Gender-fluid and HTR

[Lavraierealitehumaine]

Since I’ve realized I’m genderfluid I’ve been wondering what I’ll be doing with transition. Part of this is debating hormones. While I’m fine with most of the results associated with T I’m terrified of facial hair. I was wondering if anyone else who identifies as genderfluid had experience with T and approximately how long it took to see results. 

[Dev]

Hormones are pretty individual.  You could see hair start to show up, probably thinly, in weeks or it could take months. The thing about HRT is there's no way to anticipate which effects you'll see or when you'll see them, so if you're not comfortable with all of the effects you may want to avoid HRT entirely.

[Guest Ade6589]

That’s very good advice for someone not fully understanding hrt

im a married guy doing this behind his wife’s back 

I’m a month in on hormones and the results are amazing so far

i feel so much sexier than I ever have before and my breasts and nipples have already grown slightly and 

makes me want to be topless more now 

 

[Jani]

You certainly can express other aspects of masculinity without the need for T and that might just be what you need.  Each person's journey is unique.  There's no need to assume there is a prescribed chain of events to follow.  We're all different. 

 

Jani

[Kirsten]

I kind of agree with what’s been said already. Starting any form of hrt is a big decision that comes with a multitude of physical mental and even spiritual changes. They do effect everyone differently, but they are going to effect you. 

There are plenty of trans people that never use any form of hrt. There are plenty of ways to show yourself to the world without it. Some people need hrt. Some do not. You’ll have to really think about this and make that decision for yourself. Whatever you decide will be what is right for you. 

Kirsten 

[Daisy Mae]

I agree with everyone's comments above. HRT is something not to jump into lightly and takes a lot of thinking. Like the others said each individual going through their journey is unique and each process should be treated as that as well. Before making a decision like this that will bring on a lot of emotional changes as well as physical you should seek a therapist to see if you are really ready for a step of this nature.

[Guest Rachel Gia]

Hi

I had to meditate and pray on proceeding with Hrt and continued  P and M while I was inside the process.

It's a little different for FTM since there is facial hair and the possibility of pattern baldness.

I know transmen who have yet to go the route of hormones for their own reasons and I consider them every bit as transgender as I am or anyone else.

Prayer and Meditation is my suggestion.

[Ravin]

In your shoes, I would make a list of the pros and cons of HRT's effects. For me, about the only con was the possibility of going bald, and it didn't have all that much weight. I've got the start of a widow's peak and my hair has thinned, after 3 years on HRT.

 

When considering pros and cons, one thing to take into account is reversibility, either by quitting HRT or by doing something to counter it (like if I cared more about my hair, I could be using minoxidil or whatever on it). For facial hair, you can always have new growth removed, but that is an expensive and uncomfortable project, from what I've been told by the MTF ladies. 

 

Hair growth on the face can take quite a while, and depends upon genetics (look at your male relatives). Years even. But for some guys it happens quickly. Voice change is another thing that happens that can't be reversed. Building muscle and fat redistribution can be reversed by stopping HRT.

 

Really, it comes down to, what do you hope the effects will be, and will possible negative effects be worse than continuing on as things are now?

[RikkiWilson]

There's also the possibility of getting a prescription for a lower than usual dose of T. Can't post actual dosages here but when you talk to a doctor that can prescribe it you can discuss if a lower dose would be best for you. 

 

~Rikki

[ChickenLittle]

I hope it's okay to respond here even though I generally identify as ftm and not genderfluid-- if not feel free to disregard! I think I'm on the high end of a typical dose of T and my experience has been that facial hair growth has been slow. I'm about 9-10 months on T and have some dark hairs on my jawline and neck and some blonde hair on my cheeks. Cis guys in my family are all able to grow thick facial hair, so I think I'll likely be able to do that someday, but even so it's taken this long to get a small amount of facial hair. 

 

I second the thoughts above that you can always start at a low dose and back off if you notice anything you feel uncomfortable with. Going in, I thought I would see rapid, drastic changes, but that has definitely not been the case. One other thought is that you could try to start on gel instead of injections (that's what I'm doing). Being able to apply daily may give you a stronger sense of control over the process, like if you begin to see changes you don't like you can decide to stop immediately, instead of waiting for the shot of T you got to get used up. It's really only a week or two difference, but I know if I was feeling upset or dysphoric a week or two would make a big difference to me. 

[Kalyan]

It's crazy, I was looking around and I found your post, I actually have the same feeling.  Is genderfluid a thing? I never exactly feel like a girl though but..

 

None of that matters, the hormone question is a good one. I was wondering 'what would happen if we took small doses of T', like, instead of going through a real and full hormone replacement therapy, we just used the supplements for man who want to improve their performance in sports or stuff like that...  that you can buy whitout a prescription?

If anyone knows or has an idea, some advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Kalyan

[Dev]

Over the counter remedies aren't a substitute for hormone therapy.  A performance booster like you mention would have no effect on you whatsoever.  Other types of over the counter products can actually be fatal, as they're entirely unregulated in most countries.  The makers can put anything and everything in them and get away with it.

[Kalyan]

6 minutes ago, Dev said:

Over the counter remedies aren't a substitute for hormone therapy.  A performance booster like you mention would have no effect on you whatsoever.  Other types of over the counter products can actually be fatal, as they're entirely unregulated in most countries.  The makers can put anything and everything in them and get away with it.

Hi Dev, thank you for answering

Yeah, you're right. We shouldn't try that, if it's that risky.