Is All of This Information Accurate?

Content Warning/Trigger Warning-

theoretical discussion of hormones and surgeries below. Topic is regarding AMAB who are debating identity.

Went to a doctor specializing in these issues and she relayed the following information. Please let me know if all this is accurate or not and if there is any other info that is important to be aware of.

(Click the spoiler tag to read)

Spoiler

Option A: Electrolysis-


1. Procedure is “really safe” and “pretty risk free”- has not seen many instances of facial scarring or other side effects.


2. If concerned about side effects, recommends finding a very competent well-trained electrolysis provider and having a discussion with them. States “as long as you find a provider trainer who you trust, it should be okay”


3. Electrolysis and Laser are quite similar with a few minor differences. Electrolysis pinpoints individual hair follicles, while laser focuses on larger portions of skin.


4. Both electrolysis and laser can be painful to do. The more times you perform the procedure, the less painful it will ‘probably’ be.


5. A specific cream can be applied to the face to numb the potential pain.


6. Amount of sessions required before results depends on skin type and how much hair you have.


Option B: Anti- Androgen Hormones Alone (Neutralizing)


1. Recommends starting with a low dose, because the body requires hormones.


2. There is no way to truly know/predict how someone’s body will respond to an anti androgen drug until it is taken or tried. It is pretty unpredictable how the response will be. Some people have no problems whatsoever, while some people have issues. Results will differ per person. It is largely trial & error.


3. Side effects include mood issues, fatigue issues, and sex drive/erectile issues. If the drug is more problematic than helpful, the drug can be stopped at any time. “Side effects should not be detrimental- believes the drug is okay to try and stop if need be, even with people who have preexisting fatigue or mood problems”


4. A low dose of the drug will produce a low risk overall.


5. Not much should/will change appearance-wise from a low dose of anti androgens. Even close friends or family members will probably not even notice a physical difference in the user.


6. The pill is consumed on a daily basis. The name of the commonly prescribed anti-androgen drug is ‘Spironaluctone”.


7. The pill can be prescribed on an immediate basis without any prerequisite if the user desires.


Option C: Changing Physical Gender via Estrogen + Anti Androgen (Physical Aspects Listed Only, Emotional Is Separate)


1. Estrogen is typically taken alongside an anti-androgen (Testosterone blocker)


2. A user desiring this procedure would generally start with a low dose and increase higher if needed/desired. (But not always)


3. Hormone levels will be consistently monitored.


4. Risks include blood clots (from estrogen) and mood changes. Fatigue is not really a risk due to the body having sufficient hormones.


Overall


1. The doctor has seen all procedures mentions performed in different clients except orchiectomy. Though there are probably a very small portion of people who do that as well. Such a procedure is highly invasive/permanent.


2. Different people prefer different things. No one size fits all. Choice of procedure is dependent on the individual.


3. Anti androgen might be a good relatively low risk starting point, if desired.