sharing your story.  It sounds like you have made your decision and are beginning the journey to yourself.  Adding a T blocker to the regimen will likely jump start the changes. Testosterone is pretty wicked stuff and will block E expression to a significant degree.  Still it takes a few months for the obvious changes to begin.  So till then relish your skin and your smile.  Start laser and electrolysis, and begin working on your voice.

This is a pilgrimage and a long one at that, but the changes will come in their own time, and as they do you will probably become ever more impatient.  At least that is my story.  Disposing of facial hair takes quite a while and the sooner you begin, the sooner you'll be done.  Trust me, it is discouraging to be full time and still have stubble on electrolysis day.  Heck it's not just discourageing, it bloody sucks.

Good luck and I hope you'll maintain this journal.  It will be something that you'll enjoy reading in a few years.

Best,
Julie

Thank you Julie.

Any time  .  PM me about anything if you would like to have a private chat.  I've been on HRT for years and am post op.  If I can be helpful, I will be.  I know that this is both exciting and kind of scary.

Peace
Julie

Not much new to report here about my experiences so far.

But I do want to note the following:

1) Over the last two weeks or so, I' have been extremely tired.  I can barely keep my eyes open or stay awake when I get home from work.  And forget the weekends.  As soon as I sit down to relax and catch up on the week's shows, I fall asleep.

2) Today my kid has been jumping and climbing all over me, which is usually and always fun.  Today I noticed that my right nipple is quite sore, and my left nipple is only barely sore from her climbing and jumping all over me.  But when I say my right nipple is sore, I mean when it is touched or a good amount of pressure is placed on it, it screams  like some one has been pinching and twisting it for a while.  Other than that I still don't see any signs of budding yet, though I realize that it may still be too early yet, according to my MtF Transition timelines.

Quote from: Myranda on July 28, 2017, 08:12:07 PM
Not much new to report here about my experiences so far.

But I do want to note the following:

1) Over the last two weeks or so, I' have been extremely tired.  I can barely keep my eyes open or stay awake when I get home from work.  And forget the weekends.  As soon as I sit down to relax and catch up on the week's shows, I fall asleep.

2) Today my kid has been jumping and climbing all over me, which is usually and always fun.  Today I noticed that my right nipple is quite sore, and my left nipple is only barely sore from her climbing and jumping all over me.  But when I say my right nipple is sore, I mean when it is touched or a good amount of pressure is placed on it, it screams  like some one has been pinching and twisting it for a while.  Other than that I still don't see any signs of budding yet, though I realize that it may still be too early yet, according to my MtF Transition timelines.

Hi Myranda,

  I am Laurie. I read your story and according to my medication leaflet being tired could be a side effect of taking spiro.  Your T level were lower than the normal male range already so the spiro should help it become lower fairly quickly I think. I am not a doctor or a pharmacist thought so I could easily be wrong.

  Anyway I wish you well in your endeavors with HRT and all the good feelings it can bring.

Hugs,
   Laurie

Laurie,

I guess I should have added, that I know its a side effect of the Spiro and Low T, and have dealt with low T for at least the last 5 years, I'm surprised at how bad it is now.  I'm really curious as to what my levels are now, but I believe my Dr doesn't plan on checking them again until September.  She wants me to go get my electrolytes and stuff tested with in the next 2 weeks as she is more concerned about those types of effects and side effects of the Spiro than anything else. 

I'm not overly concerned about them so far based upon the way I've been feeling.  I haven't noticed any dizziness or other issues related to dehydration or low blood pressure.

I have to say though, that I'm surprised that none of the effects lsited on the paperwork from the pharmacy mention that it lowers T.

Quote from: Myranda on July 30, 2017, 10:31:12 AM
Laurie,

I guess I should have added, that I know its a side effect of the Spiro and Low T, and have dealt with low T for at least the last 5 years, I'm surprised at how bad it is now.  I'm really curious as to what my levels are now, but I believe my Dr doesn't plan on checking them again until September.  She wants me to go get my electrolytes and stuff tested with in the next 2 weeks as she is more concerned about those types of effects and side effects of the Spiro than anything else. 

I'm not overly concerned about them so far based upon the way I've been feeling.  I haven't noticed any dizziness or other issues related to dehydration or low blood pressure.

I have to say though, that I'm surprised that none of the effects lsited on the paperwork from the pharmacy mention that it lowers T.

Hi Myranda,

  I have been fortunate in that Spiro has not had to much effect on my bathroom habits. But that may be due to my difficulty in drinking the amounts lab technicians, my electrologist, and all kinds of other sources online from nutritionists to nuts. (I've never paid attention to the last two btw) I know it help plump my veins and aid in electrolysis, but I have to make a conscious effort to drink anything near those amounts.

As for the low BP I have to be careful when getting out of bed in the mornings or raising from sitting  because I did see a significant lowering of my BP from adding Spiro. I was and am still on another BP medication. I have gotten dizzy from getting up too quickly and even had my sight go dark for a brief second or two a couple times. My doctor tells me I shouldn't be too concerned as long as I otherwise felt good. He cautioned me to be more careful and take it slow when getting up. It usually is not a problem. But do be aware of the possible issue.

As for  lowering T.. That wouldn't be listed as a side effect if at all and looking at the drug information online may show it. Those circulars frequently tell you "these are not all of the possible side effects" Because the drug is a BP medication you'll not find blocking T among the uses for it.

Laurie

I expect it means that your breasts are beginning to grow rapidly more than a Spiro side effect and low T.  Have breast buds formed under the nipples?  Breast tenderness is something that all women, cis and trans, experience as they enter puberty.  Congratulations. 

Julie

Quote from: JB_Girl on July 30, 2017, 05:24:49 PM
I expect it means that your breasts are beginning to grow rapidly more than a Spiro side effect and low T.  Have breast buds formed under the nipples?  Breast tenderness is something that all women, cis and trans, experience as they enter puberty.  Congratulations. 

Julie

Thanks Julie.  That is what I expect this all to mean and I am really excited about it.  But sadly, I am unable to feel any buds beneath my nipples.  I keep feeling them to check to see if I can feel the bud under there, vainly hoping that this will be the time that I do.  I know it is just a matter of time, but is it time yet?  And as much as I want to get past the traffic cone look, I'd love to see my own traffic cone shapes when I look down or in the mirror.

Well this whole week my breasts have been constantly sore, nothing completely and unbearably noticeable, but they are definitely sore or tender all the time.  I even measured my over and I could have sworn that after measuring twice the tape read 41 inches across, up from 39.5.  I don't completely see increase in size, but every now any thing when I am putting on a t-shirt, it clings just right and I swear it is not my imagination. 

Sadly though, I still cannot feel anything that I would definitely call a lump behind my nipples or anything else to indicate buds.

So far no real noticeable mental changes.

So last night something unexpected and while minor, was fairly wonderful form where I sit.

I was sitting on the floor in my living room,leaning against one of my couches with my arm and elbow on the couch seat. I twisted and turned around to look at something I had on the couch, and I experienced my first definitive sensation of my breasts growing and I somehow managed to compress my left breast and push on my breast bud.

Now I can't stop feeling them.  It is wonderful!

This experience among all my other thoughts and experiences since starting HRT, really makes me wish I had started HRT back in January when I had the opportunity to do so.  But the most important thing is that I have started and I am noticing changes to my body now!  WOO HOO!  I should also mention that according to my tap measure, I have gained 2 whole inches across my breasts, from 39 to 41 inches.  That being said when I look in the mirror , to include my profile, I am not sure I see that much of a difference, though I do see some.

what is somewhat frustrating, is that so far my little experiment into exploring my female identity, has not really led me to any definitive answer.  Mentally, I do not feel any real difference.  I never really hated my body, or had any of the "typical" feelings associated with the "typical" transgender story/experience.  So while I don't feel any better, I certainly DO NOT feel any worse either.  Which makes me think, I'm more gender neutral, who desires some more female characteristics.

I noticed this morning that if I cup my breast with opposite hand, that I can feel the other breast resting atop my forearm.  Still not noticeable visually though, especially with a shirt on.

I also noticed that the last few nights when its been chilly out, that my nipples seem to tingle with the cold.  Never felt that sensation prior to HRT.

Correction, I was at the beach yesterday and I changed my shirt, and I could totally see my nipples  poking out the front of my shirt.  In all likely hood I was probably the only one who could notice them doing that, since I was looking for it.  But in the last week, I feel like things have changed quite a bit.  I'm both excited and eager for more, and a bit nervous.  I was going to say terrified, but It is way to early to be terrified.  Once they reach a good healthy size and show no signs of stopping, I'll revisit that.

So, I was supposed have to have my 3-month follow up this morning and due to other obligations this morning I had to drive into the city to see my GD.  I was nearly to the office, just about to get off the highway and begin navigating the downtown city streets when the doctor's office called, and as soon as I saw them on the caller ID, I knew that they had to cancel at the last minute.  Turns out that my Dr. called in sick this morning.  So I rescheduled for next Monday at the same time.  Then this afternoon something else came up and the only convenient time for that was next Monday an hour away from my doctor's office, so I had to push my follow-up out another week unti l the 25th.  UGH, I was hoping to get my blood work done today to see where I am at after 3 months E and 2 months Spiro.

I finally got in to see my doctor yesterday.  It was very much a typical doctor's appointment.  Show up, the nurse takes your vitals, then the doctor comes in asks how you are and how your feeling.

She asked me specifically if I had noticed any physical development, and I briefly told her about my small but noticable breast growth, and that the discomfort/pain had stopped.

We then breifly discussed dosage options and what those would be based upon my blood work.

My liver and kidney results were all well in the normal range.  YAY!

My Total Testosterone was 99 ng/dL (almost half of what it was when I started Spiro), she would like it under 55.  She asked me if I wanted to double my Spironolactone.  I discussed with her that I'm still on the fence as I am more leary/concerned about the other side effects of that (low blood pressure and dizziness etc..)

My Estradiol serum level was 87pg/mL, and she says the goal range is 100-200.  She asked and I agreed to increase my dosage of Estradiol again.  It will now be what she described as a normal "Full dose"