New to HRT

[Raven1981]

Hello All:

 

I am going to be new to this HRT and I am looking forward to it.  Wanting to know what HRT does to individuals and hearing stories?  For myself, I am looking forward to having softer and smother skin with starting to develop and getting the shape as well.  Does HRT help with all that?

 

Hope to hear back

 

Amy

[Jani]

Here are a few in no particular order because we are all affected individually and my body's response would not predict yours.  Some of these you may recognize soon and some later, and some will sneak up on you.

 

A reduction in GID

A feeling of calmness in your demeanor

Breast growth (and pain at first)

Change in body odor

Less perspiration

Softer skin

Change in Complexion

Weight gain

The need to go to bathroom frequently (Spiro related since you need to stay well hydrated)

 

Jani

[Carolyn Marie]

Jani's list is pretty comprehensive.  I would only add to that the slow down in the growth of body hair, and hair also becoming finer.  That often takes 6 months or more before you start showing significant changes, and as always, it varies from one person to another.  HRT will almost certainly not help with male pattern baldness, unless you are taking Finesteride, nor will it likely cause facial hair to decrease.

 

Your muscle mass will slowly decrease, body fat may redistribute in a more feminine pattern, the penis and scrotum may decrease in size, and spontaneous erections may slow in frequency and duration or even stop completely.

 

For more information on the effects of HRT, you can read this:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormone_replacement_therapy_(male-to-female)#Estrogens

 

Welcome to the club, Amy.  Have a seat, strap yourself in, keep your hands and feet inside the car at all times, and enjoy the ride!

 

Carolyn Marie

[Raven1981]

Thank you both for your help.  My therapist in PHX also said the same thing.  Including the group members in the group that my therapist leads all said that HRT will effect everyone different.

 

Right now, I am really hoping for softer skin and breast development.  Been wearing my breast forms more and more and I am at the point where I hate taking them off when I go to work. 

 

I look forward to sharing my experience once I start

 

Thanks

 

Amy

[Jani]

I think the salient point is what Carolyn points out that it could take up to 6 months for changes for manifest.  Remember that puberty takes many years, whether you start at 13, 33, or 63!   Just enjoy the ride.

 

Jani

[Sharon Aml]

I am in the 4th month and 55 yo

 

Yes  A reduction in GID

 Yes A feeling of calmness in your demeanor All I can say is wow !!!

 Yes  Breast growth (and pain at first) almost non stop on the pain not bad though  they are just letting you know They are growing .It's  wonderful. !!!!!

 Not yet. Change in body odor

  ??  Less perspiration        Never had much to begin with

    Definitely.        Softer skin

    ??  Change in Complexion

    No.   Weight gain

The need to go to bathroom frequently (Spiro related since you need to stay well hydrated).    I  Have to  go  now!!!!!!!! 

     My experience so far.

             Sharon Aml 

[Jani]

You most likely may see complexion changes later to more clear and opaque tone.  My ruddy appearance, like being in the wind all day is gone.  Just remember that you're pushing your body through a second puberty.  The first one took years to accomplish what it did.  Be patient with yourself!   And enjoy life's journey!

 

Jani   

[Rachael]

I am only about 6 weeks on hrt. 

First I felt really week but got slowly then at about 3 weeks I was about the same as before.

second about 3 weeks breast pain tolerable. 

Third I seem to be less upset and less anger. I seem to be happier and in a better mood. 

Congratulations on starting hrt. 

[Rachael]

Should be ( slowly better then about) sorry I can't type or read. 

 

[Jani]

[DenimAndLace]

Sex drive anyone???  Before HRT, my sex drive was causing me extreme angst.  I self medicated with herbals for a year and saw some reduction sex drive but it really tanked when I went on prescription HRT.  I don't remember how long it took to drop to nothing but I'd guess it was about 6 months.  Good ridden!!!!  ...Loss of "function" wasn't far behind.

[Sharon Aml]

Nocternal Erections  gone

Labido  forced once a week to stay functional

Seminal discharge next to nothing 

           Sharon Aml 

 

[Briana]

It's interesting to hear everyone's experience.  Many similarities, but even with those there's differences in intensity and effect.  One thing I'll say about sex drive.   For some, it just changes from that pleasure-driven "I gotta satisfy a bad itch" to more of a softer kind of emotional "loving" experience.  Perhaps more of a feeling of romance and emotional connection vs. caveman driven pleasure and creation.

 

Regarding body odor changes, that's generally related to less sweating due to estrogen levels vs. testosterone levels.  Higher levels of testosterone cause more sweating in both men and women.  When your body's natural bacteria break down the sweat, it causes odor.   More sweat - more odor in general.  Estrogen tends to reduce the amount of sweat we produce.  In turn, body odors tend to be less - "different".  Ask a woman going through menopause about those sweating changes.  As a side note, women have more sweat glands than men. 

 

Anyway, enjoy!

[Raven1981]

Hey All:

 

I like hearing everyone's experience.  I know that everyone's experience is different, but glad to hear about the effects as well.   Before I start HRT, my therapist likes to send individuals to take the MMPI-2 test to make certain since this is a big decision and after the 6 month mark according to my therapist is when you cannot go back.  So this test helps to make certain and it's a personality test.  I go to take the test on Monday Sept. 25th and then get to go over the test and then get to be referred to a doctor.

 

Thanks

 

Amy