Relax hun. I began hormones in late 2008, at the age of 25. Now, at 27, I have lived, trouble free, as a genetic woman oth socially AND at work, without a single second glance. It does feel tense at first, but trust me when I say it happens fast before you know it. Just relax and enjoy the journey.

Why wait for the effects of hormones before starting your RLE? I'm now 14 months into my RLE, won't be starting hormones till October at the earliest. My personal time-line is to be recognised legally as female by the time I'm 50 (Oct 2011) - If I had waited for hormones I would have absolutely no chance of making that.

The hormones can make a lot of difference to how you feel about yourself, but they often make a whole lot less difference on how others see you, that is all about confidence.

My 2 pennys worth.

Caroline x

Tiffany,

I am also anxious about hormones but I have realized that there is a lot we can do without them. If you can gain self-confidence to present yourself as you are then you will never be dependent on hormones in case for some reason you can't continue the therapy. Not only that, you can start going out as a woman right away. You might start out in an area where people don't know you. Believe in yourself and that there is more to you than your appearance. Just do your best to get out there more and when the hormones kick in your transition can be that much smoother. I wasn't sure I could do it either, but every week I have been gaining more self-confidence and I have finally accepted the fact that many people are not comfortable with how they look but they go out in public out of necessity and eventually they just get used to it. For me plucking out my beard hair gave me the kick start I needed.

Amie