Hi everyone,

I've had a look around the boards but I'm hoping a few people can give me their opinions on this.

I'm currently "deciding" whether to transition. In reality I've made the decision and I'm awaiting an appointment at the gender clinic but I still need a bit of a push. What has bothered me a bit however is that at the minute I keep people very distant from me and am quite detached, probably because of confidence related to the dysphoria in reality. I'm also quite cold, as in seemingly emotionless and lacking empathy, at least outwardly.

Have people found that when they start taking the hormones it changes how they interact with people?

I know transition would make me happier about my looks, probably more confident and from what I've read about the hormones happier in myself, but have people found they change how you deal with the rest of the world?

I've lost my old account so had to start a new one.

Ellie xxx

Hi Ellie, welcome back!

I've seen others say they've experienced little emotional change from HRT,  but it's been huge for me. I was a very cold,  isolated and emotionless person before. 4 months into HRT I'm a very different person; it's been both wonderful and tough!

I saw the new Justice League film at the weekend,  and I was actually crying at some parts [emoji23].  This from someone who didn't cry for thirty years.

Good luck with everything. X


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Welcome to Susan's Place. it's difficult to tell if HRT or just being able to accept ourself and start treatment causes us to become more comfortable with others. Which ever one it is, most people are more comfortable with other a few weeks after starting HRT. As far as I know, nobody has run a double blind test on this so you will need to see what happens when you start HRT. Remember if you aren't happy with the results, you may stop but few do.

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I have been on HRT for 8 months. I am much more in touch with my emotions. I smile quite a bit more often now, sometimes for no reason at all. I am also generally warmer and friendlier towards people. I usually don't even get upset when people cut me off in traffic.

But as Dena said, HRT affects everyone differently and this is definitely a YMMV (your mileage may vary) subject.

And another post op lady here, who is now much more friendly, outgoing and more calm than before transition. At first, I thought it was just other people treating me differently, but now I know it is really me treating others differently. The big change was in myself. Before I kept to myself. Now I welcome a hug. 

Thanks everyone.

I've started going out as Ellie now but mainly to the therapist.

I went out Saturday with a couple of girls from work who are supporting me and we sat chatting for a good few hours which I wouldn't normally have done.

I'm obviously not on HRT yet, but was wondering if that affect will carry over and be magnified. From everyone's replies I'd say it seems a good possibility which is hopeful 😀

Thanks ladies

Ellie xxx

I think I'm softer now. For example, before I used to jokingly make fun of certain things my friends did or said, but now I'm much more empathetic even when it comes to jokes. I'm also more sensitive and catch myself getting a watery eye over movies sometimes or saying "awww".

Hi Ellie,

As Dena mentioned, no one has done any significantly valid testing on this topic so we can't determine cause/effect derivatives, BUT, my life is totally different from before realizing who I am. HRT had a lot to do with it and gcs has to have contributed but just being able to address life as me was the biggest freeing factor. The first time that I was able to sit down with a group of women and just talk about life without all the baggage that my old gender would bring in or perhaps more significantly, talking as a group of women without any men present was so eye opening I could not control my tears. What ever the cause, enjoy the ride.

Anne

Thanks for the replies all.

I was talking about it with the therapist the other day and I know its one of the many things you wont actually know until you try, I was just curious what people thought.

It seems worth the risk regardless.

Ellie xx