Hi Im looking for some advice with regard to my gender identity. Im male and attracted to females though identify myself with images of men that are not masculine if you can understand me. I guess its an androgynous image I identify myself with. I feel I would like to become less masculine and more feminine.

Im not saying I identify myself completely with being or trying to become female. I want to be more feminine. I've always had impulses towards womens clothes, make up, hairstyles etc. I dont feel like I want to grow older becoming even more masculine if you see what I mean. The thought of it really makes me uncomfortable.

I have attempted some ways to feminize through herbals etc and am seriously considering some form of prescription to block some of the masculine effects. I would really appreciate some advice because Im not sure what makes me feel this way. I live in London, UK & would like to chat to someone who maybe understands my feelings. Thanks.

do you actually crossdress at home or in public?any hormones or anti androgens would destroy your libido.i'm not sure how you would feel about that?it would also affect your fertility.don't know if you want to have kids?taking hormones can have ireversible effects so it's worth bearing in mind.any breast growth is permanent although they might atrophy to some degree on discontinuation.
there are things you can do without resulting to hormones e.g.electrolysis,growing hair long,wearing clothing of your preferred gender.some people even have some FFS surgery although thats expensive.
have you tried speaking to your doctor about how you are feeling?they can refer you to a local psychiatrist.i went to doctor curtis at the london gender clinic which is private.it's £220 for a one hour session.if you are willing to pay then it might be woth having a chat to him.there is a great counsellor there-sharon fillingham who is really nice.it's £50 for counseling.i have spent a lot of time with her and it was well worth it.
rachel

Thanks for your reply, it was very helpful. I have thought about my libido & fertility. In fact after taking herbals etc for some months over a year ago I did lose some of my libido for a while though this has returned since stopping.

I could just grow my hair, dress the way I feel though its also about aging & developing into a 'more' masculine person as time goes on. I think I should talk to my doctor though Im so embarassed. I was wondering if there's an NHS service with specialized advisors.

hormones wont stop the ageing process.would you rather grow into a wee old lady?
couseling on the nhs is hard to find.counseling for gender dysphoria is a specialist thing and most counselors work privately.you will still need to approach your G.P.Some peoplewrite a letter first and post it to there g.p.
at the end of the day hormones will make you sterile and you will not be able to produce a child.is that something that you want?how do you feel about your genitals?would you miss them if they weren't there?how would you feel about not being able to have erections?hormones are dangerous things and are not to taken lightly.
i think if you have never cross dressed then thats what you should try first.you might hate it or love it.i don't know.hormones don't turn you into a woman.they will have no effect on your bone structure or on your height.thye won't make your feet or hands shrink..transition to a female role is a difficult process and there are lots of knocks along the way.
rachel.