Quote from: Lindy on March 29, 2018, 03:30:22 PM
Congrats on getting your meds started, Claire! It's a time to celebrate. I started mine 3/23/18 so we're on a similar path. I hope it goes smoothly for you and that all of your dreams get realized

(Don't forget to drink lots and lots of water!)

Lindy

@ Lindy:  And congrats to you too Lindy.... please continue to keep us updated with your transition and HRT progress, it is always wonderful and edifying for the members here to read about others updates and reports.
Hugs,
Danielle

Oh, and Lindy, regarding your comment and admonition to Claire about drinking lots of water....  any of us on Spiro or similar has the same issue, drinking lots of water, peeing all the time and a salt craving... I go through a big jar of dill pickle every week if not more often.... certainly less fattening than salty chips or salted nuts.
Danielle

I would continue taking them the way you have been until you talk to your doctor, as Danielle mentioned.

I talk with my doctor and he goes with what I want. I usually just try to let him know. He's well aware of how long the journey is and I think more than anything lets me choose at my comfort. Which I like a lot. I'm a bit obsessive at keeping my levels steady throughout the day... I take multiple pills spread across the day. Usually morning/evening, is good because of work schedules.

I'm still only 6 months so I'm still very eager like you. Also I think it has to do with personality because I tend to be "extra" with everything I do. I think as we see results we're happy with finally, we'll ease on it all. It takes years, and that's just the reality of transitioning. I don't think morning or night really matters in the long run.

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Quote from: Lindy on March 29, 2018, 03:30:22 PM
Congrats on getting your meds started, Claire! It's a time to celebrate. I started mine 3/23/18 so we're on a similar path. I hope it goes smoothly for you and that all of your dreams get realized

(Don't forget to drink lots and lots of water!)

Lindy

Congrats on your transition. I hope all goes well and I hope you're very eager !!!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on March 29, 2018, 04:12:46 PM
@ Lindy:  And congrats to you too Lindy.... please continue to keep us updated with your transition and HRT progress, it is always wonderful and edifying for the members here to read about others updates and reports.
Hugs,
Danielle

Thank you Danielle!

I have to say the first 5-6 days were quite unpleasant, but it was uphill from there. I developed anxiety at day 11 and my doctor lowered my Spiro which really helped. I usually feel "floaty" late in the morning after taking my estradiol. It's like a drug! I'm surprised that I'm not having any salt cravings, so I just add extra to my meals anyway. I've probably doubled my water intake from the past and have become a bit obsessed with it. A good thing, right? Since I buy bottled water - I have a well with yucky water - I drink any free water I can during the day. Libraries, grocery stores and of course restaurants are good sources.

Starting this late in life, I think I underestimated the affect HRT would have on my health. I'm not complaining, because the girl in me is getting happier by the day, but the power of hormones is something to be respected. I read for months about HRT, but the reality of it is very very different. I would advise a friend to talk to others who are actually going through it, and ask lots of questions at their appointments.

Are you really in Alaska? How wonderful

Hugs from the Midwest
Lindy

Quote from: Lindy on April 06, 2018, 08:47:24 AM
Thank you Danielle!

I have to say the first 5-6 days were quite unpleasant, but it was uphill from there. I developed anxiety at day 11 and my doctor lowered my Spiro which really helped. I usually feel "floaty" late in the morning after taking my estradiol. It's like a drug! I'm surprised that I'm not having any salt cravings, so I just add extra to my meals anyway. I've probably doubled my water intake from the past and have become a bit obsessed with it. A good thing, right? Since I buy bottled water - I have a well with yucky water - I drink any free water I can during the day. Libraries, grocery stores and of course restaurants are good sources.

Starting this late in life, I think I underestimated the affect HRT would have on my health. I'm not complaining, because the girl in me is getting happier by the day, but the power of hormones is something to be respected. I read for months about HRT, but the reality of it is very very different. I would advise a friend to talk to others who are actually going through it, and ask lots of questions at their appointments.

Are you really in Alaska? How wonderful

Hugs from the Midwest
Lindy

Hi Lindy:   Thanks for your message reply....  yes, indeed, I do live in Alaska, when I arrived here over one and a half years ago I had just gone Full-time so I established myself here and started my own small business... AS A WOMAN.

Spiro is a powerful drug in your HRT regimen and it is not unusual that your doctor will adjust the dosages of many of your HRT drugs as your future blood test results dictate.    Yes, even though you are not having salt cravings (yet)...  it is important to keep hydrated... this will help to flush out your system from the bad things that can be a strain on your liver and kidneys....   HRT can be tough on those organs anyway and that is why that a part of your regular blood checks may look at their health and function..

There are lots of members here that post regular updates regarding their HRT experiences.  Please remember that the results that you get... are yours alone.   What you read about others may or may not be what your results will be.  Every BODY reacts uniquely to HRT so therefore be PATIENT....  usually significant body changes do not happen quickly and perhaps they might.... there is no standard set timeline that applies for everyone.  The standard phrase used here by many members is that "Your Mileage May Vary" .... the meaning is clear... you body will most likely change uniquely fast or slow, significantly more or less..... as compared to all others

I am always telling transitioners that I write to as I follow their HRT progress....
... "Please keep your updates coming!!!".

Hugs and well-wishes to you on your exciting journey ahead.
Danielle

ATTN:  ClairXO..... 
Hmm, where is your HRT update??? 
Curious minds and supportive members want to follow your progress. 
I shouldn't have to remind you that YOU started this thread!!!

Please, only post when you feel comfortable doing so.
Hugs,
Danielle

Hey there,
Today i received my appointment for my endo, I am very anxious as i am excited and nervous about this, the appointment is the end of May!!
I will keep everyone posted!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on April 06, 2018, 09:17:36 AM
ATTN:  ClairXO..... 
Hmm, where is your HRT update??? 
Curious minds and supportive members want to follow your progress. 
I shouldn't have to remind you that YOU started this thread!!!

Please, only post when you feel comfortable doing so.
Hugs,
Danielle

OO Danielle! I am so sorry, I've been literally welcoming all the emotions and changes within my body. Okay, so here is the progression that I actually noticed in the LAST 2 Weeks of Hrt. I have been feeling some emotional changes. My doctor told me I would experience some (possibly) Boy! Was he on point with that one. My boyfriend stuck by my random eruption of tears. Body changes I noticed dry skin and softening of the skin. I do have some muscle cramps/aches from to time (Very observant of this making sure its DVT). Now here is the crazy thing, I have been taking pictures and whenever I can just to follow my transition. My muscle mass is dropping. I can see it in my arms, obviously it is not fully there. Now here is the biggest most exciting thing for me. I noticed some changes in the face. My skin just looks so vibrant and semi different. I took a lot of pictures and I do not know what it is exactly. My boyfriend noticed it and so did many of my friends. Which is great for me. Other than that I've been A-OKAY. My libido dropped heavily too. I use to be very intimate every single day. Now its like every 4 days or so. Which is nice and I do not rely on it anymore. I am enjoying my transition so much!

Quote from: Tria on April 10, 2018, 08:10:34 PM
Hey there,
Today i received my appointment for my endo, I am very anxious as i am excited and nervous about this, the appointment is the end of May!!
I will keep everyone posted!

Good for you!!!!

I had signed up here on Susan's back in December of last year and was about 3 weeks out before getting my first prescription and was both excited and anxious too as I'm sure 99.99.999% of us are

Best wishes on your new adventure!!!!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on April 06, 2018, 09:11:23 AM
Hi Lindy:
There are lots of members here that post regular updates regarding their HRT experiences.  Please remember that the results that you get... are yours alone.   What you read about others may or may not be what your results will be.  Every BODY reacts uniquely to HRT so therefore be PATIENT....  usually significant body changes do not happen quickly and perhaps they might.... there is no standard set timeline that applies for everyone.  The standard phrase used here by many members is that "Your Mileage May Vary" .... the meaning is clear... you body will most likely change uniquely fast or slow, significantly more or less..... as compared to all others

I am always telling transitioners that I write to as I follow their HRT progress....
... "Please keep your updates coming!!!".

Hugs and well-wishes to you on your exciting journey ahead.
Danielle

So true, Danielle! I'm sure my health history, age and chemistry are very different from the next person's and my experience will be unique and my own. I've been treated for cancer and my body will have its own special way of responding to HRT. I'll be at 3 weeks in 2 days and couldn't be feeling better. I have a new habit of swaying when I listen to music in the morning, and I can't believe how much my body now wants to move! I've also had moments while fixing my hair that prompt a deep and very beautiful emotional response. Of course there's much to figure out socially but I'm not in a hurry

Big, big hugs
Lindy

I am almost 3 weeks Into HRT ! I want to show you guys the progress so far <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3cuEI5QjKU&feature=youtu.be

On my 3rd week of HRT! Breast growth. I have buds under both my nipples and they're pretty painful. I am excited and patient. I have some facial changes as well. I know people say YMMV. i didn't know changes would happen this quick, but I am loving it!

Hello sisters!

I'm checking back in as I approach my 3-month mark and I never thought I'd get this far. I've gone through many med changes, the biggest with Spiro. My endo took me off the med when my sodium level dropped to risky levels at my 2-month mark. Luckily my level normalized within a week or two. My all-important testosterone level had dropped to .17 at 2 months, so all is well. I'm also on twice-weekly patches now and feel much better.

My boobs ache - what a wonderful sensation! And there's the small zaps of electricity moving into my nipples that makes them feel like they're ready to leap off my chest. I always wear two layers because my nipples show too much. Looks like they'll be perky little devils

I have lots of women's clothing for the warm weather, and my sister has taken me shopping often. I happy to report that things couldn't be better in my corner of the world.

Lots of love,
Lindy

Same Lindy! I went through facial changes far distribution and my boobs are almost bcup. Within 2 months and a half. I am very excited for more wonderful changes to come. I am just excited for life honestly.  I am glad your journey is going wonderful

Hello ClaireXO and Lindy

I am so glad to see your HRT journeys are both progressing well as you both approach the 3 month mark next week.

It is wonderful to see physical aswell as mental changes, isn't?

I wish you both continue success.

Hugs

Pamela

@ClaireXO
Dear Claire:  I have been watching and reading your thread and I am very happy to read about your wonderful transisiton progress as you continue your journey.   It can be an exciting ride for sure.
Please continue as you have been doing... keeping your readers up to date.
Thanks for your postings.
Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Hey My Love Doves. I am back with picture updates. I started HRT ON MARCH 27TH. I am on my 3rd month of HRT. You guys have my previous pictures in the beginning ^.^




Old Pictures of me prior to hrt: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,237231.msg2132533.html#msg2132533

@ClaireXO
Dear Claire:   Wow-whee... way to go girl. 
You look terrific in your pictures that you posted.

For only 3 months of HRT you are making great progress. 
For everyone, HRT is different, some see quicker and more significant body changes and others may see slower and less significant body changes. 

Thank you for keeping us all up to date...

Hugs and well wishes,
Danielle

Hello everyone. And especially Claire - you're looking wonderful!
I promised everyone to post updates, so here I am! I reached 6 months last weekend and have had some med changes. I'm still off Spiro because it lowers my sodium level too much, and my endo said I'll never be able to take it because of my age. (I'm 62.) Fortunately my testosterone level is still quite low on just estradiol so I'm not too concerned. I'm using patches and change them twice a week.

Enough medical stuff I now have boobs! I don't need a bra yet, but I assume this will come in time. Most of the women in my family are well endowed, and my endo said I might expect the same. Some days this I wonder and worry about this. I'm not a large person, and quite shy, and I can't imagine having noticeable breasts at while shopping for groceries! But I'll also admit it's a problem I'd love to have. I'm almost done with laser on my face and will start electrolysis soon - I can't wait to have this done. My closet is filled with women's clothes from second hand stores, and I'm beginning to think about what I want to wear this winter. I've noticed that I no longer worry about wearing anything too feminine: it's who I am; it's what I want to wear; everyone needs to accept it.

I haven't cut my hair for 1 year and will color it for the first time in my life this week. And I'm very very excited.

Big, big hugs,

Lindy