Any trans men not taking hormones?

[Nykoli55]

Hey- Just curious- are there guys out there who are not taking hormones? Why and why not? What's your experiences getting on with day to day life? I'm not taking hormones yet and don't know if I will. Looking for other folks experiences. 

 

Thanks!

[ChickenLittle]

Hi there! I wanted to reply, even though I am on hormones. I don't know about the guys here, but there definitely are trans men who don't take hormones. I feel like I've seen some youtubers who fit that description, I'll try to remember who they are and let you know!

 

The important thing is that you do what feels best for you, regardless of what other people do. I found that looking at other people's experiences and making a list of pros/cons really helped me make a decision for myself. 

[Nykoli55]

Hey- I appreciate you getting back to me. If I move to a new city hrt will be a possibility. ? I don't want to wait to live my life till then so I think that's why I asked. Maybe there will be others who are out there will get back. Trans dudes seem to hide  but idk. 

[ChickenLittle]

I know what you mean, it's only recently that we've had more guys join the forums. I don't think you need to wait until you have access to HRT to live the way you want to. There's plenty you can do as far as clothes, hair, working out, and especially your attitude/the way you carry yourself. Body language is a big thing in gender presentation! You can even find videos online with voice exercises to work on speaking in a more masculine way if you want (but don't hurt your voice, if you feel like you're straining or in pain don't continue).  

[StrainAsylum]

I'm not currently on HRT, but am very much looking forward to it.  I only accepted that I am a trans guy within the last couple of years and have not had insurance, so was not able to pursue anything.  Quite frankly, I am a good bit older and never even knew that it was possible for me to transition, especially since the news only mentioned MtF transitioning, mostly.

 

I agree with ChickenLittle that there's plenty you can do with regard to clothing, hair, working out (which I need to do, very badly!) and body language.  My BFFs weren't really surprised when I came out to them, because I'd always carried myself in a masculine manner, they said.  When I was in my 20s, I was constantly called "sir", which thrilled me!  (then people would apologize and I'd laugh). 

 

My insurance just kicked in (Medicare) and I have NO idea how to proceed.  What Dr would prescribe HRT?  I asked my psych-pharmacologist and he referred me to either my GP or an endocrinologist?  Is this the way to go or is it best to cross the "t" by speaking to a therapist of some sort to confirm that gender reassignment is necessary?

[ChickenLittle]

21 minutes ago, StrainAsylum said:

I'm not currently on HRT, but am very much looking forward to it.  I only accepted that I am a trans guy within the last couple of years and have not had insurance, so was not able to pursue anything.  Quite frankly, I am a good bit older and never even knew that it was possible for me to transition, especially since the news only mentioned MtF transitioning, mostly.

 

I agree with ChickenLittle that there's plenty you can do with regard to clothing, hair, working out (which I need to do, very badly!) and body language.  My BFFs weren't really surprised when I came out to them, because I'd always carried myself in a masculine manner, they said.  When I was in my 20s, I was constantly called "sir", which thrilled me!  (then people would apologize and I'd laugh). 

 

My insurance just kicked in (Medicare) and I have NO idea how to proceed.  What Dr would prescribe HRT?  I asked my psych-pharmacologist and he referred me to either my GP or an endocrinologist?  Is this the way to go or is it best to cross the "t" by speaking to a therapist of some sort to confirm that gender reassignment is necessary?

 

I think it depends on your location and your doctors. I have a nurse practitioner (basically my GP) who prescribes my T and monitors everything, but many people go to an endo. Do you have a GP? That's where I would start. They can refer you to a specific provider if necessary. Some providers may require a letter from a therapist but in my area that is uncommon. Also, congrats on getting insurance and taking these first steps to get on T! 

[Jani]

Hello Strain,

 

26 minutes ago, StrainAsylum said:

My insurance just kicked in (Medicare) and I have NO idea how to proceed.  What Dr would prescribe HRT?  I asked my psych-pharmacologist and he referred me to either my GP or an endocrinologist? 

 

I assume your doctor will continue to treat you as a Medicare patient (some don't due to reimbursement rates).   If they are comfortable doing so, they could prescribe and monitor HRT.  Otherwise an endocrinologist would be the best route.  I go to a large LGBT health center an hour from home that my Primary Doctor recommended.  My doctor there is a D.O., but not an endo.  You might see if you can find a center like this that is close by you.  Also you can get HRT at many Planned Parenthood Centers.  If you were in the military you can go to the VA.  I think Florida is an "informed consent" state so you shouldn't need a letter from a therapist to start.

 

Jani 

[Nykoli55]

I did try to get hormones 5 years ago and it was an ordeal that didn't work out. Maybe a blessing in disguise? Idk. Access is much easier now it seems so I am happy you decided what you want and you're going after it. 

I'm going to look into those voice videos. I have the most femme voice its almost insane. Contradicts how I look. I wonder how goofy I appear to other people sometimes but. i really can't think too long about that. 

I love being called sir. More often then not people will look at me for a little too long and then use she, pause, maybe feel weird and continue the conversation. If I don't know them I just let it be. It's mostly amusing? 

The cool thing about potentially being on T is I wouldn't have to constantly be trying to be perceived as a guy. People would just see me that way and I could go about my day. I think that and voice would be the greatest benefits. And muscles. 

But also....people should refer to me how I want them to and get over it. Melt the gender box. Slowly gaining confidence. ... slowly. 

Chicken Little-or anyone- did you wait until after T to come out or did you come out before? Or not come out at all? 

 

[ChickenLittle]

You're right, people really should just refer to you the way you ask them to! I've found that part of what leads people o hear a person as "male" or "female" is pitch, but a big part is also resonance. Try paying attention to where your voice resonates, your face or your chest. Men typically speak from the chest and women speak with a higher resonance. My pitch has actually lowered a lot since I started T but I still use my face/head resonance and people hear me and automatically assume I'm a woman 95% of the time. I've been to voice therapy to lower my resonance but honestly it's just more hassle to think about than I want. As for muscles, T makes getting those WAY easier.  Within a month of starting T I noticed that it was markedly easier for me to lift things. 

 

So my timeline went like this--

Came out to my partner March of 2017

Came out to a few close friends shortly after

Started T July 2017

Came out publicly shortly after

[StrainAsylum]

Thanks, all!  I'll check with my GP first, then try an endocrinologist or whomever my GP refers me.  I'm exhilarated and a bit nervous, but excited as hell.