Transition Update 7, Day 366, One Year

   Well, it's been one year since I started hormones, if you can believe it. It's been a long year full of impatience, struggling, and progress. The main topic I wanted to share with you all is what to expect after a year of hormones. For people who are considering it, or are starting out, they think they'll have the figure of a model and 36C breasts after one year. Well, I'll share my personal experiences to give you a real sense of expectations.



   The main point I get from looking at the chart over time is how my measurements only seemed dependent on my fluctuating weight rather than the hormones. There might have been one or two things that broke from the pattern by an inch or less, but for the most part the numbers evenly went up and down with my weight. And no, the hormones didn't affect my weight over time, because that was purely based on how seriously I was taking dieting and exercising.

   As for the bust and under-bust measurements, there has always been three inches of difference since the start simply due to the arch in my ribcage. Also, my chest measurement seemed to mirror my weight more than anything else. While I have noticed some swelling over time, I don't think it's even enough to qualify as an AA cup.

   All of this being said, everyone is affected by hormones differently. Some people will have big changes, and others will experience next to nothing. Age is a big factor, and I started at 23. If you start younger, you might get better results, and if you start older, who knows. Even still, there are many variables like genetics, or how well you can manage your hormone levels. My hormone levels have never really gotten to where I need them to be, which is likely the main reason I didn't see much change.



   The most surprising thing I experienced over the last year was my height shrinking by an inch or inch and a half. Discovering that really caught me off guard. My feet have also had minor shrinkage. I have noticed that I've gotten weaker when it comes to using weights in the gym, such as having a hard time using a 30lb dumbbell now compared to using a 35lb easily at the start. Although, taking seven months off from excising might be part of that reason, in addition to the hormones.

   For things that have changed that can't be measured, my body hair has thinned and gotten lighter to a degree. My body hair has gotten closer to skin color so it's harder to notice when it's grown in, but it still becomes pretty noticeable if I go too long without removing it. Leg and arm hair are the most affected by the hormones, chest hair is moderately affected, and facial hair isn't bothered by hormones at all.

   Over time, I've found that waxing is the best way to combat body hair growing in. Razors have had brief results and caused a lot of razor burn on my skin. Hair removing creams are a pain in the ass (literally, if you don't use them right). Electrolysis is totally impractical for removing body hair due to it being incredibly slow and ineffective (and ultra-painful). As for lasers, I've never been able to test those because they have zero affect on light-haired people. Waxing can last for three to four weeks, and takes 90 minutes to do once a month, and I think it's painless compared to the nightmare called electrolysis.

   Overall, I can honestly say I haven't changed too much. I'm still very much part time, and I don't go out in public as a girl often due to fear. The main thing I feel self-conscious about is my face, which hasn't had much change, and I feel is the biggest giveaway for me actually being a guy, especially if you look at it from an angle. While you can fake things like stuffing a bra, there isn't really anything you can do about a masculine face (I guess makeup, but there's only so much that can do). Hormones might soften some facial features to a small degree, but bones and overall structure will never be changed by hormones.

   Which brings me to some exciting news that I've been working on quietly. In October, I will be having Facial Feminization Surgery done by Dr. Spiegel in Boston! I met him for a consultation earlier this month, and I was very encouraged with the visit. FFS will be the first of a few surgeries I have planned for late 2016 and early 2017. So, I'll be waiting as patiently as I can for the second act of my transition to begin in October!