Small Update

[dreamer_2.0]

Hi

Haven't posted much lately but wanted to share a few updates.

One of the biggest hurdles lately is not having my own place making it difficult to properly explore and be myself. Fortunately that is behind me now as I've been approved for an apartment and am moving in at the beginning of November! All I can say to that is FINALLY!!! I've needed my own place for a while and am so happy to finally get it! It'll be nice to reclaim my independence.

Having recently accepted that I am transgender, Im now on the waiting list for an endocrinologist. Still not 100% certain I'm going to transition though the more I read and learn the less it appears I have a choice in the matter.

Starting a new anti-depressant in a few days (can't recall the name right now, begins with a P) as Effexor has sadly had no effect on me. I've come out to my GP and so he's aware of the gender issues now too.

I've come out to a couple more friends who are both completely accepting and supportive.

Still debating whether or not to begin facial hair removal with laser despite not being on HRT or any anti-androgens.

That's about it for now. Thankfully no bad news to share, right now that is.

[Angela Campbell]

Unless you suspect one day you will want facial hair start the removal asap.....it takes a long time.

[Megan72]

But all great news none the less!

[dreamer_2.0]

Thanks, Megan!


Unless you suspect one day you will want facial hair start the removal asap.....it takes a long time.

True it will take a long time though without being on HRT or even anti-androgens I'm concerned laser won't be as effective. And since laser is permanent hair reduction rather than removal it would be preferable to not have testosterone working against me. Granted I could investigate electrolysis but I was planning on using that to clean up what laser doesn't catch.

Speaking of anti-androgens, I inquired about them at my GP today. I'm curious if it's possible to start them without estrogen and whether I need to wait and see an endocrinologist or if he could prescribe them. I know most, if not all, of us online here aren't doctors but do any of you have any experience with starting anti-androgens before estrogen?

[Kimberly Kael]

True it will take a long time though without being on HRT or even anti-androgens I'm concerned laser won't be as effective.

I found laser to be remarkably effective, though admittedly I have a relatively light complexion and my facial hair grew in quite dark.


And since laser is permanent hair reduction rather than removal it would be preferable to not have testosterone working against me.

I don't believe testosterone has any significant effect on regrowth. I didn't start HRT until several years after laser, and I still found it very effective. Electrolysis is definitely a good more reliable way to take care of the stubborn hairs that survive multiple rounds of laser. The two things you might want to take in consideration are that laser isn't effective against white and gray hair so the longer you wait the less effective it will be, and that many report finding laser more painful after starting HRT.

[Angela Campbell]

Some Dr's will start the patient on the anti androgens for a while and eventually start estrogens. Mine started both at the same time though. Why some do I am not sure.

Anti androgens will help when doing laser or electro but I know quite a few who have done it and are not and never will be on HRT. It is not a prerequisite.

[Cheryl123]

So happy for your good news Dreamer Girl. And I hope the new anti-depressant works..it's such a blessing when they do. Some work for some people but not for others. You got to keep trying them until you find one that helps. Prosaic kept me going for for years. Without it I couldn't even leave the house... just sat in a chair all day and stared at the walls. A month after beginning estrogen I found I didn't need the Prosaic.

Some HRT regimens call for starting anti-androgens first and then beginning estrogen a few months later. Hormones affect different people in different ways. With Laser treatments, some people do report that hair grows back quicker without the anti-androgens. I suspect it depends on the level of T in your body before you start HRT, but this is something your need to discuss with your doctor .. they're the experts. In Canada you'll have the choice of Androcur or Spironolactone. As you probably know, Androcur may cause long term depression, so this is something to keep in mind. Spiro can cause certain physical side effects, so the starting doses are often small and gradually built up. Some people such as myself can't tolerate it at all, but happily most people have no trouble with it. Again, discuss it with your doctor.

Good luck, and again I am happy for you. I hope this new apartment will be the start of your new life.

[dunkelkreuz]

First thing, congratualions on you new apartment, and

secondly, take my words of wisdom, don't spend too much on wardrobe, I speaking this out of my own personal experience, when i got my own place (even though i was full time by that time) i felt the need to be some ultra feminine and express my self, i bought lot of unwanted lingeries to run around, and three pumps to wear inside the apartment. and lot of unwanted girlies, including candle holders and embroided bedsheets. thinking back i was too into spending . but i am sure you know to limit to expenses

and finally i agree fully with @almostalady, find a decent electro or laser place and if you opt for electro make a good working relation/friendship with your electro. my electro was one of the most valuable persons during my transition. Not only because of hair removal but after a year of visiting her frequently, she even gave me fashion tips and corrected my gait when it was very masculine, like sitting postures and standing , not bending over to pick things etc.....

[Badtranny]

True it will take a long time though without being on HRT or even anti-androgens I'm concerned laser won't be as effective. And since laser is permanent hair reduction rather than removal it would be preferable to not have testosterone working against me. Granted I could investigate electrolysis but I was planning on using that to clean up what laser doesn't catch.

LOL

This reminds me of me a few years ago. I was soooo sure about sooo many things. Listen doll, stop thinking and stop trying to micro manage this stuff. When a Transitioner says "start hair removal", they are not just speaking from experience. They are speaking from a heartfelt wish that they would have started hair removal sooner than they did. There is not a single one of us that wouldn't take a do-over on our transition and ALL of us would start removing the damn facial hair a year or ten earlier.

It takes a long ass time girl, believe me. I've had HUNDREDS of hours of electrolysis and I still go once a month and she still has at least an hour's work. Imagine being full time and letting your facial hair grow out for a week so you can get electrolysis. You can't really see it anymore, but you can sure feel it which means no dating or dancing that week. Or no meetings where you may be scrutinized in broad daylight.

You will regret waiting another day. Trust me.

[Robin Lee]

Lisen to Melissa! I transistioned in 2011 and did not start electrolysis intell 2012. I am maybe one third done! Maybe not?