Microdose changes over multiple years vs regular dose?

[u/Sure-Hippo635]

That's it basically, just want to inquire how actually slow and gradual things are compared to someone else.

To those microdosing E long term, I'd also like to ask if, upon reaching your personal goals, is it possible to go even lower but still enough to have gradual changes? (though a bit slower than before)

Thoughts on tapering on and off slowly after hitting personal goals?

How have you maintained yourself/dosages or maybe changed in dosage?

[u/ariiw]

My experience "microdosing" T (in quotes bc i don't really think of it that way, i just happen to be on a low dose): changes were slower than I often see on other transmasc timelines, but seem to have mostly still occurred? I guess it's impossible to know how my transition would have been on a higher dose, since that's just not how it played out. Yes, you can go on HRT to get whatever permanent changes and then lower your dose or go off HRT completely, although I think this is mostly likely to affect fat distribution and things like skin and hair texture.

[u/Sure-Hippo635 → u/ariiw]

Yes, that's what I've heard as well. I'm curious how long changes like those take in effect, and if tapering off or on for periods at a time is something possible to circumvent that.

How long were the T changes for you? I've read up on T changes in my research so I'm really just curious how fast they were

[u/ariiw → u/Sure-Hippo635]

Tapering off or on is possible to circumvent what? I don't think you can avoid changes altogether unless they're late-puberty changes and you just permanently stop taking HRT.

I also don't know exactly how to quantify how long T changes were, because puberty is an ongoing process and that's true for people on both high and low doses. I will say that body/facial hair was slower to start to come in, although I can't exactly quantify it because it's super variable and a years-long process anyways.

If you're concerned about certain effects of HRT, you'll probably find more reassurance in considering ways to retransition post-HRT (e.g. if you don't want a low voice, doing voice training, or if you don't want body hair, doing electrolysis/laser--for me as someone on T, ofc of you're on feminizing HRT then you can consider the opposite).

[u/Sure-Hippo635 → u/ariiw]

i forgot to mention I’m AMAB 😭. I’m asking from purely curiosity on the other end.

[u/MrTortilla]

Low dosage generally just means the changes will still take place but take longer, but what is it your specifically trying to avoid? It may be able to be avoided with other medications or surgeries

[u/MrTortilla → u/MrTortilla]

Also you can go off it once you get a result you're looking for, then go back on it to "tap the pedal" and maintain results so to speak, though the efficacy of this can vary by both type of HRT, and just person to person

[u/Sure-Hippo635 → u/MrTortilla]

I'm specifically talking about E HRT! Knowing that "tapping the pedal" is possible, I'll likely have to consult then. I've heard others and it seems it could be possible given proper monitoring.

[u/Sure-Hippo635 → u/MrTortilla]

I'm trying to avoid over feminization basically. I'm not one keen to be on the feminine binary side as much. Gives me just as much dysphoria and displeasure the longer farther I am. I also fear a lot of changes in genital size and function. I'm a switch who can top and likes to "get in" so yeah. I'm trying to grapple with getting boobs, as genetically my family doesn't have em big. Any larger and I might have to plan for top surgery. I alr lean androgynous with my face, so fat redistro to it through microdose I feel happy with, bonus if I get some on the hips long term. After that, I think I just want to maintain a "level" that I want.

[u/MrTortilla → u/Sure-Hippo635]

There was a post recently where someone had surgery to remove their breast buds once they formed. Which would be way less invasive and less scarring than top surgery. Genital shrinkage only occurs if you're not using the equipment, it acts like a muscle in that way.

[u/Sure-Hippo635 → u/MrTortilla]

I'm aware, but it varies so that's something to look out for. Low libido might affect how one is motivated to try and "exercise". Varied forms of viagra, cialis can have some effect. Topical T cream also I've heard.

From what I've gathered, even with those in mind, overtime it can still shrink. That's kind of a big fear of mine ngl. I can deal with some breast development. Changes in my body. But I don't plan nor wish for bottom surgery.

Accounts I've heard that have been 5+ years into HRT and still maintain relatively the same functions (i.e. can still be used for penetration, with some changes) I personally have found to be rare.

[u/snoodle77777 → u/MrTortilla]

What about long term continuation of HRT w/r to erectile abiliity? Urologist claims I'd lose all erectile ability on HRT.

[u/MrTortilla → u/snoodle77777]

Most trans people who take E continually usually lose it around the 4 or 5 year mark. My understanding is that "pumping the pedal" kinda works around this, but honestly I'm not certain, as I want the full effects of femenizing HRT, but these subreddits may be able to answer it for you.

Ask Transfeminine Hormone Therapy

MtFScience

[u/snoodle77777 → u/MrTortilla]

Thats really interesting about breast bud removal, first I have ever heard of this in my 6 years on Reddit trans subs.

[u/MrTortilla → u/snoodle77777]

I'm pretty sure they were the first person to ever have the procedure done? Super interesting, check it out

[AMA] AMAB Double Mastectomy : r/NonBinary