For those that have started HRT, what was the most surprising change you noticed that you weren't expecting? (self.trans)

submitted 8 months ago by onevia to c/trans

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I'm still pretty early on in my HRT journey at just under 5 weeks of estradiol IM injections and Spironolactone.

One thing that I kind of was expecting but still took me by surprise was the depth of my emotions increasing.

I kept reading about "a larger range of emotional responses" but feeling it is a whole new world! I feel like my emotions have so much more texture and nuance that I pick up on. I can feel them shift from sadness to anger to determination to whatever so quickly and so intuitively.

Before I started E, the best way I can describe how my emotional state behaved was like these blurry blobs of feelings that were difficult to distinguish or identify. Everything swirled around me without me being able to fully experience them. Now they are a part of me and I would never go back ❤️

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[-] BootyfulBoy@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

Thank you for replying!

Have you noticed much change in your upper body strength? Or have your current T levels helped keep it up? I've never been that strong, even with testosterone helping me, so the thought of being even physically weaker had me a bit nervous. I know I can workout to mitigate that, but that isn't always feasible to do. How long have you been taking them so far? I'm also taking finasteride for my hair, but I've been on it for almost 18 months. My hair is still shedding a bit, but I can see regrowth starting.

Those androgynizing effects sound really appealing. Those would give me the big happy.
As for sexual functionality, that doesn't sound too bad. Now that I think about it, I remember reading in another post someone suggested topical T-gel to apply down there. I believe trans men (and even some cis women) use it go develop theirs. So it makes sense that AMAB's could use it to maintain functionality. I'll have to dig into that.

Those mental effects also sound awesome. I've always struggled with interpreting my emotions and maybe this is why.
Lady-O's are definitely something I've been trying to achieve but I've never been successful. Maybe going on E will be the ticket?

[-] knightly@pawb.social 3 points 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago)

No problem! I'm happy to share my experience for anyone that might find it helpful. 😄

It's been about 7.5 months so far, I started 2mg sublingual E and 5mg finasteride at the same time and added 100mg progesterone at 3 months. I also avoided building up my upper body before starting hormone therapy and have noticed a small decline in my upper body strength as my arms have gotten a bit slimmer. It's not debilitating by any means because I have a desk job, and I'm trying to get in the habit of working out to make up for it, but I'm only seeing a gym every week or two. XD

As for the hair, I don't think I've entirely stopped shedding yet but the rate has dropped significantly. The new follicles are smoother too, but I haven't seen any regrowth yet.

I haven't looked into topical T-gel, but do follow up to let us know if you try it. I'd be curious to hear of the effects even though I don't think they're necessary for me. ^_^

Can't say if the E would help with your Lady-Os, but it sure did for me! Another thing I didn't mention was the amazing gender euphoria I got on day 1. E definitely vibes with me but if it isn't right for you then you'll know it long before any muscular effects become noticable.

[-] BootyfulBoy@lemmy.world 3 points 8 months ago

All of this makes me feel a lot more comfortable with the idea of starting E. Even a little excited.
I have to move to a more welcoming place first, but I'm hoping to do that by this summer. When I do, I'll look for a therapist and doctor who can help me get started.

[-] knightly@pawb.social 3 points 8 months ago

I know how you feel! I wasn't confident to start before I got out of Texas myself.

this post was submitted on 14 Mar 2024

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