Though it’s on my mind for several years, i didn’t completely believe that i’d be on this road one day. I had so many doubts and fears about coming out to family and transitioning at work, it almost seemed impossible. So many things have happened so fast in the last ten months and I didn’t even expect them. I’m finally here, completing my three months of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). I’m so happy that I’ve done it and I’m so fortunate to find such wonderful team of counselors, therapists and doctors.

I’ve started my HRT on 7th of June after getting my blood work done to check my serum hormone levels. Interestingly, my T- levels were on the lower side of normal range for an adult male. My Endo was a little cautious about the side effects of estrogen so he put me on a low dose. I didn’t complain much as I read somewhere that starting low and slowly working the way up gets better results. Though these are the very early days, I am quite happy with my progress so far. And these are my perceived physical and psychological changes after starting the therapy.

Skin After a few days of starting therapy, my skin has become very dry. I was very pleased as my face gets so greasy. I used to have acne on my back and shoulders and it’s completely gone in a week. My skin has always been soft and i hope it gets better with more estrogen in my body. Also, my body smells a lot nicer now.

Hair Initially, my hair was so dry and then it got so greasy that i couldn’t even wash the shampoo off. It must’ve been the imbalance since Spiro (T-blocker) dries out, while estrogen hydrates skin and hair. I bought this amazing clarifying shampoo which worked like a charm. Along with the DHT (responsible for hair thinning and baldness in men) blocker, i’m also on biotin supplements. I’ve observed some re-growth and my hair is getting thick and soft. I don’t know if it’s gonna repair my receded hairline at the temples but i’m hopeful.

Body Hair It is thinning all over and grows a bit slower. I recently found out some patches of my facial hair turn white and finer. I’ll be starting laser hair removal on my face in a few months.

Weight In the first two months i have lost around 3-4 kgs. I’m guessing the loss might be the water weight since Spiro is a diuretic. Also, i seem to have lost some muscle and i feel very weak in my upper body.

Appetite, Taste & Smell God! my appetite’s through the roof . I’d feel hungry even after a square meal. Surprisingly, my sense of taste and smell became more sensitive. I even find lettuce to be tasty now, LOL!

Breasts My nipples started hurting after a week and i could feel some tissue growth after some days. The nipples getting bigger and erect, also the areolae are turning darker. I’m quite happy with the growth as it’s only three months. They supposedly grow for 2-3 years and i’m excited. Generally, they grow up to one size less than the females in the family line and i would be content with a ‘B’ cup. I’m not really thinking about having a boob job. This is a picture of me wearing a tight turtleneck with no bra.

Psychological Lately i’ve been experiencing brain fog and mood swings, i don’t know if it’s hrt or my antidepressants. I’m certainly better than before though.

I’ll be visiting my Endo next month and probably my dose gonna be doubled this time. Overall, i am satisfied with my slow but steady progress. I spend a lot of time checking transition timelines on reddit and it kinda gives me hope. Some one rightly said that transition takes a lot of courage, patience & lots and lots of money. I’m currently running low on all of them but i’m positive.