July 13, 2005 5:08 AM BST
Ceres/Angel/All,
Nipple sensitivity goes back to almost normal. When on hormones, the breasts do grow, but, almost as importantly for appearance, they "relax." They get more round, soft and "saggy." The muscularture diminishes and the fat builds. The nipples begin to grow out, with little "nodules" behind them that begin to grow. That's when the sensitivity kicks in. And, then, the areola begins to grow, slightly.
When stopping HRT, the breasts will remain larger than before, but the "relaxed", round, feminine form goes away as the the male hormones resume their effects. The result, for me, anyway, is Arnold S.-style-mucho-bodybuilder-guy-boobs. The roundness and softness goes away, and the "straight line" that defines the bottom of men's chest reappears. I am quite skinny and small framed, so, when out in "guy" mode, it's not a bad thing. It looks like I could "kick some butt." I look much more muscular than I really am It's still ok in girl mode, as a pushup/padded/"wonder" bra takes this tissue and creates cleavage that makes me giggle, still, at how good it looks.
The disappointing point is that they do not look very feminine without that "extra support." Nor, do they feel as good as they used to...
My recommendation: do not take hormones without a Dr.'s approval. Don't start them if there is the possibility that, if your SO finds out, you will have to stop. Did you ever know a woman who enjoyed menopouse? You'll go through a mini-version of it when you stop. Starting HRT makes you feel great, well, jubilant, normal. Coming off gives you the exact reverse emotions. It sucks.
Hope this is of some help.
Sincerely Yours,
Kari
July 13, 2005 2:43 PM BST
Hi Cindy, thanx for pouring your heart out! I think I now have all the info i need!Like you, i have no intention of going "the full way" but I am happy with my boobs at the size they are now (38b) I dont think i want them any bigger cos of the problems such as you gave. I dont know (or care) what people i dont know think but my freinds all think:
a) mostly guys,its so funny i have tits ha, ha, ha! are you turning into a homo?,or garbage like that.
b) mostly females, are so interested & want to see & swap stories of how they get in the way etc!
Mine arent so big that they look TOO obvious and I can still wear my fav. tight T shirts!
thanks again,
be happy!
love
Angel xx
July 13, 2005 4:35 PM BST
I agree with Sandra. Years ago, early in my study of Brain Sex/Gender, I realized that sex, gender and partner preference were independent "decisions" in the brain. While some were frequently associated, any of them could be present with any of the others. I still have my diagrams of the "Eight Sexes" (two sexes times two genders times two partner preferences) in my initial "theory". (briefly Sixteen "Sexes") I lived in Silver Lake and it was fairly easy, in that population, of "out" people, to observe and see that everyone fit into one of those "boxes". It also be came obvious that at least some of those boxes were spectrums, NOT boxes. Now I believe they all are and lean more to descriptions of tendencies, on an analog continuum, rather than a "digital" designation (box).