Jorja raised a great question in another thread. There are many late transitioners here which begs the question, why? Why did it take you so long?
Here Is Jorja's original question: " I really cannot understand how many of you could wait so long. For me, it was a driving need, a must, I simply had to transition as soon as possible or die. How did you manage to put off the intense feelings for so long? I understand family obligations, career obligations etc... Was it that you just did not realize it at that time? "
I won't bore you with my story again other than to say I was going it alone thinking I was the only person dealing with it. It was pre-internet. I did not know where to get help and was afraid. I only knew I had gender issues. So it became "mind over matter" so to speak and suffering in silence.
I think for many of us we "hit the wall" later in life, possibly after a life changing event or the feeling we are running out of time.
I'm quite sure that had there been support groups and the information that's available today I would have transitioned in my twenties. I live in a city of about 200,000 and only in the last year has trans health care/help become available here.