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Testosterone
- Started taking
Testosterone at 45 years old
- I initially began taking testosterone to
transition. I guess I still take it to maintain
my male appearance but at a lower dosage, since
there have been health complications.
- The end result of
taking testosterone for me is - My voice
deepened. My physique is now male. The hair on
my head is thinner but it grows profusely
everywhere else.
Habits & Health
- Used to smoke
- Drink every day
- Have used recreational drugs
- Have been treated for heart condition and
hypothyroid health issues.
Mental Health
- I have been treated for depression in the
past
Life prior to Treatment
Life before transition -
My life had gotten to the point where I had to do
something about my gender issues. It had become
unbearable. I felt like I was just waiting to
die.
My identity prior to
transition - I tried to be androgynous and boyish.
I still didn't really identify as female but I
didn't want the hassle of trying to explain
that.
The most common emotion
for me was frustration.
Yes, I had an 'exit-plan'
or had attempted suicide.
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Treatment & Effects
What medical
process/hormone regime —
- I went through the
Benjamin Standards.
- I had a little over
three months of weekly therapy before being
approved for hormones.
- I was on hormones for
two years before I had chest surgery.
- I'm not planning
anything further with the possible exception of
a hysto to prevent any possibility of
cancer.
What changes occured
that you wanted? —
- I now have a male
body.
- Flat chest.
- Male fat and muscle
distribution.
What changes occured
that you didn't want? —
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body
type before
|
middle
aged female
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body
type after
|
middle
aged male
|
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weight
before
|
60
kg
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weight
after
|
68
kg
|
|
height
before
|
163
cm
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height
after
|
163
cm
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Did testosterone or
transition change your sexuality (who you are
attracted to)? —
No. I was gay before and am still gay. This
wasn't a surprise to me.
Attitudes of HealthCare Providers
Positive aspects of
healthcare provider treatment —
I was lucky with health
care providers. Or rather, I've always sought out
understanding doctors.
Negative aspects of
healthcare provider treatment —
Having to go for a
mammogram after I already looked absolutely male
and having to deal with technicians who were
baffled by me. They weren't rude, just
ignorant.
Other Comments
Transition is not a one-size-fits-all
proposition. What works for one person may not work
for the next. The only times I've been disappointed
is when I've failed to do my research and only
relied on what other people experienced.
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Alex
