Afraid & Don't Want Some Changes on Transition Hormones?

[@toddg6331]

This is a good topic! I'm nonbinary transmasc, started low dose testosterone a month ago, and very glad I did. 6 months ago, I'd already done a lot of social transition and I just wanted a slightly deeper voice. I didn't want other changes, especially bottom growth. I opened up to the possibilities of hormones over a few months. I started to feel more comfortable in a masculine identity and with some other changes. It was still really scary to start though. When you're assigned-female-at-birth, society warns you about "ruining your body" with testosterone. It feels like there is no going back. At the same time, you have to live with the fact you won't pass as a man (right away or ever). After my first weekly shot, I freaked out and worried I was not "truly" trans. Fortunately I had a supportive doctor (who is also trans) that told me I can stop if I think it's a mistake. She said I can even come back 6 weeks later and say, actually, it was not a mistake, and start again. As a nonbinary person, and especially as an anxious person who overthinks big decisions, these things were helpful: 1) Actually going to the doctor and doing the informed consent forms, so that it is more real. 2) Taking a break from trans KZbinrs and influencers, especially their transition timelines and montages. 3) Taking a break from *de-transition* KZbinrs. (Personally it is just not healthy or helpful to my journey for me to engage too much with these stories. No two people are the same.) 4) Realizing the changes are actually quite slow. After a month on testosterone, I haven't really had changes. So I can just take it day by day and see how I feel. The longer I am on it the more comfortable I feel with the changes I wasn't as excited about. 5) Realizing that there are downsides to any biological sex characteristics. Being grossed out by something (e.g. being super sweaty) does not mean you are not trans.

[@DRZPHD]

What a great great comment and I love how you broke things down as this helps so many! Thank you so much. You are absolutely right. Also, the biggest mistake I see people make is to collude with the experiences of others vs trying things out slowly and listen to themselves.

[@alexrose20]

I love this comment. I'm also nonbinary. Have you noticed any changes now?

[@toddg6331]

@@alexrose20 Thank you! Not big ones haha. T-zone non-cystic acne. Sweatyness. My vocal range can go a bit lower, but I've also been practicing singing and stuff.

[@freval2493]

Great comment! I think I’m Nonbinary Transfem and I feel like the “take a break from trans youtube” is a really good one. One of my biggest mistakes is to think that other people’s experiences are the same as my own, it’s something I do unconsciously and would love to know how you dealt with it

[@toddg6331]

@@freval2493 Is it bad to unconsciously assume other people's experiences are like yours? So long as you are not using other people's experiences to invalidate yourself, or vice versa, I think that's fine. I have developed an online and real-life circle of trans friends, binary and nonbinary. Just chatting with them you become aware of the wide wide range of experiences. And as my one friend put it: "The reason that we transition is because it is affirming. All that matters is whether doing X or Y will feel affirming to you."

[@alexrose20]

I wish we could pick and choose lol

[@DRZPHD]

I hear you!

[@NatureLover-pj2qe]

Same

[@sewerrat9875]

same

[@MidnightEkaki]

Maybe one day science will allow that.

[@RosheenQuynh]

@@MidnightEkaki I was gonna say!

[@Ozisl]

Thanks. I feel really left out as nonbinary. The dysphoria is real, but the treatments are bad.

[@DRZPHD]

Yes I so hear you and I am sorry.

[@Mandy-nt2cs]

What is dysphoria like for a Non-Binary feeling person?

[@claraladuelliste5769]

​@@Mandy-nt2csdepends on the person, just like with "binary" identities there isnt a single experience with ones body In my case i did not want to become a visibly adult man i did not want a rough skin i did not like having facial hair (still dont but takes eons to remove) i did not want to become bald and i definitely did not want the libido i had so basically i took estrogen not so much as a way of trying to make myself look conventionally feminine or like a woman (although i do occasionally present femininely) but to offset effects of puberty and reverse them and try to attain a kind of comfortable childish androgyny. Ideally i would have prefferred to not grow breasts but im dangerously underweight so they're not too large that they cause much issue to me. Im lucky in a way because my needs were attainable with conventional hrt treatment, it can be a lot more difficult depending on the needs of the person That being said, more androgynous medical procedures are also not made available. I could definitely have had a double mastectomy before taking estrogen and therefore not grown breasts, and if done at that point it wouldnt even have left a mark, but because of how society is structured this simply wasnt allowed meaning i was forced to grow breasts if i wanted all the other effects of estrogens

[@jedheart8059]

​@@Mandy-nt2csbasically, feels like you never thought of yourself as a girl. I would tell my extended family, my mom's cousins, that I was a boy, since I was very young. I had the attitude that I was a boy throughout my childhood. But then my boy friends started to ditch me, hanging out with each other instead in jr high. I made friends with girls because that's was was left. I could not understand why they were so excited about boys. I did not have a sensation of attraction until I fell in love with my best friend in highschool. All of a sudden, I was in love. All of the romantic feelings and sensations were intense. That started with the first kiss. It was electric. We were together for 6 years. I wanted to Come Out. She didn't. She was in fear of not having a career path. We were in the class set in the 80s. Only one of our many friends knew. He was our closest friend. I actually wanted a sex change. I had the application for dysphoria right at about age 18-9 in the 80s. But she did not want me to do that. She was Catholic and Conservative. I was very open minded vs her. We still think a lot alike in many ways. I was on the phone with her for some hours last night. She has been with her second partner since a few years after we broke up. We did want different things. I wanted land and to grow my own food. I do. My married partner who identifies as non-binary fem but not female, also had a house where she was planning to grow food with her former partner. He did not want that lifestyle and married another partner, a woman. However, there is more complexity as my partner did not know they were non-binary. There were no words for that in Australia and they didn't know any LGBTQI people. Whereas I came out to my family at 16, after my first relationship ended, I came out everywhere with everyone and met lots of as hundreds of LGBTQI people as I became an Activist for years back when I was still young. I kept checking books about trans over the decades but realized I did not want surgeries. I had bone reconstructions in the Army. I have permit neuropathy from nerve damage. I did not want nerve damage. I have lived as non-binary for decades. My first love and I both referred to ourselves as Androgenous. I actually think it sounds better. Non-binary sounds like a math term. But whatever. We both signed up for Non-Binary on our California license cards. We are officially Non-Binary. After all these years, I found out the VA has a program for supporting LGBTQI and transitional services. So, I am finally parting in gender affirming care as a Veteran client. The numbers of LGBTQI in the Military and VA is staggering really. Yet when you consider a lifestyle where you get to work and travel and meet people around the world, it fits for people who don't fit into a cookie cutter mold.

[@Kadaspala]

​@@Mandy-nt2csIt varies depending on the individual. Which is likely true for binary trans people as well, granted, but non-binary itself a sort of a catch-all umbrella term for everyone who falls outside of said binary. I'm non-binary myself, but in a very bigender/genderfluid sense. Meaning sometimes I want to present more masculine, sometimes more feminine, and most the time I want to present as both. As such, as an AMAB, I'd love to grow some breasts. But I also want my penis to remain fully intact and functional. Other non-binary people may feel more comfortable with a an agender-esque presentation and therefore AMABs may not want to grow breasts but would like softer skin and other such changes that come with estrogen, while AFABs may want to bind, get a mastectomy, etc. Again, there's a lot of variation. But regardless dysphoria be dysphoria: the sense that your gender presentation/how people perceived you just doesn't jive with your assigned gender at birth.

[@Jocelyn_Jade]

The changes are definitely slow and sudden that you won’t feel a sudden change. All the changes to your body come slowly. It feels intuitive transformation. If we were just given the end result with no time and effort, it would be overwhelming. The transition is a journey and I love it. 💗

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TheLaughingOut]

I was terrified of the sexual side effects as someone who is not planning on getting any surgeries. But the longer I'm on HRT the more ok I've become with all of it. I'm still functional, but also not so sex-driven. Every trans woman I know says that even though their sexuality changed, it didn't disappear. And that actually sounds wonderful.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing.

[@TheLaughingOut]

@Sacha Barbie Ok, but mine was never asleep

[@neowolf09]

​@@TheLaughingOut so I have a question maybe you can answer to. It's not the ability to "Washington monument" so to speak I'm afraid of losing, in fact I can think of many benefits to it for me personally, but the loss of the ability to umm, receive intense moments of pleasure, is what I worry about. If you know what I mean. 😅

[@TheLaughingOut]

@@neowolf09 I only know a few trans women personally enough to inquire about their intense moments, but none of them have lost that ability and many (including myself) say that the moments get better. Nothing permanent happens suddenly though. If you start HRT and you find that something unwanted is happening, you can stop.

[@neowolf09]

@@TheLaughingOut ok awesomness thats good to know. thank you very much for answering my q so quick

[@MarzMunRogue]

Dr reads our minds lol..im nonbinary low dose ...for some reason my hormones are kicking in fast...i want to remain "in the middle" but ill welcome it all

[@DRZPHD]

Discuss with your doctor to manage your dosage.

[@MarzMunRogue]

Thank you Dr ! Will do ❤

[@Azurekate]

I’m 10 months on estrogen, I feel lucky because for me it’s been an enormous gain and very little give. Even what I thought I lost, sexually, I gained something else entirely unexpected. So I would say manage expectations for unwanted changes but also there may be some good things that surprise you!

[@DRZPHD]

Well said!

[@Mandy-nt2cs]

How long does it take to know if you've gained the high risk of heart attack, stroke, blood clots, osteoporosis, early onset dementia, diabetes, other early forms of aging, autoimmune diseases ect. Is there a way to tell which you'll be predisposed to?

[@PolyphiaGroupie]

I'm transfem (binary) and really want everything but breast growth seems scary, not in general but rather size. I'm scared of back pain and also scared of them being so big its the first thing many people look at and then being sexualized. Also really scared of not being able to boymode anymore bc of breasts when I dont pass in other aspects yet.

[@richardmanguse6022]

Again. Thank you for your many kindnesses. A few months into HRT MtF, 55. I have no expectations of real success. However, I feel the reduction in Testosterone has made an amazing improvement in daily life. Estrogen is slow and mysterious. Dr Z you are an amazing asset, please continue you're hard work.

[@DRZPHD]

Thank you for sharing and glad my content is helpful.

[@rvdareyet7201]

I am having the same experience! I’m so much calmer and happier.

[@circlebird9013]

After several months of back and forth with myself about whether or not I should pursue hrt (I'm amab), I have come to the conclusion that it is almost certainly the correct path. Unfortunately, I am still terrified of losing strength -- not that I have much now (no working out will do that), but the thought of suddenly not being able to pick up and move things, or of physical vulnerability in the world is just so scary to me.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and some fears regarding potential losses is normal.

[@RainVine]

You can be a strong woman with regular gym and indoor bouldering, I have been fit and strong and can pick people up. Just takes a bit longwe to build up. But yeah it is frustrating, I was born in a frmale body but I def wish I were male so I could be stronger! But nothing beats a strong boyfriend wrapping his arms around me and snuggling against his heart. He becomes my strength and I love being his emotional strength when he's sad and doesn't know how to cope with it... We are spirits in unique bodies here to learn, the body isn't us just as a car is not the driver. But damn boy clothes make me feel great.

[@lxcky21]

Testosterone sounds daunting to me, but on the other hand, one of the things that used to seem daunting is body hair, and lately as I’ve been looking at surgery results I’ve been thinking that a bit of hair on a chest makes the scars less apparent and went as far as thinking that it looks nicer, then I realized that I had a “too bad I won’t have much hair like that” mindset! Then I remembered how when I reached puberty I was originally fine with my body hair growing, until my ENTIRE school made fun of me for being hairy and I kept it for a while because I couldn’t understand why I was getting shit about it and not the boys... Now I think I was shamed into not liking body hair and I kinda want it....

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing.

[@neowolf09]

I can totally relate but kinda opposite. I will say I feel like testosterone is daunting to me, but I've also always felt the exact opposite of you about my body hair, I hated it when it came in and tried to shave it, wore shorts to school one day and some "friends" made fun of me for shaving my legs, I not only basically tried to force myself to like my body hair, which never worked, I also wore pretty much nothing but pants and a hoodie to hide me arm and leg hairs from myself, even through the hot summer in Texas. So the idea of it thinning and maybe being easier to have fully and permanently removed in the future sounds absolutely wonderful to me. As well as a lot of other stuff about estrogen. Tho I do have my small worries. But you can't have your cake and eat it too lol Just thought it was interesting to relate in an opposite way and wanted to share. Have a good one!

[@metown12234]

Really appreciate you!

[@DRZPHD]

I appreciate that!

[@태이씨]

Its such a great supportive community here in the comments! 🤧

[@sligothmanson]

I'm struggling with the fear of starting testosterone for more than 3 years. I can't picture how I will look afterwards and the changes kind of scare me as well as the potential health problems that might come too. The second one could be from internalizing all the threats my family used to say to me. I saw the video of the inner self but still even if I'm trying to focus on just me and my progress I'm not very sure that I can.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and I wish you well.

[@mysticalcapricorn1233]

Hey, did you ever start testosterone?

[@sligothmanson]

@@mysticalcapricorn1233 yes and it's going great

[@orbitalresonance1842]

So i just figured out that im nb based strongly on social dysphoria. It's not that I dislike being seen as a man, but i strongly dislike *only* being seen as a man. I've always had some but never more than mild physical dysphoria. I've been self medding for almost a month now, and am going through this. (I want go through a doctor because i want blood drawn, make sure things are where i'd like them to be, not guess). When i began breast development i panicked and thought i should stop because I've never had more than mild physical dysphoria. But I *love* the effects E is having on my brain chemistry! And aside from fears of swimming season having more breast tissue, I also love the physical effects. So yeah, i think I need to get on a controlled microdose. The suggestion of actually writing down pros/cons vs having them jumble in your head is really good.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing. Yes I think pros/cons list is especially helpful guidance for non binary identified. Good luck.

[@kaizaki9148]

Thanks for this, this is exactly how I'm feeling, kinda scared of breast growth because of low dysphoria and fear of regret. But I almost know it's the right path

[@That_dark_ranger]

I feel the focus is mainly on the physical effects of hormones and that is mostly slower then the emotional side of it. Everyone is different but it's a hell of an emotional rollercoaster/ how people will treat you as you go further into changes and just something to keep in mind. If your questioning yourself , defo don't rush to hormones , transitioning isn't for everyone. One of the questions I had to ask myself before I went on hormones was how do I see myself when I'm like 60 or 70 years old. Do I see an old man or old woman . Hormones are serious and I've seen people rush in and then regret it later . Take your time , there's no rush

[@leroyMXII]

Exactly the question that sealed the deal for me) currently i have a problem that I'm not sure how to deal with being 27 and look like a young kid ,i already got this treatment from the others where I'm a teenage boy and I hate it . I know for sure I don't want ever in my life to be an old woman or an androgynous looking older person, only a dude) old with a beard))) and my tattoos) but what to do now and how to be this kinda young, kinda not, gay boy with a "secret"(bottom dysphoria ) which is like number one thing among gay men - the question about your d***,i hate this position and I don't know what to do... I don't want to go back ,I'm uncomfortable being in this andro stage, cause people just downplay me to being masculine female which i hate with my core ,but the second option is terrifyng to me. Wow i think I went off just now) honestly ,it's the first time I'm saying this )

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@leroyMXII Enjoy looking like a young kid while you can. lol. You've got a long time before you need to worry about being an old whatever. Transition is a journey blah blah blah... Best of luck for you.

[@DRZPHD]

Very well said!

[@moniquedupres6107]

Wise words, I’m 57 so approaching my 60s and my biggest concern is coming out to spouse and family but I confess I’ve thought about this idea of do I want to be an old lady or an old man thing before more than once. Perhaps ‘old’ is to far away but the image of a gentile retired ‘lady’, traveling, gardening, enjoying life is actually very appealing. Monique xx 💋

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@moniquedupres6107 I had this same choice as well and my mind recoiled in horror at the thought of being "an old man". That is why pretty much the "end state" of my transition plan (such as it i) goal/ideal is "little ol' lady" because... it is the only one that is realistically open to me at this point. Such is the tragedy of late awareness...

[@claraladuelliste5769]

Ive been on hrt for 9 months and it was one of the best decisions ive ever taken. I dont necessarily like having breasts but even then im so underweight that they're still of an acceptably small size (although i do hope they wont grow more), and its honestly a tradeoff i can live for in exchange for how soft my skin is, how i regrew hair and completely stopped male pattern baldness, how the fat redistribution in my face made me look cuter and younger and more androgynous, how thin and sparce my body hair has become and how practically extinguished my libido has been Basically im considering getting a binder but otherwise im happy with every change so far and mostly hoping they continue further (especially facial feminization, my face is pretty much the only part of my body still giving me occasional but very strong dysphoria)

[@natashaxdress]

Hi. May i ask if the genital still function ? I heard from some people they getting dysfunctional erection / hard to get har, is that true ? Will the DE pill can help it ? Which hrt u take ? Patch, pill or injection ? 🙏

[@claraladuelliste5769]

@@natashaxdress they dont work and im happy about it, i dont want them to work

[@natashaxdress]

@@claraladuelliste5769 oh ok. Now it makes me doubt to take hrt then. I want to keep my genital functional but also want to hv more fem appearance. 😭😭😭😭

[@natashaxdress]

@@claraladuelliste5769 thanks for responding. ❤️

[@claraladuelliste5769]

@@natashaxdress just use local testosterone gel when you need it to work tbf

[@deathpigeon2]

You can't fully control HRT, but it's also just not true that you can't pick and choose. There are healthy ways to go on just testosterone antagonists because they only block uptake, not production, of testosterone. There are also SERMs and SARMs which can target hormones to specific areas of your body. There *are* trade offs regardless, but there are also a lot of different ways to do HRT which can actually serve to pick and choose what results you get. Acting as if these options do not exist is something that kept me from seeking medical transition for years even tho it has helped me a lot. Actually seeing an endocrinologist and getting the effects of being only on spironolactone explained to me helped alleviate my worries and has helped me transition with confidence. I highly suggest seeing a good endocrinologist and discussing options if parts of binary medical transition are unwanted by you so you can see if you can craft a transition plan that is tailored to your wants and needs.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and absolutely agree. The challenge is also finding endocrinologist that will explore various options. Glad to hear you found one working for you.

[@deathpigeon2]

@@DRZPHD That is a challenge and finding a good endocrinologist is important. But it's also important that the the knowledge that this is something possible is shared, not just for the sake of the nonbinary people it'd help, but also for the sake of the endocrinologists who could get out of their limited states of mind. Instead of insisting that you can't pick or choose with hrt, it's important that all the options are shared, and the difficulty in exploring those options, instead of simply treating them as they don't exist. Non-standard medical transition can save lives for many nonbinary people and acting like non-standard transition doesn't exist when discussing the difficulties with medical transition for nonbinary people is not helping at all.

[@topolatte]

Thanks a lot for the comment. Do you know if there's a site or something where I can do some research in detail for the different types of hrt?

[@zayaweight9579]

i think this video has given me a little more confidence & clarity in regards to hormone treatment. i want nearly every single aspect of feminizing hormones really badly, & i’m quite certain testosterone is a poison on my brain, but the breast development intimidates me. i think i do want breasts but all the implications of suddenly starting to grow breasts is a bit scary. at this point i’m convinced it’s worth it & i want to get hormones as soon as i am able. i came out to a few close friends recently & discovered your videos a few days ago & these two things have been a massive help in figuring myself out. thank you so much for doing this! it means so much!

[@DRZPHD]

Thank you for sharing and glad to hear the content is helpful.

[@skychavis392]

I’m a trans guy and haven’t started T yet, but I can’t wait to start! I really hope I don’t start losing my hair and hope I don’t get any acne, but neither of those things would stop me from starting T. Like you said, life’s a trade-off. My mom always taught me that about everything. It applies to hormones as well. But I’m sure for me the good will far outweigh any negative aspects that may pop up.

[@DRZPHD]

Well said and I wish you all the best.

[@Girlsforever1982]

I was on HRT for about 2 months but my social transition isn't where I thought it would be and I haven't found an inclusive job (pandemic is making that extra hard) so I stopped taking hormones until I'm more ready for the changes. There's no problem with stopping hrt, waiting for hrt, or even deciding HRT is not for you. It's your life, go at your own speed. Great videos. 🤗🤗

[@surfygirl9662]

yeah maybe. Dont wait too long though HRT really does next too nothing past a certain age. It depends on what you want I guess.

[@DRZPHD]

@Stephanie, you are absolutely right about deciding what works best for you. I agree a 100%

[@heretomakeitclear4194]

The only thing I’m afraid of with estradiol is the weight gain and fact that it can’t change everything in terms removing Adam’s apple, softening shoulders, change voice pitch, ect. 😞 I’m hesitant despite being on it for 3 days so far

[@altheapolyam]

Although I'm not on hormones, I feel you so hard q.q hope everything goes alrighty, and hey, if you're not convinced with hormones after a bit, it's okey to stop taking them and consider other options. GL and stay safe dear ❤️

[@abeilleb1755]

Hey, there are surgeries for shoulders, voice pitch and resonance and adam's apple too, with femlar voice surgery Dr Thomas it is removed ''naturally", for bone structure of the face etc in order to remove what male puberty did if we did not transition prior to puberty

[@visaman]

I don't think it's a weight gain as much as fat distribution. Like Meghan Trainor sang, Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two But I can shake it, shake it Like I'm supposed to do 'Cause I got that boom, boom That all the boys chase And all the right junk in all the right places

[@obsidianjane4413]

Weight gain will be a problem, not so much from the E but from the T-blockers sending your metabolism to the basement. You have to be VERY conscious of your calorie intake and very deliberate in your exercise routine. Tons of cardio and all lower body and core. Zero arms. Luckily dysphoria is a slave driver. Listen to her and she will be the best/worst life coach in the world.

[@visaman]

@@obsidianjane4413 not to mention your Potassium intake. I am constantly low in Potassium.

[@MinnieWer]

This really hits close-- My dysphoria worsened during the pandemic, and given it oftentimes joins forces with the eating disorder, I feel very torn. On the one hand, the idea of taking T and allowing my body to take on different silhouette (maybe different voice, too) sounds so tempting and nice. On the second, trade-offs (possible balding, change in the voice for /worse/) put fear in me. And on yet another, I'm no longer sure if the changes I crave are because of dysphoria or because of ED which constantly pushes that idea that "thinner = better", be it actual fat or the way muscles and fat and /bones/ are laid out in 3D space... Life sure is a tough cookie.

[@DRZPHD]

Thank you for sharing and I wish you all the best.

[@PurpleMetal75]

As someone who might be a trans woman, I want to start by saying, "Thanks!" So many transgender youtubers I've watched treat HRT like it's some rite of passage. I have a sexual desire for women with colored hair, and I really don't want to lose that love to HRT. This video confirmed what I feared and gave me a more honest perspective. Thanks again! :)

[@DRZPHD]

You are welcome. I am not a fan of overly affirmative care. This is a serious life altering decision and if you are ready for it, I am 100% with you.

[@hi-rh9cq]

I'm a transman and starting testosterone hrt in a month. I'm super excited because I've been waiting for a LOT of years but I'm also a few things I'm concerned about: *-losing my hair/receding hairline.* I *love* my hair and my hair not looking good gives me massive dysphoria so I'm kinda scared of that.I hope my hair wont thin out too much, my dad still has all of his hair and he is almost 50 so i hope it will be the same for me. *-acne and rough skin.* I have very clear, smooth and soft skin so losing that really sucks. *-bad smell* My smell is pretty okay, so i hope testosterone won't make me reek too bad lol but at the same time I'm kind of excited because being sweaty makes me feel more manly for some weird reason I'm mostly happy about my voice changing, the masculine face features, the body getting more masculine and changing fat distribution to a more masculine frame, bottom growth, being less emotional, muscles, losing my period and of course growing a fancy beard haha. This video is great btw, i loved it

[@DRZPHD]

I like how aware you are of things you want and things you do not want. There is sometimes a trade off of sorts with transition, unfortunately. As long as you are aware of pros and cons.

[@MajorenSnor]

Thank you dr Z for all the information you have provided for people in transition or thinking about it. You really make us feel heard and cared for. Thank you so much!

[@gwendolinegoetz9224]

Hormone therapy has fully random results. After almost two years, the effects are slowly happening. Things that were important for me were the social transition followed by administive transition. On body perspective, the most important things were facial hair removal (electrolysis) - a "dysphoria" that I have since my youth - and voice feminization (as well as singing training). Not sure that I will continue hormones on a life time basis. This is not so important for my daily life. I have the chance to have no secondary effect.

[@DRZPHD]

Yes HRT doesn’t always produce expected results, sadly.

[@surfygirl9662]

Yeah after male puberty female hormones do very little. Genuine social transition is impossible after a certain age as well.. I find it amazing how many trans women start hormones and stress about their work finding out they r on HRT. It's like naaaah no one Will notice the negligible changes u get off female hormones.

[@gwendolinegoetz9224]

@@surfygirl9662 In short, you are saying "not trans enough". What is "genuine social transition" especially "genuine" ? Did you know when I started my social transition ? Do you know the effects or not of hormones on me ? Do you know my expectations, if any ? For information, you should know for example that my wife as most old women is also out of hormones. It's called menopause. Is it a drama ?

[@gwendolinegoetz9224]

@Sacha Barbie Misplaced comment as ever.

[@surfygirl9662]

@@gwendolinegoetz9224 Well I mean a transition that will have the best mental health outcome. Passing or generally being perceived as your desired gender leads to much better mental health. Its sad because rarely happens if you transition after puberty. That's why i don't think transition is a viable option to treat gender dysphoria. If you going to be miss gendered than thats not going to help gender dysphoria. Im of course talking here exclusively about people who are assigned male ,who wished too function in society as women. The window to treat gender dysphoria for these people is tiny thats all i meant. Im not sure what your wifes menopause has to do with anything though?? I was talking about the infectiveness of HRT on trans women. Taking HRT for menopause isnt even in the same ball park

[@Starmander]

Well this is interesting because I just scheduled my first consultation last night! I'm not sure how I'll feel about the trade offs but I've done so much research at this point that I've decided to just take a step forward. If I don't like what it feels like and what's happening to me, I'll stop.

[@DRZPHD]

I wish you all the best! Follow what feels right to you.

[@natashaxdress]

Hey. Can you pls update ? ☹️ Hows the transition? MTF or FTM ?

[@Starmander]

@@natashaxdress I had to stop because my wife was opposed. MTF

[@natashaxdress]

@@Starmander does it affecting ur genital ? Make it less hard or DE while u were on it? Sorry to hear that anyway, but do u manage still dressup without transition now ?

[@Starmander]

@@natashaxdress While I was taking it I had more erections, actually. I think its because I was excited about transitioning. I don't really dress up, unfortunately. Too stressful.

[@yovngrahhh]

THIS IS A REALLY NEEDED VIDEO. WE NEED MORE LIKE THESE

[@maygayming5275]

Fortunately all of the changes I don't want from feminizing hormone therapy are easily reversible by adding testosterone once I get the changes I do want and then I can find some balance of the two that works for me.

[@DRZPHD]

Wishing you all the best.

[@azraeltheabomination]

something that helps me with those tradeoffs im fearful of is to research what possible remedies there are thatvi coukd realistically take if it should occur.

[@declan-kayodekeegan1598]

I had a dream the other night in which I woke up to discover I had grown full large breasts and I was panicking on how ridiculous I'd look going to work in my still male clothing with big breasts! 😂😂😂 I woke up laughing about the dream but I realised it was a manifestation of one of my concerns at the moment. While I've started social transition and still waiting to start therapy before I can start on hormones, I still don't know how I want to handle work with coming out to them as a trans female.

[@harmalalkaloid]

Your comfort matters more than theirs! And believe me, you will be surprised at who reacts well and who doesn’t. Many people are closeted themselves and being brave enough to be visible in the work place might even shift many opinions and start a lot of needed conversation. Wish you the best on your journey 💕

[@obsidianjane4413]

I've had that dream too!

[@DRZPHD]

That’s a very compensatory dream of your conscious anxieties. I agree with what one person said below regarding thinking of what matters to you most. I also agree that you’d be surprised how people react.

[@ThePathOfAshes]

Thanks you for making this video, I'm starting my therapy with a gender specialised psychologist next week and one of the things I want to discuss with them is whether HRT will be worthwhile for me or not as am (afab) nonbinary person. After waiting for this therapy to start for a year now I've went from "I dont think so but I want to explore my options with a professional" to "theres things I'd like but I cant picture them well and I'm scared" (and realising part of the fear is somehow becoming "ugly"). I've started watching other peoples experiences with HRT on YT and its been so frequent lately that I cannot escape the thought that I may be so occupied with the idea because I do want it. Allowing myself the room to just explore the idea in my head and doing other non-invasive things to try out a more masculine expression have slowly opened up my mind to "recognise" a manly version of myself in a laptop reflection for example, but I'm also kicking against the idea that, I dont want to be a man, and I do feel more masculine, but without leaning more into that masculinity I feel I may never escape "womanhood". I guess as to actually taking hormones, it matters more that you can live with the changes you dont want or they dont outweight the ones you do want.

[@DRZPHD]

I hear you. For a non binary person HRT is a tricky due to some changes you dont want. I say its all really about exploring and giving yourself time to understand what it is you are looking for. Glad you have your appt coming up and wishing you all the best.

[@ryptoll4801]

This is very true. I've been on testosterone for 6+ years in the past, and it was very much worth it for me. But of course, I also got changes I'm not super fond of. I got a lot of acne, and as a result, my skin looks like a scarred battle field. But I accepted that, and as I've always been prone to acne, I knew it would with very high likelihood get worse on T. So I excepted it would happen. But because I already had acne, getting more of it, just wasn't a big deal for me. It calmed down after a couple years on T though, thankfully! I also started balding at around age 27, which I didn't realise at first, and it came as a surprise, as I didn't even consider it prior to starting testosterone. I mean I knew it could happen, but I just thought that I wouldn't get it, due to my family history. I always used to pride myself in having long hair. But even that, the balding, I managed to accept. I'm growing my beard long now instead. It took me about 3 months to go from panickingly holding onto my long hair, to shaving it off and owning the bald head. I'm that kinda person who easily embraces change, positive and negative. Aside from the acne and the balding (and a few fairly minor side effects) I love everything testosterone gave me. So it was 100% the right decision for me to take it, and I'm now anticipating going back on it. Just gonna wait to freeze my eggs first. I may go off it again at some point in the future for having a baby, but aside from that, me and T are forever. It's absolutely not a miracle drug, but it helps me love my body, and feel at home in it, and that is almost a miracle, all things considered. I had very extreme dysphoria pre-transition, and now it's rather mild, which is a huge contrast. Also I'm now 31 years old, and I first started taking testosterone at age 21. I went on "full/standard" dose (to match cis male levels of testosterone.) I masculinised a lot, and quickly, which was very rewarding and exciting for me. I'm unsure of my identity, but I'm probably a trans man, but struggling to accept it. I guess I feel shame for liking being FTM instead of wishing I was a cis man. Oh, well. Also, my favourite changes that I got are body hair, facial hair, deep voice, and well erhm... clit growth. And that I just feel better on testosterone. Like... more alive. Also I really like that I can pass well as male now, even when I wear makeup and feminine clothing, which I enjoy on occasion. I can blend in among cis men so well that even transphobes call me a man, because they mistake me for being AMAB/bio male, lol.

[@DRZPHD]

Thank you for sharing and yes, often there are at least some minor changes we don't wont. Overall, it should be worth it, otherwise why do it.

[@ryptoll4801]

@@DRZPHD I completely agree with you on that point!

[@karaputtagio5034]

Question - I’ve seen a few afab non binary people on low dose testosterone also take DHT to suppress facial hair growth and prevent or suppress male pattern baldness and undergrowth - what is your opinion on this?

[@DRZPHD]

I suggest always checking in with your medical doctor to see how various options can work for you.

[@mikethegoo]

This really helped. Though I'm still afraid of not being sure enough about this, having seen what the hormones would do includes, honestly, only results I would be happy with. Now, I wouldn't be upset if they didn't all happen THAT much, as long as they happen in general.

[@DRZPHD]

I hear you. Pros and cons list is morning and looking at everything objectively.

[@mikethegoo]

@@DRZPHD thank you, ma'am

[@corenisveryconfused]

I'm afraid of; Higher libido because I'm asexual with like none of one and that's legit terrifying to me to suddenly gain I want; Facial hair Not to age on my bodies current path Voice lowering very much please To be able to look at myself in the mirror without discomfort Tbh I think I need to go on T but I think that first fear is still going to be there for me

[@DRZPHD]

Hi and thanks for sharing. Yes, higher libido is very very common on T and I wonder if your medical doctor may have a suggestion on how to lower it with some form of supplemental.

[@queerpeen]

That's a valid fear. Before starting T, I already had a high libido and was also afraid of that libido increasing. But luckily for me, I didn't notice any increase of it. Then again, every body is different and I'm not asexual, but there might be a chance if you go on a low dose it won't heavily affect your libido or it's so gradual it isn't as noticeable. Anyway, good luck if you decide to start HRT!

[@sewerrat9875]

@Sacha Barbie not all people are allosexual and thats ok so please stop invalidatg asexual people

[@kat4341]

I'm 56 years old, I'm just starting my transition. Already have a business and have started purchasing a house my neighbors know me as a male. I am extremely worried that as changes start I will I have to move and seek new employment although it is my company. I am with the public daily. Don't know if I have what it takes, to go through with HRT. But I want it ASAP.

[@leroyMXII]

I feel for you so much !!! Wish you the best of luck and extreme amount of patience. It takes courage to transition around people who remember you differently...

[@DRZPHD]

I am so sorry to hear and I wish you all the best.

[@kat4341]

PS I am married, and although she wasn't prepared for this, she seems to be handling it quite well she is truly my best friend and my oldest son knows.

[@surfygirl9662]

You shouldn't worry about that. Unless you change your presentation, the physical changes from HRT are not likely to be noticed. They are more often than not negligible at best. I very much doubt HRT would out you.

[@bobbylee9727]

Tell your employees that, in order to keep their jobs, they all have to transition: problem solved...lol. Seriously, be yourself, ok? If you are a good boss, people won't care about your gender.

[@annalisepardew8198]

While I was “concerned” with what will change, or more WHEN will I be seeing changes. I don’t really hear many people talking about the mental transition you go through while on hormones, etc. There so much more than softer skin, breast development. Mood swings, “Thinking” like a vos woman, fat redistribution + weight gain, what hormones don’t correct such as voice pitch. All of the above weighed so heavily on me and there just isn’t much focus on that.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and I agree. We are often too focused on physical and not mental changes. Hormones sadly are one of those things one has to try to see what effect you will get.

[@luissonador]

The emotional changes were the most heartbreaking for me and loss of muscle mass were a way way distant second, after close to a decade of m2f hrt. Your genetics, age, and environment dictates your changes. Dr Z is spot on. Everybody develops differently.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and I am sorry you experienced some changes you didn’t like.

[@robindz8502]

I am not sure about not wanting changes; of course there is some stuff we would like to avoid but at the end, perfection does not exist furthermore, If we do not wish to change there is always cross dressing (at least for M2F). Transition helped me a lot but dysphoria is still with me, and I have come to cope with the idea that it will always be there.

[@DRZPHD]

I agree that perfection becomes a trap we chase.

[@avon13-x8s]

Hello, Dr. Just discovered your channel the other day and I love what I've seen so far. I'm a 25-year-old with autism and I have recently come to terms with the fact that I am a transwoman after suppressing the thoughts and feelings that I might be a woman for many years. I will be leaving my parents' home soon and will be attending college in the fall. I've started planning my transition to become the woman I've always wanted to be. I plan to take up running to lose a lot of weight (currently weigh around 250lbs at between 6'1 and 6'2) and isometrics to develop my legs, hips, and bottom. Lower the protein in my diet to trim my upper body muscle down. I'm fine with my current bone structure and understand that I can't really change it, especially around my shoulders, though I believe that trimming down the muscle will help with my dysphoria over my upper body. I also plan to experiment with makeup, clothing, and vocal training in the midst of all of that too. Then I plan to start HRT once I get close to 180lbs or 170lbs. The only change that worries my is regarding my genitals. I am not dysphoric over my penis at all. I don't think it reduces my status as a woman at all. I do worry about erectile dysfunction from the HRT because I do plan to be versatile in the bedroom if I find any potential partners and would like to top if I can. I understand that HRT will change the way I orgasm, but I would still like to keep my penis, and use my penis if possible. Any way around this, or is this inevitable?

[@DRZPHD]

Hi and thank you for sharing. Feminizing HRT affects everyone differently. I would suggest talking with your endocrinologist about this.

[@chelseajupiter2103]

THUMP lol. I'm just worried about the weight gain. Still, I started hormones last night. There are things we can do to deal with the side-effects we find undesirable, like hair loss or weight gain, so it's about either accepting the side-effect, or making changes to address those side-effects. For hair loss, there are procedures that can be helpful for some. For others, hair plugs might be an option. For weight gain, I'm changing the way I eat completely. The side-effects are just part of the package, and we get to deal with them how we see fit.

[@DRZPHD]

Yes I agree, it’s all pros and cons type of a game.

[@LWeOAreVOneE]

Part of me wants a deeper voice and facial hair, but I'm also afraid that facial hair would mess with my sensory issues, and I'm afraid to ruin my singing voice. Right now, I don't think the trade-off would be worth it for me as a whole. That said, I'm mostly focusing on top surgery right now because that's what's really interfering with my life, and maybe I'll feel differently about hormones after top surgery. What I do know is that I don't have to rush. The only thing I'm in a hurry for is top surgery, and that's just because my chest has been ruining my life for more than a decade and I'm eager to take my life back.

[@DRZPHD]

You can always take your time.

[@msbelindapls]

The bottom line is to HRT transition as young as possible.. ie before the nasty puberty kicks in.

[@DRZPHD]

Yes but sadly that's not possible for many.

[@surfygirl9662]

Yeah HRT does very little for people after puberty, well estrogen anyway. You can almost bet that not much will happen after a certain age.

[@obsidianjane4413]

@@surfygirl9662 While yeah, if you interrupt puberty, you get a "perfect" cis development and afterwards it gets harder/less effect, its still necessary and produces profound change over time. How much so depends a lot of the genetic dice. I know middle-age CDs who are completely passable with just clothes and makeup. Later in life has the advantage that old wrinkley people start to look a like anyway. ;+)

[@surfygirl9662]

Yeah I have found that transition is no treatment for gender dysphoria if you can't pass as sis. That sails pretty early. So unless you happy not actually being read as sis than I feel like transition only causes more pain that you'll never be perceived as Female. It's like a constant reminder of what you'll never have. That's how I feel about it anyway

[@msbelindapls]

@@surfygirl9662 agree.. imho.. either you start at early teens like so many gorgeous Thai’s mtf tg sisters or you just don’t bother at all. I find the society and governing body too cruel to stop young teens transition because it will completely ruined their life. Not to mention the emotional pain which they are literally dead inside out.

[@jfreyta1301]

I just started my patches and spironolactone...making me feel much better...there is a fear that comes with...I'm scared but I feel better and that means so much to me.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and I wish you all the best.

[@sessaly7197]

As 27 years old non-binary amab I'm comfortable with my body, it would be nice to feminize it a bit, but not for the tradeoff of lower libido/erectile dysfunction and breast growth. What I'm REALLY afraid of though is the possibility of becoming more masculine over the years due to the continuing influence of testosterone. If I'd ever start taking hormones, it would be for that fear.

[@DRZPHD]

I totally hear you. You may want to discuss some options with a doctor.

[@FARSIDEOBSERVER]

I'm in the same position (even the same age)! I think what I am going to do is try HRT for one month and then stop it. I will hopefully get some insight on what it feels like to be both on and off HRT... Then I hope that my path forward will be more clear.

[@sessaly7197]

​@@FARSIDEOBSERVER Sounds like a reasonable idea. Good luck!

[@Starmander]

Also, I'm not sure if you're looking for video suggestions, but a lot of transgender people are using the "Powers Method" to transition. Can you weigh in on that vs. the traditional WPATH method?

[@DRZPHD]

I am a big fan of Dr. Powers.

[@Jude300c]

I havent kept up with him once I found he has his own clinic. I find him to be a extremely brilliant mind when I had an appointment with him. I enjoyed asking many questions and listening to the answers. I did not, however, do my therapy through him as he was adament about intramuscular method instead of subq. I understand his reasoning, but as I am an amputee, I knew I was going to have a hard time with injections and as I lost weight I did. I went to Ruth Ellis at the time with Dr. Connoly and was able to do subq and the with another doctor, once I was of age, where I switched to gel for more easy of taking. If it made sense to, I would go back to him. But he's 1 or 3hrs away and Id have make sure my insurance is solid.

[@altheapolyam]

Thanks for the video Z, looking good today ^^ In my case, idk about hormones tbh. I've decided to wait. I'll work towards electrolisis, and after that I'll decide what I need next or not, although I don't think hormones are for me. I have also this fear, that when I get my hair to grow and eleminated my facial hair, some other things will pop up q.q

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks! Yes do what you feels right to you!

[@kingdomkreep]

As someone interested in mtf my two hold backs are the weight gain and libido.the weight comes from a history of being overweight in the past and now recently becoming better physique wise( was over 300 lbs but now I’m 210)so I’ve gotten a bit sensitive about it.the libido is a bit more mixed to where I don’t know if I’ll miss it if I do lose it but yet I still feel I need to explore my self sexually even though I am interested in the new sensations I could get when on estrogen.

[@alexrose20]

Samantha Lux talked about her sexual drive being very low but that was bc she needed a different dose of estrogen. Libido might go down or up but nothing too drastic. Check with your doctor otherwise!

[@DRZPHD]

@kingdomkreep in my experience weight gain tends to be minimal in most people and if you are concerned about libido always best to talk o medical doctor.

[@ryecatcher84]

This is where Im at right now…battling with trade offs and wondering if hrt is what I need or can I alleviate my gender dysphoria another way.

[@DRZPHD]

Best to also discuss your options with a medical doctor.

[@skyumi6154]

Great amazing awesome video! Having ADHD, the laundry in the background made me have to watch it like 3 times to get everything. XD was that a belt in there or something???? Thank you for all the great advice so far!

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing. Belt???

[@cansofworms]

Hey Dr. Z great video. I’ve just found a gender affirming therapist, and we decided, based on the way I was talking about I might have a Transgender theme of ocd. And, if we get past the mental anguish and lack of functioning and these thoughts occur in a healthier manner, then we can proceed. But thoughts still plague me that I’m in denial and just want to avoid vulnerability, even though my thoughts are “well if it helps me function like a normal person I might as well transition to be a girl.” I know this isn’t what you are specifically here for, but have you dealt with many clients who came to you thinking transition might solve anxiety and depression and how those clients differ from clients who’s transition was more about actually about affirming their gender identity? I remember in one video you talked about feminine men who thought they might be trans but were just feminine men feeling doubt about themselves, and was wondering if you could speak more on the topic of at all possible. Also, because I haven’t really found a solid list of answers for it: what is the purpose of HRT? And why do trans people go on it and then declare that it cure them of all their anxiety and depression?

[@DRZPHD]

Hi. I haven't personally seen people who have decided to transition to ease anxiety and depression unless anxiety and depression are direct by product of Gender Dysphoria. For the same reason goes HRT, not to mention it is essential to help feminize or masculine. In general, I don't think transition is a good idea unless you want to relieve symptoms of Gender Dysphoria.

[@cansofworms]

@@DRZPHD Thank you for the response! Your videos are incredibly informative and very helpful with navigating this point in my life.

[@y2kmelllow]

Love this so much.

[@pixelgrits894]

Do you have any book recommendations that outline the potential changes of HRT? I saw your other video recommending "Affirmed" by Sidhbh Gallagher but that book is focused on surgeries, not HRT right? Or does Affirmed cover HRT too? . . Also thank you so much for your channel and all these videos, they are an amazing resource and have helped me so much

[@shadetreader]

For me, the risks of T outweigh the potential benefits. I'll never be able to afford top surgery even if I'm healthy enough for it (I'm disabled with multiple chronic illnesses). I've been stuck in a genderqueer purgatory for the past decade.

[@DRZPHD]

Totally hear you. It can and often is a tough decision process.

[@evervalencia6111]

This is a topic I've been thinking about constantly. I know starting estrogen would be a big step towards feeling more congruent with my gender but the risk of infertility makes me hesitant. I've never considered myself as someone who wants to have children but what if I change my mind for whatever reason down the line? I think about a situation where im partnered and my inability to help conceive ends up being a deal breaker. There are options but they are not necessarily affordable to many of us. I hate having to prolong transition but I also don't want to have regrets.

[@DRZPHD]

Its best to talk about fertility preservation options with a doctor prior to HRT to explore your best options.

[@MikotoKenn]

I am a transman, and I do want to start the hormone treatment. My only issue is health on the long run; after looking the changes other people go through, I found out 3 years on T will be enough for me. I want to stop afterwards, but... I also want to have hysterectomy. I know for health, for example bone health and density it's important to have hormones in the body. But here if I stopped being on T after 2-3 years and did hysterectomy.. how to manage my health and the endocrine system?

[@pippadavies6537]

Hi could you please help me I've had srs surgery many years ago I'm on estrogen could I stop taking estrogen and what would happen if I did

[@randirosehooper8315]

Thank you

[@sethd6212]

I’m non-binary an I’ve really been considering getting on estrogen. I really want all the affects that it offers, except breast growth. I loveeee being flat chested. I’m really scared to have any breast growth at all. That’s always been the main thing holding me back. I’ve been researching to see if there’s any way I could prevent breast growth but I haven’t found anything. Not sure what to do about that.

[@DRZPHD]

Hi and thanks for sharing. I would make sure you discuss all the pros and cons with your medical doctor and what your options are.

[@LaHayeSaint]

Dr Z -- Unless one micro doses as you put it, estrogen will cause breast growth (often, not beyond a B cup), fat redistribution and a softer complexion for MtF transitions. Many transitioners actually want larger breasts, although if too large, may result in unwanted attention. This is an irreversible process without surgery, so transitioners need to be serious that they want breasts. As you say Dr Z, hormones will relieve dysphoria to a certain extent. I think estrogen and breasts are really important for most MtF transitioners who want to be (trans) women.

[@DRZPHD]

Hi. Thanks for sharing. Estrogen effects vary in individuals and it also varies on breast size.

[@LaHayeSaint]

@@DRZPHD 💖💖

[@RobynTapps]

I have B cups pre HRT... my main concern is E.D. 😞

[@DRZPHD]

Sorry

[@RobynTapps]

@@DRZPHD for? Dont be lol im good currently :p i guess my point is everyone is different and depending on breast size pre hormones you could range from small growth to big natural breasts

[@Alex-bx4sc]

I’m about to start hormones but I have been looking into fertility preservation but honestly its kinda expensive and now I don’t know if I should….. imma talk to insurance tho

[@DRZPHD]

Fertility preservation is very important if you plan on future family. Hope you can find solution that works for you.

[@jeezsqueeze3201]

3 years later has anything changed?

[@trailexploring2810]

Im going to start E soon, the only down side would be breast growth while im still closeted, once ill present as my trueself i dont rly see any downside

[@DRZPHD]

Good luck to you. Breast growth may take a while and if it grows sooner, people often wear sports bra or binder.

[@obsidianjane4413]

Other people don't notice nearly as much as we do since we see/feel them and "know" what they are. So it creates a self-consciousness, that's not necessarily warranted. But even knowing this I still freak out when the girls put on the highbeams. lol. Most of my bras are a size smaller bralettes so they are act like cute binders.

[@GaTraCos]

How long is the voice crack stage on T (for FTM)?

[@Dongobog-ps9tz]

I'm afraid I've ignored your advice here and started taking SERMs alongside E + anti androgens so I can inhibit breast growth, we'll see how it pans out. It's not a permanent desire for no breast growth, its just the largest most obvious and most outing change and I want it to happen when I'm ready.

[@JacobProbasco]

Do you have any thoughts on using Tamoxifen gel/cream on the chest to prevent breast growth when estrogen is prescribed for male-to-nb patient? Would it work as it does in prostate-cancer patients on t-blockers? Thanks!

[@DRZPHD]

This is a great question to a medical doc. Sorry, not a medical doctor, Doctor of Philosophy.

[@kenhuisingh3962]

I am afraid it won't feminize quick enough. I am afraid people will see a feminized person born in a boy body with a girl brain. Has this reduced my gd yes. Taking hrt to feminize me Has brought me so much joy and happiness. It would be lovely to have a video on, "How to deal with the feelings we get when hrt is not feminising us enough or quick enough?"

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and for a video suggestion.

[@obsidianjane4413]

Being in the "ugly duckling" phase is the hardest part of transition. :+(

[@surfygirl9662]

Yeah thats the problem. Well maybe not you for you , I dont know how old you are but for people over a certain age HRT does not femininize anywhere close to enough to actually be relevant. Its awesome though you are feeling happier on HRT. Thats the main thing.

[@islamayman6620]

Am gonna start hrt soon nd am afraid from breast growth I don't want my parents to notice it so not really sure how should i deal wit it if any body have an advice I would be glad to

[@adriyenn]

Is it common for MTF to feel extremely sick on estrogen therapy? I wasn’t able to continue HRT because of how it made me feel.

[@DRZPHD]

Hi. It depends by what you mean "sick". Sometimes, while rare, people my have a reaction and its best to talk to your medical doctor.

[@태이씨]

Im afraid that the society won't accept me and that people will look at me thinking im gross or unattractive. Im currently living in a country with LGBTphobic laws but I've been thinking since i ve started puberty about the hormonal therapy and surgery after i get outta here. Im afraid that neither the "normal" people nor the trans community would accept me. 🤭

[@Tinker9871]

I would want everything the HRT has to offer. But how do I start, how do I find a doctor that prescribes these hormones. I don't think my current PCP would understand.

[@DRZPHD]

Planned parenthood has trans care and so are other clinics.

[@jessieoskins3389]

I have a question. I’m thinking about transitioning from mtf I had my testosterone levels tested awhile back and I suffer from low t. How does hrt(estrogen) affect you when you already have low testosterone. Is it easier to transition faster results better results?

[@obsidianjane4413]

Maybe faster, but HRT just expresses what your momma gave you. You might be able to save some money though. Development and growth of any kind requires some T, my girls didn't take off until I couldn't take T-blockers for a week. Which... was not on the plan. If you are already in a good range you might not need to take them. The Endo will make that call.

[@DRZPHD]

It all depends on numerous factors such as age, health, and how your body metabolizes hormones. There is no way of knowing without trying and always best to discuss with your medical doctor.

[@surfygirl9662]

Nah they can drop your T down fast with meds, It comes down too genetics but most importantly age. I wouldn't expect much out of HRT past 25 even than its rough. HRT is really only effective for social transition... being perceived as female, if you dont go through male puberty to be honest. Depends what you want from HRT

[@jessieoskins3389]

@@surfygirl9662 geez thanks so according to you since I’m over 25 I have to live in the wrong body for the rest of my life.

[@surfygirl9662]

@@jessieoskins3389It depends on what you want from transition, if you want to pass and be generally perceived as female, most likely HRT will be very ineffective.. I say most likely because you may be incredibly generically lucky, in most cases though male puberty is the killer. There have been serval clinical trails reporting how ineffective HRT is on trans women who have unfortunately gone through male puberty. HRT in most cases cant make changes that are anything more than negligible. The physical effects of testosterone cant be undone. HRT may potentially improve your mental health and decrease dysphoria, plus you can probably take and not having the stress of coming out, people wont notice you are on are HRT unless you declare it. That in it self is worth considering taking HRT. I just feel that to successfully treat gender dysphoria properly and be happy in your desired gender its important to be seen and viewed in that role by society, passing is important when trying to treat gender dysphoria, its no fun presenting as female and watching people do mental gymnastics.. to try and remember the correct pronoun, thats people are nice enough.... some wont be. Unfortunately once you have through male puberty, the ship has well truly sailed, taking female hormones wont help with that . I am sorry you feel like you are stuck in the wrong body, I get it. I just think that lots of trans people think HRT is a magic fix. Unless you are super young, for 99% if trans women HRT just does not work when using it for meaningful physical changes. I would recommend you find a phycologist who you are super comfortable talking too. Talk therapy can be very helpful

[@simplyselena7]

What month do MTF hormones do they see the face really change the most 😊

[@blackjack90631]

Im in the position where Im taking feminizing hormones and loving it and I want breasts, but at the same time I do not want anything to happen too soon because of my job

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing.

[@JackieLanceTenor]

I am about to start HRT (MTF) tomorrow actually, and the only thing I'm genuinely concerned about is losing my sex drive and sexual function. Particularly because I don't want my relationship to suffer. It seems that it's almost a guarantee that it will happen to some degree and that does scare me. I just hope it won't be too bad. I enjoy being a sexual being and I don't want to completely lose that. But, other than that I'm excited for pretty much everything else. Lol

[@DRZPHD]

Hi. It doesn’t happen for all. Also talk to your endo about your concerns.

[@JackieLanceTenor]

@@DRZPHD that's good to hear. I did bring that up during my consultation so I guess we will just see how it goes and make adjustments if needed.

[@Zinart85]

I am 35 male i want to start on HRT but scared too

[@DRZPHD]

Wish you all the best.

[@laurabushey2667]

I live on Social Security, and can't afford SRS, so the only issue is whether to begin HRT. (I live in Washington State; if I'm not mistaken, I could undertake a legal name and gender change without it.) At 72, my libido is so low that taking hormones wouldn't make much difference. :) However, I am concerned about a few things. 1. Mood swings. This seems to be reported quite often. I've often wondered whether mood changes are simplly an acquisition of "normal" female emotions. Conversely I've wondered if HRT would reduce or eliminate "undesirable" male emotions, e.g. cussing a blue streak when things go wrong. 2. Breast cancer. Although this isn't a reported side effect. Postmenopausal cis women do have an increased incidence when taking HRT. Also, my mother died of an unrelatd cancer (mesotheliomia). 3. Weight gain. From your reply to other posts here, you indicate that this usually isn;t a problem. However, controlling my weight has been a big issue since I retired. Even though I had a "sit down job" (owner/operator of a tutoring company), I apparently take a lot fewer steps, and consequently burn fewer calories, than when I was working. 4. Liver function. Before I had a college degree, I worked in a chemical factory, which overworked my liver big time. Although I haven't had that job since 1982, I still wonder if I did any damage to my liver.

[@DRZPHD]

Hi. Let me offer some answers based on my experiences. 1. Mood swings are often a stereotype myth and doesn't not happen. I have addressed this in my blog: drzphd.com/transgender/nonbinary/the-4-biggest-lies-of-starting-feminizing-hrt-1 2. Breast cancer has not been adequately linked to HRT in trans women. 3. Weight gain in my experience, is mild and highly depend on lifestyle. 4. This one you gotta talk to medical doctor about.

[@EvanDrake]

I had some fears, but I wound up trying 2mg estradiol and .5 dutasteride and although I do seem to be developing breasts, which I wasn't immediately comfortable with, my gender dysphoria just flat out stopped, even with this small dose. I have never felt 'at home' in my body before, but now I'm starting to, and my body didn't really change much, but lowering testosterone and raising estrogen seems to have aligned things more toward who I am. Now I'm just trying to decide if I want to up the dose and try for full transition, and...honestly I'm not sure. There are reasons I feel I should probably stop entirely, there are reasons to stay where I'm at, and there are reasons to continue, and I'm trying to figure out which reasons are compelling enough to listen to.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing. It really depends. There is nothing wrong with only HRT regiment if you feel it does take care of dysphoria. However if you are feeling dysphoria toward your body, that may require some aspects of transition.

[@EvanDrake]

@@DRZPHD Honestly...If I could wave a magic wand and be female without the transition in between I'd do that in a second. I'm just not entirely sure if it's feasible or if I'll ever actually look female 'enough'. I'm 6'5", for one thing. I'm sort of unsure how far I want to take the transition. I appreciate your videos and your response, this has helped me a lot. I guess now I'm just wondering if when I transition, I'll experience dysphoria from the other end, and I really don't know. It's just not as clear cut as I'd like.

[@John-lc1uq]

My biggest fear is larger breasts. than I want. I am hoping micro dosing will keep things in check?

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Throwd-Off]

Ya the"hail damage" on my butt from the mtf was a surprise 😂. But it's ok.

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dottiedurden8113]

I love being on testosterone. I had no clue that I would get so hairy, and pimples. My Dad didn't have all this body hair. But in order to be me I have to go with the flow. So I guess I will become a ftm sasquatch. Lol

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing and there are many hairy people out there. Nothing wrong with that.

[@topolatte]

Lol

[@suspicioususer]

my main fear is getting weaker and losing muscle mass

[@lararabbit]

First of all, thank you. I'm nonbinry transfem and started hormones like a year ago. My boobs are growing and i this is something i didn't want it to happen but i knew that it was going to. But i don't know what to do because i don't feel good with having boobs, i'm going crazy!

[@DRZPHD]

Sorry to hear that. The variability of changes you get on HRT is one of the biggest struggles I see in non binary community.

[@sanika118]

do hormones work at age closer to 40?

[@DRZPHD]

Yes they work at all ages but differently and largely depends on 1) how your body metabolizes it and 2) how much secondary sex characteristics have formed/shaped up

[@EtherealGoddess_Ent]

I had a vision years ago that I'm going to look like you in 2029

[@DRZPHD]

Well...I hope you like my look if that's what your aesthetic is.

[@EtherealGoddess_Ent]

@@DRZPHD I definitely do

[@tonimidnite1611]

Hi I am. Seriously considering starting hormone therapy I have been cro ssdressing for close to 20 years. .primaraly I am wanting to start a slower change I really wish to start estrogen for breast for growth and fat distribution .to soften my appearance .i plan on doing a face lift to keep as young looking for as long as I can no reconstruction I feel it would work together with the estrogen I am 65 years old and this photo is me currently I'm blessed I feel and at this time of my life I much more atrractive feminine then masculin and I practically life full time fem now .my only worry is what kind of loops I have to jump 5hrougb to get a prescription and getting the proper dosage because of my age .i plan on counteracting the local LGBT nearest me .and make enquires .i am much more happier live my passion and spent many years coming out and always in some way bring the subject up that I am trans.it has become more and more comfortable to simply tell people who I am and the only inconvenience I get when I'm in the public Arena is all the attention I get being hit on and approached. I love but I'm.mindful.if you respond but I hope to catch it I go through your videos every day I've seen them all im just concerned about my age factor .i feel I don't need a leather couch to lay back on haasaa no offense doc I totally dig you .love Toni

[@DRZPHD]

Thanks for sharing. Leather couch is not mandatory.

[@elizabethconroy7665]

With full respect Are you Transgender

[@DRZPHD]

Hi. Very common question. I am not.

[@elizabethconroy7665]

I apologize if I offended you That was not my intention Best wishes

[@DRZPHD]

@@elizabethconroy7665 Not offended at all! A good question to ask.

[@surfygirl9662]

Yeah it sucks but after puberty estrogen does very little. Even with FFS the chances of actually being viewed or perceived as a women are virtually zero. I'm on HRT but I feel transition is not a viable treatment after puberty. Once the ship has sailed to live in your desired gender role, dysphoria may be actually made worse, due to societies constant reminder you'll never be seen they way you feel you should be. Super sad sorry

[@DRZPHD]

So sorry to hear.

[@alessio272]

Я рад, что живу в России. Государство запрещает эту ерунду.

[@M-CH_]

TIL dr Z doesn't read Russian.

[@alessio272]

@@M-CH_ she does. That why comment is encrypted.

[@janehiltonhilton7424]

Good lord ... This person should be banned