Therapist gives clearance for stage 1.

[sierra_g]

My therapist and I have been working on all sorts of stuff, trying to get to the root of all my problems. Why does this nut job want to wear women's clothing?
Was HE unloved by his mom? Yeah, apparently I was.
Was HIS dad in the picture? Not really.
Was HE ever pushed toward being feminine by a female? Yes, my sister.
Pretty much everything on her list was wrong with me. I had all sorts of stuff that pointed in all sorts of directions, but I cope with it pretty good. Some St Johns Wort and I am top notch.

She cleared me and I don't have to worry much about that. It is separate stuff, but before she didn't know if it was, and she didn't want me to push the trans and mask any other issues. Some may scoff at that, but all in all, I thought it was for the best. Remove all doubt from everyone. Again, she cleared me. I am allowed to dress as feminine as I feel I want to dress. If I want to go 24/7, I can. If I want to go 1 day a month, I can. I've been out as fem, and it feels great. I even got a door held for me and unless I open my mouth, I've been told that I pass enough to not be questioned.

Next, we start talking about hormones and finding endocrinologists that are willing to work with me, but I think that is a couple months out, at least. I am so happy, I am going to start getting rid of mens clothes as I replace them, and I'll pack away anything sentimental.

Until I go full time due to hormones, Mrs.G doesn't want our kids to see me en femme, and I will abide by that.

But yay! This girl can finally start expressing herself correctly! :D

[LeaP]

Cleared you for what? Going out? You don't need a therapist's permission for that. Maybe you can clarify.

I used St. John's Wort for years, along with 5-HTP. It's not anywhere near as effective as a medicinal anti-depressant, but it did help noticeably. I stopped because it was upsetting my stomach severely.

[Inna]

Hi Sierra, it is a wonderful news to hear a specialist pronounce you being OK and clear you for further stages of therapy. However said that, the issues you mention above such as mother/father relationships are the old school psychology 101 and should not be mixed with transsexual/transgender tendencies.
Perhaps these issues were discussed as separate depressive origins but could not clarify transgender content.
I assume your therapist is a well experienced Trans issues professional, and given the circumstances of clearing you for further treatment almost seems a null point, but if such specialist is not TG trained you may want to follow up with such for the clarity you need in upcoming transition.
Anywho, congratulations on getting to the root of your being and finally having a chance on becoming true and whole!

[Stephanie-L]

I still have a problem with your therapist "allowing" you to dress or not, that is your decision. I can understand that she wants to differentiate those problems that are trans in nature from those that are not, but in my admittedly limited opinion, that is simply not possible. Being trans may be at the root of some or most of your other problems, and dealing with that may help those issues. Dealing with the other things like depression may or may not (probably not) help you with the trans issues. Also, the questions about upbringing, family, etc, are kind of outdated, and very Freudian. It is fairly well accepted that being trans has little to do with nurture, and much more to do with nature. Basically, you are born trans, and your upbringing and family can help mask or supress it, but you can't "cure" it. It is similar to what some quacks are trying to do with gays and "reparative therapy", which has been outlawed in at least one state. I still wish you could find another therapist, but I understand if this is the only one available to you, just be careful that there is not more harm than good. Good luck to you.......Stephanie

[Stephenie S]

I agree with Stephanie.

And why the emphasis on "he"? If you are a "he", you should not be fooling around with hormone therapy and thoughts of transition. What is "Stage 1"? I am glad you have permission to dress as you want, but you aren't five anymore. You should be able to dress however you want without anyone else's permission.

But congratulations. Good luck.

S

[sierra_g]

My therapist wanted to make sure that there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY that it could be ANYTHING else. She went down all the other paths that it could be, researched, talked to professional GID therapists, and others in her field that she knows, and once she went down all possible other paths, she finally came to the conclusion that I am ready to start heading down the path that I knew I should be on. I am not, by any means, "Text book" which is why she worried. While I do not see any other way to make me whole, I could live in this wretched body and still find peace. I would not get suicidal and want to destroy myself. I am not overly depressed.
I did that for a long time but eventually, I learned to love my soul. I found my peace within. Even if I could never find true happiness, I could at least find some happiness. Enough to get by. This love that I found took me away from being "text book". Also, I didn't scream that I was in the wrong body, I instead shunned it away, made it a deep dark secret, hid from everyone, learned to repress it. I didn't think that anyone would accept me or love me or even believe me. I didn't protest GI Joes, I didn't fight wearing boy clothes, I went along with it, I enjoyed it the best I could. I always had 1 male friend in my life that I brought home, I mostly tried to play with girls at school, but got teased relentlessly for being different so my amount of friends was very limited. Because of this, I am not "text book".

Since I wasn't a perfect definition of Transgendered, she wanted to make absolutely sure, without a doubt, that I truly am transgendered. Now, she is. Yes, the methods she used weren't exactly standard practice, but it made her feel better, and now we can get started.

Stage 1: Diagnosed, and in the stages of pretransition.

Yes, I realize I could have dressed how I wanted to, and sometimes I did, but if you are paying someone and giving them your time and your trust, but you don't follow their advice, or their requests, what are you doing? Why not just go online, get the meds, and just go for it?
Anything worth doing is worth doing right. To do it right, I have to use the tools that are given to me. I didn't like it, but that part is over with. Tomorrow, I have another appt with her. I will be there dressed feminine, and will stay feminine the full M-F week (Saturday and Sunday I see my kids, so I cannot be feminine in front of them).

Thanks everyone!

[sierra_g]

I agree with Stephanie.

And why the emphasis on "he"? If you are a "he", you should not be fooling around with hormone therapy and thoughts of transition.

I emphasized he because I was trying to focus on that my therapist refused and still does refuse to use she.

Last meeting, she told me that if I would like, she will try to use Sierra while I am en femme, but since she knows me as G, she will probably have a hard time with it. If there was anything that she has ever said that has made me feel more uncomfortable with her being my choice for a therapist, I don't know what it may be. I sincerely hope that she miscommunicated something somewhere, which sometimes she does, or I misinterpreted something somewhere, which I sometimes do. Otherwise, for her to tell me that she won't be able to use the correct pronouns and name is VERY upsetting. Truth be told, even when I am not presenting as female, I would still like she and her, and Sierra, but that may be pushing it, I don't know.

When I first started out, in my earlier posts, I didn't understand this desire to be called by the correct pronouns and name, but now I totally do. It is my most comfortable identity. It is how I see myself.

[Frances]

My therapist wanted to make sure that there is ABSOLUTELY NO WAY that it could be ANYTHING else. She went down all the other paths that it could be, researched, talked to professional GID therapists, and others in her field that she knows, and once she went down all possible other paths, she finally came to the conclusion that I am ready to start heading down the path that I knew I should be on.

I emphasized he because I was trying to focus on that my therapist refused and still does refuse to use she.

Last meeting, she told me that if I would like, she will try to use Sierra while I am en femme, but since she knows me as G, she will probably have a hard time with it. If there was anything that she has ever said that has made me feel more uncomfortable with her being my choice for a therapist, I don't know what it may be. I sincerely hope that she miscommunicated something somewhere, which sometimes she does, or I misinterpreted something somewhere, which I sometimes do. Otherwise, for her to tell me that she won't be able to use the correct pronouns and name is VERY upsetting. Truth be told, even when I am not presenting as female, I would still like she and her, and Sierra, but that may be pushing it, I don't know.

You should see one of those professional GID therapist she consulted, and no, it's not pushing it. You need a specialist; she's not it.

[sierra_g]

You should see one of those professional GID therapist she consulted, and no, it's not pushing it. You need a specialist; she's not it.

They are in other parts of the country. One is Rachael St Claire of transgendersoul.org, and I am not sure if she has been consulting with the other, but I don't know them.

She truly is trying, we will see what happens tomorrow.

[josee]

You should see one of those professional GID therapist she consulted, and no, it's not pushing it. You need a specialist; she's not it.

It can be very difficult to find truly qualified therapists in certain areas of the country. I live in Virginia and there appear to be a few good therapists two hours away in Richmond, or 4 hours away in DC, but really no one around here. Certainly no one who specializes in gender issues. And the medical community is terribly difficult. Most don't want to work with trans folks.
There was a clinic in Norfolk but it closed before I came on the scene.

[Traci Elizabeth]

Heck, when you said clearance for "stage 1," I thought that you were either a rocket or an astronaut!

A word of advise, don't keep sentimental "men's" cloths. Ditch all of them.

But CONGRATS is most definitely well deserved. We all have to embark on our own individual journey at the speed and direction that is best for us alone. Forget all the advice including mine as this is YOUR JOURNEY so enjoy!

[sierra_g]

1 pair of kikwear raver pants, cause they are androgenous, and I know plenty of girls in this same pair.
1 Sturgis shirt, cause it was my dad's and when he passes, it will be this and his leather jacket he gave me.
1 Biker Leather jacket, cause it was my dad's and when he passes, it will be this and his Sturgis shirt he gave me.
1 Suit that I've never worn because of the awesome memories from that stupid suit.
1 Shirt from my friend's band. Worn the hell out of, can't wear anymore.

That is all that I am keeping. :)

PS, Happy 2 Months, Traci!

[LeaP]

We all have to embark on our own individual journey at the speed and direction that is best for us alone. Forget all the advice including mine as this is YOUR JOURNEY so enjoy!

Completely true! But post and expect comments and differing perspectives. Isn't that a major reason to post?

[sierra_g]

Completely true! But post and expect comments and differing perspectives. Isn't that a major reason to post?
YES!!! I love everyone's closed minded opinions and better than thou attitudes here, lol.
Just joking. You are all special, each and every one of you, and if I didn't want your opinions, I wouldn't have come back after my hiatus.

[StephanieJ]

I was in a similar situation, I saw a therapist for two years who kept having to confer with a Gender Identity specialist. Finally, decided to eliminate the middle man and went directly to the specialist. I have to drive a long way to see her and it was a hard choice to forfeit the comfortable relationship I already had, but I think it's worth it to get the right expertise. She actually helped me decide not to transition but to be more comfortable being a CD. For me that is a brilliant choice, but for you the answer may be different. Good luck on your journey and don't do anything you'll regret.

BTW, What are you going to do about your kids? You are eventually going to have to come out to them.

[Kristy_K]

You should see one of those professional GID therapist she consulted, and no, it's not pushing it. You need a specialist; she's not it.

I totally agree with you Frances...

[pamela_a]

You should see one of those professional GID therapist she consulted, and no, it's not pushing it. You need a specialist; she's not it.

Add me to the list of those recommending that you find a competent gender therapist. If your current therapist is unable/unwilling to even call you by your desired name they obviously don't understand what it takes to work with transsexual patients.

[arbon]

YES!!! I love everyone's closed minded opinions and better than thou attitudes here, lol.


The women here have a lot of experience....when I read your OP I was a bit surprised with some of what you wrote as well, that a therapist would give such permission, or that she led you to believe you needed permission, is a little different then what many of us experience.

You are in SE Idaho though, there is not a lot of experience with this and the few TS around end up, in many ways, teaching their therapists and doctors about this stuff. It is unfortunate.


Last meeting, she told me that if I would like, she will try to use Sierra while I am en femme, but since she knows me as G, she will probably have a hard time with it


It really should not be so hard for her. My therapist was the one person I was counting on to be mindful of it and get it right. I did not want to go through that fight with her like I would most everyone else in my life. She is supposed to be helping me with getting alright with myself so I can deal with everyone else that is going to have a hard time with it and all the crap that is going to be set loose when I transition.

You need someone who gets it and is on your side, not another person that is going to have a hard time with it...hopefully she gets that.

If she writes you a letter recommending HRT is she going to be writing "he" is a good candidate or "she" is a good candidate for HRT?


Doe she have an endo in the area that she thinks will be willing to work with you?

I am also curious - what is her perfect definition of transgendered? What about you does not fit that?

[sandra-leigh]

I was dressing in public long before I started therapy, and I would have gone to a different therapist if mine had tried those kind of approaches.

[ColleenA]

My therapist ... finally came to the conclusion that I am ready to start heading down the path that I knew I should be on. I am not, by any means, "Text book" which is why she worried. ... Since I wasn't a perfect definition of Transgendered, she wanted to make absolutely sure, without a doubt, that I truly am transgendered. Now, she is. Yes, the methods she used weren't exactly standard practice, but it made her feel better, and now we can get started.

OK, everyone here who fits the "perfect definition of transgendered" per the (nonexistent) "textbook," please raise your hand.

Waiting ...
Waiting ...
Waiting ...

As I suspected, I see less than a dozen hands scattered around.


Honey, there is no one "right" model to define who is or is not TG. I know someone who had been rejected by 3 or 4 GID therapists as not fitting the "proper criteria" (for many of the same reasons you cited, though the specifics were quite extreme in her case). She then had an opportunity to meet with a therapist who had been mentored by Dr. Harry Benjamin himself and had served for some time on the board of the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (now known as WPATH, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health). By the end of the first appointment, the therapist had given a confirming diagnosis, and after only a half dozen sessions, the therapist arranged for a (token) evaluation by another therapist for the sole purpose of obtaining a second letter of recommendation for her to get surgery.


To me, two of the most important phrases in your quote above are: "the path that I knew I should be on," which speaks to your certitude and your readiness, and "it made her feel better," which to me is a huge red flag that she may not be a strong enough therapist for your situation. But at least she has the sense to recognize that and to seek help from others who are better qualified.

I hope for your sake that you take charge of your own health and transition. Use your therapist as an aide and as one who has better access to some of the resources you need, but I think you have to educate yourself so you can lead and direct the process every step of the way.

[elizabethamy]

We each have our own struggles, joys, and journeys. But I have to say that I share the concerns about your therapist. Mine (not a GID specialist) was the first person ever to refer to me as "she" or to call me by my girl name. I was a little startled, frankly, but the therapist wanted to talk to me woman to woman, in part to see how I would act and what I would say. For a therapist to avoid addressing you as a woman, especially as you are essentially living full time, is baffling and suggests something more than habit. I'd also be concerned about the family stuff, though it's fair to bring that up. Any of the hundred threads on here about how old you were when you first had GID or wore a dress should put to rest any question about whether this is biological or learned at home.

Good luck, Sierra, you are in good hands -- your own!

elizabethamy

[sierra_g]

Yes, this is all true, many people on this forum never believed that I was trans, and it is because of stuff I'd said. Maybe she saw and heard the same things. I don't know for sure, but she didn't feel comfortable signing off on anything until she was 100% sure. I respect that in a doctor. I've had many different doctors that have heard my symptoms and just prescribed me something for what it could be. No examination. She examined me, put me through diagnostics, and figured out exactly what was wrong, and didn't just take the word of some joe shmoe.

She has made some decisions that I don't agree with, but with a limited income, no transportation, and barely keeping my head above water, she is all that I have. Plus, she is nice and friendly, and I feel that she truly is trying.

When I find something for her, I send it to her. She researches it when she has time.

I am now on day 2 of dressing. It is awesome!

[sierra_g]

Today, my therapist gave me a time table. 3 months from today (she wants 3 months of as close to full time as possible RLE), I will get my letter for starting hormones. 18 months from then, she will give me clearance for breasts enhancement, if I want that. After the 2 year mark, all the other surgeries will be scheduled. Rhinoplasty, FFS, Orchie, and eventually down the road, GRS.

Does that sound right? Is there anything I should say to her, or ask? She is following a chart in a bunch of paperwork that she got from a professional GID Psychologist, Rachael StClaire of Transgendersoul.org

She had me orally give her a list of all the favorable effects, and all the negative effects of HRT. I got all of them that were on the list, and even included some that weren't. She says I am definitely informed on this.

[LeaP]

She is imposing a condition for hormomes inconsistent with the Standards Of Care. Feel free to go full-time if that's what you wish to do, but it should not be a condition for hormones. You also don't need clearance for breast enhancement from a therapist.

I'm surprised she's gone to discussions of transition, especially given your earlier responses. I understand she's trying, but she sounds over her head.

[arbon]

Today, my therapist gave me a time table. 3 months from today (she wants 3 months of as close to full time as possible RLE), I will get my letter for starting hormones. 18 months from then, she will give me clearance for breasts enhancement, if I want that. After the 2 year mark, all the other surgeries will be scheduled. Rhinoplasty, FFS, Orchie, and eventually down the road, GRS.

Does that sound right?

Nope, it does not sound right...........

[Sandra]

This all sounds to me as though she's running your life not you, which makes me think that your not sure about yourself and your letting others make decisions for you.

[CharleneT]

Today, my therapist gave me a time table. 3 months from today (she wants 3 months of as close to full time as possible RLE), I will get my letter for starting hormones. 18 months from then, she will give me clearance for breasts enhancement, if I want that. After the 2 year mark, all the other surgeries will be scheduled. Rhinoplasty, FFS, Orchie, and eventually down the road, GRS.

Does that sound right? Is there anything I should say to her, or ask? She is following a chart in a bunch of paperwork that she got from a professional GID Psychologist, Rachael StClaire of Transgendersoul.org

She had me orally give her a list of all the favorable effects, and all the negative effects of HRT. I got all of them that were on the list, and even included some that weren't. She says I am definitely informed on this.

Hmmm.... I would say that the decision of which surgeries, what order and when is for you and your primary care doc & surgeons to figure out. An Orchi in particular is only necessary in certain circumstances, basically it makes the whole process more expensive. Some surgeons have reservations about doing GRS after an Orchi, unless the Orchi is done in a way to not affect the structures they need for building the neo-vagina. There are some good medical reasons for an Orchi, but is not a std part of transition.

I'm glad to see that you have a good relationship with your therapist - that can be very important. If you are truly serious about this, the one thing that needs to start ASAP is getting your face cleared. This always takes longer than you think, is expensive ( so good to spread out ) and definitely helps loads if you are going full time. You can in some cases get a great head start with laser treatments. If they work, it is much faster than electrolysis.

[sierra_g]

Hmmm.... I would say that the decision of which surgeries, what order and when is for you and your primary care doc & surgeons to figure out. An Orchi in particular is only necessary in certain circumstances, basically it makes the whole process more expensive. Some surgeons have reservations about doing GRS after an Orchi, unless the Orchi is done in a way to not affect the structures they need for building the neo-vagina. There are some good medical reasons for an Orchi, but is not a std part of transition.

I'm glad to see that you have a good relationship with your therapist - that can be very important. If you are truly serious about this, the one thing that needs to start ASAP is getting your face cleared. This always takes longer than you think, is expensive ( so good to spread out ) and definitely helps loads if you are going full time. You can in some cases get a great head start with laser treatments. If they work, it is much faster than electrolysis.

Yes, there is an electrolysis place not far from me. Laser is too far to ride my bike. I am going to start that as soon as possible. Preferrably within a few months of my first injection. To keep a baby face, I have to shave twice a day. I grow fur all over, and it is thick. About how many hours would you think it will take to get the face cleared? I am thinking a total of around 10 hours, but I truly have no clue. How much of the face do they do in 1 session? Do they go over all of it each time? I am confused about all of it.

The reason that I want an orchie is because I don't want to have to take the excess amounts of hormones and blockers to counteract what the testes produce. If I have it done, I will have them taken out from above, so as not to damage the area.

Sandra: I have given her control because I am attempting to do everything by the book. If I feel uncomfortable with something she says or suggests, I let her know. She is usually pretty good at researching other methods at that point. I know who what and where I am, and where I am going. Everything is going exactly where it needs to, and in all honesty it is going at a good speed. I keep looking at everything as if it were forever away. In just 3 months, a quarter of a year, I will start hormones. In like 5 years (or less), I'll be finally done with this process. It really isn't that far of a wait when you get down to it.

Arbon: Please explain more. My therapist and I are both always looking for more ideas. Removing the idea of switching therapists, please offer suggestions. That goes for everyone. I go into the office every week with an agenda, and she comes at me with an agenda and we figure everything out in the hour we see each other twice a week. I am always looking for more stuff to ask or give information about.

LeaP: She isn't ordering full time, she is ordering part time RLE. If I have no reason to be a guy, I will not be a guy. I am much more comfortable as me, so that is how I am going to stay. Seeing my kids on the weekend, and when my dad comes in a few weeks are the only times I am going to dress up in guys clothes. I am just as surprised as you are, but I thank God that everything is finally starting to fall into place.

--
Yesterday, she was working on some of my paperwork and she had to use he him and G, but otherwise, she really did try. Only one screw up, and sometimes even I screw up at the pronoun game.

[ReineD]

To keep a baby face, I have to shave twice a day. I grow fur all over, and it is thick. About how many hours would you think it will take to get the face cleared? I am thinking a total of around 10 hours, but I truly have no clue.

Others can correct me, but give or take 100 hours @ $100/hour, for a total of $10,000, or more if you are very hairy. Here is more info:

http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?176672-Thoughts-on-electrolysis&highlight=electrolysis
http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?178508-Electrolysis-Tour-de-Force&highlight=electrolysis
http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?176672-Thoughts-on-electrolysis&highlight=electrolysis
http://www.crossdressers.com/forums/showthread.php?176748-Electrolysis-questions-...help-needed-please!&highlight=electrolysis



I have given her control because I am attempting to do everything by the book.

This is the book that you should familiarize yourself with:

http://www.wpath.org/documents/Standards%20of%20Care%20V7%20-%202011%20WPATH.pdf

[LeaP]

Nice, succinct response, Reine.

The Standards of Care are guidelines, Sierra. As pointed out elsewhere, there is no (text)book. There are, however, very well-established practices based on hard clinical experience in avoiding problems and getting the best assurance of a good outcome.

Personally, my suggestion is that you slow down and focus on therapy alone for now. You are running so far ahead of yourself that it's pointless, really. Consider the orchie. There are a variety of reasons one might eventually go there, and several that one might not. The one you gave (t-blockers) - AT THIS POINT - has no basis whatsoever aside from preference. Without having blood work done and consulting a doctor, you don't really know anything as regards the suitability of t-blockers for you. You may be an ideal candidate. You may not be a candidate at all. Why are you spending time, emotional energy, and therapy time on something that may never happen or happen completely differently? And that's just one example.

The well-worn path is to start with hormones - after a period of therapy (guideline is 3 months minimum for THAT, not RLE) AND after a full diagnosis AND after determining suitability. I.e., it doesn't proceed automatically from either the ask or even the diagnosis. Hormones will confirm whether you are on the right path or not, and before you turn your life completely upside-down. I know you're completely convinced and the likelihood that you are right is reasonably good also ... but you don't actually know yet whether transition is the right path. I can accept that you're trans and you are the only one who has a say on your gender identity, but that doesn't mean that transition is necessarily the right path. I took this topic up with my own therapist. She commented that she's had many patients go on hormones but ultimately stop - and not transition. They are trans and were as convinced as you are of the path, but were either wrong or had other considerations that changed their course.

My second suggestion is that you direct your energies at a decent job, even if it takes moving elsewhere to do it. You don't have the money to do any of the things you are talking about. You can, of course, transition socially without any surgeries at all or hormones, but you ought to consider the real-world implications of that before you get there, if for no other reason that such a transition might put you in the position of never being able to obtain them.

[Aprilrain]

10 hrs of electrolysis is nothing, try more like 300-400 hrs

an Orchi is in MOST cases totally unnecessary if you plan on having SRS. I know girls who have been on hormones for 10+ years with no ill effects. I reckon most people are on the full regimen for about 2-3 years before they have surgery.

there is nothing wrong with doing everything by the book but your therapist is still looking for the book and meanwhile she is stringing you along

[Stephanie-L]

Sierra, I have to agree with what the others have said. You have to ask yourself why you want to have an unneeded surgery, just to avoid a certain class of medication, which is fairly harmless as those things go. You will have to take estrogen no matter what you do, the T blockers are somewhat secondary. The hair removal is going to be the thing that costs the most and is the longest. If you are as hairy as you say, figure on at least 100 hours of electrolysis for your face. And don't discount laser just because it is a bit far, you only have to go for that every 5 to 6 weeks, versus two or more times a week for electrolysis. I had a full series of laser treatments on my face, and am now up to about 20 hours of electrolysis, and I am about half done with my face. Other areas seem to be responding a bit better though.
As to your therapist, I have said it before, so have others, she doesn't seem to know what she is doing regarding trans issues. You will have to get the info yourself, and do some reading, so you can guide her in your treatment.
I do wish you the best of luck, if you need anything you can always ask, even PM me directly....................Stephanie

[Frances]

10 hrs of electrolysis is nothing, try more like 300-400 hrs

Yup, that's what it took for me, at a cost of $20,000 and five years time. Imagine having a BA within 18 months of transition and still having a full beard! Anyone transitioning needs to start electrolysis YESTERDAY!

[stefan37]

I agree that hair removal should be your first priority. I was able to get my cheeks cleared in about 30 hours and every session she finds more hairs to be removed. I have had an additional 50 hours to clear my moustache and will no doubt need more hours to get the regrowth and stragglers, and the section under my lip. I still have the outline of a goatee and my entire neck area still. Start working on your voice it will take a lot of time and its free. I have been on spiro for about 6 months and estrogen for 8 weeks. the estrogen had an immediate on my mental state and I have been anxiety free for the time I have been on it. Although I wear womens t shirts , and pants, carry a purse and wear nail polish and eyeliner at all times I would feel uncomfortable at this time presenting female because of the facial hair. I have 2-3 sessions a week each 1.5 hours so shaving between sessions is out of the question. I can sometimes get a break of 4 days and I can shave but I have to let it grow out so she has something to grab hold of.
My total time and cost to date is 80 hours and 5700 dollars.

[sandra-leigh]

Anyone transitioning needs to start electrolysis YESTERDAY!

Though if you manage to get your face before the facial hair turns white, you might get lucky enough to make major inroads that way. Laser is, though, not expected to get everything.

Laser can be rather expensive if considered on a per-minute basis, but I don't think I have heard of anyone charging on that basis. I am paying "per session" with the price determined by the area to be covered; I have heard of other places that charge "per pulse".

[Frances]

Laser can be rather expensive if considered on a per-minute basis, but I don't think I have heard of anyone charging on that basis. I am paying "per session" with the price determined by the area to be covered; I have heard of other places that charge "per pulse".

Yes, laser seems expensive per session, but it is much cheaper than electrolysis in the long run. I did as much laser as I could, but still had a full white beard underneath.