Rediscovering Pema

[Pema]

Today was a major milestone. I met with my GP and got my prescriptions for estradiol (patches) and spironolactone. I'll pick them up tomorrow and start down this path.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a pretty even-keeled person, so my dysphoria was challenging to demonstrate. On the other side, I've been outwardly very calm today, but inside I'm screaming with excitement. I told that to my wife just before my appointment today, and she said, "Pay attention to that. That's the euphoria that highlights the dysphoria." Fair enough.

I'll be starting with low doses of both (50mcg E and 25mg S), because I'm definitely "sensitive" and already have low blood pressure. If nothing untoward happens during the first month, we'll increase them. There's no hurry, and it's wise to be cautious.

Absolutely giddy.

[Lori Dee ✅]

I'll be starting with low doses of both (50mcg E and 25mg S), because I'm definitely "sensitive" and already have low blood pressure. If nothing untoward happens during the first month, we'll increase them. There's no hurry, and it's wise to be cautious.

Absolutely giddy.

Congrats, Pema!

Providers usually start on low doses. First, to see how your body reacts to the new meds. Second, to see how your hormone levels are affected at that dose. For some people, Spironolactone is very effective at suppressing testosterone; some require higher doses, and for me, it had no effect at all.

Spiro is a "potassium-sparing" diuretic. You will pee a lot, so stay hydrated and avoid foods high in potassium. Your doctor will order labs to monitor all that.

I am so happy for you that you get to take those first steps. Remember that day. I call it my second birthday, when I started taking hormones, Jan. 11, 2020.

Don't forget to celebrate!
🥳🥂🎈🎉

[Lilis]

Today was a major milestone. I met with my GP and got my prescriptions for estradiol (patches) and spironolactone. I'll pick them up tomorrow and start down this path.

Omgash, there she is!

Sorry Ashley, I couldn't resist stealing the line, lol.😁

Pema, what a sacred moment. The embodiment has began of the woman you've always been.

Congrats, sister! 🫂💞


~ Lilis 🌷

[Pema]

Thank you, @Lori Dee and @Lilis! It is a huge day, no question.

I'm blessed to have a wife who's a physician who has helped many patients transition, so we went into this appointment extremely well prepared. We suggested initial dosages that are half of what most protocols recommend. My doctor gladly went along with our plan.

I'm so ready.

[Dances With Trees]

Congratulations, Pema!

[Emma1017]

Pema, I am so late to your party, and now another reason to celebrate.  You realize when you take the first fearful dose of hormones that it is exactly what you have been waiting for. 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I hope you are finding all the joy that you deserve!

With a warm hug,

Emma

[Pema]

Thank you all. After one week, I can't say I've felt anything - and that's exactly what we want. The dosages are so low because we want see whether there are adverse effects. So far, there aren't. All good.

Even so, it does bring a sense of comfort, of feeling that I'm moving in the right direction.

[Northern Star Girl ✅]

Thank you all. After one week, I can't say I've felt anything - and that's exactly what we want. The dosages are so low because we want see whether there are adverse effects. So far, there aren't. All good.

Even so, it does bring a sense of comfort, of feeling that I'm moving in the right direction.

@Pema
Dear Pema: 
I am so very excited for you that you have taken the BIG step of starting HRT in your transition journey

As I am most certain that you are aware regarding how HRT may work in your body, PATIENCE IS REQUIRED.
Usually nothing happens very quickly with HRT, some will see more dramatic changes more quickly and others
will see less significant changes more slowly.  It is all up to your unique body and your genetic makeup.

A phrase that is used here on the forums is YMMV,
meaning Your Mileage May Vary. 

There are so many variables in how each body will respond to HRT. 
Remember, puberty in pre-teen girls and pre-teen boys takes many years to come to fruition... 
... give it time, things will happen... but again,  PATIENCE IS REQUIRED !!!!

Along with your other avid followers and readers, I will be eagerly looking for your updates here on
your Blog thread and elsewhere around the Forum.

I am wishing you success and happiness as you continue in your journey.
HUGS,  ❤️
Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

[Sephirah]

I think you started moving in the right direction a while back, Pema. This is another step on your path, albeit a big one. I am very proud of you for taking this step and excited for what it brings you.

*massive hugs* <3

[Pema]

Last night marked the start of Month 2 of HRT. Seeing zero effects from Month 1 - exactly what we'd hoped - we bumped the dosages up by 50% so that I'm now taking 75% of the low-dose protocol. If there are still no effects at the end of Month 2, we'll bump them up to the full low-dose protocol. Is this level of caution absolutely necessary? Who knows? But I'm in no hurry and am very interested in ensuring that I don't respond poorly to either medication - as I have to others in the past. A month goes by very quickly.

This week I also had Beard B Gone (laser) session #5. After 3 sessions, I'd estimate that 95% of the dark whiskers were gone. Then I missed 2 (backpacking), so 3 months passed before Round 4. By then, nearly all of the dark whiskers had returned. Session 4 eliminated them back to the post-Session 3 level, maybe even a bit beyond. So there wasn't much to work with in Session 5. I paid for 6 sessions. I'm tempted to wait 2 or 3 months to see whether they come back again before committing to that final round. If they do, I think I'll find it difficult to justify continuing. They'll probably recommend doing it and then buying more rounds. I'm not a fan of throwing good money after bad. At that point I'd probably just call it an interesting experiment.

[Jessica_Rose ✅]

You may not 'see' any effects for several months. You will probably feel the changes first. Since everyone reacts differently, starting off slowly is a good idea. The key is, you have started.

Some people have great results with laser, but my experience was varied. While it worked great on body hair, it didn't seem to do much for my facial hair. If laser doesn't work for you, find a good electrologist. While it is slower, it is very effective. It also works on any color of hair.

Love always -- Jessica Rose