Health implications of HRT

[Guest aetherlux]

I apologise if this has already been discussed; I just simply didn't see it here.

I've been pondering on whether or not to try HRT for slight feminisation for the purpose of appearing more the way I feel: androgyne. I can understand using it for complete MTF transition, but how would it affect the body for only attempting to reach a middle ground? I'm completely stable emotionally and able to take on whatever comes my way, but is feminising for androgyny possible physically safe? If so, would I have to seek a psychotherapist first to discuss the issue before getting a referral?

[Drea]

I am not going to judge suitability or not here. I think a therapist is a good idea, but technically the standards don't require that.

For short term usage, many effects will only be short term while on them such as psychological feeling, lessening of body hair, loss of libido (and impotence)

Some things are more or less permanent such as any breast development (tho some claim after going off there is small reduction). There is risk that sterility could be permanent and potentially impotence as well.

You say you want to this for slight feminization to appear more the way you feel. What exactly are you expecting as far as feminizing effects? Obviously ones related to appearance. Just thinking of a few possibilities:

1) Some breast develop, yes possible, and yes and can be permanent. How much in short term usage however, may not be much.

2) Facial hair reduction, generally no effect

3) Softer skin, yes, but that will only be temporary. Also for softer skin may take more than a short term.

4) Lighter body hair, yes, but again likely only temporary. Also for lighter body hair it will take more than short term.

5) Fat redistribution to form hips, not likely and to any extent it does it would be temporary.

6) Actual hip development, not likely

Nothing else is coming to mind at the moment. Pretty much, most effects will only be temporary.

The single most feminizing action would be removal of facial hair (and stubble when shaved) and other body hair. Hormones won't do much about these from short term use.

[Charlize]

I agree with Drea, your best bet may be to seek laser hair removal if a slight feminization is what you are seeking. Most of the advantages are short term with the possible exception of breast growth which takes up to 3 years to fully develop. Impotence will stay with you however.

Hugs,

Charlie

[VickySGV]

The beard removal -- yes it will help to be androgynous on a permanent basis. Facial Feminizing Surgery ---yes it will help to be androgynous on a permanent basis. Hormones for only a short time will be for the short time. The doseage of the hormones will not really matter, because it is not feature specific and your whole body will react to them, no picking and choosing. As Drea noted, the shortest time is really about 3 years, but I am getting effects even at four years.

Talk to a therapist as was said before, talk to a therapist. Discover with a therapist's help what your long term goal is. Then and only then will you be able to chose the long life results you think you need.

[Carolyn Marie]

I agree with the others, hon. Short term HRT isn't going to help much with permanent feminization. Long term HRT is going to result in the usual combination of effects. You can't order a la carte. You get the combo.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest nomnomnom]

You can't order a la carte. You get the combo.

love those words.

as others have said, things other than hormones will have probably a greater effect at making you andro, including diet.

[Guest aetherlux]

Thanks, everyone. I have very little androgen already, so hardly any body hair, and I still can't grow a proper beard (thank the gods). There's definitely something going on with me genetically. I just wish I knew what it was. I had considered Klinefelter, but a few things don't add up, such as receding hairline. I hate that so much. But alas, I cannot afford all of those procedures.

[VickySGV]

At the present time!!!! Give yourself a bit of time, and dreams can find ways to come true.

[Guest aetherlux]

You're a doll, Vicky. Always good to be positive, even in the face of futility.