Navigating HRT- MtF FtM Transgender

Trans people who want to transition often start with Hormone Replacement Therapy or HRT. It is undeniably a big decision. What exactly does it entail?

When you are undergoing HRT, you are put on hormones of the gender that you want to transition to. That is, if you were born with male physical attributes and want to transition to a woman, you are put on estrogen.

It is the first big step towards transitioning. As a result, many people ponder upon it for several months or years before making a decision.

 

If you are on the fence about it, the first thing to understand is the permanence of it. The permanence largely depends on your body and the length of time that you have been on hormones.

You may need to be on the hormones for three months or more to actually witness some permanent changes. Until then, what it essentially does is blocks testosterone before puberty further progresses within your body.

 

This is important because testosterone can permanently alter your physical makeup and bone structure.

You cannot change your hips or jaws or cheekbones once they form, which is why many people opt to transition by the age of 13 or so.  

However, taking hormones is a big step and it is important to think it through. Many trans women have reported that it took them just a few months or so to notice physical changes that are attributed to cis women.

HRT helps trans women connect with their womanhood and get in touch with parts of themselves that were previously marked because of being born in the wrong body.

In fact, estrogen is reported to shift trans women’s entire perspectives and alter their realities. Typically, trans women are put on testosterone blockers before moving to estrogen.

 

For trans women, estrogen solidifies gender identity as they know it. In fact, estrogen has physical, psychological, emotional, and social implications on trans women.

Socially, trans women may notice a significant paradigm shift in terms of how women and men fit in within different contexts. Even if you are on the fence about being a trans person, it may be a good idea to go on hormones for a short period.

Experimenting with hormones can really help clear some of your gender ambiguity and confusion. Until you go outside your comfort zone and push your boundaries, you cannot introspect and go on a journey of self-discovery. 

 

Initially, it is normal to be in denial or question every feeling and emotion that goes through you. This is an important step, because you don’t want to do something that you are uncertain about.

 

If you do want to experiment over a short period, it is a good idea to consult a doctor to understand the medical concerns that could emerge. That way, you can see whether it feels right for you without any risks.

As you begin taking hormones, you may either be so comfortable with the changes that you want to continue, or you might feel uncomfortable in your own skin. In the latter case, you can merely discontinue the hormones.  

 

Finally, when it comes to making these big decisions, it is important to break it down into smaller decisions. What are the small aspects of transitioning that you can make decisions about.

If you are not ready to make chemical changes in your body, you could try dressing up as a woman or try makeup. Engage with femininity however you can to determine your comfort level with these changes. 

We hope this article helped you figure out how you want to go about HRT or whether you even want to undertake this step.  

Good luck!!

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