Progressive stages in MtF transition?

[Lee H]

Do we progress from M-CD toward F? Are there expected stages in progressions/plateaus? Is the more fulfilling approach wanting to continue progressing or reaching a personal plateau ? What usually follows M-CD? How far is far enough, and how old is too old?

[Jackie C.]

Not really. One of my dearest friends is a cross-dresser and fantastic at it. That's as far as he plans to go. Some people go for the hormones and decide that it's enough and stop. Some of us go for surgical options. It's all about what YOU need to do to make yourself comfortable in YOUR skin. If you're living your best life, you're done. If you still feel like you're being crushed by the weight of your dysphoria, then maybe you still have some searching to do.

 

On that note, timelines are incredibly personal as well. Some people try to rush through the process. Others take years between steps and procedures to really get a feel for what they're doing to their minds and bodies. As a sidebar, there are huge mental changes that come from HRT. People never talk about those... well, WE talk about those here but the medical documents never talk about them.

 

There is no too old. You get better results if you start younger, but people transition when they're ready. Some of us in the older generations don't transition until later in life (personally, I regret that but there are others here who don't). Now with more acceptance of the trans community out in the world, younger kids are getting the help they need sooner. I am both happy for them and extremely jealous. There's no heard cutoff unless you're talking about your own deteriorating health. There are limits to what an endocrinologist will let you do to your body.

 

So yeah, incredibly personal process. There is no one true way. There are no goals set in stone. This process, if you choose to undertake it, is for you. Your happiness. Your mental health. Nobody else has a right to tell you what you need to do to be happy.

[ShawnaLeigh]

50 minutes ago, Jackie C. said:

Not really. One of my dearest friends is a cross-dresser and fantastic at it. That's as far as he plans to go. Some people go for the hormones and decide that it's enough and stop. Some of us go for surgical options. It's all about what YOU need to do to make yourself comfortable in YOUR skin. If you're living your best life, you're done. If you still feel like you're being crushed by the weight of your dysphoria, then maybe you still have some searching to do.

 

On that note, timelines are incredibly personal as well. Some people try to rush through the process. Others take years between steps and procedures to really get a feel for what they're doing to their minds and bodies. As a sidebar, there are huge mental changes that come from HRT. People never talk about those... well, WE talk about those here but the medical documents never talk about them.

 

There is no too old. You get better results if you start younger, but people transition when they're ready. Some of us in the older generations don't transition until later in life (personally, I regret that but there are others here who don't). Now with more acceptance of the trans community out in the world, younger kids are getting the help they need sooner. I am both happy for them and extremely jealous. There's no heard cutoff unless you're talking about your own deteriorating health. There are limits to what an endocrinologist will let you do to your body.

 

So yeah, incredibly personal process. There is no one true way. There are no goals set in stone. This process, if you choose to undertake it, is for you. Your happiness. Your mental health. Nobody else has a right to tell you what you need to do to be happy.

What she said. Lol

Jackie is spot on.  I’m 52 and just started hrt.  I had tried self medicating for a few years and luckily I did not hurt or kill myself doing so.  
I do not recommend self medicating at all.  
I am in a much happier place now.  

[NB Adult]

Couldn't have possibly said it any better than Jackie other than to add this: First count the cost in terms of what you wish to achieve and how you will finance it, also count the cost in terms of the carnage to marriage, family and lost friendships. 

[Lee H]

Thanks Jackie and friends. That was a thoughtful reply, and I appreciate the effort and the good info.

Rather than trying to push through some progressive sequence, I'm hearing let the sequence come to me on its own time, if at all. [?]

[Ellora]

The “expectations” are personal. What is our own expectation(s). Someone else’s expectation(s) can be totally different. Sure, there Are “expectations” that others have for themselves and transitioning itself. People like lists, expectations, guidelines, rules, etc..., so they feel like they are “doing it right.” But ultimately, it’s our own expectations that we should try to follow.

What do we what, what do You want. How far do you want to go? For some it might be easy, for others it might be difficult. 

I waited until I was 53 yrs old to begin my journey, sure I’ve been using make up and women’s clothing for several years (at home only) but I didn’t make the Big step until this year. And it’s started off very quickly. I was fortunate that one of my Primary Doctor specialties is with transgender people. Another fortunate thing , the gender therapist she referred me to also specializes in helping the transgender community. After I found out easy it was to get an Orchiectomy, my dr put everything into motion. That took a about a month, had the surgery, Looooooooooove It! 

Im able to wear the clothes I wanted to for a while, but at home. I haven’t come out to anyone else but my doctors, my pharmacy, and my best friend. I don’t feel the need to, it’s my life. 

Ive been doing my Journey, he way I want to, with the help of my Doctors of course. I will keep going at my pace, cause it’s my life. I don’t worry so much about the way others do things, cause it’s my life. 

I do listen and take plenty advice, especially from TG. The people hear are simply wonderful. You can’t get advice better from those who have and continue to walk the walk, but in the end, I make the final decision, because.... it’s my life.

i wish you the best in your journey. Be patient, enjoy the baby steps, enjoy life! 

[Ellora]

3 hours ago, Jackie C. said:

 timelines are incredibly personal as well. Some people try to rush through the process. Others take years between steps and procedures to really get a feel for what they're doing to their minds and bodies.

This☝?  

 

3 hours ago, Jackie C. said:

It's all about what YOU need to do to make yourself comfortable in YOUR skin. If you're living your best life, you're done. If you still feel like you're being crushed by the weight of your dysphoria, then maybe you still have some searching to do.

And This ☝?

 

3 hours ago, Jackie C. said:

There is no too old. You get better results if you start younger, but people transition when they're ready.

This too ☝?

 

3 hours ago, Jackie C. said:

There is no one true way. There are no goals set in stone. This process, if you choose to undertake it, is for you. Your happiness. Your mental health. Nobody else has a right to tell you what you need to do to be happy.

Definitely this ☝?

[TommieAnne]

I'm not the oldest here, but I've yet to start HRT.

It took me until I was 68 years old to figure myself out and start my path forward towards transition. I'm going to go step at a time until I'm where I want to be.

One thing for certain, "granny panties" aren't my style, despite my age.

[Ellora]

43 minutes ago, TammyAnne said:

One thing for certain, "granny panties" aren't my style, despite my age.

? Thongs are the best!! I feel subconscious about the possibility of “panty lines.”

[TommieAnne]

39 minutes ago, Ellora said:

? Thongs are the best!! I feel subconscious about the possibility of “panty lines.”

Honestly, I have always loved bikinis. I even wore them in the Army.

Thong... I'm not real warm and fuzzy about the concept.

If someone stares at my panty lines, it's probably the only attention I'll get anyway.

[Ellora]

1 hour ago, TammyAnne said:

bikinis

Bikini type are my second fav ?

[Lee H]

On 11/26/2019 at 1:07 PM, TammyAnne said:

I'm not the oldest here, but I've yet to start HRT.

It took me until I was 68 years old to figure myself out and start my path forward towards transition. I'm going to go step at a time until I'm where I want to be.

One thing for certain, "granny panties" aren't my style, despite my age.

Mine neither....