Breast development under estrogen is a slow process. It has taken me about 5 years to develop DD cup size, which is unusually large for a man. The skin is softer, body hair is much finer, the face takes on a more youthful and feminine appearance, and the sharp masculine smell is gone. My hair stylist has noticed new hair growth on my scalp. I have not noticed much loss at all of upper body strength. And above all I'm calmer and no longer suicidal. I shudder at the idea of getting a mastectomy - why would I want to mutilate my body?Caultron wrote:Mark as in Mark wrote:Since I started wearing kilts and skirts to medical appointments, I've had two different doctors offer me medication that promotes breast growth. So yes, I actually had to turn them down. It still seems unthinkable, but maybe not so much as before. I think it's the no-going-back that bothers me the most. A mastectomy would screw up my tattoos.
The regimen does not raise the pitch of the voice. In my church choir there are two men of traditional masculine appearance, a tenor and a baritone. I look a bit like a woman but I'm a basso profundo.
I am a man who prefers masculine pronouns and goes by my name John.
Mark, I understand your desire not to take on a feminine name and socially transition to being a woman. I toyed with the idea but in the end rejected it. I am still on the estrogen regimen and will continue it. We just have to be true to our characters and not be boxed in by the expectations of society.
By the way Mark, I really like your sense of style. I agree you should not have to wear a wig or have fake boobs.
John