feeling more female?

[Jamey-Heather]

I know some of us have extreme gender dysphoria and never doubted who they really are. I only recently realized. I was wondering if anyone else has had my experience: the more I come out, the more female I feel, which makes me come out more? This is a scary journey, but I am STOKED at how much more I feel myself (a woman) even before doing any HRT or other transitional stuff. On a related note, does anyone know of any SAFE OTC estrogen boosters? I'm not taking anything without either doctor rec or knowing it's safe. Love and hugs!

[Trista1]

your story is the same as mine. I don't think that I experienced dysphoria when I was younger but it really hit me in my mid 30s and when I was 40 it was bad enough that I had to do something about it. When I started transition I found that the more female I felt the better I felt about myself and the easier it was to show my true self. It was amazing the confidence that I gained during transition. I am happy that you are able to present as yourself and I believe that the further you go the better you will feel.

As for OTC estrogen boosters I believe that if you want to transition that the best choice would be to see a doctor and start HRT. I don't believe that OTC would give you the results that you are looking for and they may have more negative side effects than HRT would have.

What ever you decide to do please be safe the world needs more trans people. 

[KathyLauren]

I am glad to hear that you are enjoying feeling more yourself, @Jamey.

 

I think I probably felt dysphoria when I was younger but I just didn't recognize it for what it was.  The earliest memory I have of something that I can positively identify now as having been dysphoria was at age 17 or thereabouts.  My mother gave me an electric shaver for Christmas.

 

Now, I knew, intellectually, that men grew beard and had to shave.  But it had literally never occurred to me that that would apply to me.  (Duh!)  It just felt so unfair that I too would need to shave.  It offended me.  And of course, I had no idea why and couldn't explain it.

 

So, in spite of clues like that that litter my past, I am another late bloomer.  Better late than never!

 

I can't recommend any OTC meds.  Mostly, they have poor track records.  And the important thing is that your hormone levels need to be monitored.  Every body reacts differently to hormones, and a dosage that is suitable for one person may be dangerous or ineffective for another.  So talk to your doctor.

 

 

[stveee]

There's feeling good about yourself, and then there is feeling good about feeling good about yourself! So yes, I believe in general feelings and thoughts in general are circuity that has feedback algorithms.

I'm no plumber, but as far as DIY HRT, you would have to consider blocking testosterone than just taking estrogen- which in some cases may yeild undesired results, perhaps even higher androgen levels. 

 

[Sally Stone]

Jamey, when I first came out, along with the intense fear there was this tremendous feeling of euphoria and like you, those feelings really made me feel more like a woman.  I think when someone hides their true personality for so long, when they finally do come out, the feelings come to the surface like a volcano.  I think it is perfectly natural for you to feel more female as you begin to express your inner woman.

[Mmindy]

Good morning @Jameyit is refreshing to feel you're more comfortable as you transition, and the people around you start to recognize and support it as well. I agree with the previous statements that working with your doctor to achieve a healthy approach to HRT is safer, and better for the long run of your life.

 

Best wishes, stay positive, and safe,

 

Mindy🐛🏳️‍⚧️🦋

[Elizabeth Star]

When I can out I compared it to opening Pandora box because I knew there was absolutely no way I could ever put the girl back once she was out. I had no idea how the feelings of femininity would spread and multiply.

 

As far as OTC HRT. I do know someone (outside the USA) who has been doing it for a couple years with very minimal, if any, results. Aside from all the health risks It's a waste of time and money to even try. definitely would not recommend it.

 

 

[Jamey-Heather]

Thank you all for everything. I suspected OTC stuff would be crap, but I wanted to check. Probably afraid of the talk with the doc because it will make it that much more REAL. Of course, the more I come out, the harder it is to lie to myself, which is a very healing thing, especially when it's scary!

[Ivy]

6 hours ago, Elizabeth Star said:

When I can out I compared it to opening Pandora box because I knew there was absolutely no way I could ever put the girl back once she was out.

Yeah, this.

Once she's out, she's out.

[Audrey]

Hi there @Jamey, I definitely relate to the crescendo of coming out and moving forward, early on in my transition. Fear and doubt absolutely held me back at first. But like you, the joy I felt being authentic, even if it was initially to just myself and then with very small number of people, is a powerful feeling. I would take it as an encouraging sign of things to come that you are feeling stoked about this now at this point! Once the momentum is going, it is hard to stop. I am hopeful it is as wonderful an experience for you as it has been for me.

I also echo what others have shared - there is no substitute for working with a doctor about hormones. Anything else carries risk that you do not want to take!

Love,

~Audrey.

[Jamey-Heather]

9 hours ago, Sally Stone said:

Jamey, when I first came out, along with the intense fear there was this tremendous feeling of euphoria and like you, those feelings really made me feel more like a woman.  I think when someone hides their true personality for so long, when they finally do come out, the feelings come to the surface like a volcano.  I think it is perfectly natural for you to feel more female as you begin to express your inner woman.

Volcano is a perfect metaphor! It’s overwhelming sometimes, but in a really good way❤️