Meredith

Your asthma may also get better with hormones. My case is not the only one where it totally disappeared after a few months on female hormones.
And about your children. I know both cases, kids who accept and children who don´t. It depends on your existing relationship to your children. If you have been loving and caring so far, that carries the matter over the external change. You must keep in your mind: the change is external, you stay the same person, and actually even become more yourself.

Laura

Abouth breathing.. I can confirm what Laura's saying. I haven't had asthma, as such, but I have been (more or less) conscious of my breathing problems for nearly twenty years, and I can still remember how this came about when I was 10-12 years old. Yesterday, when I was at the laser salon, it became even clearer to me that, in my case anyway, it's very much about controlling pain. The cosmetologist said the same as my dentist have done: You sure can take a lot of pain. At some point I told her: I've been holding my breath for thirty years. Our nervous system adjusting, to the fact that there's hardly any reason for that kind of fear anymore, it does take some time. And the hormones, they have some relaxing effect, it seems.

Linda
xxx

How long before you see results? Obviously it varies from person to person, and will depend on what you are taking and how much, so there’s no straight answer. Probably, you can expect to feel a difference between 1 and 3 months, I noticed softer skin in that time, and a very slight increase in breast tissue. After a year I still only have slight breast development, which I could hide if I wanted to by wearing baggy clothes, but I’m full time so I don’t try to hide them! I’ve seen more significant breast development in people who are taking ethinyl estradiol, but I'm avoiding that, and remaining patient and hoping for more development over time. 17B estradiol is generally considered to be the safer option, less toxic to the liver and less chance of clotting. I doubt if anyone my age is going to get huge breasts from a sensible hormone regime, but I’d be happy with a B-cup. Maybe I’d have implants if they don’t improve, but it’s too early to think about that. Mood swings, I don’t get them, no more than I ever did anyway. Sensitive nipples, yes, it’s not so bad though, lets you know things are working, so in fact you’ll be glad of it!
Transition: it’s a long road to reach your destination, so just try and enjoy the journey without asking, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet…?!”
Best of luck.
xx

All my best wishes and hugs for you Meredith. You have diffenitly given me courage as I read and follow your journey. I am so waiting to hear more. Especialy what happens with your father as I am so frighten of telling mine. I feel that when I do reveal to my sister that it will go as when you did. I have always been the closes to her as I was born 14 months after her. Where are you in relation to birth with your sister. I often wonder if by being concieved so close after her birth that this may have something to do with me being transgendered?
It is so wonderful that you will go on HRT. I have wished this since the late 70's. Is there an age limit to start as one of the girls mention 7 years to complete. Although I am quite feminine body wise, I lack ample breast to fill out a top. I had false breast way back in the eighties when I lived in San Diego part time as Rachel (was in Navy, has anyone else had to deal with service and TG issues?) and I found them to be awkward at times (glue loosen and slippage at the wrong time and place ). Could one have implants without HRT? How did you chose your therapist? I know that these are a lot of ? and do not want to take away from Meredith so I end here. Oh, I shaved my legs for the first time since last summers purge . When I have the money it's off to Victoria's Secret , oh my gawd, i spent so much there.
LuvHugKis, Rachel