After 40 years I'm finally learning to express my strong feminine side more fully, but the question is this. I have no intention at the moment to go through gender reassignment, but long to experience the bodily and psychological changes that taking hormones would hopefully bring. (I'm thinking of Ethinyloestradiol). As gender reassignment is not a current option I guess it's not possible to acquire this through a doctor. So...if I purchase Ethinyloestradiol privately can I assume taking this medication is reasonably safe? Are there other drawbacks? I'm fit, healthy, sporty.

Thankyou!

the use of a doctor is wise as they can monitor any concerns you may have

many transpeople in the world self prescribe - in some countries the costs mean it is impossible for them to seek professional support

some are so scared that it is the lesser of two evils - in other words if a person is becoming so desperate and depressed and know they can never seek professional help - their culture or society may force them into this

also remember many simply purchase their hormones online because they are often cheaper than their doctors prescriptions - they maybe geographically isolated for example

so there are many reasons why people self prescribe

that said unless one feels unwell - the NHS doesnt really offer that much monitoring - there is a wishy washy pop in for a blood test (if you like) in 4 months sorta attitude and thats with the top clinics

Ethinyloestradiol is the hormone provided by the majority of gender clinicians - most transsexuals will be offered this - its an FDA approved substance and it is the hormone of choice in the UK

This is safe to use as it is a state approved substance

But if this is safe for YOU to use then one cannot answer that with any certainty - thats the problem

perhaps you should spend a little more time discussing why you need to take HRT and chat with us about your trans feelings and motivations more first

then after you have spent some time here discussing these issues with others here - then you can make an 'INFORMED CHOICE' your 'OWN' choice about what you would like to do

Remember these substances are not for a kick they in time will feminise your body and change you - this may sound exciting but it could have serious social repercussions for someone who is currently living stealthily in the closet - as breasts and so on may out you by proxy

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Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)

In fact you're far warmer than an ice maiden!

I'm so grateful for your considered comments which were very helpful. I have little time now, but wanted to add a few thoughts.

I think I can honestly say that this is not about kicks...but self-identity. I feel my femininity in a very deep seated way - for example, my attitude to clothes is all about what is tasteful and appropriate, not about being even remotely fetishistic. I just like to look good.

The more honest I am with myself about who I am the more the feminine side to my nature is released. So the desire to experience elements of bodily change..as well as enhance my female psyche...seems simply.....natural!!

Yes I understand the potential dangers in a social setting. I also have a sense at my time of life of having suppressed who I am for decades. So there's an element of impatience! What is life about, after all?

Thankyou again, ice maiden.

I would just say a few things on this. If you're not 100% sure about transitioning then hormones are a bad idea, same goes for taking them if you're a TV. There's an other thread on here where someone was a bit silly and now hates their boobs because they took hormones on a whim. I'm not saying you're taking them on a whim but be very careful as some of the changes can be irreversable.

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Hellfrozeover be a pirate and a Transgenderzone moderator.

I don't stand under the TG umbrella anymore, it's way too bitchy and crowded in there but it's sunny out here

often transpeople feel ashamed of the sexual side of being who they are

it is not uncommon for trans people to say

'its not a sexual thing' - what they are basically saying is - 'i aint a pervert'

the bottom line is humans are sexual animals and for many they do get a thrill from what they are wearing - i mean just take a look at women and their 'shoe fetishes'

but if a man said that - oh dear

so trans people can invest a considerable amount of their emotional feelings and anxieties into 'dressing'

the clothes can almost become as a childs comfort blanket - a place to go when things get tough - for others its a way to seek the approval of others - 'do i look like a girl' am i pretty and so on - these are issues tied up with insecurity and may have some other reasons other than being trans - as to why they surface

why do you feel like you are a woman what is it now at 40 you have decided to change your life so drastically - why not approach your doctor - what is stopping you doing this

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Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)

If you must do it, be sure to use only transdermal estrogen (i.e. patches).

Oral ethinyl estradiol is a major risk factor in thrombo-embolic disorders, with some researchers reporting incidence as high as 12% - most commonly Deep Vein Thrombosis - in MtF transsexuals over 40.

also see http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/estrogens_progestins/default.htm

although NICE (The Nationa Institute for Clincal Exellence) recommends its use in fertility treatments

many contributing factors also play a part - obesity, family history, smoking, alcohol and post surgical issues

patches may be sufficient in a post operative subjects in regard to osteoporisis but pre operative subjects may struggle to obtain acceptable levels of femininity - breast growth and so on

if you have a family history of stroke or heart disease then proceed with caution

as a last resort take quarter of an asprin every day

The FDA has approved the use of aspirin to prevent stroke in men and women who have already had an ischemic stroke or mini-stroke.

Just as aspirin has become standard therapy in reducing the risk of a second heart attack, it can be used under a doctor's direction by thousands of stroke survivors to decrease the likelihood of a second stroke.

Aspirin helps prevent the aggregation of platelets or blood clotting. Platelets release a prostaglandin called thromboxane. Asprin's irreversible prostaglandin blocking ability inhibits the biosynthesis of thromboxane and, consequently, reduces the tendency for blood to clot. This is the reason aspirin should not be used with prescription drugs for anticoagulation (thinning the blood) unless directed by a doctor.

An aspirin regimen may help prevent a second ischemic stroke, but will not prevent hemorrhagic strokes. In fact, aspirin use slightly increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. If you have a history of stroke, make sure you know what kind of stroke you had.

Aspirin is not appropriate for everyone, so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.

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Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)

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Man [...] must count no one but himself; that he is alone, abandoned on earth in the midst of his infinite responsibilities, without help, with no other aim than the one he sets himself, with no other destiny than the one he forges for himself on this earth." (Jean Paul Sartre, 1943)