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So.. this week i get my 'medical necessity letter' for MTF HRT from my therapist... so it is time to decide... do i or don't i... is it really my true path... or do i just stay as i am... is my feminine self that is screaming for it real or is this just a strong fetish... this is suddenly very real... my therapist, an AASECT Certified sex therapist I have been seeing weekly for most of a year says Megan is the very real me and that MTF HRT and transitioning is the right thing... but holy cow... i'm 70, 6'4" and will never, ever truly pass... and this would shake my worlds foundations... on the other hand i have no SO to worry about, my son and siblings will get over it... it will be a year or more before it would show in a way that would affect my employment... what the hell to do girls???????????????????????????????????? I have the choice to make so many of my wishes come true... I could be starting HRT within weeks.... eeeek! What to do? 
@sailor2000 Megan, I'll tell you what I decided for myself. I am 70 and I do think I pass most of the time. I decided I am just a CD, but am very comfortable presenting as Cassie full time. I have presented female 70% of the time for almost 3 years and full-time since my retirement at the Post Office at Thanksgiving, in February I started a temporary job at Walmart. I did not try to hide my male ID, but told HR that I would prefer to be called Cassie and dressed as Cassie full time.
I decided that I will never start HRT and very satisfied presenting as Cassie and so far am accepted that way.
Cassie
Tough call. Like everyone else here, I’d say consult an endocrinologist first. But even before that, try this thought experiment: Would you be willing to get all facial hair permanently removed along with a face lift?
I ask because if I were to commit to full-time female presentation, those would be the first items on my own list. (Granted, I’m a little younger.) And those changes, just like breast growth, would be visible and irreversible.
To cross the Rubicon or not is the call of both you and your physician.
@sailor2000 I was 60years old when I started HRT! I knew since I was 14 that I was not right. I started HRT and never felt better about myself!!! I didn't think I would pass, but with a covid mask on people are starting to call me ma'am now. I don't use make up. But the real reason I feel better is I'm finally addressing who I am and not pretending to be someone else. If you are in the same boat as i am. Then your answer should be clear to you!
So... What is the gain or benefit from going and mucking around with your endocrine system. As you said, it's going to be a long time before you see any real changes... What about negative affects on you? Is it worth any potential downsides of throwing your body out of balance?
I have no dogs in this fight. I'm just trying to play Devil's Advocate... figure out what is gained versus potential complications and issues.
@ronp I have several medical problems. Four blood clots and 3 heart attacks under my belt. I thought HRT would be impossible for me to get! But all of my medical providers believe that treating my Gender Dysphoria out weighs my medical needs by a mile! I'm on blood thinners and meds for my heart! So I'm living the life I wanted since I was about 14.
As for time on HRT. You can expect breast growth and softer skin in 3-6 months. Breast growth takes 2-3 years to completely grow. You can look the rest up!
HRT is about dropping a giant anchor that's been dragging a person like me down all my life. I'm 61 have been on HRT just over a year and 3 months. I feel great no more depression and I go out more then ever now. I'm looking more and more female then I hoped for. My wife is by my side as always! Nobody is too old to change!
It seems to me just living full time en femme would be the first step. If being out full time leads to HRT down the road, so be it, but at 70 I don't see much upside to taking hormones.
@jjandme Interesting... my thinking (and my therapist) is start the HRT and see how it works for me and how I feel over time... and when i feel comfortable in public in female presentation try that... I dont do this lightly but feel i would be so much happier running on E fuel that T fuel... but the only way to know is to try... and the only thing that is non reversible will be breast growth... My Testes are already essentially non functional after 10 plus years of TRT (they dont tell yo that when you start that stuff lol) so I wont need Spiro or similar, just stop the T and start E.
@sailor2000 I'm on TRT and was shocked when my testes shrank; as you said, they did not tell me that. Best, Marlene.
I can only share my experience. I retired at 60 and although I was very out but wasn't in my job. I had laid the ground where my family, friends and neighbours knew and went full time. I got another job and settled into my life. My doctor was already aware years before so was in discussion about hormones. I finally took the plunge three years ago going on a low dose and regular check ups. I am on a higher dose now but three years later little to report apart from a little breast growth.. Results vary from person to person.
Before being given them I was assessed medically and am in quite good health overall and there aren't any worrying side effects, but again that varies.
Without blowing my trumpet I had years of dressing where I developed my look ad foundation and am quite passable to the point that those that didn't know me before think I am what they see.
I chose to go on hormones under medical guidance in hope there would be a bit less maleness and a better female shape. The changes may be small but not drastic without surgery. If the need arises I can still look the same old me so can balance the two.
So if you are in good shape and feel it may benefit you the changes won't be overnight into a curvy female so you could continue work without any issue.
You sound unsure at this point so I think you should wait until you have a clearer idea of exactly what you want to do.
@d44 I disagree that she is unsure. I think she is a bit scared, because this is a life changing decision. But I do agree she should wait until she decides for herself. This isn't a decision we should be making for her.
Hey Megan,
If you’re married you need to have a discussion with your spouse and discuss your futures. Ask your primary physician for a referral to an endochronologist to have a discussion about a path forward should you decide to continue forward with HRT. We’re not medical types but the effects can have big effects on your physical and mental health.
Alice
@aliceunderwire No spouse, thank heaven. Only family that would care will get over it. Medically cleared.
I understand how compelling it might be to start HRT. Perhaps you should try going F/T and see how that goes. If your fears fall away then you might be better able to decide if you want to go permanent.
That cross road is ahead on my journey. The advice of the the ladies here is something I pay attention to. Going full-time is the do no harm obvious choice for me and this time. Maybe HRT later. Megan, please keep us posted. Your shared experience is important.
