#personaltransition

[astealthman]

So valentine's day this year was my 9 year mark on T. Except, for the first time in all of those years I've been off of T since Christmas. I had a severe allergic reaction to the brand of gel they switched me over to due to the shortages and my pharmacy just can't get any other. So I'm over 2 months without T.

Maybe a week off of it I had terrible cramping, absolute agony but only happened a couple of days. And ever since I've been pain free. All was going okay until last week then I started spotting. Hasn't stopped since. It's not heavy at all but holy fuck do I hate this. It's been a week and it's still happening so no idea it's gonna go on for, I'm due to speak to my GP in just over a week about another gel that's lower dose but I may be able to take more of it, I'm hoping he will agree anyway as i really need something.

In terms of my mood though things have been much better than I thought they would. My sex drive is non existent but I haven't really felt mood swings after the first few days. I was expecting quite a drop but it's been okay.

I thought I'd make a note of it for any guys who have been on T for a LONG time who may have to come off for whatever reason, I know I was dreading what could happen with not much info out there when it comes to someone on T for almost a decade, coming off of it, who hasn't had a hysterectomy yet. In truth there's been little pain bar those couple of days and no huge drops in mood or energy. The bleeding for me is the worst thing, I'm just glad it isn't a LOT right now and hoping it will stop and I can get back on T.

[astealthman]

Spectrum Binder Review

Having used GC2B binders for the last 5/6 years I finally took a dive and ordered the only British made binder from Spectrum Outfitters. I ordered a short version as I’ve grown to like these with GC2B.

It arrived a few days ago, immediately it felt very rigid, a lot more so than GC2B and even Underworks binders from memory, which for me isn’t something I’m looking for. I want compression but not to the point that your upper half feels like you have an armoured vest on! Anyway, persevered - getting it on is a CHALLENGE! No way I could get it on like my usual (2 arms in then head through and pull down) so I followed the advice on the pamphlet (one arm in, get the binder as close into the armpit as possible, head through then your other arm and pull down). Now I’ve used binders for maybe 10+ years and know that they’re a little tight so not as easy to throw on as regular clothes but I’ve never had as much difficulty as I had with Spectrum despite buying a larger size than my measurements as I was hoping to have one that’s a little loose for when I’m doing a lot physically. Anyway after a couple of tries I gave up for the day. Tried again the next morning and followed the same steps but with more determination, and I did manage to get it on but trying to get an extremely tight and rigid binder over a large chest and down is a mission and a half, it’s uncomfortable beyond anything I’ve used previously. Perhaps better suited to smaller chests?

Now, does it bind? Yes. Once it’s on it does a good job of holding things in place and it doesn’t roll up as much as my GC2B one, it is somewhat longer though so that probably helps. In fairness it holds things better than GC2B but it does come at a price - your comfort! It is cut very close to your armpit so when you move the very rigid front material feels like it’s gnawing it’s way through your flesh - for me this is one of its biggest downsides, I need to move a lot physically during the day and I can’t deal with the sensation every time my arm moves a slight amount. I also don’t like the cut of the neckline, it’s more of a straight line from the arm straps either side which doesn’t sit flush to your body - it stick out when leaning forward in a way that makes it noticeable that you have something on underneath your shirts; underworks binders used to have a similar issue in that it used to protrude forward for no reason and I hated it - again this was another dealbreaker for me. I definitely think the shape of the binder needs some work/adjustments overall as the armpit cut in combination with the neck line is a no-go for me.

So overall I’m a little unimpressed. It’s retail is £38, this includes UK shipping and it did arrive within 3 days of ordering so a faster turnaround than most others if you’re a UK buyer. GC2B work out at slightly more expensive with shipping but when they have offers/discounts available they’re similarly priced. I wouldn’t buy another Spectrum binder unless the cut/fabric changed. For now it’s back to old faithful GC2B…

[astealthman]

Scruffy beard update - almost 8 years on T 😳

It’s been ages since I’ve posted anything transition related but looking back at some earlier photos yesterday made me regret deleting so many photos from this blog and not documenting as much in recent years. My beard is still changing, coming further up my cheeks and my moustache is a lot more dense.

I’m tempted to grow it for 12 months, no pruning, to see what happens. I always get bored a few months in but if I can stick to it I’ll document it here.

[astealthman]

Sometimes after a chaotic few days all you need is a hair cut, hot bath & a Halloween movie marathon 👌🏻

[astealthman]

[astealthman]

Transition Comparison

Yup, I was a nail biter 😂 no idea how old I am in the top photo but first time ever showing a pre-transition photo. I don’t have any pictures of my teen years at all until I started T so this is as good as it gets lol.

6years & 4months on T. Bit of a ‘glow up’ maybe.. all I know is I’m so much happier now.

[astealthman]

Today marks 6 years on T for me & it’s been quite the journey. I’m always surprised by how fast the times gone but also so grateful that I’ve been able to be who I am with the support of my family and those who matter to me.

[astealthman]

It’s been a while since I’ve done a beard update soo..

Apologies for the wet look but this was after conditioning and a few months ago before Ive been sporting a MUCH shorter look... which I actually really like now my beard is fuller.

So yeah, this was at my 5 year mark.