The Hidden Struggles of Transitioning: Midway Hurdles!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2024
  • Explore the unique challenges of mid-transition in this insightful video. Learn about common hurdles transgender individuals face halfway through their gender transition journey.
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ความคิดเห็น • 51

  • @brentn2288
    @brentn2288 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +21

    OMG, this is exactly where I am. I'm feeling great from HRT, but I'm feeling increasingly despondent over everything else. I feel uncomfortable because I can't pass yet I'm trying to present feminine. Thank you for letting me know that I'm not unique in this 😢

    • @DRZPHD
      @DRZPHD  21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +9

      Not alone at all. Give yourself grace and know all the things you are doing do add up!

    • @aemiliadelroba4022
      @aemiliadelroba4022 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +6

      I am in middle too ,
      not easy , it is challenging,
      sometimes I don’t know what is going on , changes I mean , we are changing . This is the road not taken before , sometime I feel alone , but then I meet others like me and we share things we have in common , our experience, our feelings .❤❤❤

  • @immersiveexperiences4799
    @immersiveexperiences4799 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +15

    the cost is the biggest hurdles for me. My insurance at work is self funded and they exclude gender affirming care.

    • @aemiliadelroba4022
      @aemiliadelroba4022 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +4

      me too ,
      They don’t pay ,
      I had to pay for all tests and medical bills and HRT … 😮

  • @richardmanguse6022
    @richardmanguse6022 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +6

    I’m older. I had no expectations of ever passing. When misgendered I just say I’m a woman of transgender experience. Started HRT three years ago, started living full time two years ago. Thinking about surgery. One of my biggest hurdles is clothing. 40 hours a week I wear the same clothes as everyone else in my shop, male or female. Interacting with the public is sometimes a challenge. Public bathrooms are the worst at work, it seems like I’m in between.I’m so glad when female pronouns appear. It’s been a bumpy journey but I live as an authentic me. Thank you for your many kindnesses Dr. Z.

  • @Jayme-1337
    @Jayme-1337 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +18

    I transitioned to an androgynous appearance during the awkward middle phase. This allowed more changes from HRT before presenting 100% femme. Plus it’s fun to confuse people when they can’t automatically assume your gender.

    • @margotkeulen1086
      @margotkeulen1086 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      A little bit gendergeluid / non binair y like me!?

    • @harrispinkham
      @harrispinkham 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

      Yeah I kinda find that fun too. At least they’re not straight away clocking me as the wrong gender 😃

  • @ma-sa1986
    @ma-sa1986 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +4

    This is where I’m at too around the one year mark on HRT, I feel like I can almost pass but I’m on that tipping point.. in some pics and mirrors I can see the real me, I cannot wait until I see only her all the time.

  • @toddandrews9829
    @toddandrews9829 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    I'm at this stage, doing electrolysis for 2+ years now and still have full mustache and goatee with stubble under jawline and neck. Hour and a half every week. Not attempting to pass just wearing gender specific clothing like tops and jeans to work for safety purposes and leggings on days off. My age size and build I will never be "passable" but I'm trying to work around it even in the conservative area I live just to attempt presenting. It's difficult and not easy. Thank you Dr.Z, from the bottom of my heart.❤️🙏

  • @aemiliadelroba4022
    @aemiliadelroba4022 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +6

    My first “ part “ was not that bad ,
    I made appointment to see doctor and after checking for few times and talking I decided to do it ,
    The first part is for some like confronting and affirming yourself, who you are why you want transition …..
    Middle part ( I am now ) is more challenging, ….when you notice changes in you ,,,,,
    It is a process and it takes time ….😊❤

  • @TheClarity101
    @TheClarity101 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +6

    I have had to put off literally years of travel plans for ffs, I am praying this is everything I want it to be

  • @iZoopSoul
    @iZoopSoul 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +6

    Thank you Dr. Z! This channel has been of so much help in my journey of self-discovery

  • @Johnny_T779
    @Johnny_T779 16 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +3

    I had that plateau phase at year 2-3 (FTM). I was still misgendered and it sucked. Then my facial hair finally decided to come in more, and my thighs started to change shape the 4th year. Seems like suddenly nobody misgendered me anymore out of the blue. I had to rewatch my videos documenting my transition (1 a month) to finally see where was the tipping point.
    I strongly recommend to everyone to record videos of themselves (even if you don't want to post them online) to be able to see what others see. A mirror doesn't work. Record yourself talking, moving, the most casually as possible.
    Even in my plateau phase, rewatching old videos and comparing them to the new one was comforting, because I could see the changes. They hadn't stopped, just slowed down. Now at almost year 6, changes are still happening but very slowly. Hold on, you'll get there!

    • @DRZPHD
      @DRZPHD  15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

      Great feedback! Thank you for sharing!

  • @Natalia-wh5og
    @Natalia-wh5og 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +4

    i'm at 3.5y and the dopamine from achieving all of my transition milestones has subsided. in its place, I'm filled with incredible uncertainty over the my future as the world becomes increasingly transphobic and vocal about it. I pass and get called she/her 98% of the time, but I feel like most people know that i'm trans in my town so it doesn't mean I'm living in stealth exactly. which makes me not want to travel or explore the world over fears for my safety. same fears for trying out recreational sports, or playing online games with a mic. that cuts back on simple hobbies that interest me by quite a bit!! ppl are super mean.
    dating is also abysmal and I feel like just a sexual object to both women and men. I don't expect much further changes and I'm unhappy with the result overall even though my friends swear i'm really pretty. thanks for making a video for the elder trans crowd, I don't relate much to the early trans content anymore.

    • @time4clocks
      @time4clocks 12 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      I don't think I would be comfortable in a town where if anyone asks, "do any transgender people live here?" and then everyone gives them your address. 🤣🤣Good heavens! I do hope you will be able to find and have a meaningful relationship though. That part is difficult, at least for me, but I'm an introvert and scared of everything. 🌷😁

  • @MsChristyCox
    @MsChristyCox 22 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +4

    You nailed the Dr z.

  • @miyahollands6136
    @miyahollands6136 5 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    I like what you've done to hide the door!
    sometimes, it's the simplest change that has the biggest impact. and that's something everyone can use in their lives

  • @ldburroughs
    @ldburroughs 5 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    For me, at least, it was settling into the early phases of my social transition that proved to be the most difficult. I didn’t shift slowly. I selected a date and started presenting full time. By this point I had been on hrt for more than a year and had legally changed my name. Finding myself and my personal style was absolutely terrifying, even with all the support I had. This was also during the same time our family was on TLC in Lost in Transition. It was just so hard. I’m happy to report that I made it to the other side and that it did get better. For those in this phase, be kind to yourself - and others. Be patient with yourself - and others. Seek help, support, and a find a good therapist. Hang in there! You can do this!

  • @kid_missive
    @kid_missive 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    Thanks for the outstanding work you do, as usual.
    It's funny - a couple years before hormones, the idea of being on them and reaching simply an androgenous state seemed like a perfect fantasy. I recall imagining that nothing more would be required or desired if I could only get that far. Funny how my expectations shift with results - there has always been a moving goal post with my physical affirmation.
    Does that make the whole journey feel futile? No. It just means this will not get boring, and will always be new little things to celebrate. On a good day at least. lol :)

  • @HShreve
    @HShreve 15 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Good advice Dr. Z. This is why I did two things before even getting hormones from my endocrinologist. First, I did 3 consults from different FFS surgeons and got feedback from the surgeons on whether they thought I would be pretty and passable as a female. Second, I scheduled my FFS surgery for September 2025. I am just getting ready to start hormones so that I can avoid this phase as much as possible.

  • @s.4760
    @s.4760 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    Im in that stage. I have to let my facial hair grow out to have electrolysis. And its taking forever. The worst part is the hormones are changing my body and im so happy with that; but i have to slow down or micro dose , because im not going to present myself as a female with a 5 o'clock shadow. This is very aggravating. The worst will be if the electrolysis doesn't work due to someone just taking my money. Not trusting the people helping you is the worst.

  • @Monica-gj2yx
    @Monica-gj2yx 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    I have not seen anybody not go through this phase.

  • @KariellaAlleirak
    @KariellaAlleirak 16 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Dr. Z - Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! you so get it... I love your videos. thank you for creating them. I have stopped watching all these before and after influencers that are not showing us the truth... I can so relate to the electrolysis phase where I have to grow my hair to have it removed and on those days it changes how I present, and I have to somewhat code switch to that

  • @FokudaIsao
    @FokudaIsao 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Although I’m in my 40s, I’m now able to pass as a young man, 😅. I know puberty might not be the proper word, but it does describe quite well how I feel. I feel only half of me had gone through puberty and growing up to become an adult, and now the other half of me, despite all the hurdles, is finally getting a chance to do the same thing.
    I like the idea of taking pictures because it has helped me get a grip of reality whenever I feel stuck. It even helped me a few weeks ago, when disforia hit pretty hard to the point I was seeing my transition going backwards.

    • @wlmctl1887
      @wlmctl1887 8 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      Puberty is exactly the word....in all its glory, with all it's trials and tribulations as well...

  • @brydybry
    @brydybry 18 นาทีที่ผ่านมา

    Have been feeling this being in my third year. Trying to keep the long game in mind!

  • @Journey-of-1000-Miles
    @Journey-of-1000-Miles 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +5

    I am a little more than two years into transition. While my appearance and presentation are not feminine enough for me to pass, those who are aware and sensitive, recognize the details and are now beginning to use my preferred pronouns without me having to say anything.

    • @aemiliadelroba4022
      @aemiliadelroba4022 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +3

      I feel the same ,
      but the changes come , you notice them first , and others too begin to notice …. 😊❤
      It takes time ,,,, 😊

    • @deathguitarist12
      @deathguitarist12 8 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      That time in year 2->3 that you are in is a fucking trip. Expect things to start shifting pretty rapidly this year. That seems to be when folks pass that plateau and it will pass before you realize it and are maybe even ready for it. I just got past year 3. Around 2.5 years I realized after a bunch of reflection that I had reached the mythical after stage. Most people read me as female (as long as I am not talking). It totally shifts how people, especially ciswomen will interact with you. They really start accepting you as one of their own at that point.
      Early transition folks also start getting really jealous and difficult to deal with. I had one earlier this year in the most self deprecating way imaginable telling me that she is sooo jealous that I am cis passing due to a photo I had posted. She couldn't get it through her thick skull that I was just posed properly and the 10 photos I took before that were all duds..
      Wow I am rambling like crazy. Tldr, your perspective is going to undergo a huge transformation this year.

  • @eddi9577
    @eddi9577 3 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Yes thats me right now. 1.5 years on T, levels suddenly dropped, get more misgendering than few weeks ago and losing it. Thanks for what you say. The only thing I struggle is what you said in the end - that web are playing long game. As a late transitioner, I really feel like I don't have a day or a minute more, I really think about this - what if I simply don't live long enough to finally live completely as myself? There is so much to achieve and so little time..

  • @deathguitarist12
    @deathguitarist12 8 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    One of the happiest moments in my life was rhe first time i actually saw my real self in the mirror. It happened right around the 2 year mark in medical transiton. Now that im at over 3 years in medical transition i almost always see my real self in the mirror and it's kind of mind blowing.
    My case was a little unusual because i socially transitioned about 4.5 years before i medically started transition. And the difference is immense. I feel like im at a really weird point now. Im definitely past the middle point of my transition. The only thing that seems to clock me at this point is my voice. Passing for me was never a goal until it was actually possible, so i never bothered with it. Ive been working on that for a while. Most people read me as female these days. I still have dysphoria around my face that others dont seem to notice
    So that leaves me in this weird liminal state. Im too much in the after stage to be in the middle, but still with a coule of toes touching the middle stage. Its something that sits in my mind a lot lately. Ive been accepted into the after spaces of post transition folks, but totally feel like an imposter even though they vasically dragged me in kicking and screaming. But im also so far past the middle transition stuff at this point that i can no longer relate to the middle transition folks and their problems. Idk its just a weird spot to be in. i am accepted and belonging in the after spaces with but with ffs and voice lingering in the background. Making me feel like i truly dont belong in either.

  • @wlmctl1887
    @wlmctl1887 8 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    I needed this video. Found it at the perfect time. Thank you.

    • @DRZPHD
      @DRZPHD  2 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @AlatheD
    @AlatheD 5 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    I am about a year and 4 months on testosterone. About a month ago, all of a sudden, strangers started using masculine terms instead of feminine (sir instead of ma'am, etc). It literally felt like it happened overnight. My mustache is only a tad thicker than it ever was (yes, I've always had plenty of long dark fuzz on my upper lip), and my "beard" is just these two little patches on the bottom of my chin. But it seems that fat redistribution I'd been waiting for kicked in. I'm in my late 40s, it feels a little odd to have the facial hair of a 14 year old boy. So I'm still dealing with some of the in-betweens. It's good to know that this is a common struggle.

  • @anwaryoussef7511
    @anwaryoussef7511 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    Good video Dr Z

  • @harrispinkham
    @harrispinkham 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

    I’m in this in between period atm. It’s incredibly hard but I’m getting less misgendered due to my voice lowering a lot on T and I think there is some fat redistribution even though it’s hard for me to see. I can’t WAIT for the facial hair but I know it can take time.

  • @nicola3452
    @nicola3452 9 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    Yes I started over 13 years ago and know every journey is different, at 5 years I didn't pass, my voice was biggest issue at 8, no speak = pass, got surgery, partially solved that. Had SRS, no one sees that and still no facial, why do I pass 100%? Complicated combination of not caring sort of owning myself, confidence and what takes the longest social transition not what you wear how you interact, no longer acting like a guy, what you talk about and not to other trans people.Trans get together no one passes. Women have gestures, they compliment and smile at each other. You aren't going to learn that from other trans women because they don't get these details. All my friends are CIS women, slowly you start acting exactly like them, those no boob touch hugs, and forget being perfect, messy hair, is relatable, forget short skirts if out of school over 19. Women dress up for reason and that isn't to buy groceries. I admit I have only once gone to a bar and that was for lunch so evening have no clue what to do. Figure out how to be with women. Trans men? No idea!

  • @Prence
    @Prence 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +4

    Dr Z, I’m about to have a gastric bypass and I was told that for a month before the surgery and a month after the surgery I would have to completely stop my HRT. I’ve been on hormones for over 4 years, I’m not sure how I’m going to handle not being on estrogen. How am I supposed to deal with no hormones for that long. Any suggestions on how to handle the jump in my dysphoria that I know that’s going to come in the two months. I don’t want to stop my HRT but I know I need to for that time. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you Dr Z.

    • @MadelynFraser-v9g
      @MadelynFraser-v9g 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2

      I've been off estrogen for three weeks for surgery in 5 days. My sympathies! I'm looking forward to Dr Z's response, myself.

    • @Prence
      @Prence 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@MadelynFraser-v9g I know I’ll survive but it’s going to be tough after 4 years. I hope your surgery goes well. My thoughts are with you. ❤️🫂🫶🏻🏳️‍⚧️

    • @DRZPHD
      @DRZPHD  19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +5

      Hi, first of all, this type of requirement, unless there is an actual health concern in regards to you your health, is very mis informed! Here is a blog post on this issue with study cited. Granted it is in regards to gender affirming surgery, however, surgery is surgery, and I send this study to all patients whose doctors are not informed. There are few wasy to go about it: 1. talk to your doc if there are ACTUAL reasons for you to be off HRT? 2. Show them cited study. 3. IF they are still against it, what does your actual provdier who prescribed HRT has to say about it?
      drzphd.com/trans-feminine-blog-1/yes-study-shows-you-can-remain-on-estrogen-for-gender-affirming-surgery

    • @Prence
      @Prence 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@DRZPHD I’m going to see my endocrinologist next month. I was just informed this morning and the doctor told me that the surgery would be the beginning of the year. I don’t know why I would have to stop taking my HRT but because I don’t understand everything about the surgery I have to go by what the experts in these things say. But I can’t figure out how estrogen would affect the surgery but they are making me take a blood thinner (Eliquis) along with the estrogen and I have to stop that as well. I’m dumb about this stuff. But I will show the study to the gastric doctor and my endocrinologist and my GP and see what they have to say. I’m really worried about my dysphoria and how I know it’s going to get really bad for that time. I’m not worried about the testosterone blockers at that time because I’m hoping to have my orchiectomy before then so not have T won’t be an issue. I just need to know how I’m supposed to handle the dysphoria that I know is going to be really bad. Thank you Dr Z. I wish you were my therapist.

    • @Prence
      @Prence 19 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

      @@DRZPHD also, when the gastric doctor talks to my endocrinologist next month, my endocrinologist will agree with her and she won’t give me my HRT for that two months. I song have a choice and I’m at the mercy of the doctors.

  • @Journey-of-1000-Miles
    @Journey-of-1000-Miles 20 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    You are absolutely correct. 8:10 I always have a beard shadow, no matter how freshly shaven I am. This is a fact that holds me back.

  • @colmonhs
    @colmonhs 21 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +1

    🙌🙌

  • @lucystephenson3241
    @lucystephenson3241 10 ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา

    This content is so on the money. You need to take it as part of the journey, yes it has issues but ultimately it is part of a long journey. The pain and difficulty is in the moment and eventually it will pass. Visualisation techniques are great for this phase. Visualise your end presentation and believe in yourself. We all have down days and that can be part of the learning about self process. It is difficult when you hit a barrier, especially if it is financially linked, but you can do this and work through it.
    I produced a planned timeline prior to the start of my journey 3 yrs ago. I did anticipate some issues but some you don't, however I have installed contingency routes for foreseeable potential issues.