Transgender Transition

[carla1212]

Hi Katie,
I’m just a crossdresser but I’ve experienced the sort of thing you’re talking about, which mainly happens on days when I do not really believe I look pretty — maybe I’m tired, unwell, etc. but it’s when I’m generally not feeling confident. If you’re on hormones this probably isn’t a big problem for you, but I find what really helps me is being sure that my body is warmed up and relaxed before go out: My male body is tighter and more rigid than a woman’s would be. I find that a hot bath or shower, followed by some stretching and some work with a foam roller really loosens me up and helps my overall mindset when I’m heading out. They teach actors to warm up like this so their body will move fluidly to express their emotions, and in my case it helps me express my inner femininity without all the interference that comes from the anxiety we tend to store in our muscles. But in the end it’s all about taking charge of how you interact with other people, not being afraid of them and inviting them to like you. That’s why I am also a big believer in smiling. Last night I was out getting a coffee and I felt this guy’s eyes kept focusing on me. Instead of just letting my imagination close in on me, I looked at him with a big smile and sparkly eyes, let my head lilt to the side, played with my hair and told him I liked his hat. Next thing you know he’s sitting with me and we’re chatting like old friends. The smile says: I’m sweet, I’m nice, I’m loving, I’m not a crazy person, I like you, and you should like me too – I’m a pretty girl, dammit! Same with perfume – choose carefully, but the right scent tells people (especially men) that you are a nice, sweet person who wants to invite affection. It’s worth the effort to study perfumes, scented moisturizing lotions etc. really carefully and figure out what message they send, so you can choose the right ones for every situation. Other than that – I hardly recommend this because I suppose it’s not healthy and all that – but I always find I’m most relaxed if I’m a little buzzed. I am an occasional smoker and I find that I’m way more relaxed, less inside myself, and maybe project a little more vulnerability when I’ve just had a cigarette and feeling that mildly dizzy feeling. (Okay it’s a drug and whatever, and people who are on hormones should n-e-v-e-r smoke, but I’m not on hormones and I like it!) Not to mention standing around outside looking like a hopeless nicotine addict creates all kinds of pretexts for people to come talk to me, mainly cisgender girls who feel less guilty about smoking if they are not doing it alone. I flash my smile at them, we like each other, we’re bonded, and we’re asking each other were we got our shoes. Also, I can smoke during the daytime and still function efficiently. Alcohol is very effective but it doesn’t work too well in the middle of a workday. When I’m out with my girls I never drink much, but I’ve also noticed that even after just one drink all my defenses go down, I laugh and smile more easily and I can move and dance in a more fluid, feminine way. But yah, moderation in all things and… don’t drink and drive!

[Anonymous]

Hello Katie,
I guess part of it depends upon where you live. Most people are too involved in their own thoughts to really care. In a small town this does not work as well as a major city as they might know your car or something. I guess I was more of a rip the band aid off type person. I’m trying to think back. I had a couple of friends from work that would go out with me. Having a male (female) escort helped me feel more comfortable. Both of these men are gay but we still had a fun time. I’m still friends with one 30 years later. Confidence will win the day. Some how you need to find it. To find a way to be comfortable in your own skin. Some go through an androgynous stage and keep pushing more and more femme. Just depends on you.

MelissaD

[torry4738]

How are you doing? I want to go for vacation and i need some suggestions, which place will be perfect for me to go?

[Jessika]

I hope to learn more about hormones as I am already self medicating

[Jessika]

You seem very similar to myself,
Love to chat

[angela_g]

Take a look at Dana Bevan’s article on TGF about hormone use.

[carla1212]

hi, really interesting/helpful stories – thank you for sharing! oooooh, i never thought about using hormones before, mainly because i am terrified of doing something awful to my body or messing up my personal relationships. so i’ve always been male about 50% of the time and presenting as female the rest of the time — evenings, weekends, traveling etc. But lately, a friend of mind who’s just about fully transitioned has been telling me it’s a lot more subtle and a lot less disruptive than i imagine, health-wise, and takes place slowly enough that people around you have a chance to adjust. so now the only thing worrying me is that i understand there’s a profound emotional change that takes place. i have a job where emotional self-control is essential and people could end up getting injured or killed if i can’t stay calm and collected. can anybody tell me more about these emotional changes and how they affect your rational thinking ability?
thank you!
carla

[Anonymous]

Let me start by saying that anyone using HRT should be under a doctors care. There are many places like Planned Parenthood when you can get an office visit, fill out informed consent paper work and get hormones under a doctors care. Hormones are a powerful chemical upon the body and the brain. That said.

I’ve been on HRT for 30 years now. First saw my endocrinologist in Jan 1989. Things have changed some from back then but the basics remain the same. You will become more empathic (in touch with other’s feelings) and feel your emotions more. I cry even when I watch a drama on TV. It’s just a new normal. I worked as an operator at a nuclear power plant, went to college and truck driver all while on HRT. The stories of real issues come from too high of a dose or injections spaced too far apart. Slow and stead is the key. Trans (aka puberty) takes time. It also works better the younger you are.

Hormones possibly require surgery to undo. Please ensure this is the right step for you and you are doing this for the right reasons.

MTF HRT Effect Timeline

[Girlbydegrees]

Just how much does estrogen change the male brain? This isn’t a question to incite anger, it’s a genuine question because I am wanting to be more femme without hrt or bottom surgery.

[angela_g]

The closest we come to how hormones affect users if an article by our science contributor Dr. Dana Bevan. https://tgforum.com/grow-your-own-breast-development-update/

[Girlbydegrees]

I feel you! A normal trip to the Menards before, stress, butterflies in stomach (not the good ones), and wanting to leave a rubber patch leaving the parking lot after being feminine. I haven’t been out like this long but I am self conscious now when dressed up.

[Anonymous]

Lycanthrose, the answer has many variables. Exactly which hormones you will be proscribed, dosage, age, time on hormones, etc… all play an effect.

I know that there were certain things I swore I’d never do after transition. Little pet peeves that some of the guys expressed with their girl friends. I’m told I do them now but they won’t say which ones. They just find it amusing. Over the long run, 30 years now on HRT I’ve noticed a decrease in spatial perception, loss of strength and a change in interest over the years. Now a change over the years is normal but I’ve lost interest in some things that I thought I wouldn’t (like going to the range).

Hormones effect the whole you, not just breast growth. The younger one is the greater that change. I’ve also lost about 2″ in height. I think this is from the loss of muscle mass since they say the bones won’t change. Everyone is different and everyone’s experience with HRT is different.

[Girlbydegrees]

MellisaD…
Thank you for that insight. I knew hormones do serious things on the human body, but I didn’t know that did quite that much.

[Girlbydegrees]

So a guy with Low-T gets on HT to become a woman, but does it in the “back alley” is in for a world of pain. Makes you wonder about these “hormones” you see on Amazon…

[carla1212]

Thanks Melissa D! Your perspective is always so enlightening and reassuringly grounded in experience!!!

[Author]

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