November 5, 2008 6:22 PM GMT
Rachel,
I think that all medically supervised hormone programs do this, albeit unintentionally. MtF hormones are introduced gradually, starting with lower dosages, typically beginning just with a low dose of estrogen, then introducing an anti-androgen some weeks later and then perhaps progesterone (many docs think progesterone is not reqd). dosages are then adjusted upward in order to achieve feminization and eradicate male sexuality.
I, as I'm sure all who begin taking hormones, was quite excited at beginning and looking forward to change. I started to experience a feeling of better emotional well being shortly after starting, which I think is what you are asking about. It made me want more and even more resolute and looking forward to transition.
I have met people who had reactions entirely the reverse, in that they thought that they were ts and wanted to change, but once they started to, even subtly, they freaked out. The changes scared them and they learned that they did not really want to change. Obviously these people discontinue hrt.
So, the short answer is yes, starting will let you know whether or not you want to continue. If you are under medical supervision, you will be started at a lower dosage. If you are doing it yourself, you should also start lower for this reason as well as safety.
Good luck,
bebe
November 21, 2008 11:16 AM GMT
Thanks for these replies. I am sure Lucy's right when she says that most people know their position prior to commencing hormones. Perhaps I am fortunate because at present I am able to go on because I can just about suppress the messages that my brain is sending. Maybe I'll reach a point when I am no longer able to do this? If it were possible to seek confirmation that this was the right course of action then I would gain psychological strength for the events that would follow. Perhaps that's a little like hedge-betting with your own life, which taking the lessons learnt from the credit crunch is possibly best avoided.
November 20, 2008 11:17 PM GMT
Well, I have first hand experience of hormones but not specifically as a diagnostic tool. In the UK, as has been suggested, they don’t give you hormones and say, “Here try this, see if you like it…” but of course if you find you don’t like the changes that hormones bring then you probably shouldn’t be on them. Conversely, some TG’s may find they welcome the effects yet still not wish to transition fully. I don’t think they are a way of determining if you are TV or TS.
I think if you want to totally feminise your body and live as a female, you really will know. Hormones shouldn’t be taken as an experiment or used as a diagnostic tool, though most find the effects somehow confirm what they already knew.
xx