I've seen it commonly written that one or two months of HRT is not too long to reverse all effects. However, at the same time I've read that genetics plays a part in the differences that each of us has as to how many estrogen and how many androgen receptors are in our cells. Apparently, not all cells have the same number of receptor types: some contain exclusively estrogen, some exclusively androgen, and some contain a mix.

Now, I've also been seeing posts where people say they've taken estrogen for a length of time that in my mind would be a very short time, and they are seeing changes. I suppose that these changes then are reversible, as they've occurred in less than one month. But I wonder, is there such a wide variation that some folks are going to see little change after a couple of months, while others are going to see startling changes in a very short period of time - so short that this "one or two months" time frame is just not going to apply. Can anyone please share their story? I'm asking for personal reasons because of what seems to be a very female genetic physiology. Thank you.

Most effects are reversible, doubt they all are, though. Breast growth, for one, isn't. I've started budding in about the third, fourth week on HRT. It's somewhat dependant on how receptive your body is towards estrogen, and how old you are (I'm 22). If you're going to be on DHT blockers and anti-androgens, that might do damage as well (they can have some strong side effects).

HRT isn't something to be toyed with. Even if you don't feel any different, there are major changes going through your body as it starts to process the drugs.

I would suggest reading about anti androgens, DHT blockers, and estrogen on wikipedia and other trans websites concerning health.

Thank you, Maja. I've read a bit, but it's not like there are a lot of text books out there on the subject. I think I did read that age has a lot to do with the response rate. Either way, you're warning is highly appreciated.

Quote from: Maja.V on January 11, 2012, 04:05:32 AM
If you're going to be on DHT blockers and anti-androgens, that might do damage as well (they can have some strong side effects).

Maya, what do you mean by "damage as well" if one is also taking anti-androgens and DHT blockers (which is standard)

I would think she's talking about sperm production.
"Damage" yes?

Axelle

Quote from: Axélle-Michélle on January 11, 2012, 04:46:41 AM
I would think she's talking about sperm production.
"Damage" yes?

Axelle

Now that would make sense!

Quote from: Axélle-Michélle on January 11, 2012, 04:46:41 AM
I would think she's talking about sperm production.
"Damage" yes?

Axelle

Exactly.

A website which deals with Finasteride side effects: http://www.propeciahelp.com/

And that's just men who took that one drug. Spironolactone / Androcur are even more damaging (again, for a man).

Suziack:

Here's a good brochure concerning HRT for a trans person:
http://transhealth.vch.ca/resources/library/tcpdocs/consumer/hormones-MTF.pdf

I'd suggest reading it all. I can also PM you more links to other sources, and stuff. I've done a fair share of reading before starting it.

And you're most welcome. *Huggles*

No for an FTM Trying T for two months would cause moderate/significant deepening of voice and increase of body facial hair.

For an MTF their could well be mild/moderate breast development whitch would be irriversible. At that stage your fertility should return to normalish levels.

In my case aswell I was self medicating most of the complications I experienced were within the first two months, Not only is your body taxed to it's limit trying to compensate for an enormous biochemical shift, in the first two months it's ALSO trying to grow and develop rapidly.

So the first two months are actually amoungst the most dangerous months to be on HRT.
In my entire two years of begin on HRT and monitoring my own health I've had the following notable complications.

I've had mild infection at my injection site Twice (Once of whitch was within the first two months)
I've had an potassium eletroclyte disturbance Three times (Twice of whitch were in the first two months)
Hyper-prolactimia once (Whitch was within the first two months.)
Temporary kidney impairment once (Whitch was within the first two months.)

It seems that everyone has so far failed to report a more common danger and that is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which will drop you in your tracks and you'll actually be dead before you hit the floor.   This risk multiplies greatly if you are a smoker.

       I experienced breast tenderness within a day of starting on hormones and growth within a week.   This is not reversible and playing with your own little boobies is not the great thrill you may believe.   Most other changes are reversible, but this is not stuff to be experimented with.

       Please seek out a Gender Therapist first and foremost.  Then, get blood work done and don't self-medicate.   You may think it's OK and these complications only happen to others, but you could end up paralyzed or worse.

       Above all, do not try "herbals" or other "natural products".   The people who sell these do not have your own best interests in mind.

       If you really do suffer from GID, there is help, there are caring medical professionals and there is a cure.   You don't have to live this way and you should not attempt your own cure any more than your should perform your own appendectomy.

        You really and truly can be free from all that mental torment and anxiety and it's not that difficult to do it right and live the life that you can only dream of.

Quote from: Maja.V on January 11, 2012, 05:41:15 AM
Here's a good brochure concerning HRT for a trans person:
http://transhealth.vch.ca/resources/library/tcpdocs/consumer/hormones-MTF.pdf

Damn.. beat me to it. - Good read.

Your Endocrinologist (http://www.hormone.org/Public/endocrinologist.cfm)will be able to handle any questions. They will monitor your blood to make sure any dangers are avoided. The biggest danger- self medication. In most cases you ruin your own system, hence won't be able to continue.

My Doctor has been helping trans for twenty odd years so he knows his stuff... And is quite easy to talk to.

Hope this helps...

Jen

OXOXOXO