Hi I need advice I'm wanting to start my transition but I'm worried how others will react about me taking hormones. 
Importantly I have a girlfriend  
Any advice how I should handle it

Hi Mark
Sorry to tell you this but you should have all the people you love and care about on board, before you decide to transition.
You cant hide this and it gets progressively worse to explain the longer you wait.
Also if your ready to transition and you are positive of your choice, then you shouldn't wait any longer.
Bobbi

Thanks I will take that on board

To be honest it's getting harder to hide who I am

Here is a thread thats right up your alley
http://www.breastnexum.com/showthread.php?tid=27263

Bobbi

Thanks that really helps

Yes, I agree, the sooner, the better, I feel myself getting in deeper and deeper and still no one knows. It's not good, and can be extremely stressful. Learn from my painful mistakes.

Thank you I've said I'm going to start in january

I agree with all the other posters, as hard as it is too tell anyone now, its not going to get any easier to tell people later.

I think you also have to keep in mind who you need to tell. If you have a job, you don't need to inform your employer until you have no other option.

Your girlfriend should be told early, as some family members.

Good luck on your transition.

I agree completely with Jannet here too, you do have to be careful who knows at first, certainly your Partner and very close family, and not least your Doctor if you`re planning to self medicate (not a great idea (said the hypocrite)).
others that don`t need to know, don`t tell until YOU feel right about it, and if you never feel like it, don`t tell!