Whole New World

[jlw5ju]

Given the title, I’m sure you know that I’m fairly new to this. I’ve been wrestling with the idea that I’m trans for a very long time, but only vocalized it to anyone other than my wife last week. My wife has known pretty much since we got together but was patient with me while I mused and tried new things. I talked to my mother last week and she was nothing but supportive, as was my father in law. He sent me a message the other day saying he couldn’t be happier than to have me as a son in law. It’s all very soothing to have this much outpouring support. But here’s my next question, where do I go from here? I already have the diagnosis of “Gender identity disorder in adult” in my medical records and I am being referred to an endocrinologist. I also went today to get a blood draw for a hormone panel. I am just so ready to take my first shot and start seeing changes. Now that I’m over the fear of not being accepted by my family, I am SUPER excited to get the process started. Like obsessive excited. What can I expect from my first appointment with the endocrinologist? What supplements can I use while awaiting my first testosterone shot? I work from home so I’m not out with my coworkers yet because I really don’t have to be. I’m sorry if this post is all over the place, I’m just feeling euphoric to finally be out of this shell of fear. Any advice would be so much appreciated!

[Jackie C.]

Don't touch the supplements. They are a terrible idea. Best case, they do nothing. Worst case, they mess you up to the point where you can no longer take legit HRT or your liver shuts down.

 

You will be more-or-less indistinguishable from a cis-male in about a year if you're wearing your binder and pants depending on how long it takes your endo to get your dosages right. T works much faster than E did. You're basically waltzing into puberty 2.0. Puberty talk. You'll grow hair... everywhere. Your voice is going to deepen. You're going to be all moody. You're probably going to have a phase where your voice breaks (AMAB and neither my uncle or I had that problem, but it was pretty common among the boys). Probably some acne. Your body is going to smell different. All that fun stuff.

 

Maybe another FtM will chime in here somewhere, but the pattern with them is that they get on HRT, realize how easy it is to slip into manhood and then they vanish into the mists.

 

My advice to you is to let it come and enjoy the ride. Don't rush and be true to yourself.

 

Hugs!

[jlw5ju]

Thank you for the reply! I’m just really excited to begin the process. I already pass pretty well now (except for my height but I’m well aware that won’t change) so I can’t wait to see how much better it gets. 

[Jackie C.]

Men come in all heights, just like women do. You'll do fine. It's the man on the inside that counts.

 

Hugs!

[Susan R]

@jlw5ju Welcome to our little family here. You’ve already experienced a great start on your continuing journey. Acceptance of being transgender was one thing that was difficult for me but letting others know was seemingly an insurmountable task. @Jackie C. has given you some very good advice and I only want to add that getting some guidance might help smooth the rough patches as you begin your new journey. You may already have a therapist as your post suggests with the diagnosis you have received but if not, it’s something to seriously consider. It was so helpful for me early on when I was too afraid to tell anyone about myself and my upcoming plans to transition. You can sidestep many of those early issues with help from support forums and groups either in-person or online. Since you’re on board here, give yourself some time to acquaint yourself with our forum. There’s a lot of experience and good information here that you can benefit from in short order. I learn something nearly every time I am on here.

 

Thanks for taking time and sharing a little about yourself. I hope to read more as you move along your journey. We can all benefit from each other.

 

Warmest Regards,

Susan R?

[Charlize]

Welcome Sir.  The acceptance that you describe from your family sounds great.  As to supplements, as Jacki mentioned, please don't.  The T will act fairly quickly.  My grandson's voice seemingly changed overnight and he is beginning to shave.

Soon you will be growing hair at times where you may not want it while some FTM friends complain about baldness.

Give it time, fasten your seatbelt,  and enjoy the ride.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Vidanjali]

Welcome, @jlw5ju . Congratulations on this new expansiveness you're feeling. I don't personally have experience with this variety of transition, but I just wanted to say hi, to send you good wishes, and echo what the others have said - enjoy & celebrate every moment.