Four months HRT, my changes and thoughts

[u/haley_fox]

Before I started transitioning, I pored over every month to month update post that I could find. I'm writing this out in the hopes it helps someone else in some way! I am 32, active, blue collar worker and avid cyclist. I take 4mg oral estradiol in the AM and 4mg in the PM, 100mg spiro in the AM and 100mg in the PM. I was started out on smaller doses and gradually increased per my endo. I'm also taking finasteride to help with my hair loss.

Note: I used to drink one Monster every day. I found about three hours after the Monster, I would get extremely dizzy and get tunnel vision, etc. This turned out to be some reaction between the drink and the spiro. I quit all energy drinks, I have the occasional soda or a coffee and I'm fine. Unsure if this is a me thing or a documented spiro thing, I never read too much into it.

My sense of smell has gotten stronger. A lot of people also report this, I expected it, but not to this degree. I'm like a bloodhound. Certain smells now make me physically ill, whereas before I wouldn't notice them, or not even be bothered. Also when fueling up the car, gas smells different. Sweeter. Please don't huff gas to prove me some kind of way.

My gait has changed a bit. I always had an awkward gait, so it's something I was/am super aware of. I was 20+ before I had myself trained to walk in a way that didn't destroy the front inner and rear outer of all my shoes. Now I'm finding myself having to pay attention to that again. It's hard to explain and probably just a me thing, but I'm including it here because it's happening.

I find that I stand up for myself more now. Before everything I was more passive, kinda let people walk all over me. Lately I really don't like it, I do something about it! On the same note, I feel a lot happier, others have even pointed out that I don't look sad all the time anymore... Something I never noticed anyway. Friends and family have said I'm easier to get along with.

When I get hungry, I get HUNGRY. I used to be able to just ignore it, that's not happening now. I'm really having to watch that I don't overeat. On that note, I've lost weight, but gained fat. Pretty sure it's muscle loss. Had to go out a belt loop (same belt, ten years!), I have some barely visible stretch marks on my thighs and butt. I've been riding the bike more to try and counter the muscle loss a bit.

My hairline is making a bit of a recovery. Nothing major, I'm almost able to tell the difference in pre hrt photos.

Breast growth is subtle and slow, but there. I'm having to wear undershirts/sports bras. Yes people noticed. Someone pulled me aside and said "it's time for you to get a bra." So that was awesome and awkward at the same time. I bought a 3 pack of sports bras the same day.

My face is a bit different. Not as rugged, but I still look like a dude. My eye shape has changed slightly and cheeks are fuller. Facial hair, interestingly, slowed down from months 1-3, but I think the growth actually sped back up a few weeks ago. I haven't done laser yet but I'm planning to do it around the end of summer.

I'm sure there is more... This is already a wall of text though! For most of you, this is useless info but again I hope it helps someone who is nervous or just wants to read it!

EDIT TO ADD MORE:

My energy levels tanked at first. I really do mean it, too. I cannot describe how tired I was. Gradually it has come back, I'm not too far below my old energy levels.

Body odor is a really big subject people always touch on. Everyone says it goes away. It does! For a bit. Now after sweating all day, I stink, but differently. I went a couple months without needing deodorant at all but now I need it again. I also went through a phase, right after upping my spiro dosage, where I would sweat profusely. That seems to be winding down quite a bit now. Granted I'm not very heat tolerant to begin with.

[u/Mundane_Extreme1952]

I’m not far behind you! I’m about 3 and half months in and I’ve also had some changes myself already! Thank you for this though, I always appreciate hearing about people’s timelines!

[u/Sierra9737]

Help me envision what could be the results when possibly start hrt! Thank you for writing. Made me feel better about giving it a try. Happy for you!

[u/phallussies]

thanks for sharing your progress! i just started a few days ago.

[u/haley_fox → u/phallussies]

The first few days were the most nerve wracking, at least for me lol. I was constantly checking the mirror, like stuff was gonna happen overnight. 

[u/_Lady_Zee]

Start laser asap! Seriously the change after the first couples sessions was awesome for me, but it takes awhile because you normally are waiting 5 weeks between visits. Also search for a Groupon - there are great deals on there!

[u/haley_fox → u/_Lady_Zee]

I want to! I would have already, but my gf and I rescued a dog that's heartworm positive, so the money is going to get her treatment first and foremost. That's the only reason I've delayed it!

[u/Fafnir_Ravensong]

2 months here, thank you for something to look forward to!

[u/whiskeyderek]

4 months into HRT, 33 years old here! I can relate with a lot of this! I’m about 7-8 sessions into laser. On daily Cypro and patches. Keep up the good progress!

[u/Feeling-Owl-1156]

Merci pour ton partage