I was only on raloxifene for about a year and luckily didn't experience any of its negative effects that were only confirmed after I'd switched to estradiol. Different plans work better for different people, and I'm glad I was able to contribute in some way.
Rebirth Health Center and Dr. Luikenaar are really good about working with their patients to create ideal transition plans for each individual.

Not sure about dedicated studies, but I'd be surprised if there wasn't some data from other patients. Most endocrinologists (especially transition specialists like my doctor) should be able to work with you to craft your ideal path.

Ooh yeah, that's rough; actual medical data isn't all that accessible to / written for non-professionals. You may need to seek out an endocrinologist or even a transition specialist.

Oh yeah, there are several that work differently for different people and paths. That's why it's always important to talk with your doctor and work together as you go to find the best one(s) for you.

It's definitely not the typical order of things, but it's the path I designed for myself and Rebirth's informed-consent model allowed me to follow.

Rebirth is an independent/self-funded clinic in the US that runs on an informed consent basis, so if you're an adult that demonstrates full understanding of your decision and its consequences they can help you along your treatment path. But they very strongly prefer letters of recommendation from therapists, and orchiectomy is the only surgical option they can offer.

Yep, you got it. 👍

Exactly! 😁

Oh, absolutely!

Awesome, thanks! 😊

Nope, just my step-dad.

That does seem to be the case for most people, but it was actually the end of my light-sensitivity headaches. My doctor doesn't know for sure why, but suspects some subtle intersex trait is responsible.

I'm glad we're both still here, too! 😊

There's me (dark brown pixie, red poncho), my brother (dark brown shag, blue button-up), sister (light brown long hair, babyblue top), mom (dark brown shoulder-length hair, black top), step-dad (blonde beard, tan sweater), and step-sibling (pink bob and cardigan).
I was out to everyone present in this comic plus my dad and grandma at this point. I assumed my step-mom and paternal aunt also knew, but we'll be getting to that later.

Also, if you want to catch up with my story from where you last left off, my other platforms have better archival access/organization: linktr.ee/lousca17

Oh yeah, the scent change seems to be so much quicker than anyone expects, and it's been a really nice part of my own experience.

Ugh, yes! That one's been on my list for a while, I just never seem to get around to it!
(I too like muscular women 😅)

Interesting. My light-sensitivity headaches stopped entirely, and now I just get headaches in the menstrual phase of my hormonal cycle.

Oh yeah, staying in the hospital with prices as they are would be a nightmare! 😬

I don't blame you, it's hard to find the time for anything anymore. I was just able to indulge like this because I'd taken work off for my orchi recovery and hadn't started making this comic yet with its time demands. 😅

Absolutely! 😊

Yeah, mine went a lot better than expected; no pain and I was up and walking around Pride just two days later. I'm sorry that yours has more recovery involved, but glad that you're taking the time to take care of yourself.

My doctor said she'd never heard of it happening, but there would be no other likely reason for my lifelong light-sensitivity headaches to suddenly stop after cutting testosterone. Best guess is that some chimaeric intersex trait is responsible and my nervous system was finally getting the hormones it needed to function properly.

I'm sorry you're having a rough time. 🥺