Hi there! So after the last year of really trying to understand myself, and figure things out, talking to friends, family, and a psych. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I really want to begin Hrt. But I keep getting worried, what if I find out I don't actually like the new me? Or that I don't think I look "good", just stuff like that? So if I do start Hrt and In a year or so I want to go back, can I? Or would that have done too much damage? And another worry I've had is that since I recently turned 20 am I getting too old for most of the changes estrogen could give, at this point, what changes would occur?

Quote from: Daisy713 on April 06, 2018, 12:19:14 AM
Hi there! So after the last year of really trying to understand myself, and figure things out, talking to friends, family, and a psych. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I really want to begin Hrt. But I keep getting worried, what if I find out I don't actually like the new me? Or that I don't think I look "good", just stuff like that? So if I do start Hrt and In a year or so I want to go back, can I? Or would that have done too much damage? And another worry I've had is that since I recently turned 20 am I getting too old for most of the changes estrogen could give, at this point, what changes would occur?

Daisy:  By now you have hopefully seen the replies to your questions on the Australian thread that you started "Where do I go from here (Australia) .....   Cindy (one of our resident Australians) replied with a good resource for you and you might want to go back that thread and reply to Cindy with any other questions you may have.  She would be the best source of information for you.

Regarding your question... the reason that many times counseling is required or highly recommended is because once a person starts HRT and progresses over time, there is no easy way of going back and reversing some body changes is difficult.  At 20 years old, you are quite young compared to many transitioners here on Susan's.  Usually at that age changes are much easier and much more significant than when an older person starts HRT.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Hi Daisy 🙋‍♀️ Danielle is correct that you should talk to someone trained to help you before you take the hrt route.  It very well may be for you, or you may find it is not.  If you you do feel confident it will be good for you and in time you find you need to re-evaluate or stop, most of the changes your body may go through will revert back ...... except for breasts, the tissue you grow will stay, save for a bit of fat loss.  Sterility is a strong possibility after a few months and if you want to ensure that you will have the ability to use those little swimmers... get a sample frozen.
At your age, and I'm no expert, I would think there could be other physical changes that may also stay with you.  Just remember transitioning is a slow process and ymmv.

Good luck, Jessica

Quote from: Jessica on April 06, 2018, 12:48:52 AM
Hi Daisy 🙋‍♀️ Danielle is correct that you should talk to someone trained to help you before you take the hrt route.  It very well may be for you, or you may find it is not.  If you you do feel confident it will be good for you and in time you find you need to re-evaluate or stop, most of the changes your body may go through will revert back ...... except for breasts, the tissue you grow will stay, save for a bit of fat loss.  Sterility is a strong possibility after a few months and if you want to ensure that you will have the ability to use those little swimmers... get a sample frozen.
At your age, and I'm no expert, I would think there could be other physical changes that may also stay with you.  Just remember transitioning is a slow process and ymmv.

Good luck, Jessica

Note to Daisy: The abbreviation that Jessica used "YMMV" is for "Your Mileage May Vary" ... meaning that in the context of HRT and transitioning that HRT affects every BODY differently and at different rates.  What you read about others HRT results most likely will not be your exact experience with HRT.   Depending on your body and your HRT regimine that your doctor prescribes for you specifically.... your body changes could be more or less significant than others, and the speed of those changes may be quicker or slower than others that you read about.  It is up to YOUR body and how it reacts to HRT.   Of course it is never as quick as we all desire.  Human nature tells us that "We want it all, and we want it NOW !!"   On this forum, my readers get tired of me saying that those that begin HRT must have patience....  usually not very much happens very fast... it is usually slow transition for many, but some people have quicker changes too.....  in other words.... Your Mileage May Vary.
Danielle

There are a lot of changes that will likely persist long term/permanently such as sterilization, breast growth (they may reduce, but not entirely), mental and/or emotional changes, and so on and so forth. Personally, if you're feeling as though you're not 100% certain that this is for you, you need to see a qualified professional whom has experience with transgender individuals, and get to the bottom of this so that you can make your decision from a better place of perspective.

You may be permanently sterile and have breast growth that requires surgery to get rid off. That's pretty much it.

Quote from: Daisy713 on April 06, 2018, 12:19:14 AM
Hi there! So after the last year of really trying to understand myself, and figure things out, talking to friends, family, and a psych. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I really want to begin Hrt. But I keep getting worried, what if I find out I don't actually like the new me? Or that I don't think I look "good", just stuff like that? So if I do start Hrt and In a year or so I want to go back, can I? Or would that have done too much damage? And another worry I've had is that since I recently turned 20 am I getting too old for most of the changes estrogen could give, at this point, what changes would occur?

Hi, Daisy.  As others have said, you can always change your mind.  You'd might have to have a mastectomy, and you might be sterile.  If being sterile would be a problem, you should bank some sperm before starting.

I had to chuckle at your concern over 20 being "too old".  I started HRT at 62!  And, while my boobs aren't going to poke anyone's eye out, I can't complain at my results.  After one year, I am an A cup.  My face has feminized beyond my best dreams, and my mind has settled wonderfully.  It is never too old to start.

I agree. Twenty is NOT too old. I started at 43 and I have no complaints six months in. I think others have answered your other questions but I'll chime in with the same. The only things that won't reverse themselves are breast tissue and the chance of being sterile.

Honey, 20 is SOOOOOOO young!!! I wish I had figured things out way back then. I did this at 42, and I've been amazed at my changes. My face is so much more feminine, and my body actually has curves now (nice hips and heading towards B cups!), after only 8-1/2 months. And yes, the only truly permanent changes are sterility and breast tissue.

Thanks, everyone I've now booked in to see a gender therapist and work out these final little conflictions and worries I have. This website has helped me begin to come to terms with so many things, and I can't even begin to think how thankful I am to you all.