When is it too early/late for hormone therapy

[ebony_tgirl]

I'm an 18 year old, whose been questioning her gender-identity for quite a long time; I've repressed my desire to become the opposite sex for quite a while, but it seems to have manifest itself more than before, to the point where I no longer feel the desire to merely dress up ... but trapped withing my superficial body. Maybe, it's just the stress associated with starting university, or feeling out of tune w/ all the other guys on campus, but regardless I've been contemplating hormone therapy ... first question, is 18 too young .. second question, as this process is for the most part irreversible should I seek some gender-counselling before hand to make sure this is the right decision

[AmberTG]

Hi Ebony,
At your age, actually at any age, it's always best to get councilling before you jump into anything as life-changing as HRT. See if you can find a therapist with gender-issue experience. They can really help you sort it all out.
Being at your age can be a real advantage with hormone therapy, testosterone hasn't had that much time to do it's thing to your body yet. Hormones work at any age, but they do work better when you're younger, simply because they don't have as much to change. The main thing I would recomend is to have patience, you have your whole life ahead of you, you can afford to take it slow and safe and do it right instead of trying to kill yourself in the process of HRT.
Welcome to the forum, stick around and keep us posted on your progress, if you just need a place to vent, this is the place!
Amber

[JenniferMint]

Too early = before puberty
Too late = not sure, but I've seen people in their 60s start it

Estrogen HRT may cause you to be permanently sterile and unable to get an erection within a few months. Breast tissue that grew due to estrogen may remain even after estrogen is stopped (but will reduce).

[MJ]

hi Ebony

how are you . first of all i think you should get gender-counseling there is the center for addiction and mental health " camh " right there in Toronto it is at 250 college street. right in your back yard but you have to get a referral from your doctor first. and i think you need to be 19 here in Canada not sure about that. but when you get a diagnosis then you can go to your doctor and ask to go on hrt. but you must be sure this is want you have to do. remember you also have to do the real life test " rlt " well live full time as a woman. this is so cool i just live down the road from you in Hamilton wow anyway girl i hope this works for you. i go there they are really good people and will help you. please take your time i wish you well god bless

hugs Marissa

[Agles]

councilling is a must. trust me there is alot of wrong that can be done if your not 100% clear on what your feelings. it's not something that you can do and quit when you feel like it.
i dont mean to sound harsh. but i have found you will get the same answer where ever you go. and if you even think of DYI please seek help by a medical professional. what can work for one person can kill another.
slow steps are best. take your time, rushing can be dangers both physically, mentally, and socially.

='.'=
Jamie