In the Middle of Living

[Rochelle]

I've decided I wanted to blog some of this journey, so here we go.

My "egg broke" on 12/12/2023. I started using herbal supplements on that date and noticed some positive physical changes, along with a real sense of emotional uplift. That progress continued for about 17 months before slowing down and then leveling off for roughly 6 months.

After a yearly physical with my primary care provider, I realized I was ready for a more direct approach and wanted to see further change. I live in an informed consent state, so I decided to move forward through that route. About a week after the meeting with my primary care provider, I had my first telehealth appointment with an LGBTQIA+ clinician and began HRT on 11/12/2025—about 23 months after starting herbs (the dates lining up felt like a funny bit of timing).

I've already had some initial changes in breast development from herbals, and I'm starting to see renewed growth again from HRT. The herbal route didn't provide any meaningful testosterone suppression in any case.

I recently completed my first round of bloodwork and have a follow-up scheduled with my clinician to adjust my regimen so I can reach therapeutic levels.

I've also linked my introduction post here: https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=252411.msg2317828#msg2317828

I've mentioned this before, but I've kept my medical care separate, as it's currently covered through my military benefits. I do have some concerns about the current political climate and how things may evolve, and I hope some of the more harmful aspects improve in the coming years.

I tend to be a bit more on the quiet side compared to some, but I'm looking forward to being here and getting to know everyone over time.

I'm genuinely grateful this community exists, and I'm happy to be part of it. 💚

[Charlotte Kitty ✅]

Hi Rochelle,
Lovely to read a bit about your journey so far and glad its going well to date. I hope eventually all the political stuff calms down and everyone gets the care they need continued.

I see you around liking my posts, so really happy to see your own blog. Look forward to more sometime.

Charlotte X

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

@Rochelle
Dear Rochelle
I am so very happy to see that you have started your very own member BLOG here on Susan's Place Forum. 
This can be your HOME where members and your readers and followers can easily find you and share their comments and thoughts.  As you respond, your Blog Thread will help to provide continuity of discussions.

When you post your good news and successes all of your followers will give you our congratulations. . . and when you share not-so-good news we will gather around you and give you our ears to listen and our shoulders for you to lean on.

Now, please continue sharing your story with us.
HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl] ❣️

[Dawn Kellie]

Thank you for sharing. I'm hoping to get on HRT before the end of the year. I will be following your updates.

[Stottie Girl]

Hi Rochelle, thank you for sharing your journey. I shall be dropping by for updates when you post them.

You have some exciting times ahead of you on the HRT path. Don't expect the hormones to produce miracles straight away but over time they can do wonders for you.

It's a first giant step on the road to feminimity.

Sarah xx

[Lori Dee ✅]

Welcome to the Member Blogs, Rochelle!

This is a great way to track and share your journey - for future reference and new members to the site.

Looking forward to future updates.

Thanks for sharing!

[Rochelle]

I've always been the kind of person who stays on the sidelines and lets things pass without getting too affected. Lately, though, I've noticed a shift. I feel more emotionally involved and invested in what's going on around me. When I read about other people's experiences, I actually feel their pain more and sometimes even tear up.

I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle but leaning introverted—I can engage socially when I want to, but I usually prefer to sit back and observe. The difference now is that I'm not just observing anymore; I'm more mentally and emotionally drawn in. This started a little a few years ago, but it's become much more noticeable in the past few months.

[Stottie Girl]

I've always been the kind of person who stays on the sidelines and lets things pass without getting too affected. Lately, though, I've noticed a shift. I feel more emotionally involved and invested in what's going on around me. When I read about other people's experiences, I actually feel their pain more and sometimes even tear up.

I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle but leaning introverted—I can engage socially when I want to, but I usually prefer to sit back and observe. The difference now is that I'm not just observing anymore; I'm more mentally and emotionally drawn in. This started a little a few years ago, but it's become much more noticeable in the past few months.

HRT will make you more in tune with your emotions and this is probably why you are feeling more invested and occasionally tearful. The awakening of emotions was, for me, one of the best things about HRT, even if I can be an emotional wreck sometimes. I realised that my previous life was quite sterile in comparison. Wait till you get the unstoppable crying episodes when watching movies ha ha! That took a while to get used to!

Embrace it Rochelle, it's a beautiful thing!

[Rochelle]

Past 10 days or so I caught something and it's been hanging out in my chest, probably from work.  It's slowly going away.

It so nice out, I swapped the snow blower to the rear of the garage and brought the motorcycle to the front.  Of course the battery is drained of power and liquid.  Will get a replacement tomorrow and start to ride it again. 💚