Increased Awareness and Emotional Sensitivity
Starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can lead to heightened awareness of one's body, which may initially exacerbate feelings of dysphoria. This increased focus can make previously manageable aspects of one's appearance, such as body hair, more distressing. As one user shared, "When my egg cracked and I actually started paying attention to my body, the dysphoria was excruciating. My body hair was the worst, I had so many panic attacks from my body hair. It got better once I started HRT." – Emily__Lyn source [citation:cb14d147-51e4-47cb-8873-c780fdec57af]. This suggests that while initial emotional responses can be intense, they may improve over time with continued treatment.

Hormonal Imbalance and Mood Fluctuations
The initial stages of HRT can involve hormonal imbalances that contribute to mood fluctuations and emotional challenges. For some, the suppression of testosterone happens faster than the body can adjust to increased estrogen levels, leading to hormone-induced depression. As one user noted, "You can run head first in a hormone-induced depression (or rather lack of hormones) without realizing it." – Altruistic-Leg5933 source [citation:183c36b2-5218-4b66-aba7-3254c44f0850]. Understanding this process can help individuals prepare for and manage these emotional shifts.

Social Comparisons and External Pressures
Comparing oneself to others who are further along in their transition can worsen dysphoria. This is compounded by societal pressures and expectations during social transition. One user expressed, "Dysphoria is so much worse since HRT because I see other girls that look so much better and further along in their transitions than me and I judge myself 10 times worse." – lottiethetransfem source [citation:475a25a1-6180-474e-99d8-dd0ec223238d]. It's important to focus on personal progress and seek supportive environments to mitigate these feelings.

Supportive Communities and Resources
Finding supportive communities can be crucial in managing dysphoria during transition. Sharing experiences and connecting with others in similar situations can provide comfort and validation. As one user suggested, "Can we chat in DM to connect with each other?" – Godfather251 source [citation:22d13bd2-e944-4e51-af46-3c4e95f5745e]. Engaging with online forums or local support groups can offer a sense of belonging and understanding.

Conclusion
Navigating increased dysphoria after starting HRT involves understanding the emotional and hormonal changes that occur, avoiding detrimental social comparisons, and seeking supportive communities. While the journey can be challenging, many find that with time and support, HRT can lead to increased confidence and alignment with one's gender identity. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources and communities ready to support you on your path.