What I have learned today

[Kelly Greene]

I told my MD about my being TG today:

1. He did not laugh, instead he told me that being TG had to do with brain chemistry.

2. plant based estrogens will not do much to feminize me and it would cost me lots and lots of money that I could spend on cloths instead.

3. animal based estrogens can lead to health issues like heart attack, stroke, and other not nice things. If its not really necessary it is not advised.

4. being 50 I am a little to old to make any changes to my body as far as feminizing my body is concerned

5. If you allow life's stresses to take control of thoughts and emotions you may end up with an ulcer.



I was suppressed that my MD was frank and honest with me about being TG and suggested that I embrace it because it is part of what makes me "me".

[sandra-leigh]

I disagree about 50 being tool old to make any feminizing changes to your body. I started HRT at 49, and it has made a difference to my appearance. If I had been younger, it would probably have made more of a difference to my appearance.

[RADER]

Your Doctor is a real nice person; Sound like he is correct in his thoughts.
He is correct on the fact you could buy many outfits on just one months
worth of pills. The whole thing is can or will you want to "Leave the Closet"
as one would say and go out as a woman. I wish you the best, I my self
will never pass as a Female, no hope of being dainty when you are 6'3"
and a little over 300 lbs.
Rader

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Kelly, You may have to do it from the outside with foam pads and silicon forms.

[Barbara Ella]

Your doctor made some valid statements, but he left so many qualifiers in there that you should take to heart as you make your decisions. Yes, problems can arise with hormones, just as with all medicines. you, as he said, must make the decision as to if they are necessary. HRT is not always a feminizing decision, as it can help with dysphoria feelings, and yes, feminizing will be less than if started earlier, but it will still happen to some extent. It is your decision how much you want. As to No. 5, concerns over TG, gender dysphoria, are far from normal life stresses, and deserve special consideration and recognition. Make those recognitions, seek appropriate help, and you can move on. Same as with any stress. If his statement was meant to tell you not to give your TG any foothold to cause you any stress, he needs to continue his reading, even though he seems very well intentioned.

Hugs,

Barbara

[Jamie001]

Your Doctor is a real nice person; Sound like he is correct in his thoughts.
He is correct on the fact you could buy many outfits on just one months
worth of pills. The whole thing is can or will you want to "Leave the Closet"
as one would say and go out as a woman. I wish you the best, I my self
will never pass as a Female, no hope of being dainty when you are 6'3"
and a little over 300 lbs.
Rader

Rader, you could go out as a feminine male wearing some articles of women's clothing. It is the opposite of a Tomboy.

[Jenni Yumiko]

The replies are making assumptions that something can't hurt not knowing OP's health state. I would heed your doctors advice, if YOU don't feel that he is correct given your current health status then get another opinion from a qualified doctor.

A can of Red Bull wont hurt anyone. Tell that to the people who have had heart attacks after one can. Different chemicals but the same thing, any chemical can act haphazardly with the body, Your doctor should know your limitations or be willing to run tests to verify.

[sandra-leigh]

The replies are making assumptions that something can't hurt not knowing OP's health state.

#4 about 50 being too old, was phrased in terms of age, not in terms of health. One does not need to be in perfect health to start HRT. Some people are not going to be able to start HRT due to the nature of their health problems. For those in-between, with some health problems that could be worsened by HRT, it can be a matter of being more careful about the drugs given and the monitoring.

[RADER]

Rader, you could go out as a feminine male wearing some articles of women's clothing. It is the opposite of a Tomboy.

You have a point there; However I would not be viewed as an opposite Tom boy ( What ever it is called)
but a freak needed to be locked up from possible harm to people kind. LOL
Rader

[Aylineira]

Heed your doctor's advice. It's a good thing that you told him since he was able to give you his honest medical opinion. Certainly there are risks with any medications but he knows what taking those drugs will do to your health.

[I Am Paula]

"4. being 50 I am a little to old to make any changes to my body as far as feminizing my body is concerned "
I'm 54, and scheduled for a breast augmention on Sept.5 YIPEE! My Dr. says he has done many on over 50's.-Celeste

[Beverley Sims]

Kelly I wish you well for the forthcoming surgery.
May it all work out as planned.

[traci_k]

Interesting. I will have to have a talk with my doc next checkup. Had my first vist with a therapist yesterday and nothing was ruled out including full transition, and I'm 58. She said wonders can be accomplished today with hormones and surgery. Still have a lot of thinking to do.
Thanks Kelly - good post for thought.
Hugs

[lingerieLiz]

I became a lot more open in my 50s about my dressing. I never wanted to be a gg, but would have liked to continue to pass. However age did the opposent. Today I just wear casual fem attire and don't really worry about it. Your doctor or a doctor needs to give you advice. Yes they do work, but we need to be carefully

[Linda St. John]

lots of good advice - I love this forum ! I started HRT at age 44 and transitioned at 50 . I still take Premarin and a small dose of Spiro -all under a doctors watch and have had no problems. Best decisions I ever made to combat my severe dysphoria !
Linda

[Karren H]

Hell..... 50s not old! I'm only 60 and I'm going to play ice hockey tonight...... the way I see it I can do what ever I want and I'm not too old to do anything a 25 year can..... I may need some serious pain killers tomorrow..... lol

Find a new doctor..... maybe an athletic 60 year old female doctor.......

[Megan Thomas]

50 is not too old for hormone treatment to have an effect, be it physical or emotional. I couldn't disagree with your doctor more on that point. However, if you do desire HRT make sure you do it with medical supervision and a good regime of checks and tests to ensure your health isn't suffering - especially your vital organs.