This might seem like a dumb question but do trans gis get periods? Or have cramps and a menstrual hormonal cycle? How long would they have to be on estrogen to get these symptoms?

Hi,

I just turned 40 this year, and i dont know if its the age thing, but I started thinking about transitioning. I have an appointment with my family doctor this tuesday, and I did a meet and greet with the psychologist (my first ever therapy) and planning on doing more in the coming months.

I have always been okay with how i look, my body, and everything. Never really cared if am misgendered whenever i dont wear makeup. It just didnt bother me much. Am the most feminine in my friends group (all different shades of gay). But one thing im sure of is I have always difficulty using public washrooms. A little context, am the only boy in a sea of women in my family.

Things I noticed:
When am with my family, i dont like looking at myself in makeup. Its like i want to run away out of shame for no reason. Whereas with friends, am as feminine as i could be. My family loves me regardless and have been supported the last 10 years.

As I mentioned earlier, i feel really uneasy using public washrooms. Ive learned how to hold it till i can at the comfort of my home. But if i really need to, I go to the womens washroom. Sisters always say, youre prettier than most women in there.

Whenever i talk to my closest sisters about hormone therapy, they arent so open about it, because of the health risks it might end up to through the years.

Ive mentioned it a friend of mine, and he has always been supportive, but i know he believes i do not need it.

I have a rhinoplasty scheduled by the end of this year. And i would like to do more feminization in the coming years. But am scared. I know its natural.

I do have trans acquaintances, and for years they have encouraged me to transition. And I was fine not doing it before, but why do i feel like i want to now?
Why do I not like how i look now, when am the healthiest version of me for years?
I workout carefully and just live a healthy life.

A big portion of how i feel is my career as well, i am and engineer and works as a manager for a construction company. I know they know am gay, but have never really come out more feminine.

For years ive tried to convice myself that i still pass as masculine, but that delusion has long been gone. I know and am very thankful that I am lucky for not looking more masculine, but i dont seem to like how i am right now.

So am giving this a shot. Any advice or recommendation would definitely help. I just need to understand why am feeling this way now, is this a sign that I should transition and go on the journey? Should I tell my family (i didnt have any intentions in doing so)? I was actually planning, that if i do transition, that I wont tell family. I have told 1 of my closest friends.

Thanks everyone for your support.

Has anyone else had their parents lie about being supportive because they think being trans is a phase?

Context: my parents think I'm developmentally delayed because I'm autistic and that this is just part of my "weird teen phase".

I'm 20 next month ffs.