Today is the day that I discuss HRT options with my doctor. I'm now 41 years old and I wish I had started this 20 years ago, but unfortunately life got in the way. No more, and now I live truly for myself instead of other people.

I haven't picked a name that I will take on yet, and my plans are to live androgynously until the changes are signficant enough that I must change. Of course I will do everything in my power to nudge in that direction, and I'm excited for the changes. I feel like I'm completely at a fresh start.

Any tips, pointers, or words of encouragement for a total newb?

Hello lalaland,

I'm Lori Dee. Welcome to Susan's Place!

Thank you for that wonderful introduction.

We strive to make this a safe space for you to find information and share your thoughts and comments. No matter who you are, you are always welcome at Susan's Place.

Your plan is exactly the plan I used. I planned to start hormones for a year, then do electrolysis, then surgery, then change my name and documents. Things did not go that way for me. I started hormones in January 2020, but electrolysis is not available anywhere in South Dakota. The hormones worked their magic, so I began coming out socially. I changed my name, birth certificate, got a passport (my first), and changed my photo IDs (driver's license, VA Disabled Vet ID). Now, I am moving to Colorado so that I can pursue electrolysis and surgery.

You have a solid plan, just don't get frustrated when the rest of the world doesn't follow your timeline. Stay flexible. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just keep moving forward, and you will do just fine.

We look forward to reading about your journey.

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Once again, welcome to Susan's Place!

~ Lori Dee
Forum Staff

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@lalaland
@Sarah B
@Northern Star Girl

As a 5ft 2inch guy I found it very hard to live in the "uncanny valley" between male and female.
Most likely I'm Intersex and gender calculators simply would not compute.
This made social interactions quite difficult. I find it far easier to push my gender presentation toward "very female" and socialize.

I'd suggest presenting as your current gender as long as you can and then switching over as quickly as you can.  Unless you are lucky to live in a place that doesn't care about gender, like Cape Cod, MA.

Hello and welcome. Thank you for sharing your plan here. I'm new and not an expert, but it sounds like a well thought-out strategy.

I'm doing laser on my beard now as my first step. I've also made an appointment with a gender therapist. Depending on how that goes, I'll consider HRT maybe this autumn/winter.

Take it a step (or two if you're feeling certain) at a time and let yourself feel it all. As many here will tell you, the journey is every bit as important as the destination. I'm not sure there really is a destination.

As for wishing you'd started 20 years ago: We're ready when we're ready, and many of us didn't begin until 20 years later than you are. Life has a way of redirecting us.

We're glad you're here.

Pema

Quote from: lalaland on Yesterday at 09:14:45 AMAny tips, pointers, or words of encouragement for a total newb?

Hey lalaland,

Welcome to Susan's Place! 🫂

And congrats on this new beginning.

It's never too late to step into your truth.

~ Lilis 💓🌷

Welcome, Lalaland! Glad you're here.

Hi Lalaland

My name is Sarah and I would also like to formally, Welcome you to Susan's Place!

I see that other members of Susan's have also welcomed you as well.

Congratulations on your first dose of HRT.  That is a powerful and personal step.  I still remember my own first dose.  It was in the first couple of weeks after I changed my life around.  That moment never leaves you.

Everyone goes at their own pace.  You can change your life as fast or as slow as you want.  What matters is that you feel comfortable and happy with what you are doing.  Living androgynously while waiting for changes is a valid plan.  You are doing this thoughtfully and with purpose.

People here have many different stories.  Every individual is unique, yet there is often something shared in what we all write.  You will start to notice those similarities, and they can be a source of comfort.

Take one step at a time.  Be yourself.  If you need tips, read widely across Susan's Place and ask for help when needed.  No question is too simple.

Most of us wish we had started earlier.  But as someone recently wrote, "Better Late Than Never." That could not be more truer.  You are never too old to start.

Once you feel comfortable here, it would be appreciated if you add a little bit more about yourself in the other forums and threads.  I would appreciate it very much as, I'm always interested in learning something new about new members.

In addition members of Susan's will more than likely will discuss problems or issues that are similar to yours as most have experienced these issues as well.

Please keep in mind when posting that this is an ALL AGES PUBLIC Forum and the internet never forgets.  Do not post anything that you do not want to be made public.

Take care and all the best for the future.

Once again, Welcome to Susan's Place!

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn  @Jessica_Rose  @Mariah  @Northern Star Girl  @Lori Dee
@lalaland

Quote from: lalaland on Yesterday at 04:22:13 PMWelcome! I'll help out as much as I can, but literally today was my first dose of HRT. 

@lalaland
Dear lalaland:
I am so very glad that you found us and had decided to successfully register as a member here on
Susan's Place and the Forum. WELCOME !!!

You will find many members here that have traveled down the same transition road that you are now on.
Congratulations to you on a successful doctors appointment this morning and now your have just
started your Hormone Replacement Therapy today.
This is certainly one of the first BIG steps in your journey.

This is all very exciting news that you shared !!!
Starting HRT is a big personal commitment....
          ....buckle up, lots of changes will be happening.

Have patience, lots of patience, as you begin your HRT journey.  Changes will happen, but
usually not as quickly as you will want.  For some, changes will happen fairly quickly and be
more noticeable, and for others HRT will work more slowly...  it all depends on your
unique body and your genes....

The axiom regarding HRT that I like relate to our members here on the Forum is
  Y M M V ... (Your Mileage May Vary)   Again, patience is required.

I am very happy for you... wishing you success and happiness as you continue on.

Along with your other readers and followers here on the Forum I will be eagerly looking for and
reading your updates here on this thread and the other various Forum threads ... only post about
things that your are personally comfortable sharing.
 
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]
      The Forum Administrator      Direct Email: alaskandanielle@yahoo.com