Maybe the answer is obvious as to what's going on, but I don't know it. I started hormones February 27 this year, and as of the last several days, I've started to notice my nipples are either swollen/large or smaller/unswollen at random times. I can even sometimes see them actually increase or decrease in size, once in a while at a rapid rate. Has anyone else experienced this? Is this a normal effect/part of development induced by the hormones?

I don't really know, but I noticed the same thing when I started HRT.  Now not so much, but they still will be sore and itchy.  And the growth continues.

Janet

I was wondering the same thing.  I started on 3-30 and mine are sore and itchy too. I was just going to ask how soon that sort of thing generally happens?

sounds like its right on time for you ladies.

I started in February and have been having the same thing happen to me. During one rare not-so-tender moment I dug around and found some little, hard nubs of tissue right behind them. Isn't it just the most peculiar sensation?

Yes, it hurts a bit, but if I feel around the nipple, it's like there's a marble behind it.

I think this is perfectly normal. Today makes exactly 6 weeks since I began HRT and I have noticed the exact same things you mentioned, including the "marble". I found this on a doctor's website who specializes in treating trans people:

"Soon after beginning hormone therapy (about 2 to 3 months), there will be a nodule-like formation behind the nipple and a feeling of tenderness or sensitivity in the area. This early stage of development is caused by an increase in the ductal system behind the nipple as part of the transition process and will usually normalize in a matter of months."

of course obviously the 2 to 3 months part is a little off; this started for me at about 2 weeks in.

As for the fluctuating areola size, I have noticed this too but I also have noticed it happens for bioligical females as well. From what I can tell with my own experience, it has to do with skin temperature. They (nipples and areolas) seem to be much larger when warm, like when I'm using a heating pad or wearing a warm shirt, and smaller when I'm cool and/or my skin is moist.

Thanks, FairyGirl. That makes sense. I'm now more at ease knowing it's normal. I had guessed that it was, but I wanted to be sure. =)