This business of taking hormones in order to "feel like a woman" has long puzzled me. I was born with XY sex chromosomes, along with a damaged endocrine system that led to partial pubertal failure (with no need for help from "puberty blockers"), and I don't recall ever "feeling like a man". I do allow that transsexuals with fully functional endocrine systems might experience things differently, but still I wonder. If someone looks and feels like a man, what is the source of gender dysphoria for which treatment would be sought?
I know gender dysphoria well, having lived with it for decades. I transitioned in my 50's, and the gender dysphoria is gone as a result of that, not of taking hormones (of which I did take estradiol at low dose for several years). There are new problems, but nothing like that one. The feelings that others describe as resulting from starting hormones, I experienced by coming out of the closet at age 53.
I hated the hiding, and coming out was an enormous relief. My sense of connection with women and of disconnection from men has been lifelong, from the time I was old enough to know the difference. It never changed. At least now I do understand why men behave as they do, and I am no longer upset about them simply being what they are, as long as I am not expected to behave likewise.
Pretend you woke up from a ten years slumber and read these headlines. I'd put the pillow over my face with that perspective.
Astounding work here. Thanks for all you do.
This business of taking hormones in order to "feel like a woman" has long puzzled me. I was born with XY sex chromosomes, along with a damaged endocrine system that led to partial pubertal failure (with no need for help from "puberty blockers"), and I don't recall ever "feeling like a man". I do allow that transsexuals with fully functional endocrine systems might experience things differently, but still I wonder. If someone looks and feels like a man, what is the source of gender dysphoria for which treatment would be sought?
I know gender dysphoria well, having lived with it for decades. I transitioned in my 50's, and the gender dysphoria is gone as a result of that, not of taking hormones (of which I did take estradiol at low dose for several years). There are new problems, but nothing like that one. The feelings that others describe as resulting from starting hormones, I experienced by coming out of the closet at age 53.
I hated the hiding, and coming out was an enormous relief. My sense of connection with women and of disconnection from men has been lifelong, from the time I was old enough to know the difference. It never changed. At least now I do understand why men behave as they do, and I am no longer upset about them simply being what they are, as long as I am not expected to behave likewise.