Yeah but then I might like it and before I know it the train has left the station and I can't stop it. And what am I supposed to do then? Love myself? Be happy?
Because it turns out I don't actually want facial hair and I can't undo that easily / cheaply so now I'm stuck with weird little patches on the side of my chin that I'm constantly scratching open when I forget to keep them plucked. Now, I'm still considering doing the rest of the hormone course, I just also keep in mind that I might have to plan for electrolysis concurrently. It turns out making permanent changes to your body is actually something to ponder for a second.
I do worry about that side of things - I'm nothing like the person I was when younger. I know we make life altering choices all the time but it's actually really scary considering the consequences. And that's exactly what my immature brain was NOT doing ( to be fair, I'm not confident it had the capacity for that perspective, just by being young).
I feel like we ought to clarify in a broad sense (moreso than the gender politics arena, but generally, like in social studies classes or similar) that we'll be somewhat trapped by our choices 20 years down the line - but the kids don't need that existential dread either.
Life is messy, you won't survive it but look for the fun and enrichment along the way.
The way I view it, is that if you start HRT, you generally have about 3 months to ponder on whether it was the right decision, to revert it fully without more invasive measures.
Your brain experiences the effects earliest, and so in a few weeks to a month and a half (at least, it felt like that for me), you'll know.
Whether you start/stop or not with HRT (or whatever path), whether cis or not, either way you're valid. Just be supportive of others who want to explore their gender journey and don't forget the egg prime directive :3
If I remember correctly facial hair growth is most strongly driven by DHT, which is also responsible for male pattern baldness. You could take finasteride to block the conversion of testosterone into DHT to prevent both maybe. I think it would also reduce clitoral growth since that's also driven by DHT, which may or may not be something you want so trade offs. Just some food for thought.
the clitoral growth would be the main target unfortunately; I suspect being smaller than average even for a cis female is a contributing factor to an(/hypo)orgasmia. The psych meds also aren't helping but–
I pondered for 2 years, got barely any closer to an answer, and decided to start HRT and pretty much immediately had my answer. Granted, feminizing hormones have a bit of a longer timeline until noticable permanent effects, making "just try it" a lot more feasible.
GalacticSushi
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UnixSlvt42
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GalacticSushi
in reply to UnixSlvt42 • • •You use Linux because it's a transfem stereotype
I use Linux because I can't afford a proprietary operating system license after getting $15k deep in thigh high debt
We are not the same.
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a_non_monotonic_function
in reply to GalacticSushi • • •GalacticSushi
in reply to a_non_monotonic_function • • •You use Linux because it's a superior operating system.
I use Linux because it goes great with my thigh highs.
We are not the same.
(Edit: I know, I know, insert the "what you're referring to as Linux is in fact GNU and Linux" copypasta)
a_non_monotonic_function
in reply to GalacticSushi • • •Archer
in reply to a_non_monotonic_function • • •a_non_monotonic_function
in reply to Archer • • •ethaver
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UnixSlvt42
in reply to ethaver • • •Gladaed
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UnixSlvt42
in reply to Gladaed • • •flambonkscious
in reply to ethaver • • •I do worry about that side of things - I'm nothing like the person I was when younger. I know we make life altering choices all the time but it's actually really scary considering the consequences. And that's exactly what my immature brain was NOT doing ( to be fair, I'm not confident it had the capacity for that perspective, just by being young).
I feel like we ought to clarify in a broad sense (moreso than the gender politics arena, but generally, like in social studies classes or similar) that we'll be somewhat trapped by our choices 20 years down the line - but the kids don't need that existential dread either.
Life is messy, you won't survive it but look for the fun and enrichment along the way.
like this
ethaver likes this.
birdwing
in reply to flambonkscious • • •The way I view it, is that if you start HRT, you generally have about 3 months to ponder on whether it was the right decision, to revert it fully without more invasive measures.
Your brain experiences the effects earliest, and so in a few weeks to a month and a half (at least, it felt like that for me), you'll know.
Whether you start/stop or not with HRT (or whatever path), whether cis or not, either way you're valid. Just be supportive of others who want to explore their gender journey and don't forget the egg prime directive :3
applebusch
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birdwing
in reply to ethaver • • •ethaver
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kernelle
in reply to ethaver • • •Would shaving everyday help or would it irritate further? Either way welcome to the club
WalrusDragonOnABike [they/them]
in reply to ethaver • • •qkall
in reply to UnixSlvt42 • •@RED-NOSED REINDLRRR
explain
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RED-NOSED REINDLRRR
in reply to qkall • • •maria [she/her]
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