Hi Folks! I'm 25 years old. East Asian. I just started HRT three days ago. I'm not sure if some of these are placebo effects... but here's what I notice.

I know that HRT should not affect facial hair, but for some reason, I feel like it's growing out slower... Like literally three days? What??

I notice that I am stronger. A week ago, I couldn't shoot a bow with a 45 pound draw weight. (I usually shoot 40 pounds) Now I can shoot it effortlessly.

I wake up feeling much more peaceful and I get less of that feeling of dread.

Orgasms feel better.

Umm? All placebo effects?

Give it a week and you'll be putting Dolly Parton to shame!   

Quote from: Eliza C on February 10, 2019, 11:36:30 AM
Hi Folks! I'm 25 years old. East Asian. I just started HRT three days ago. I'm not sure of some of these are placebo effects... but here's what I notice.

I know that HRT should not affect facial hair, but for some reason, I feel like it's growing out slower... Like literally three days? What??

I notice that I am stronger. A week ago, I couldn't shoot a bow with a 45 pound draw weight. (I usually shoot 40 pounds) Now I can shoot it effortlessly.

I wake up feeling much more peaceful and I get less of that feeling of dread.

Orgasms feel better.

Umm? All placebo effects?

@Eliza C
Dear Eliza:
I can not speak for others but in my own personal experience I am thinking that what you are experiencing is indeed "mind over matter" placebo effects.
 
Usually when first starting HRT, the very first significant thing that you will notice is from HRT is from 2 weeks to 4 weeks your nipples may become sore, erect much of the time and and toward the end of the 4 weeks  point you may notice little lumps or breast buds under each nipple...... then you are on the way for more changes as the HRT does it's job in your body.

Do some reading around the various threads here on the forums and you will get an idea of what and when to expect from your HRT regimen.

Please remember that HRT will work differently in each unique body.   What your read about others HRT experiences most likely will not be exactly like your own.
Some will experience more significant changes more quickly and others my experience less significant change more slowly..... all of that depends on your body and your genes.

HRT usually does not do it's magic as quickly as we all desire....   here on the Forums we have a saying:
YMMV...  meaning  Your Mileage May Vary.     Definitely Patience is Required but do know that HRT will work in it's own speed in your body.

Thank you for your posting.
Congratulations on starting your HRT transition journey....  Hang on, it will be a wild ride with successes and also with some discouragement from time to time.  We are always here rooting for your success.

Hugs and well wishes.... I will be looking for your followup posts regarding your transition journey.
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 10, 2019, 11:52:13 AM
@Eliza C
Dear Eliza:
I can not speak for others but in my own personal experience I am thinking that what you are experiencing is indeed "mind over matter" placebo effects.
 
Usually when first starting HRT, the very first significant thing that you will notice is from HRT is from 2 weeks to 4 weeks your nipples may become sore, erect much of the time and and toward the end of the 4 weeks  point you may notice little lumps or breast buds under each nipple...... then you are on the way for more changes as the HRT does it's job in your body.

Do some reading around the various threads here on the forums and you will get an idea of what and when to expect from your HRT regimen.

Please remember that HRT will work differently in each unique body.   What your read about others HRT experiences most likely will not be exactly like your own.
Some will experience more significant changes more quickly and others my experience less significant change more slowly..... all of that depends on your body and your genes.

HRT usually does not do it's magic as quickly as we all desire....   here on the Forums we have a saying:
YMMV...  meaning  Your Mileage May Vary.     Definitely Patience is Required but do know that HRT will work in it's own speed in your body.l

Thank you for your posting.
Congratulations on starting your HRT transition journey....  Hang on, it will be a wild ride with successes and also with some discouragement from time to time.  We are always here rooting for your success.

Hugs and well wishes.... I will be looking for your followup posts regarding your transition journey.
Danielle

Thanks Danielle! Luckily, I'm nonbinary so I'm okay with a more androgynous look.

Eliza,

You did not mention which type of HRT you are taking. I think I see an Estradiol tablet in your avatar, so I am going to assume you are transitioning to female.

Most of us report a loss of muscle mass with Estradiol, but after only 3 days, it is much too soon to attribute this to your hormone therapy. Being able to pull a heavier bow weight can only be explained as the euphoria we all experience when we finally get on HRT. Also, 5 pounds more bow weight is not that much of an increase.

East Asian men do not have the thick facial hair that European and West Asian men have. Be thankful for that. I have had over 200 hours of facial electrolysis and I assure you that this is not very much fun. I envy you.