Transitioning over 40 HRT

[Guest Kaylee]

Hello again all

I've been hoping to write a bit more than I have, but it's been a busy week, and the gender noise is really messing me up.

I'm hoping to hear from some of you who transitioned around my age (just turned 40)

I realize that everyone is different, and that the lucky people who realized who they were far before I did would see changes sooner.

The question I am getting at is... at what point did you see noticable changes after starting HRT? Things that people may... or have questioned you on?

I'm trying to figure out my timeline.... and it's already 6 months further behind than I wish it could be (financially) I need to stay with my job as long as I can for the medical insurance. There is simply no way I could transition at my current job, the mentality is so backwards!

Any input would be fantastic!

Thanks everyone

[VickySGV]

Well, actually I started at 61, but I followed the general timeline found in the WPATH SOC7, where stuff ranges in most cases from 3 to six months for most of the stuff (onset). In a bunch of places I lead the way time wise for some friends in your age range however, so it is still YMMV. You can expect all the changes much younger people do, and older ones as well. This post has a link to the SOC7 and I believe it is page 86 that has the MTF chart on it. http://www.lauras-playground.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37767

[Guest ashleynikole]

I just referenced it and the timeline table is on page 38 of the doc or page 44 of the PDF (doc pages displayed in corner of each page) for an MTF. Being I am 37 and 6 days away from starting HRT, I was curious as well.

Thanks

[Charlize]

I started at 63, a bit later. I had been living full time for about a year before i started. While i ahem had changes that i feel are wonderful few of them would have been noticed in my old workplace. Perhaps the greatest being a loss of some strength. Even so i can still work the farm and sawmill. I think i could pass as a male but the problem would be how i would feel. That is no longer a facade i wish to hide behind. HRT is indeed powerful but for me transition is as much about attitude as appearance. If you can put your feelings away and keep working you may well be able to hide the results of HRT for years. I found that the physical was only part of the change.

Hugs,

Charlize

[VickySGV]

I just referenced it and the timeline table is on page 38 of the doc or page 44 of the PDF (doc pages displayed in corner of each page) for an MTF. Being I am 37 and 6 days away from starting HRT, I was curious as well.

Thanks

E does not improve your memory at later ages, so it seems!! Thanks for catching me there.

[Carolyn Marie]

I hid my changes behind dress shirts and ties for over a year, and no one noticed. But I did develop breasts starting at about four months, and some very minor facial changes after about six. Other changes, like finer and less body hair, were not noticeable. Neither was my laser hair removal progress. I began HRT at the age of 55.

Of course, your progress may be different, and I have heard of folks here who developed C cups in 6 months. Almost anything is possible, but some things are more possible than others.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest ashleynikole]

...I have heard of folks here who developed C cups in 6 months...

Yeah, that sure would be nice but I bet the pain is horrendous for something like that. Most people have said that you could look at your closest female relatives and subtract 1 cup size and that will be most likely where you land. If that's true, Lord help me. My mother is like a 38 D and my aunts are pretty much the same. Hopefully I will be able to hide it for a while, but once I can't hide it anymore, then I will start living full-time. Baby steps for me.

[Guest]

Hi Kaylee,

I am a late starter, and have had little breast development on HRT. But, a coworker noticed the changes in my skin after only a month. And the changes in my demeanor were pretty fast too. When you're deliriously happy, people start to ask questions! it took me only 2 months from the start of HRT to the time when I decided to go full time - 5 months before I was full time at work.

It's really a bit hard to predict what you'll experience. My timeline was around a year from the start of HRT - but was happy that it didn't take so long after all!

Love, Megan

[Guest Kaylee]

Thanks everyone for your input, your perspectives were really helpful.

Congrats Ashleynikole on starting your hormones soon, that's great Wishing I was there already!

I have to say Megan, your comment about people noticing you as deleriously happy really made me laugh I'm not sure if I'll be able to hide that either when I'm there.

It's been a rollercoaster of a week for me. Going from something that I had pushed down for many years, to realizing this was not only somethihg I wanted... but something I can now do... and the ability and money to do it.

I went from shock at the beginning of the week (which lasted for a few days), to feeling a little like I was in a prison (because I'm still stuck at the time being)... and after an almost break down last night when I wasn't sure my financials would be where I need them, and finally finding out I'll be ok..... this morning... I'm elated... and moving forward towards the life I should have started years ago (he he... I'm giddy

I have a rough timeline (still longer than I wish) and I am still in search of a GT in the Los Angeles (more accuratly the San Fernando Valley) and if anyone knows of someone... please let me know!

Thanks again everyone

Cheers!

Kaylee

[Guest LizMarie]

In my specific case, I started on HRT in September 2012, but the form of estrogen used wasn't getting me that far along. After lots of blood work, playing with hormone dosages, and other actions by my endocrinologist, we changed to a different form of estrogen in early January 2014 and the last three months have had dramatically more effects than the first 15 months did.

So be aware that the form of estrogen delivery (and successful testosterone suppression - mine yo-yo'ed for months before we got it under control) can impact the rate at which HRT has effects.

[KathrynJulia]

Kayley and Ashley:

I'm 59 started HRT two years ago.

i've had amazing changes. My doctor asked me 3 months into HRT how I felt. HRT has a really nice calming effect on someone with with a good case of dysphoria. Several months into HRT, you will notice a change in your hair and skin. Skin will be softer, hair will have less oil so less shampoo or you'll friz out your hair. After 15 months, I had developed a small B cup and figured that would be it. Most trans people who start in their late 50's can expect about a b cup. So when I had FFS I opted for breast augmentation to a nice C cup. When I got back from my surgery, my doctor decided to up my dose of estrogen.

And all of a sudden the boob fairy bumped me up to a D cup which was way more than I expected. We usually can't reasonably expect that but to happens. You will also possibly gain weight, but mostly you will notice that weight will begin to shift to other places. breast, butt and thighs. You also need to watch what you eat as losing weight is harder while taking female hormones. Generally if you are 40 or older, have hypertention, or a family history of stroke or heart attack, you might be wise to use an estrogen patch or injectable method for around a year or more as that is the usual time frame to watch out for blood clots ocurring. If you smoke, quit. Estrogen and cigarettes don't get along and doctors will require you to stop smoking for several weeks before any surgeries as you don't heal so well if you smoke. And never play doctor and take hormones without the supervision of a doctor. They could mess up your health or your life. And as always, your mileage can and will vary. Kathryn

[Guest sydney]

It's never too late. I'm 43, started HRT a little less than 4 months ago and went full time a few weeks ago. I've got about an A cup and despite being 6'7", I've been passing 100% of the time (as far as my wife and I can tell.) Here is a before and after from about a month ago prior to going full time. It's even better now.

Here is a before and after just 2 1/2 months HRT.

and one from just before I went full time (larger version of profile pict):

(taken 3/18/2014)

So hang in there and get started as soon as you can and it's certainly possible and doable, but of course your mileage may vary.

-Syndey

[VickySGV]

Kaylee -- Try the Los Angeles Gender Center --http://www.lagendercenter.com/ . I have met at least three of their counselors at various TG events here in the last couple of years.

[Guest Kaylee]

Wow.... Sydney. That's amazing at only 4 months. You look great

I'm just at baby steps at the moment. I did manage to find a therapist who I am meeting for the first time tonight. Nervous... to say the least! I'm not concerned about what to say or anything. I've just always been one for self analysis, and the one time I DID see a therapist (unrelated to GD) I didn't find her personable, or helpful in any way.

Wish me luck... The crazy train is leaving the station

Kaylee

[Guest Kaylee]

As another note...

Sydney, I looked at your photos again and realized that you are smiling more in the more recent photos. I've heard from others that they were working.... and others noticed early in transition that they were "deliriously happy". I've noticed I smile differently when I think of where I will be in a year as well.

I see the expression difference on your face and wonder... How will I hide it if I'm known at work as grumpy ha ha.

Thanks for posting that!

Cheers,

Kaylee

[Guest sydney]

Kaylee,

Thank you for the wonderful compliments. Yes I do smile a lot more now. (I find that I also look more feminine smiling as well.) When I first started transitioning, I thought it would be 9 months to year before I went full time and I didn't want to rush things. It just happened this way when I was failing in boy mode with getting the weirdest looks in the mens room. So I just started dressing one day to see and I was passing. I think that me having Kleinfelter's (Mosaic) also sped up my transitioning. When I started HRT it seemed that it was something my body (and mind) had been craving.

As for as a therapist goes, just be yourself around them. They've heard it all, but if you don't find one helpful there are always others.

-Sydney

[Guest ErinMc]

Hi Sydney,. your photos looks beautiful! it is a great inspiration to see how well it has worked for you, as i am very close in age and hoping one day soon to be where you are at in your transition.

-Erin

[VickySGV]

When I started HRT it seemed that it was something my body (and mind) had been craving.

This is actually one of the signs that the greatest number of us have experienced with HRT. I will not say that if it does not happen, the person should discontinue HRT, but I have spoken to WPATH members who seriously consider this to be a medical indication that it was a good decision on part of the therapist and patient.

[Guest JackieMichelle]

Kaylee - I too cannot transition where I work, I probably would get beaten before I was fired if anyone from work found out. It still surprises me how closed minded many people are. After reading everyone's post about HRT I am looking forward to it even more. I would love to experience a delirious happiness for once in my life. Even in my happiest moments there is a sadness. Thank you all for the hope.

[Guest jessica55417]

No worries....You'll be fine.......It all varies from person to person.......I'm a bad example I started at 43... I look the same....I'm the "bearded Lady" form the circus.....Hang in there......you'll be fine.

[Guest Jenny_W]

I started at 40 too. I'm now 14m on HRT...

Hope this helps Feel free to contact me if you've got questions or just want to chat.

xx Jen

[Guest Valentia]

I'm 42 and want to start Hrt any advice would be welcome and love reading all your post.

[Guest]

Consult with a GT.

Be patient.

Huggs,

Joann

[Guest]

Hi Valentia,

Welcome to Laura's Playground! First advice is to read around these forums - following in other footsteps is much easier than figuring it out all over again!

Most of us went the standard route to HRT, which is to see a gender therapist, who will diagnose and recommend HRT where indicated. The recommendation is then taken to an MD who will prescribe HRT and monitor your health.

It possibly seems a long time to get on HRT - in fact, it took me just over 3 months to get my prescription filled.

Just so you know, there are other ways to get on HRT, but we highly recommend against using it without a doctor's oversight: just plain dangerous!

Best of luck to you!

Love, Megan

[Guest Mickey]

I'm neither confirming nor denying being in this age group, all I'll say is that I turned 28 again last Jan. I also started HRT last Jan. and have already noticed some physical changes and don't get me wrong here, I love those changes, very very much, and am excited to see more of the physical changes to come. But what I really love, I am so much more at peace with myself now. I like me now. I never really hated myself, I just was never at peace with myself until HRT. A few of my friends have commented on the change in me now. They tell me that I look happy now and not grumpy like before. And they can see it in my face, the happiness. So my doubts from before, of if HRT was really right for me, those doubts are no more. I am firmly convinced that I am on the right path now.

But back to the physical changes. Wow. A week ago I was standing in front of the mirror after getting out of the shower and I noticed how some of the body fat had shifted a bit. My body shape was getting more feminine. I did have a breast growth spurt In Feb. and some in March. My nipples have changed, they are nothing like they were before. A bra I bought last year that was as close to my actual size back then, before HRT, actually fits now. I've never had and breast forms or enhancers. So this bra is now my natural size. I look forward to the day when I have to buy a bigger cup size but this b cup will do nicely now.