10-05-2014, 04:48 PM
Hi Skylar, and welcome!
Yes, HRT, is essentially the same thing whether you use pharma drugs, or herbs. The process is the same thing...that is, increasing Estrogen and lowering Testosterone. The only real difference is that herbs are weaker and consequently act more slowly.
My concern is your age. I hope you will pardon my concern as I mean no offense, but I remember being 18, and how impetuous I was.
At your age you may be quite sure of what you want and then again you may only believe you are. The changes brought by HRT of any kind are reversible to a degree, or so we are told. However, long term use can render you sterile. Loss of function may occur over time, but the ability to father children can and likely will occur. Though function may be restored, fertility is doubtful. Many here have already had children so it is not a worry but at your young age, what you do now may affect you in the future if you change your mind. Many have taken the step of having sperm frozen, just in case. But either way, I might suggest seeking out a gender therapist before embarking on this path. I dont know if that is possible for you, but it might be a wise step? Do your parents and/or family know what you are wanting?
Also, despite all the good research here, and the wealth of anecdotal testimony available here, none of us, to my knowledge, is a licenced doctor. Take it all for what it is.
To answer your question, we have several members, myself included, who started on herbs and progressed to pharma HRT, and we have heard of some who have gone through transition just on herbs, though those stories must, to my knowlege be viewed as merely hearsay. Theoretically it is possible, and perhaps even safer, though certainly slower.
I hope this helps, sweetheart. There are lots of good people here, and they will want only what is best for you.
Hugs
Sammie
Yes, HRT, is essentially the same thing whether you use pharma drugs, or herbs. The process is the same thing...that is, increasing Estrogen and lowering Testosterone. The only real difference is that herbs are weaker and consequently act more slowly.
My concern is your age. I hope you will pardon my concern as I mean no offense, but I remember being 18, and how impetuous I was.
At your age you may be quite sure of what you want and then again you may only believe you are. The changes brought by HRT of any kind are reversible to a degree, or so we are told. However, long term use can render you sterile. Loss of function may occur over time, but the ability to father children can and likely will occur. Though function may be restored, fertility is doubtful. Many here have already had children so it is not a worry but at your young age, what you do now may affect you in the future if you change your mind. Many have taken the step of having sperm frozen, just in case. But either way, I might suggest seeking out a gender therapist before embarking on this path. I dont know if that is possible for you, but it might be a wise step? Do your parents and/or family know what you are wanting?
Also, despite all the good research here, and the wealth of anecdotal testimony available here, none of us, to my knowledge, is a licenced doctor. Take it all for what it is.
To answer your question, we have several members, myself included, who started on herbs and progressed to pharma HRT, and we have heard of some who have gone through transition just on herbs, though those stories must, to my knowlege be viewed as merely hearsay. Theoretically it is possible, and perhaps even safer, though certainly slower.
I hope this helps, sweetheart. There are lots of good people here, and they will want only what is best for you.
Hugs
Sammie