Hi Crystalline, I’m far from an expert, but I am in my HRT therapy now. My suggestion is foremost to take hormones through a medical professional. It is very risky to use supplements since they are not well-regulated and you may waste a LOT of money or risk your health.
Have you talked to an endocrinologist? They will be the best medical source to answer your questions. But they (most times?) can’t, or won’t, prescribe HRT without an independent diagnosis from a gender therapoist, or mental health professional (or your GP). You can also contact your local Planned Parenthood. They work with people interested in exploring transitioning, too.
My understanding is the medical team will work with us to the extent we need to feel “whole”. Dosages are somewhat individualized. Low doses of estradiol and spironolactone will ease dysphoria, but won’t do much to us physically. To get any noticeable softened facial features, you would need enough hormones to cause breast development and genital changes (“Shrinkage, Jerry!”). And for anyone 30 or older it will be years before there would be much effect.
Anything (including supplements) that impacts your endocrine system can also do things like kill your sex drive, cause irreversible breast growth, etc. So you need to be ABSOLUTELY sure it is something you and your partner will be okay with.
If you feel comfortable with your life as it is and don’t plan to transition, maybe explore cosmetic procedures to alter your features first. At least that won’t mess up your endocrine system and it avoids complications that HRT comes with (increased risk of heart attack, stroke, DVT, and breast cancer).
Others on this forum probably have better knowledge and experience with it. I’m committed to chemically and socially transitioning this year to live as a female 24/7. But I have been a life-long CD and felt enough dysphoria to be socially withdrawn and have chronic anxiety and depression most of my life. I did get married (40 years last August) but just came out to my wife in July. She thought she’d be okay with it, but we’re struggling. Your partner may be oaky with things as they are, but may not be okay with you changing your body in permanent ways, so just tread carefully!
Hugs,
Brie
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