I finally, finally started T on the 1st!   

It's been a very long road to get here and I had to get quite a few things lined up in my life to do this. And in the last couple weeks I was really questioning myself if this was the right thing and my anxiety was running wild. I'm not usually an anxious person. But my anxiety wasn't actually if beginning T was the right thing when I explored it more--it's more like anxiety because I don't know what lies ahead and how this will play out. So once I figured that out, I was relieved. Still anxious, because obviously a big change, but finally ready to take the leap into the unknown.

I filled my prescription last Monday and psyched myself up to start on the 1st. I decided to let how I felt be my guide. I'm using gel rather than shots and that first time putting on the gel was something else. I couldn't stop smiling after. An hour later my throat felt tight and my voice was a tiny bit hoarse over the weekend. I was really surprised, because I told myself to have no expectations of what will happen or when.

But two big things happened. One, I felt a sense of calm and peace I didn't expect. This has lasted all weekend. I'm really grateful for that. And the second is having energy! I'm someone who has suffered from fatigue for years and it was AMAZING to actually have energy to do things that regular people do, rather than my set of work around. Like go run errands in the morning and not be exhausted after. Cook dinner! Do the dishes after dinner! Even focus to read. I am dead impressed with this already, never mind the physical changes that will come. The mental stuff, whether it is making the decision to start or the shift in hormones bringing that calm, I don't know. But the energy level shift is definitely due to the T.

So far I'm thrilled.

Congrats!

It might be more the mental relief than the T working that fast, just so you know. 

I'm also on the gel, and I noticed a couple weeks in that my throat seemed scratchy.  Soon after, my voice started changing.  I'd wake up every morning mentally playing "What Voice Will I Wake Up With Today?"  [emoji16]  A year later as of the 2nd of December, and its stabilising, but I still have times where it tries to go to my higher voice.  I know that puberty takes a few years, so I know my voice will crack for a while longer.  I drank lots of hot tea whenever my throat hurt, it soothed it.  Know that your vocal cords are thickening and lenghtening when it does hurts.

Also, pay attention to your groin!  Your junk will start growing soon, and if you're not careful, it'll get rubbed raw on your underwear!  I wear boxer briefs and I didn't have that problem.  I've also heard of others having good luck with briefs. 

Just thought I'd give you a bit of a heads-up.  Feel free to ask questions, that's what this forum is for!

Welcome to puberty...again! [emoji6]

Ryiuchi

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Congrats on your start I hope to start by mid-next year, and am already feeling a little anxious about taking the leap into the unknown as well!

Quote from: Ryuichi13 on December 04, 2017, 02:06:05 AM
Congrats!

It might be more the mental relief than the T working that fast, just so you know. 

I'm also on the gel, and I noticed a couple weeks in that my throat seemed scratchy.  Soon after, my voice started changing.  I'd wake up every morning mentally playing "What Voice Will I Wake Up With Today?"  [emoji16]  A year later as of the 2nd of December, and its stabilising, but I still have times where it tries to go to my higher voice.  I know that puberty takes a few years, so I know my voice will crack for a while longer.  I drank lots of hot tea whenever my throat hurt, it soothed it.  Know that your vocal cords are thickening and lenghtening when it does hurts.

Also, pay attention to your groin!  Your junk will start growing soon, and if you're not careful, it'll get rubbed raw on your underwear!  I wear boxer briefs and I didn't have that problem.  I've also heard of others having good luck with briefs. 

Just thought I'd give you a bit of a heads-up.  Feel free to ask questions, that's what this forum is for!

Welcome to puberty...again! [emoji6]

Ryiuchi

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

Cheers, Ryiuchi! My throat is a bit more settled so far today, so we'll see how this goes. I have to say, whatever the reason for the last few days of serenity, I'll take it.   I'm not usually highly wound up but there's been a lot of stressful things going on lately. And I'm excited to be moving forward at last.

And cheers for the warning about downstairs! Nothing so far that I've noticed but it's only day four. I have boxer briefs and I may even attempt to sew a couple pairs on my own to see how that goes.

Quote from: dissipate on December 04, 2017, 07:08:25 AM
Congrats on your start I hope to start by mid-next year, and am already feeling a little anxious about taking the leap into the unknown as well!

Cheers! It's a bit nerve-wracking like any other major life change, even when it's a positive. But I'm happy I took the time I needed to sort out a few things in my life before starting. It felt like a long road. I was prescribed T in the spring but the timing wasn't right with a couple of things going on and I ended up waiting another few months to begin with a clear head. I'm glad I did.

So far not much to report, other than ongoing frog in the throat tightness. My voice sounds a bit huskier and slightly lower already, which surprised me. I'm also seeing a slight change in my jawline, which I didn't expect but am happy to see, the slightest bit more of definition. I think I'm starting to smell a bit different because my female cat was very suspicious of me this morning when I fed her, which is not her usual deal. Skin is a touch more oily. So far so good. I honestly don't expect a lot so I'm already happy with has happened so far. As for the junk... nothing yet lol.

Congratulations, dude! They say when your body is running on the right hormone you know it. Now you know. 

Keep us updated with your changes.

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on December 05, 2017, 07:38:19 PM
Congratulations, dude! They say when your body is running on the right hormone you know it. Now you know. 

Keep us updated with your changes.

Hugs, Devlyn

Cheers, Devlyn! I'm surprised. And happy.

Oh, I'm SO HAPPY for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sounds awesome,  !!!

It could take 1-2 years before I get there...... :/ Seems like forever!

But so GLAD that you are there,  !!!

Makes me happy to hear all that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keep posting, will you?

All your words sounded so reassuring... Man, I wish I could be you!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!! It makes me happy to hear how happy other people are  !

Aww, cheers! It's really exciting and kind of terrifying at the same time. But really, more exciting than anything else. The terror isn't because I feel like I'm doing the wrong thing--I know I'm on the right path--just about how this will all play out. I'm amazed by the little changes I've seen and didn't expect in the first week. I get a jaw line? Win!!!!

My voice seems a little higher today and yesterday but I feel like my throat is a little sore or hoarse. I've overall had a lot more energy than before, which I absolutely love. My mood is great. I'm terrified of going bald. I have no idea how I'm going to navigate my transition at work. But I'm really thrilled right now.

Err, weird question... anyone else notice their dimples moving?? Slightly further out.

I'm also a bit stuffed up today/sinus pressure. I'm not sure if that's due to T or catching a cold at the gym.

Something is starting to happen downstairs.

This is fantastic, Hughie!  Congratulations!  I just got a prescription for T myself, but insurance is having a hissy fit for some reason and I can't pick it up until they hear from the doctor.  Very frustrating. 

Quote from: The Flying Lemur on December 09, 2017, 10:56:09 AM
This is fantastic, Hughie!  Congratulations!  I just got a prescription for T myself, but insurance is having a hissy fit for some reason and I can't pick it up until they hear from the doctor.  Very frustrating.

Thanks! Good luck with the insurance - it sounds like a pain. I have some coverage through work, but I had to pay the annual deductible first. But the savings on the gel is amazing. If only Rogaine was covered.

Quote from: Hughie on December 09, 2017, 11:03:15 AM
Thanks! Good luck with the insurance - it sounds like a pain. I have some coverage through work, but I had to pay the annual deductible first. But the savings on the gel is amazing. If only Rogaine was covered.

Since my last post I've been walloped by a cold that's kicking my ass hard. As a result I've mostly been oblivious to any changes. I thought I noticed a couple days ago--and confirmed today--that my new jawline has some very fine beard growth. My hair is dark but this stuff is baby fine and blonde but definitely there. I have some Mediterranean blood to thank for that. Now I need to figure out shaving. I think there's been more minor face changes, under my eyes, but I've been sick as a dog with sinus stuff so it could be a bit of that too.

So I guess I'm having my first man flu lol. Apparently T lowers the immune system, according to this recent article. I wondered about that, because I'm not usually prone to colds. Although I had been in the gym a few times last week and that's where I tend to get colds.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/flu-man-flu-influenza-immune-testosterone-man-sexes-1.4442806

Thanks for the update  !

Nice to hear! (No, not that the thing you're sick  ! I mean the update & the changes!)

Quote from: PurpleWolf on December 12, 2017, 12:44:40 PM
Thanks for the update  !

Nice to hear! (No, not that the thing you're sick  ! I mean the update & the changes!)

Ha ha, thanks! The cold can go any time, I'm ready.   I just peered at myself in daylight with a mirror, and there's definitely been some shifts in my face already. My dimples have moved (different place than some smile line wrinkles) and under my eyes have changed--the latter looks less baggy/tired (even with the cold) so that's good. I'll take it lol.

As for the rest of my body, I haven't noticed much, aside from being stronger already with last week's workouts before I got sick. I lifted a few free weights yesterday and found them light, so that's interesting. Overall, my energy levels had been up. I think I also need a bit less sleep than before to feel human, but again, with the cold, that's hard to tell if it's still the case.

Congrats, man! A new life is beginning for you!
I feel the same about peace of mind and energy!

Quote from: 1234 on December 12, 2017, 04:12:26 PM
Congrats, man! A new life is beginning for you!
I feel the same about peace of mind and energy!

Cheers! It's been cool so far. Just need to shake the cold to enjoy this more.

I survived my cold but it knocked me around for a couple of weeks, then Christmas. I've been on T for about a month. Three weeks of that has been low dose and now up to a moderate dose (gel). My mood's been great, so no issues there. Energy took a hit with a cold and the monthly unmentionable.

I was back in the gym today, and even with all that stuff above, I had way better endurance for cardio than ever, and weights are easier. I am going to adjust the work out. Exciting stuff.

It's hard to say what else has changed, but I do notice a fair bit of peach fuzz on my cheeks, less under my chin. I think I can thank Mediterranean blood for that one so far. I'm gonna have to figure out this shaving thing sooner rather than later, I think. That'll be interesting lol.

My voice is slightly lower but nothing dramatic.

I don't know if I've gained weight, since I don't have a scale, but I've been starving and eating more in general.

So far, smooth sailing, all's gone well so far with starting T. I'll look at doing the name change paperwork in January - was hit with really high vet bills this month so I am poor, and this had to wait. 

Awesome!!! Is that you in that pic,  ? Always liked it.

Oh, and happy new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The first year on T,  !