Hi All. I'm a 48 year old straight male who has felt like a woman for MANY years. My question is a two part one. 1. Since I am "fully" unsure yet about transitioning (due to some family history of medical issues, with my mom being diagnosed with cancer and older brother having a DVT issue) I have been afraid of HRT therapy. I know men have a certain amount of Estrogen in their system already. Would blocking testosterone bring about any feminine changes without taking estrogen? 2. Since alot of doctors are hesitant still about patients transitioning, if I did decide ever to take the leap, regardless of family medical history, would doctors be more willing to let me give transitioning a short try? Like a few months? Thanks for any help and advice!
Everyone has both sets of hormones in their bodies, but I've never heard of anyone over the age of 16 go on blockers. Blockers are typically used for teenagers who do not want to go through their assigned sex's puberty and have to wait to go on hormones. Hormones affect many bodily functions besides just giving a person secondary sex traits. With the amount of estrogen to testosterone, I doubt blockers will do anything for you, especially since you've already gone through male puberty. Most doctors should have you do blood work before prescribing any sort of hormone to see where your levels are at. You could ask for a smaller dose, however a smaller dose doesn't mean less effects, it may mean a longer amount of time to see any changes. You can always go off hormones (detransitioning), though depending on how long you've been taking estrogen, there may be some irreversible changes. Medical transitioning shouldn't be something you just "try" and see if it's for you. If you're struggling with your gender identity, I suggest talking to your doctor and/or seeking therapy to talk through some of your thoughts.
Indeed men have estrogen in their systems naturally, it’s part of the reason that men aren’t raging monsters of testosterone. Yes, T-Blockers would bring about feminine features, but they may not bring out all the features you’re desiring. And due to your age, it could be possible to live without taking Estrogens, as they may not be needed. I’d bring it up with an endocrinologist, if that’s something you’re thinking of. No decent doctor would put you onto hormones(t-blockers, with or without estrogen) “just to try”. To medically transition is a huge step, and if you’re uncertain, socially transitioning is always an option. Though many doctors are moving towards the “informed consent” model for hormones. But, in order for hormones, you’d need to have been presenting as female(or non-gendered) for a certain period of time.
Thanks Hawk and ChescaC. I appreciate all the advice! . I heard of a lesser strength of estrogen that is available over-the-counter. I read it is still estrogen, but a very weak one of the three different types of estrogen. Do either of you know anything about it? Thanks!
Don't play around with hormones without consulting a doctor first! Before starting any sort of hormone replacement, you should get blood work done and see where your levels are at. Again, medical transitioning (hormones, etc) shouldn't be something you "try" and experiment with.
Oh I agree and am going to look for a specialist about it. Was just wondering though about the weaker form of estrogen is all. Thanks!
That is something that you should speak with a doctor about. Anytime you are changing hoemone levels in your body requires routine monitoring. If you are taking something outside of a doctor, your homone levels will not be monitered and that is dangerous. It is even more dangerous given your family history. So, while the over the counter option may be tempting, it comes with some major risks that need to be considered.
Hi newdays, My name is Jacqui. I was 50 when I hit a really dark big wall. That was the start of me accepting I am transgender. Yup, a long time. It was a weird 25th anniversary present to present to my spouse. I have 3 kids. So pretty normally settled. I totally agree that the first step would be a therapist. Put the HRT on hold for a moment. At our ages, a few months won't make a difference to wait. Therapists are a great spot to start and figure out if this is a real thing that should be acted upon. Gender therapists are good for this too. Criteria is changing depending on where you are with regards to starting hormones. I did not have to have any continuous time dressing and socially behaving as a woman before my therapist gave me a letter. I'm in NY state. There is informed consent. However, without a lot of research and people working with you, I think it can be dangerous. If you decide to proceed, it is usually a good idea to find an endocrinologist who works with trans patience. They will monitor blood levels often and start off with low dosages. It is not supposed to be an experiment to see how you react to the prescriptions. I will say that some claim it is the only litmus test. If your body reacts well, your brain likes it and should have been that way. I don't know if that is true. I know my thinking became clearer and my body has reacted well at this point. What is prescribed is up to the doctor in question. I was started on spironolactone and estradiol patches. I am still taking both, just much higher dosages. I don't get my blood tested as often but it does happen like clock work. Oh, yes, we often get blockers so the estradiol does not have to work as hard and require a higher dosse. Spiro is a T blocker. I would stay away from homeopathic or over the counter natural ingredients unless you have a doctor working with you. They are right. You can get to a point where some secondary characteristics are irriversible. However, it seems many will revert. There is cancer in my family. However, after going on 4 years, I am the healthiest I have ever been. I don't know if this helps. I hope it doesn't seem like I am telling you what to do but just giving suggestions. The weird thing about being trans that concerns my endocrinologist is as she says, "It's the only condition that is really self diagnosed". No one else can do it. In conjunction with your support team you make the acceptance. Good luck. I hope you find what you are looking for. If you have other questions, keep them coming. With warmth, Jacqui
Hi Jacqui. Thanks so much for the wonderful advice. I definitely don't plan on ever do hormones without seeing a specialist first. With my family's history of certain medical issues, along with my own personal "fears" of anything that could possibly do me harm, I would not pursue hrt without guidance. I was only asking some general questions about hrt (####### especially vs. #########), phytoestrogens (more as a natural T-blocker, especially flaxseeds). . Thanks Jacqui.
Hi Jacqui. I want to also say, I remember my first "feelings" of being female when I saw Grease back in 1978. I was 7 years old and I remember wanting to be Sandy from the movie. That is truly the first I really remember feeling like I was female in some way...
Ah, yes. I would want to be Pinky probably but yup. Was there. Do you/have you experimented with dressing and socially presenting femme? Or feminizing what you might wear? It can scare one but it can also help you find if this is a feeling or look you like. It took me a long time when I first started. All I could see in the mirror was an old man. Just hated it. However, I started to get glimpses of the real me. That helped so much. Also the therapy. I had never done it previously. Going to bed. Hope you have a good night. Warmly, Jacqui
