As a experienced trans lady can you give any tips for a newbie? Like getting HRT, clothes, ECT. I have no idea what I'm doing 😞
While it seems like I'm older than most folks here, I'm pretty much a newbie to transitioning myself! I was questioning for about 8 years before realizing what my situation was, and then didn't actually come out to anyone for another 9 years, then didn't actually start my transition until this past year, which was 7 years after that!
Your experience is going to vary depending on where you live, so I can only speak to my own situation. When I got my current doctor a couple years ago, it wasn't for any gender purposes, I just needed a new doctor since I had moved. When I had my appointment however, I noticed she was wearing a rainbow pin, so I made a mental note that she'd be a safe person to talk to if I ever decided I was ready to transition.
When the time came, I spoke with her on the topic. She was incredibly understanding and got me started right away. Did some blood tests first to see what my current levels were, and then was prescribed hormones based on those levels.
I'm about 9 months into HRT now. There are periodic blood tests to check levels and make adjustments to my prescriptions.
Estradiol - Initially was doing the patch, but it was reacting pretty badly with my skin. Was breaking out under the patch and the itch was unbearable. I've since moved to doing weekly injections.
Spironolactone - Taken by pill in the morning with food.
Progesterone - Taken by pill at night.
I am genuinely the worst person to ask about this lol. I kind of already dress the way I like, jeans/kahkis & a button down. I'm a plain gal and kind of a tomboy. That said, my wife has been helping me out with bras, and I'm realizing that I need to figure something out in the shirt department, since my "guy" shirts are starting to get uncomfortably snug around my chest.
I've tried some shirt tailored for women, but they don't really work with my frame lol. ALSO WHY ARE THE BUTTONS ON THE OTHER SIDE WHAT'S THE POINT OF THAT? Like, why are buttons gendered? My muscle memory for guy shirt buttons is too strong to overcome at the moment, so for now I'm holding off sticking with my guy tailored shirts until my chest doesn't allow for it anymore.
So... that's where I'm at! Again, your experience is very likely to vary from mine depending on where you live (and what your goals are!), so take everything I said with a grain of salt.
I'm wishing you the best on this journey we're on together!