Hi there! Um, I guess I should start with my name, tell a little bit about myself, and then ask a few questions that I hope you won't mind answering for me.

My birth name is Edric, and I've pretty much always felt uncomfortable in my skin. I've been told I'm very attractive before, and I've never had a problem finding a girlfriend, but I've just always felt kind of awkward.

So not too long ago, maybe a month or so, I realized what the "problem" was. I'm not really a dude. I'm a chick. I've been acting this role my entire 23 years of life and I'm tired of it. I came out to my mother (whom I've always been very close to), my girlfriend of 2 1/2 years and my best friend (also a girl.) They've all been very supportive, and even excited for me (and also not very surprised.) I'm so lucky, especially with my gf. She even said she'd teach me how to properly use make up and take me clothes shopping. 

I've already done some research into HRT and how to go about getting it, but I unfortunately don't have the money to do anything about it yet... I'm almost 24 years old and I would really like to start transitioning before I get too much older for reasons that I'm sure are obvious...

Which brings me to my first question, I suppose:

1. Lets just that it takes me two years before I can start HRT. I'll be 26. Is that too late for the 'mones to have the effect I want on my appearance? I don't look very masculine to begin with (just a big ol' nose).

2. Are there any (legal) ways to get HRT without doing-it-myself? Say, can my family doctor prescibe them to me?

3. Any tips you just want to throw out there for beginner? Things you wish you had done but didn't think about? Anything you can give me will be a big help!


Ok, thanks for reading! I love you guys, and I'm very grateful for this site.

Hey,

Congratulations for finally taking the bull by the horns and being true to yourself! Its awesome that you seem to have a stable, acceptable and supportive circle of family and friends. In answer to your questions...

1. Its hard to say without a picture but usually handsome guys can turn into handsome girls. If you dont have much masculine qualities then thats also a good thing (like no handlebar moustache? Good!). Of course you just have to wait and see how the hormones turn out, as everyone is different and gets different results.

2. It depends where you stay. Here in the UK you can get them via a therapist on the NHS. Im not sure how they do it in Australia/USA but there are more than a few knowledgeable ladies on here that I'm sure can be helpful! Generally though, you have to go to a therapist who will refer you to a gender specialist with experience in these matters and can help you decide to transition or not.

3. I know it sucks, but the changes are gradual, rather than "OMGZ The 'mones have made me Angelina Jolie in a day OMGLOLZ!". These things take time and patience, and will be much more useful if you take the time inbetween to 'help' them out. Feminise yourself and the changes will be much more noticeable. Grow your hair out, lose weight (if you need to), get electrolysis on the beard area and other hairy parts, get your eyebrows sorted and see a stylist (if needed). HRT won't magically turn you into a woman in the blink of an eye, no matter how much we wish they would

Finally be yourself, stay positive and all the best!
X

Welcome.

Here are my answers to your questions.

1. I started taking female hormones just before my 42nd birthday. Withing 5 months, I had the beginnings of cleavage, and I've been told my face is rounder, too.

2. I went to an endocrinologist with the letter from my therapist saying I had GID. The endo then prescribed the hormones.

3. I think the best tip is to relax and take things at your own pace. Don't rush, but don't hold back either.

If you haven't already done so, please review the site rules and terms of service.

Enjoy your stay!

Thanks very much to both of you!

Hi Shades,


Welcome to our little family. Over 7692  strong. That would be one heck of a family reunion.


Feel free to post your successes/failures, Hopes/dreams.  Ask questions and seek answers. Give and receive advice.
But remember we are family here, your family now. And it is always nice to have another sister.


And be sure to check out these links ( MUST READS )

• Site Terms of Service and rules to live by
  
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Janet 

Quote from: ShadeOfGray on August 02, 2012, 08:39:22 AM
Hi there! Um, I guess I should start with my name, tell a little bit about myself, and then ask a few questions that I hope you won't mind answering for me.

My birth name is Edric, and I've pretty much always felt uncomfortable in my skin. I've been told I'm very attractive before, and I've never had a problem finding a girlfriend, but I've just always felt kind of awkward.

So not too long ago, maybe a month or so, I realized what the "problem" was. I'm not really a dude. I'm a chick. I've been acting this role my entire 23 years of life and I'm tired of it. I came out to my mother (whom I've always been very close to), my girlfriend of 2 1/2 years and my best friend (also a girl.) They've all been very supportive, and even excited for me (and also not very surprised.) I'm so lucky, especially with my gf. She even said she'd teach me how to properly use make up and take me clothes shopping. 

I've already done some research into HRT and how to go about getting it, but I unfortunately don't have the money to do anything about it yet... I'm almost 24 years old and I would really like to start transitioning before I get too much older for reasons that I'm sure are obvious...

Which brings me to my first question, I suppose:

1. Lets just that it takes me two years before I can start HRT. I'll be 26. Is that too late for the 'mones to have the effect I want on my appearance? I don't look very masculine to begin with (just a big ol' nose).

2. Are there any (legal) ways to get HRT without doing-it-myself? Say, can my family doctor prescibe them to me?

3. Any tips you just want to throw out there for beginner? Things you wish you had done but didn't think about? Anything you can give me will be a big help!


Ok, thanks for reading! I love you guys, and I'm very grateful for this site.

First things first - welcome!

Second, you don't say where you are from.  Laws concerning prescription medications vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

Third, it is never too late to be yourself.

Hi and welcome aboard. 
I spent quite a while just people watching to see how women my age moved, their mannerisms, the way they spoke and such so that I didn't make too many glaring mistakes.  Having a girlfriend puts you a long way of me, she will be able to mentor you a lot.

I found facial laser hair removal and covering my MPB with a 1/2 wig to be the  most effective things towards passing pre-HRT.  A smile and an air of confidence will work wonders too. 

Have fun girl.

Karen.

Hi there and welcome as always. I'm new to this forum and everything too and I can already tell you that the people on here are very sweet, supportive and among many other things very experienced and educated about our kind of situation and have many life stories to share as well. My names Chris by the way and I'm also looking to start hrt in a little under two years which will put me at 24, I'm looking forward to hearing more post about how you are progressing and maybe when it comes to it we will start hrt around the same time and share our experiences! Thanks for joining us once again!

Quote from: Cbergusn on August 03, 2012, 05:24:15 AM
Hi there and welcome as always. I'm new to this forum and everything too and I can already tell you that the people on here are very sweet, supportive and among many other things very experienced and educated about our kind of situation and have many life stories to share as well. My names Chris by the way and I'm also looking to start hrt in a little under two years which will put me at 24, I'm looking forward to hearing more post about how you are progressing and maybe when it comes to it we will start hrt around the same time and share our experiences! Thanks for joining us once again!

We got a good 'un here! Tie him up and don't let him escape! 
x

Hi and Welcome!

As was mentioned earlier, HRT depends on where you live (I'm US). I am just starting out with that myself and I found that my family doctor would not prescribe hormones for that purpose as he really isn't familiar with TG programs. An Endocrinologist will most likely only see you from a letter of referral from a gender therapist. So unless you follow the rule book, you can't just go anywhere and legally get them. I assume this is why so many people self medicate from the internet. I don't know if this is the case across the US, but it was in the research I did.


Sarah

Hi Edric,

A big Aussie welcome to Susan's family. It's good of you to drop in and say "Hi". Hope you like it here, and you stay for a while.

There is a mountain of information, resources and friendship waiting for you here, you just need to jump in and start talking.

With respects to your questions.
1. It's NEVER too late to start HRT. How it effects you is quite individually unique. You also need to understand it effects you psychologically as well. You may think more like a woman, the longer you are on it.
2. I believe that question may have been answered before. Just DON'T DIY They are SERIOUS life threatening drugs. You need to be under constant medical supervision. Don't argue, it's YOUR wellbeing that's at stake, not ours or anybody else.
3. Just read the Post-op, coming out, HRT and other related sections. Lots of "don't try this"

Looking forward to hearing more of your story in time to come, but in the meantime, be safe, well and happy.

Lotsa huggs
Catherine

Wow, all of you are SO nice! Thanks so much to all of you, really.  I already feel very welcome here.

Quote from: Cbergusn on August 03, 2012, 05:24:15 AM
Hi there and welcome as always. I'm new to this forum and everything too and I can already tell you that the people on here are very sweet, supportive and among many other things very experienced and educated about our kind of situation and have many life stories to share as well. My names Chris by the way and I'm also looking to start hrt in a little under two years which will put me at 24, I'm looking forward to hearing more post about how you are progressing and maybe when it comes to it we will start hrt around the same time and share our experiences! Thanks for joining us once again!

Chris, we really might be starting around the same time! I'd love to be on HRT within a year, but as I'm currently searching for a job I don't really know if I'll be able to. It would be great if we started close to the same time though, we'd be able to help each other out and stuff. 

dont worry im not going anywhere anytime soon, this place is a safe haven for people like us which is very hard to find. and hey! i wish you luck on finding a job which im sure you will if you just stick to it and stay motivated to make what you want out of life a reality, nothing is ever easy and id be honored to be around to see how your progress comes along with your transition. take care!

Hi Shade


Welcome from Scotland
Everyone goes through this differently each person has to learn what's right for them I'm sure you'll find what's right for you too


Hannah

Hi Shade, it's nice to meet you! I'm the Boston representative. Not anywhere near enough of us here if you ask me! See you around the site, hugs, Devlyn