When did you know you wanted to get on HRT?

[tgirlinva]

When did you realize that you wanted to be on HRT? I feel like the feeling is getting stronger and stronger for me, but I'm so afraid of going on it. So many things to consider, so many people you can potentially hurt. I'm at a point where I need a support system, but I don't. I'm just too afraid of what my family will say, if i lose my job, etc. But it feels like everyday, I'm growing unhappier....

[emmicd]

Dear Tgirl,

It's not easy being transgendered when you have such strong emotions and feelings. You are in a delicate situation because you probabaly feel as I do You yearn to be more feminine and desire to have more feminine a look. Obviously HRT will allow you to probabaly get more in touch with how you feel inside. As I understand it the hormones typically associated with females when introduced into therapy for a transgendered individual will make them more emotional and also make their skin softer and their body change similar to a young girl starting to blossom. Obviously the more noticible attribute would be the breast development and the softer skin. I also understand the distribution of body fat would also contribute to a more feminine look.

I have also contemplated HRT but I am not even near the stage where I would even be seriously considered for it. First of all you need counseling. You can not go it alone as a transgendered individual. You need a therapist who hopefully has training in this area. You then need to go to support group meetings and you also need to challenge your need to dress by being more public about it.

Most CDers are not seeking HRT. The TG/TS would be in search of HRT and they need counseling, support, courage and love.

Also the medical professionals you seek must abide by the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care.

I can not see myself transitioning though I do wish I were a woman. I have to much at stake and I have a wife and son who I am crazy about. They mean more to me than anything.

I certainly wish you well and make this request.

You need to do a lot of soul searching and decide what is most important to you. It is very difficult to make such an important and critical decision like HRT. You must be truthful to your self and your loved ones.

You need to seek out therapy too.

I know where you are coming from.

Good Luck!

emmi

[Sara Violet]

I personally wanted hrt once I learned about its effects. For me its what I have to do to come as close as I can to becoming a woman. For me the needs outweighed the risks as my gender dysphoria was killing me.

If you are suffering, you need to think about your health. You should seek help. If you feel like its getting worse you need to talk to some one. I know first hand it only gets worse if you bottle it up.

[Gina S]

Dear Tgirl,

I’ve been on HRT for over 4 years on a DIY regime. I’m not saying this is something you should do, the best case scenario is finding a well qualified therapist that has a track record of dealing with TG patients as well as a doctor well versed in cross hormone therapy. For myself, the feelings got to the point that I had to do something or other problems would arise from repressing the feelings I was having. We fear what we do not know or understand; the first order of business should be to educate yourself. I spent several months researching various HRT therapies and the positive and negative side effects of each of the drugs/hormones involved. Even if you choose to seek professional help, take the time to do your own research, many times you will find that you will be better informed than your own doctor, remember it’s your life, your health! I had a physical by my primary care physician to ensure I didn’t have any health concerns prior to starting HRT. I have always treated this endeavor as a learning opportunity, realize nothing is set in stone, life is dynamic, as you learn, new decisions will be made and new conclusions will be drawn.

You had written, “I'm just too afraid of what my family will say, if I lose my job, etc. But it feels like everyday, I'm growing unhappier....”. I had many of these same fears and feelings, you must ask yourself if you continue to follow your current path what will be the eventual outcome? Can you live with that outcome and be happy? If not, make the changes that you believe will take you in the direction you want to go.

I have no regrets and the only thing I would change if I had to do it all over again is that I would not have waited so long (I’m in my mid forties).

I wish you the very best on your journey,
Gina

[MJ]

When did you realize that you wanted to be on HRT? I feel like the feeling is getting stronger and stronger for me, but I'm so afraid of going on it. So many things to consider, so many people you can potentially hurt. I'm at a point where I need a support system, but I don't. I'm just too afraid of what my family will say, if i lose my job, etc. But it feels like everyday, I'm growing unhappier....

well to be honest i felt the same way as you but for me that feeling got worse and worse until out of desperation i purchased some hormones off the net .. the bad news was my wife found out and it was game over ...

after the bomb went off and the dust settled i truly found out who my friends are . for me i had no choice my gender dysphoria was killing me also.
now being single i ask my doctor to turn me into a woman it's been 4 years hrt i have my letter for surgery and i am very happy ...

[Ásfríðr]

now! and i wants it soon precious. i knew nothing about it, but it caught my attention very quickly and now i've done my research, i'm getting on the plane before the pesky short leg on my y chromosome that makes me produce that horrible stuff ^&*^$ me up any further. i don't care what people think, my friends are on board, that mattered so much and they were uber lush about it. a few butterflies about the process every now and then but thats normal right? as long they're fears not doubts i'll keep pushing it

[Steph Butterfield]

When did you realize that you wanted to be on HRT? I feel like the feeling is getting stronger and stronger for me, but I'm so afraid of going on it. So many things to consider, so many people you can potentially hurt. I'm at a point where I need a support system, but I don't. I'm just too afraid of what my family will say, if i lose my job, etc. But it feels like everyday, I'm growing unhappier....

Hi tgirlinva,

First of all lets tackle the work situation, I don't know where you live, if in the UK, you cannot lose your job due to transitioning. The sex discrimination act amendment 1999, prevents discrimination against transsexuals in the provision of employment and training.

If you are feelings for GID are getting stronger, ignoring it could lead to worse problems later, but also you should not dive in at the deep end without help. This is best acheived by seeing your GP, and being brave enough to open up about your gender feelings. From there you will be reffered to a specialist, who can assess you professionally.

As for HRT, there is virtually no harm that can come to you, if your medication is properly supervised with regular blood tests for hormone levels and liver function, and the HRT should be properly prescribed by the medical profession.

What you need is support, which I think you have admitted to, if you PM with your approximate location I''ll see what I can find out. I have quite a few contacts, other support can be found by doing some research.

Its natural you fear about losing family, but hopefully their love will shine through.


Stephanie

[Kimberley]

Uhhhh puberty? That is when I first heard of it.