I have been surgically castrated for about 10 months now and I began estrogen not long after that. I am disappointed that my results so far have been very poor. I have been on estrogen for about 9 months miuns a 6 week period when I quit. I took 2 mg a day except for 2 months before that 6 weeks when I took 4 mg.

So far my skin texture has had some change, but there hasn't been much fat accumulation. My face is just as angular as it was before, just with softer looking skin. My breast development has been virtually nothing. Certainly nothing close to what you could call actual breasts. My mom is a DD and was a C at my age, and at this point I don't see myself getting anywhere near that far - I'll be lucky to ever have something you can call breasts.

The changes have been so mild that it can't be ruled out they are only due to castration and have nothing to do with estrogen. I have heard there are some rare people who are totally insenitive to estrogen, and I don't know how I would live my life if it turns out I am one of those people.

The changes I have experienced are well behind what you would expect at 9 months from a person so young who is also castrated. People who start transition at my age are supposed to develop quickly and have little problem with passing. The fact I am castrated should have made the changes even quicker. Yet I've had almost nothing and I am nowhere near being able to pass.

I started injectable estrogen last week and so far have noticed tenderness in the nipples, so hopefully that means I am not completely insensitive. I do struggle with this a lot, and it is the only reason I still have issues with depression. Yes, it takes time, but there should be some noticeable effect at 9 months, especially given the conditions listed above. I have an appointment with a new doctor in a couple weeks who is supposed to be knowledgeable and experienced in transgender hormones, so maybe under his guidance things will finally start happening. I really hope they do.

Plix you pose several very hard topics to respond to. As I and so many other keep saying the effects of castration can not be predicted on any one. Being done as a younger age should have a greater impact on your changes then when done in your 50's or later. I do not know all that much about TS and hormones levels. What I do know is getting the correct doctor is most important part of change. Getting the right dose and being monitored is critical. At your age very little changes will occur in the bones. You should be about the age when bones stop growing. Now fat redistribution will occur far more easy at your age and look more natural. You should have an advantage in that your skin has not has as many years to get older and thicker. This should be a real plus. Another advantage as most guys will tell you is that the amount and thickness of body and face hair increased over the years. This as well be to your advantage. Another thought. Your body is still undergoing changes from male hormone driven to female driven. It took my sisters years to develop their breasts not months. Again I do not know too much about transition but your growth may be slight but not any less then can be expected.

Hang in there my friend. You have many in here that are supporting you.

bobbie (imported) wrote: Fri Apr 28, 2006 6:32 pm It took my sisters years to develop their breasts not months.

That's one thing I've never understood. A normal puberty will take 5-7 years, yet all of the changes on hormones are supposed to happen within 2 years of the correct dosage. I would think it should take just as long as regular puberty does.

I believe the key for a successful transition is the proper level of hormones one should be on, and the only way to truely know what your level of hormone are is a blood test. For instance, my doctor has me at a level well on the upper end of the scale (even post castrated) and will occasionally spike over that level with the use of injectables. There is also the chance you may be intolerant of some types of estrogen, but there are many types out there and many methods of delivery. At best it's a trial and error type thing and once you find something that seems to work well, stick with it.

I have heard many theories as to how long it takes to develop female characteristics and the general census is roughy about 7 to 10 years. In my case I took about 2 years before any changes started to become noticable and even then the changes are still going on. I was looking at some pictures of myself around the time of my castration and comparing them to present day and there have been more changes. So don't give up hope it takes time.

Oddly enough, even tho I'm not on anything HRT-wise, at this same age my own need for more sleep seems to be increasing as well. Used to be, just a couple years ago, I could go on about 5 or 6 hours and feel fine. Now 8 or 9 isn't enough.