40
How long does it take to start feeling emotional changes vs experiencing irreversible physical changes on HRT? (slrpnk.net)
submitted 4 days ago* (last edited 4 days ago) by compostgoblin@slrpnk.net to c/mtf
12 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Basically, how long would you have to be on estrogen before you could start getting some of the mental and emotional effects, but before you would start having any irreversible physical effects?

I am pretty interested in starting HRT, but I don’t necessarily want to go through the whole hassle of freezing sperm first if I end up not liking how HRT makes me feel. Nor do I want to wait a long time before starting HRT just to find out that it me feel like garbage. So I’m thinking about potentially taking it for like two or three months as a “trial run”?

Would that be enough time to get some clarity on whether or not I like how it works on me? And then I could stop it for long enough to freeze some sperm and then go back on, or just stop entirely, depending on if I like it or not.

Thanks friends 🙏💜

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] Hexarei@beehaw.org 21 points 4 days ago

The other comment has done a pretty great job of summarizing it, but the answer is essentially that it differs between people. I've just hit the 90 day mark with mine, taking only 2mg per day via the sublingual route. I am only just now getting some soreness behind my nipples that might indicate the start of permanent growth.

My personal rough timeline started as:

1 week:

  • Skin was noticeably less oily
  • Facial hair already began growing in a little bit slower/thinner
  • Higher amounts of executive function

2 weeks:

  • Core temperature dropped from a typical average 99.7 to average 96.9 (measured twice daily when I started feeling cold)
  • Emotions started to feel bigger. More present. More significant, maybe.

3 Weeks

  • Started noticing that I need to eat less to feel full. This was probably due to dieting, but I had already been dieting for a solid 3 months so it came as a surprise.
  • Cried for the first time about something that happened years ago. Realized it feels like a wall has come down from between me and my emotions. I have stopped dissociating, and happiness feels more real than it ever has

6 Weeks

  • Visible decrease in flaccid size of my genitalia (no erect changes)
  • marked decrease in blood pressure
  • my nipples are hard constantly, but no notable pain or growth

8 weeks

  • Marked changes in sexual sensitivities
  • Notably lower amounts of ejaculate
  • Realize I haven't yelled or been aggressive when frustrated in nearly a month at least
  • My resting face has come to resemble more of a smile than a scowl ... But that's probably not a medical change :-)

None of those are permanent changes, and talking with some other folks that seems to be a pretty common thread: Permanent changes are usually many months in, so unless you have a very specifically accelerated response to it, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. if your specialist says you can try it out fearlessly, then you should listen to their advice.

[-] compostgoblin@slrpnk.net 3 points 3 days ago

Thank you for such a detailed breakdown! I have my first GAC appointment with Planned Parenthood in a few weeks, so I’ll definitely talk with my doctor and see what they think. I’m more than a little nervous, but I’ve heard they’re really good at the one near me

[-] LadyMeow 8 points 4 days ago

Aww, the smile! I’m so happy for you!

this post was submitted on 17 May 2025
40 points (100.0% liked)

Transfem

4116 readers
45 users here now

A community for transfeminine people and experiences.

This is a supportive community for all transfeminine or questioning people. Anyone is welcome to participate in this community but disrupting the safety of this space for trans feminine people is unacceptable and will result in moderator action.

Debate surrounding transgender rights or acceptance will result in an immediate ban.

This community is supportive of DIY HRT. Unsolicited medical advice or caution being given to people on DIY will result in moderator action.

Posters may express that they are looking for responses and support from groups with certain experiences (eg. trans people, trans people with supportive parents, trans parents.). Please respect those requests and be mindful that your experience may differ from others here.

Some helpful links:

Support Hotlines:

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
LadyAutumn
ada