Over the last few weeks I've been doing some reading regarding hormone treatment and I've been seeing some conflicting information, to say the least.

One issue I'm concerned about is atrophy/ reduction in size of the penis and loss of sex drive, leading to loss of sex drive after SRS, or even loss of ability to orgasm. This would seem to indicate that maybe having SRS first if at all possible would be the better idea? But that doesn't seem to be the way most people go and I'm assuming there must be reason.

I also had a question regarding breast development, what size would be expected and how long do they take to grow? I've seen some people talking about fairly rapid changes with hormones while other sources would seem to indicate it takes years to really start seeing effects.

I've been reading that starting younger is better. I'm 24 now, is that too late to see more dramatic changes?

And lastly, how much does it actually cost? I realize this will vary by country but I'd like to get a rough average if possible.

Maybe I'm being naive here, but after desiring a sex change for 24 years I guess I just never realized it would be so complex 

The loss of sex drive isn't like a permanent effect. It's simply due to low testosterone levels. You can (and many do) take some T post-op to boost it back up if you even need to. Libido is influenced by so much more than our hormones after all.
Breast growth is a genetic thing like it is for natal women. Look at your female relatives for clues. Depends a lot on age as well. It does take years to finalize for everyone, not just trans women.
24 isn't too late. I started around my 24th birthday and have been told my results are dramatic. Depends on a number of things like your regimen and how much testosterone has influenced you to begin with.
My HRT is covered so I can't really speak on that.

Yeah, it's complex. I personally don't like the term "sex change" cause it implies there is such a thing as one procedure and that's it. I think a lot of people actually think that.

Quote from: ChiralSpiral on February 04, 2012, 03:11:21 PM

One issue I'm concerned about is atrophy/ reduction in size of the penis and loss of sex drive, leading to loss of sex drive after SRS, or even loss of ability to orgasm. This would seem to indicate that maybe having SRS first if at all possible would be the better idea? But that doesn't seem to be the way most people go and I'm assuming there must be reason.

Well, surgeons usually require a letter from your therapist, which approves you for surgery, and that's given after 1 year of real-life experience (RLE), as far as I know. Others don't find it as pressing to get it, and rather fix their appearance (facial feminisation surgery).

The reduction is definitely noticeable, not only of the penis itself, but the testicles as well. The skill of the operating surgeon comes into play when it comes to smaller sizes.

QuoteI also had a question regarding breast development, what size would be expected and how long do they take to grow? I've seen some people talking about fairly rapid changes with hormones while other sources would seem to indicate it takes years to really start seeing effects.

It usually takes about 3-5 weeks for them to start developing, and it takes up to 5 years for them to mature. Everyone's mileage varies, though, so some develop quicker than others. And some slower.
The size of the transitioner's breasts should be expected somewhere around their mother's, or at least her line. Though it's usually always somewhat smaller. Genetics, fat distribution, age, and estrogen sensitivity play an important part in it all.

QuoteI've been reading that starting younger is better. I'm 24 now, is that too late to see more dramatic changes?

Even people transitioning past their 50's go through dramatic changes, so no, you're not too old. The general consensus is that starting before 30 tends to give better results, but of course, depends on each individual.

QuoteAnd lastly, how much does it actually cost? I realize this will vary by country but I'd like to get a rough average if possible.

That depends on where you live and if you have health insurance. If not, it can be a very costly thing (300-400$) every few months.

Changing one's physical gender is complex because our bodies are complex. And we make it even more complicated for ourselves. Most battle with self-image issues, which just adds to the whole problem. But anyway, hope that answered your questions to an extent. I'm certain someone's going to go into more detail regarding each of them.