This story is from the comments listed below, summarised by AI.
Authenticity Assessment: Not Suspicious
Based on the provided comments, this account appears authentic. The user demonstrates consistent, nuanced knowledge of both medical transition (HRT, surgery, electrolysis) and the social dynamics of detransition. The language is personal and experiential ("I worked out," "post-orchi"), not scripted. The advice is cautionary but not extremist, aligning with a genuine detransitioner's perspective focused on informed consent and the potential for regret. No major red flags suggest this is a bot or an inauthentic account.
About me
I was born male and my transition started from a place of deep confusion and a desire to escape myself. I rushed into taking estrogen, which caused permanent breast growth I came to dislike, and an orchiectomy left me feeling weak and unhealthy. I realized a lot of my drive was based on a sexual fantasy rather than a true identity, and the social attention was temporary. I stopped estrogen and went on a low dose of testosterone, which, alongside intense weightlifting, helped me regain my physical and mental health. I’m now rebuilding my life with a focus on my own well-being, free from the pressure of labels.
My detransition story
My journey with transition and detransition was long and complicated, and I want to share it honestly. I was born male and my path was driven by a lot of confusion about who I was and what I wanted. I never felt like I fit in easily, and I think a lot of my desire to transition was a form of escapism from my own life and my own self. I had a lot of anxiety and low self-esteem, and I thought becoming someone else was the answer.
I started by taking hormones. One of the biggest things I tell people is to be very, very careful with this. I didn't use an anti-androgen like Spiro first, and I really think that's a mistake. Something like Spiro can let you see what the effects are like without as many permanent changes. For me, going straight on estrogen led to breast growth that I wasn't prepared for. The development was conical and saggy, not at all what I had envisioned, and I ended up really disliking it. It was a major source of discomfort for me.
My physical health took a big hit. After I had an orchiectomy and was on estrogen, I felt like I was turning into a "fat weakling." I had always been someone who worked out daily, and losing my strength and endurance was one of the worst periods for me. I realized I couldn't live like that and decided to go back on a very low dose of testosterone. Getting back into weightlifting and focusing on my cardio and bone health was crucial for me feeling like myself again.
A lot of my initial feelings were wrapped up in sexuality. I see a lot of young men online talking about being a "gay boy," and it makes me wonder if they are truly gay or just confused. It's easy to mix up feelings of loneliness, or not being successful with women, with being gay. I think I experienced something similar, where my feelings were more about a fetish or a fantasy—what some call autogynephilia (AGP)—rather than a true identity. The social scene when you're young can be very experimental, and it's a trap to think that the attention you get as trans in your early twenties will last. Most people, as they get older, are looking for real love and intimacy with a partner who is biologically male or female.
I don't really believe in a strict gender binary anymore. I've come to see that even transsexualism isn't a simple jump from one side to the other; it's much more complicated. My thoughts on gender now are that you have to make your own decisions and gather your own information. Never let anyone else tell you what and how to be yourself. The pressure from online communities and trans activist culture can be intense, pushing you to see things a certain way, but it doesn't always reflect the reality of how society sees you or what's best for your health.
I do have some regrets about my transition, specifically the permanent physical changes like the breast growth from HRT and the orchiectomy. I was lucky that I could afford some corrective measures, but it was a huge financial burden. That's why I always tell people to make sure they are emotionally and financially prepared to stop, think, or reverse course. Transition is a massive expense no matter how it turns out.
Ultimately, I benefited from stepping back from a fully affirming path. Reconnecting with my physical body through exercise and a more balanced hormonal state helped my depression and gave me a sense of control I had lost.
Here is a timeline of my journey:
| Age | Event |
|---|---|
| 26 | Began taking estrogen (HRT) without first using an anti-androgen. |
| 27 | Underwent orchiectomy surgery. |
| 28 | Experienced significant loss of strength and muscle mass, decided to stop estrogen and begin a low dose of testosterone. |
| 28 | Returned to a intense weightlifting and cardio routine to rebuild physical health. |
| 29 | Began laser hair removal on face, later realized electrolysis was needed for complete removal. |
Top Comments by /u/NarrowWater3679:
Past few years have seen an increased use of HRT for MTF. I don't understand why anti-androgens (Spirolactone) are not used more. Spiro will show a person what lies ahead and they can decide if they like it. HRT has nasty side effects
The biggest complaint/concern is the inevitable breast growth which unless you just jump into permanent full time womanhood turns out to be disliked by many, many MTF
Very good comments by others on the older you get the more narrow it gets.
Getting hit on changes quickly to looking for long term love
Men and women in their 20s start to go in three groups who seek
- Real vaginas and penises with real love 95%
- Gay sex 2%, maybe more for women
- Alternative fetish sex, but still hoping for a real penis or vagina - varies
The bottom line is many young people in high school or college say Whoo Hooo I'm getting all sorts of action as trans. True, but this is a highly experimental time and to see it as lasting becomes a major trap for those who medically transition early.
I would also not be surprised if 5-10 years from now being trans has faded as the premier alternative it is now. Medical transition can be very, very, permanent don't go there unless you have no desire to come back.
>I’d so much rather be seen as a trans man, how can I get back to that????
Not sure who these people are..
But the trans activist DEI culture has put society into a you MUST try to address all as they appear. Not everyone will see you the same. That's the sad result of the confusion the activist push has brought.
"You need to trans young before it's too late"
Seems like a vast generalization. No matter your age, go at a pace where you can emotionally, and (very important) financially be able to stop, think or reverse.
And make your own decisions, gather you own information, never let someone else tell you what and how to be yourself.
Problem is when a male starts HRT, they get a conical development, not a pectoral development. Even if you wanted a female look the growth is still conical and saggy
Crucial step is being off HRT, lifting weights, exercise while still on HRT won't work
Off HRT will help your endurance and muscle building, depending on how much growth you have the choice is up to you but as mentioned by another "gynomastia surgery" is really the answer.
That is why I encourage anyone who starts HRT to have the money and resources to correct what can go wrong. Transition is a BIG expense no matter how it turns out, stay or de-trans
Absolutely
I worked out daily before any transition activity
Then one of the worst periods was post-orchi on estrogen, I was turning into a fat weakling.
Said no way, this is not good
Started back on very low T
I work out with a passion and still lift weights to build muscle
Cardio, muscle, bone health very important do not put it aside
Laser brings diminishing returns, you are probably already there
It is very good for reducing to the point of quality makeup (coverage and powder covering what's left) also good just to reduce the darkness
BUT....
There is likely still a lot there
If you want to completely finish off what's left it takes electrolysis, and it could be a lot, 10, 20+ hours spread out over a year
And keep in mind you have to let it grow out so the electro tech has something to grab on
See a lot of young men come here and talk about being a "gay boy"
And I often wonder are you really gay ? Do you want to have oral and rectal intercourse with a man ?
It is very easy to confuse lust, loneliness, not doing well with women into seeing oneself as gay.
Anyone can be a lesbian in their brain, Transbian is one term
And everyone knows fem trans are attracted and hookup, form relationships with other fem trans.
But be respectful of others, if you are welcome in a lesbian space, go ahead.
If not, don't push and let them have their privacy. You are not entitled to acknowledgement from other women.
How old are you ?
Why is being a man difficult ?
Do you like intimacy ? If so with whom ?
>However the binary of transsexuals is much simpler than being non-binary & is much more likely to slide in the real world.
Transexuals are not really binary, you are making a mistake if you assume it is just a jump over a line to the other side.