Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 07, 2019, 09:09:50 PM
@RealLacy
Dear Lacy:


Regarding body smell, yes indeed "we" do smell differently that before HRT...   the hormones are altering our body chemisty and thus our body shape, and it just will do that more significantly as you continue on.   You have noticed other changes such as reduced body hair growth as well.

Danielle[/b]

I am kind of sad that you formr cis males can experience all those sensations of change, which I can't!
I do not smell anything different with my body odors, I have no hair and can't se any reduction in growth, I went into the thing with decent sized breasts already.
I mean, it is way either for me to become a woman, because my body is female to a large extend already, but I wish I would tose checks and balances that you ladies have.
The only changes I feel are that  need a larger bra, that my butt starts to get bigger, and that I have more or less edema in my feet and ankles!

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 07, 2019, 09:09:50 PM
@RealLacy
Dear Lacy:
Thank you so very much for posting your 3½ month HRT update.
I am happy to read about your breast development and also how your wife helped you to select bras that work for you. ...  how special is that!!!!!   I am thinking that soon enough you will encounter some difficulty hiding them from view through your shirts and tops.... in my opinion you should enjoy that good news.

Regarding body smell, yes indeed "we" do smell differently that before HRT...   the hormones are altering our body chemisty and thus our body shape, and it just will do that more significantly as you continue on.   You have noticed other changes such as reduced body hair growth as well.

I like how you described your appearance in your work environment, easing into your feminine self and doing it in baby steps is probably a good plan as your co-workers learn how to accept your transition and eventually start using your new name and using the correct pronouns as you continue to slowly show up in more and more feminine attire, painted nails, makeup, hairstyles, etc.

Regarding emotions and your mental attitudes, the hormones are working in those areas also.   When watching movies or hearing stories about other people's difficulties I now find myself with tears in my eyes and kind, tender and compassionate feelings more that I ever did as my old self.   I like that change a lot.

As you have probably already read in many of my past posts around the forums I always give the advice that Patience is Required for HRT... nothing usually happens as quickly as we all desire with HRT, but it will happen.
What you read about others and their HRT experiences you will most likely not experience exactly what they have experienced.   Your unique body and genes will react to HRT uniquely.   Some will experience more significant changes more quickly and some will experience less significant changes more slowly.   As is said frequently here on the Forums....   YMMV ... Your Mileage May Vary.

I am eagerly looking forward to reading more of your HRT transition updates as you feel so led to post them.
Hugs and many more hugs and well wishes.
Danielle

@Danielle,
I very much look forward to not being able to hide my breast growth! I feel more and more ready to be fully out to everyone. Going through the process of breast growth and bra shopping, I have much more respect and understanding for cis-women. Until you go through the difficulties of all this, you can't fully understand the amount of inconvenience there is just to buy something that fits correctly! Men have it so easy, and they have no idea!

To be honest one of my main concerns when starting HRT was getting rid of my chest hair. The fact that it is thinning out and getting patchy is so amazing! I found little information on the reduction of chest hair before starting hormones. I am hoping that this trend continues and I don't have to worry about hair removal except on my face.

One super exciting thing happened at my appointment. I had mentioned earlier that my insurance had changed and I was loosing my Psychiatrist and Psychologist. The insurance still covered my internal medicine doctor, thank God!
@JanePlain recommended some electrologists in Chicago. I called them and they said that some of their patents where able to have insurance cover their facial hair removal. I asked them what I needed to do, and the first step was to call my insurance and see what they covered. I was told that electrology was covered if it was deemed medically necessary. I just need my doctor to draft a letter stating as much and provide medical records that show the same. I will be provided receipts and medical codes from the electo clinic. It sounds like this insurance will end up being better in the end!
I spoke with my doctor at my appointment and she drafted the letter and made notes in my file. I should be able to get almost all my facial hair removed within the calendar year, as well as lower hair removal for surgery if I am ready. I was so excited I could barely breathe! If everything goes through that will be saving me over $10k! I can't wait.

I was also told that the clinic I go to has free psychologists and that when I'm ready they would be able to provide me with the 2 letters needing to move forward with GCS. I honestly am in shell shock mode! News like this was definitely needed!

Thank you for following up thread and continuing to provide support!

Many Hugs,
Lacy

Lacy, I am so happy for you!! It seems that things are falling into place, and your path is becoming clearer. I wish you continued success in your journey!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Quote from: Jessica_Rose on February 08, 2019, 02:37:25 PM
Lacy, I am so happy for you!! It seems that things are falling into place, and your path is becoming clearer. I wish you continued success in your journey!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Thank you Jessica!

I am excited for you as well with your upcoming 2019 accomplishments! I think this is going to be a good year for many!

Lacy

As I mentioned above, my dosages of HRT were increased last week. I started the new increased dose on Thursday.

Since Monday morning I have woken up with terrible nausea and have vomited. I didn't eat any food all day Monday. I just wasn't hungry.
Yesterday was similar, the vomiting was not nearly as bad. I ate my normal 2 meals, lunch and dinner.
Today I again have nausea, but not quite so bad as the previous days. No vomiting. The upset feeling lasts all day. I have no other poor feelings. No temperature, body aches or head aches.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar after an increase in dosages. If I'm alone in this, I suppose it could be something else. It has been less intense each new day, so whatever the cause I feel I'm on the downside of it.

If any of you have experienced the same I would feel a lot less crummy about it!
Lacy

Sorry you are feeling sick!

I have heard of other trans women complaining of morning sickness after an increase in dosage.  No such experience myself.  However, given the variety and nastiness of things that can cause nausea, it would be prudent to get it checked out.

Quote from: RealLacy on February 13, 2019, 08:51:42 AM
As I mentioned above, my dosages of HRT were increased last week. I started the new increased dose on Thursday.

Since Monday morning I have woken up with terrible nausea and have vomited. I didn't eat any food all day Monday. I just wasn't hungry.
Yesterday was similar, the vomiting was not nearly as bad. I ate my normal 2 meals, lunch and dinner.
Today I again have nausea, but not quite so bad as the previous days. No vomiting. The upset feeling lasts all day. I have no other poor feelings. No temperature, body aches or head aches.

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar after an increase in dosages. If I'm alone in this, I suppose it could be something else. It has been less intense each new day, so whatever the cause I feel I'm on the downside of it.

If any of you have experienced the same I would feel a lot less crummy about it!
Lacy

@RealLacy
Dear Lacy:
Hmmmm.......  Morning Sickness perhaps !!!

To answer your question, I experienced some nausea for about a week or so at the start of my HRT...
... but never to the point of vomiting.

I guess that is all part of the "exciting" HRT journey!!!

Hugs,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 13, 2019, 03:17:04 PM
@RealLacy
Dear Lacy:
Hmmmm.......  Morning Sickness perhaps !!!

To answer your question, I experienced some nausea for about a week or so at the start of my HRT...
... but never to the point of vomiting.

I guess that is all part of the "exciting" HRT journey!!!

Hugs,
Danielle

I was like you, the first week on estrogen created this semi pregnancy feeling.  With high desire to eat sour and salty food.  But it all went away after about a week.

Quote from: RealLacy on February 13, 2019, 08:51:42 AM

Since Monday morning I have woken up with terrible nausea and have vomited. I didn't eat any food all day Monday. I just wasn't hungry.

I experienced the same when I started HRT, and did vomit, I felt like that for about 3 days.. when my dosages changed I only felt nausea for a day or two.

now get injection every two weeks, and I just get very emotional for a day or so. My husband calls it my period.. (shame he suffers with a woman on her period twice a month.. poor man)

@KathyLauren  @Alaskan Danielle  @Dietlind  @noleen111,

Thank you ladies for responding to my query! It was a rough couple days, but each day seemed to be a bit better.

Kathy, I was thinking the same thing you expressed and was planning to call my doctor today if things were still bad!

I didn't feel any of this when I first began HRT, so I was a bit surprised that I experienced it now! I ended up doing a bit of research on morning sickness (all day sickness really!) yesterday and read several pregnancy boards to see what most women try to decrease the feelings.

Want ended up working for me was:
Apple with Peanut Butter. It was easy on my stomach and gave me both natural sugar and protein that I was missing from not eating!
Crackers...I found some Ritz crackers and ate a few of those this morning. That eased my nausea.
Home Made Ginger Lemonade! My wife made me some last night and another glass this morning for my 45 minute drive to work. Both the ginger and lemon were recommended to fit nausea.

I feel much better today. This also ends week one of the higher dose. I suppose if I have to deal with morning sickness for a week ever few months that isn't too terrible! One benefit I suppose is that I know my body is taking in the extra goodies!

One more uncomfortable but appreciated experience on my journey!
Lacy

So my close friend who is the Operations Manager and HR Manager at work had a gift bag sitting on my desk at work on Thursday. Inside was an inspirational plaque.



On the back she wrote "I can't wait to see you be you!"

Easily the best Valentine's gift I have ever received.
She also told me that she was officially my older sister and that made me her younger sister! That made me feel so special, seeing as my older sister has made it clear that she doesn't accept who I am!

It just goes to show that not all family is related by blood. From now on I will refer to her in my posts as my "Cister" instead of close friend!
Lacy

Hey Lacy:

I am so jealous but extremely happy that your journey is moving forward.  That is excellent!
My craving was bacon...on everything.

I am sorry I haven't responded sooner with support.  I have been very selfishly internal.  I am very sorry for all the pain you have suffered from your family but it really means a lot to also see the wonderful positives in your life. 

It builds my hope.

Warm wishes and hugs,

Emma

Lacy, this was a real nice gift!

Emma, stop that silly thing about being selfish!  You are not, you just have a lot going on in your current life that has to be dealt with!  It is not selfish if one has to take care of ones own needs, because only after they are done, you are able to take care of others!

Big hugs to the two of you, you really deserve them!
Linde

Quote from: Emma1017 on February 16, 2019, 10:22:49 AM
Hey Lacy:

I am so jealous but extremely happy that your journey is moving forward.  That is excellent!
My craving was bacon...on everything.

I am sorry I haven't responded sooner with support.  I have been very selfishly internal.  I am very sorry for all the pain you have suffered from your family but it really means a lot to also see the wonderful positives in your life. 

It builds my hope.

Warm wishes and hugs,

Emma

Emma! You have nothing to apologize for! Everyone has to make sure they are taking care of themselves during this time! You look fabulous in your picture!

I look forward to continuing to read your journey through this time in your life as well!

I believe we started HRT at the same time, so it is nice to be able to see how others are doing during the same timeline!

Hugs,
Lacy

Well today is my 4 month mark on HRT! Time to post another picture. I am wearing no other makeup other than some lipstick. The picture is also filter free. I just have some black accent around it!



I am pretty pleased with it! The funny thing is that the lipstick I am wearing is from Mary Kay. My older sister bought it for my wife as a birthday gift. My wife is allergic to MK so she gave it to me.

Thanks sister for supporting your younger sister unknowingly!!

I had my eyebrows "threaded" yesterday. It was incredible! So much more comfortable than waxing and no residue left over. The technician also massaged cooling lotion over them after. $10 for the whole experience! That is going to become part of my regular beauty treatments!
If any of you have never tried it, I highly recommend it!

My Cister from work told me today that she is getting excited for me to come out to the rest of work. She feels bad that she still has to refer to me with male pronouns and can't call me Lacy. She told me she knows it is a trigger for me and it upsets her when she has to do it.

I am really ready to start coming out to more people. I came out to another friend of mine who is the Billing Manager. She is sooo sweet and supportive. After I told her about myselg, she had a conversation with one of the owners and told him how scared she was for me and how others would treat me. I was reassured by her and my Cister that they would be kicking ass if anyone talks crap about Lacy!

It is amazing the support I am getting at work. I couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with.

I love expressing my female self and look forward to what this next month brings.
Lacy!

@RealLacy
Dear Lacy:
Wow... that was a wonderful 4 month HTR report that you just posted. 
You are having such terrific progress with your HRT changes, you look absolutely beautiful in your new photo that you shared with us.

I am looking forward to you having continued success at your work eventually coming out at work and in all of your situations as "Lacy."

Thank you so much for your update and please continue keeping all of your followers tuned in... we are all your biggest fans and we are rooting for your success.

Hugs and best wishes as always,
Danielle

Quote from: Alaskan Danielle on February 25, 2019, 08:05:36 PM
@RealLacy
Dear Lacy:
Wow... that was a wonderful 4 month HTR report that you just posted. 
You are having such terrific progress with your HRT changes, you look absolutely beautiful in your new photo that you shared with us.

I am looking forward to you having continued success at your work eventually coming out at work and in all of your situations as "Lacy."

Thank you so much for your update and please continue keeping all of your followers tuned in... we are all your biggest fans and we are rooting for your success.

Hugs and best wishes as always,
Danielle

Thank you so much Danielle! Your post on here are always so encouraging! Your support is very appreciated. I feel so blessed to have a community like this one that is always there for you! Reading everyone else's stories is what makes me find the courage to make the decisions to move forward step by step!

I also look forward to being able to share my successes (hopefully no failures, except male fails) at work. The time is coming. My plan is to be fully out on every aspect and living with a new legal name by my 30th birthday this August.

I have shared that with my wife so she has a few months to get used to the idea. In Iowa your spouse has to approve a name change! She has told me she will...I just am hoping she will be comfortable doing it when the time comes.

Lacy

Quote from: RealLacy on February 25, 2019, 07:58:33 PM
Well today is my 4 month mark on HRT! Time to post another picture. I am wearing no other makeup other than some lipstick. The picture is also filter free. I just have some black accent around it!



I am pretty pleased with it! The funny thing is that the lipstick I am wearing is from Mary Kay. My older sister bought it for my wife as a birthday gift. My wife is allergic to MK so she gave it to me.

Thanks sister for supporting your younger sister unknowingly!!

I had my eyebrows "threaded" yesterday. It was incredible! So much more comfortable than waxing and no residue left over. The technician also massaged cooling lotion over them after. $10 for the whole experience! That is going to become part of my regular beauty treatments!
If any of you have never tried it, I highly recommend it!


I love expressing my female self and look forward to what this next month brings.
Lacy!

Well young lady!
Now you have the female hairdo and all the looks with it!  Looking good I have to say! I like your eyebrows, I want something to be done with mine, too!
I don't know if threatening is the right thing for me, because my brows, like the rest of my facial hair, hardly grow at all.  I have to check with the beauty people!

Because you are only one month ahead of me with HRT, do you feel a lot of effects from it?  I hardly feel anything worth the while to mention.
I did not like spiro at all that stuff was messing with my head!  I wonder if I feel Estrogen better now that my body does not produce testosterone anymore?  For me, the best about the orch is that I do not have to take spiro anymore!  Never ever again!

I wish you further lots of luck, and hope that you can be fully out in the very near future!
Hugs
Linde

Hello Lacy,
    As you can see that I am back! I will email later. Nice pic! I am so glad for you!

Quote from: Dietlind on February 25, 2019, 10:26:19 PM
Well young lady!
Now you have the female hairdo and all the looks with it!  Looking good I have to say! I like your eyebrows, I want something to be done with mine, too!
I don't know if threatening is the right thing for me, because my brows, like the rest of my facial hair, hardly grow at all.  I have to check with the beauty people!

Because you are only one month ahead of me with HRT, do you feel a lot of effects from it?  I hardly feel anything worth the while to mention.
I did not like spiro at all that stuff was messing with my head!  I wonder if I feel Estrogen better now that my body does not produce testosterone anymore?  For me, the best about the orch is that I do not have to take spiro anymore!  Never ever again!

I wish you further lots of luck, and hope that you can be fully out in the very near future!
Hugs
Linde

Linde,
As always I appreciate your replies to the thread! I have experienced all the different methods of eyebrow grooming. Plunking, waxing and now threading. I definitely like threading the most. My wife didn't get her eyebrows threaded because they were already pretty thin. But she had waxed about a month earlier. I am sure that whatever beautician you go to will be able to suggest the best method for you!

I am as you said a bit ahead of you with HRT, but you have such a major jump on me with being intersex!
As far as "feeling" the hormones goes I didn't get the big difference feeling with the increased dosage. I did start crying for no darn reason when watching a movie last weekend. A movie that was in no way sad! I loved the feeling, but felt alien as well. I have never done that before and have no reason fo doing it. None the less streams of tears were making their way down!

I have followed your Ochie progress and and very excited for you! I have been somewhat quiet on the forums recently, but am very happy that you were able to quit spiro!
The pharmacy messed up my last refill and did not account for the dosage increase. I didn't catch it and ran out last Sunday. The pharmacy said they could not refill it as it had not been long enough. I was without it for about 5 days before my doctor was able to call the pharmacist and tell them to give me a refill.
By the end of the week I could feel my brain getting all foggy and could sense the Testosterone creeping back in. It was a horrible feeling. Almost like a caffeine high. It made me rather unpleasant to be around.

That being said, I am doing well overall. I believe my breasts have gone through 2 more growth spurts and if I am starting to read the new signs of my body, I could be expecting a third one coming soon! It is exciting to see actual growth happen!

Hugs,
Lacy