PS. I had initial reservations and was forced to come out after my girlfriend at the time, thought it would take the heat from her own behaviour.
Anyway, after building up the courage to firstly make an appointment and then attend a doctor about it, I began the process. To date this has involved, blood tests, counseling and referral to the Southern Health/Monash Gender Clinic.
A few months later I was referred to Dr Fintan Harte, a psychiatrist. I was very hesitant and worried when I stated attending but made a promise to myself to simply be open and honest. Following 5 sessions with Dr Harte (many of which were very personal and tiring) I received a letter authorizing hormones.
Now, 6 months later, I've been out as 'me' quite a few times and have really enjoyed, embraced the experience. My body has clearly begun changing and I wake up each morning simply to check myself in the mirror ;-)
I feel a lot happier internally and physically feel energized like never before, but also 'alive.' Like I am more connected now with everything around me. It's hard to describe
To be honest, I've questioned and second guessed myself many times but found as I progress, things get easier, apart from how family and friends may react. As time has passed, I've also formed a resilience to 'potential criticism' which empowers me to venture further each time, whether hair, makeup, mannerisms; clothing, shoes, whatever.
This process provided me a grounding point, which I've used to assess myself and direction. Simply being able to be 'me,' present as such and mingle with other girls as one feels completely normal (like the first time I wore heels only recently) and brings me happiness that I simply cannot put into words.
It's very daunting at the beginning but once you take that first step, it should become easier and like me, you will be able to assess whether you feel happy or comfortable progressing.
From my experience hormones are reversible to a degree, however I feel it gave me a taste of what being 'female' in terms of physiology feels like. It has also opened my mind and made me want the change more which leads to secondary characteristics, like breasts. These may or may not be reversible.
One very important factor I forgot to add was the 'ongoing battle' I had, or feeling of not being 'right' has subsided and as such I can now focus more clearly and begin to enjoy life
Food for thought and hope this helps a little :-)
Oh and yes, good luck and enjoy it, even if just for a short while ;-)
Last edited by Princess_Renee: 13th October 2012 at 10:29 PM