@Coffeedrew Dear Coffeedrew:At the risk of me telling you what you may have already heard... here is
important stuff for you and anyone that is considering HRT or at the beginning their HRT journey should be aware of...
...here are some of my thoughts as it may relate to what you
might expect.
As has been stated over and over here on the Forums... and by me in many of my past comments on various posts, HRT will work uniquely in your own unique body.
What you read about other transitioning members experiences with HRT most likely will not be identical to your own experiences.
Some will experience more significant changes more quickly and then some will experience less significant changes more slowly.... it is all up to your genes and how your body reacts to the HRT. Your doctor will undoubtedly be looking at your frequent blood test results during your journey to determine if any alterations in the HRT regimen are needed.
The adage that you have probably already heard regarding HRT and how it may work for various individuals is "YMMV" meaning that Your Mileage May Vary.
PATIENCE is definitely required.... usually not much happens very quickly with HRT... but changes will happen. Do some reading of other transitioners posts and look at many of the posted HRT timelines and the before and after pictures. .... they can give you a rough idea of what you MIGHT expect.
Many times the very first noticeable changes can be felt and seen within the first 2 to 6 months... breast tenderness, breast bud lumps forming under the nipples and possibly changes in body hair growth, your own body and urine smell, changes in erections becoming less intense, libido, etc.
Without a doubt this can be very "EXCITING and SCARY all at the same time." One needs to hang on for an amazing ride. Some of my best and most appreciated and dramatic body changes happened at about the 5 month point through the start of year #2 of my HRT journey.
Even though I was able to very successfully pass before I went full-time... when I did go full-time at the 1 1/2 year mark I have been passing 100% of the time. Of course that is just my experience, I suppose I can thank my body makeup and my genes for all that.
We are here to rejoice with you in the good times and to support you in the not so good times.
One more time....
PATIENCE is required. The attitude of many people today is "I want it all and I want it now" ... that will not apply to HRT. You might want to re-read what I just wrote so you can get a good grasp of the details that I mentioned.
I will be looking forward to your continued updates as you feel free to post them.
Hugs and well wishesDanielle
