Yes. This.

I’d been aware of the existence and effects of feminizing HRT since–well, probably my mid teens? And always thought that I’d really like it, if only I was trans. Funny thing, 25 years later, turns out I’m trans (I was also starting to get some uncomfortably dark thoughts regarding my continued existence). So I never really worried about it, just realized one day “oh right, I can do this now.”

And yeah, probably a lot of it is placebo, but I feel so much better on estrogen. When I was in the process of cracking, I read a lot of comments saying the same thing and thinking “yeah, right”. But no, starting HRT has been, by far, the best part of my transition so far.

The initial (reversible) effects will definitely let you know if it’s right for you.

Three months in is when I started getting “oh shit, this is awesome”-level changes.

I get a very 90s vibe from it. It’s nice!

There is also gel, which I found worked fine even for monotherapy. The downside is you have to apply a lot, which is a pain.

Injections give you a peak and drop-off, which more closely resembles cis natural estrogen production. I don’t know for sure if that is beneficial, but saturation is a thing.

Funny thing – I was paranoid about drawing attention, but in my experience so far very few people notice anything out of the ordinary, and even fewer care. Absolutely nobody has said “you smell like a girl”.

You can get away with a lot more than you think!

That’s just self-doubt. You have my permission to ignore it and go buy a bra. You deserve it <3

I can also recommend a tube bra for the same reason. No cups or pads makes them inconspicuous and really comfortable, but less great if you’re getting pokey or sensitive – fine for lounging around in, though.

In addition to the other comments, how about some nice-smelling body care products? Hair milk, lip balm, hand cream, deodorant etc. Floral scents make me happy!

Oh, and put on sunscreen every day.

Clothes-wise I am enjoying my long cardigan, a wearable blanket and a pair of knitted room shoes.

You’re never alone with a rubber duck Blåhaj.

I slept through it :3 Happy 2025!

All I can say is I’m glad I figured myself out before playing this game. I think I’d have missed a lot otherwise. Still haven’t finished Core, but working on it…

It was just for a moment, but I saw her in the mirror at last! Not the usual guy, not someone who looks like my mom, but straight up “that’s a girl”. The real me. Joyful but also kind of isolating: I don’t think I could explain to anyone around me just how it feels to actually recognize my reflection.

Also I got called “onee-san” for the first time, and I wasn’t even trying to look fem. Unexpected, but I’ll take it :3

Oh, and I went out to a year-end party including some people I hadn’t met before. Including some guys. Which was nerve-wracking, but it went OK. Props to my friend who introduced me as “this is <new name>, we’re all girl pals.”

In addition to those two I also get “too much like my mom” shocks from the mirror.

Best thing for me is to fix it! Find a good angle, work on my expression, shave, tidy my hair etc etc. Or if I’m just having a bad day and nothing is working, go watch something comforting and cuddle Blåhaj.

Sounds like you made the right choice there 👍 I definitely understand all the reasons to want them gone.

Finally got around to getting a blood test today, so we’ll see if my levels are actually OK or it’s all in my head :3

Thanks for sharing! Don’t know yet whether I’ll go for orchi first or straight to SRS, but it’s good to hear about your experience. Hope the recovery is smooth.

Congratulations <3

Woah, cool! Good luck with the surgery.

Good! Loving the effects of HRT. It’s definitely “magic is real” levels of mind-blowing. Although more than that is how not bad I feel since allowing myself to … be myself. No more “what if I was a girl”, no more “I wish I could fill out this sweater”, no more “I’m wasting my life”, no more meat-puppet, no more waiting to die.

I’m trans, and it’s awesome. (Can my beard just go away now kthx)

Oh, and I finally reached the summit in Celeste. Take that, self-doubt.

Nice! I bet that’ll look awesome <3

Congratulations!

One day… (I want to grow my hair out a little more first)

Nice <3

I like how the pockets hang out the bottom!

Congratulations <3