Well this is sort of awkward, but I think here I can be completely honest with you guys without being prosecuted.

I'm androgynous. I don't want to completely transition into a woman, but I do want a MUCH more womanly appearance - i.e. softer skin, less facial hair (no shadow at all whatsoever) and maybe even more feminized thighs and hips. However, I don't want to completely remove  my original hormones by going through HRT. Would this be at all possible? - or if so, can it be done wisely without dire physiological effects? I've seen some very femenine looking guys but I wonder if that's entirely a genetic thing, and could/could not be mimiced hormonally or through other means. Thanks.

I don't want to resort to using make-up or anything - I want to know if there's anything to improve a naturally femenine look to my skin and etc - the effects of female hormones whilst 'working around' the whole replacement concept.

I believe the Standards Of Care do allow HRT for people not intending to fully transition, but only if doing so would alleviate the emotional stress of GID - not for purely cosmetic reasons.

The bottom line is you'll need to find a therapist experienced in treating GID first though, and they can help you figure out what's best... and if HRT would be appropriate for you.

Kate

I would love to do that myself don't want to become a woman but would love a feminine appearance I may check into it myself.

Quote from: Robin Ellis Harriet on March 19, 2007, 07:46:02 PM

I'm androgynous. I don't want to completely transition into a woman, but I do want a MUCH more womanly appearance - i.e. softer skin, less facial hair (no shadow at all whatsoever) and maybe even more feminized thighs and hips. However, I don't want to completely remove  my original hormones by going through HRT. Would this be at all possible?

First things first.  Before you do anything, you really need a therapist that understands and deals with GID.  We here are a nice sounding board, but no replacement for a trained therapist.  I think you need help sorting out your sexual identity long before you begin mucking around with your physiology.  These are a few of the things that can go wrong:  You could damage your liver for life.  You could damage your lungs, heart, or brain by surviving a blood clot.  Or, you could die from a blood clot.  Bottom line:  get medical care.

About hrt:  It's not something to take lightly.

Yes, it will make your skin softer, given enough time.  Yes, it will reduce the amount of body hair, but will not eliminate it without anti-androgens.  Yes, your bottom will fill out, and most likely, your breasts will develop.  If your skeletal growth is maxed out, you will not develop hips.  Your facial fat will redistribute itself making your face look more feminine.

By this time, parts of your brain that are more pronounced in females will develop, making you think more like a female.  You will by this time, be addicted to estrogen, and will most likely not be able to stop. Your libido will shrink, as will your penis and testicles.  You will still have to shave your face, unless you have the follicles killed with electrolysis.  Your whiskers may be lighter in texture, and if you are very lucky, will be very much lighter in texture.

You will now have a somewhat to mostly, female appearance.

HRT is not a part way thing.  It is used to help your body match your brain, and to develop that brain to the fullest possible female extent.



I hope you find your way in the gender world, and think carefully.

Bev

Quote from: Bev on March 19, 2007, 09:18:29 PM
HRT is not a part way thing.  It is used to help your body match your brain, and to develop that brain to the fullest possible female extent.

Not always, not according to the SOC I believe. A very low-dose HRT regimen is sometimes enough to allow someone to "cope" without changing gender roles.

But we're apparently talking about cosmetic motivations here, and not GID. HRT is ONLY prescribed in cases of *medical necessity*, for people who are literally having trouble functioning in society because of their gender conflict. No therapist is going to write an HRT recommendation letter for cosmetic enhancement, as this stuff can kill you.

Kate

Quote from: AnomieAssassin on March 19, 2007, 11:08:12 PM
HRT can shave off years of your life..

Or add years - if it doesn't kill you first.

Ironic, but many of the deadly risks (DVT, embolism) seem more likely in the first few years. Otherwise, there are benefits, such as E helping both cholesterol levels, spiro lowering blood pressure, etc.

Kate

Quote from: Robin Ellis Harriet on March 19, 2007, 07:46:02 PM
Well this is sort of awkward, but I think here I can be completely honest with you guys without being prosecuted.

I'm androgynous. I don't want to completely transition into a woman, but I do want a MUCH more womanly appearance - i.e. softer skin, less facial hair (no shadow at all whatsoever) and maybe even more feminized thighs and hips.

first off, hormones need to be supervised by a doctor, for it can cause strokes, heart attacks, hbp,  thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, impotency, decreased libido, and death.  for people who are truly transexual, these side effects do not matter because transition is something we must do to keep on living, so we prioritize; yet, someone who only wants to feminize his body for [other] reasons needs to think [twice] before putting themselves at risk.

secondly, hormones don't change the following:  voice, bone structure, facial hair, size of hands or feet, hips, waist, neck size unless you start therapy before puberty.

Hey... what about the obvious... get rid of the testosterone producers. As a eunuch, you'd some of those benefits.... I think.

Care to dance?

Now, don't take me to seriously here.

Chin up

Cindi

There wouldn't be any alternatives then would there?

There is, its called plastic surgery. Breast Augmentation, facial feminization surgery, liposuction, lip enhancement, jaw and brow shaving, dermabrasion, nose job, hair replacement,among other procedures like lazer hair removal or electrolysis.

All of these do not affect any testosterone production, require no therapist, and only have the standard surgical risks.

Quote from: Robin Ellis Harriet on March 19, 2007, 07:46:02 PM
I'm androgynous. I don't want to completely transition into a woman, but I do want a MUCH more womanly appearance - i.e. softer skin, less facial hair (no shadow at all whatsoever) and maybe even more feminized thighs and hips. However, I don't want to completely remove  my original hormones by going through HRT. Would this be at all possible? - or if so, can it be done wisely without dire physiological effects? I've seen some very femenine looking guys but I wonder if that's entirely a genetic thing, and could/could not be mimiced hormonally or through other means. Thanks.

You should talk with a gender, or gender-experienced, therapist and a physician. Under medical supervision you can get on a regimen of low dosage hormones for GID or something similar. Remember physicians prescribe female hormones for several men's conditions (eg. prostrate) and the men undergo the similar effects as transwomen but less as the dosage is minimal. And some transwomen have difficulty tolerating dosage higher than minimum and have to adjust their transistion plans and schedules accordingly. While many transwoman experience positive effects from hrt, there are some negative physical and mental effects for some to many depending on the individual and drug.

HRT is a serious and can be a permanent change, and as said, shouldn't be taken lightly and not without medical help, but some experienced physicians have the quite a few transwomen patients on the range of dosage. Remember the first goal is your health, so don't sacrifice that for short term interests.

Good luck.

For what it is worth... I have type II diabetes.  While this tends to run in my family, it is something that no one under 60 has had to deal with. I was diagnosed in my late thirties with it. I believe that the intensive hormones while under HRT brought this on early in my life. There is some medical evidence that supports my position.  I also have severe complications from the disease which no one in my family has ever had to deal with.

If you are thinking about hormones, make sure to get medical supervision. And consider the fact that you may have complications sometime down the road.

This is serious business.

Cindi