Mtf transformation hormones

Hey Loves so I'm a trans woman (MTF) and I could use some advice. I'm not fully socially transitioned yet, so I still look like a guy and people use my deadname. But I've been on hormones for a while, so a lot of physical changes have been happening.
Anyway, I recently met this girl at work and we've really hit it off. We've been talking a lot, exchanging numbers, sharing Spotify playlists, and she even made sure I got home safe. I'm getting serious butterflies around her and I think she might be into me too.
I really want to build a great friendship with her, and maybe even something more serious in the future. But I'm terrified that once she finds out I'm trans, she won't be interested anymore. I don't feel comfortable telling her right away, because I'm worried it will ruin everything. At the same time, I know I can't hide it forever as the physical changes will become more obvious.
I'm just so devastated . I really like this girl, but being a trans woman dating a cis woman is so scary. I don't want to lose this connection, but I'm afraid of what will happen when she finds out. Has anyone been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi all 24 MtF was wondering what I need in order to enlist in my preferred sex. I have been on and off hormones for a year and counting down 18 months before I walk upto a recruiter. I was reading you need to be legally in your sex for 18 months? Does that mean from changing marker and birth cert to join will be 18 months or from starting HRT or after getting bottom and top surgery? I just have a lot of questions that I cant seem to get great answers online. Looking to go Army or Air force and looking to utilize my EMT certs somehow.

Basically what the title says, I (18 MtF on hormones) looked at the FAQ on it, and it helps but I am having trouble finding a vocal teacher I am comfortable with. I am from Arizona but I haven't been able to really anyone close to where I am, and I'm very worried to reach out when I do.
I am worried because I am trans fem, and though I definitely look masculine and could probably just stay closeted, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
I am considering both online and in person, but I was just wondering about how I could find someone I could be comfortable learning with. I am still quite new to trying to learn singing, and I am not the best at interacting people in general.

OK, we are going to try to piece it together yet again. As I've stated in the past, all is conjecture but some of the things which I said in the past need realigning given the new direction the Company is taking. For a long time we've searched, but it all started in the beginning, so therefore, by definition, there must be an end. Many thanks to you my friend u/psasoffice for your help in piecing this puzzle together.
So, the time frame begins when it began, until the time it is realized or when the money runs out. Let's go back again to the summer of 2022, when share price went to $1.26, what caused that? Well to answer that, we need to go back even further.
Back in 2019, CytoDyn put out this PR CytoDyn Announces FDA Clearance to Proceed with Phase 2 Study of Leronlimab (PRO 140) and Regorafenib as a Combination Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Regorafenib is a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor with minimal efficacy and high toxicity. As u/perrenialloser pointed out, it has plenty of side effects and really is not that functional. However, the drug manufacturer Bayer was prepared to do this Phase II Clinical Trial in patients with metastatic CRC with CytoDyn.

"The study will be conducted by lead principal investigator, John L. Marshall, M.D., Director, The Ruesch Center for the Cure of GI Cancers Frederick P. Smith Endowed Chair, Chief, Hematology and Oncology Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, D.C."

I wasn't around at the time to know for sure, but I believe this trial was set up by Nader. Eventually, this study would be withdrawn for reasons which I am about to disclose.
In October 2021, the MD Anderson Study with Keytruda is announced.

"Nader Pourhassan, Ph.D., CytoDyn’s President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “We anticipate this study will further evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of leronlimab in the tumor microenvironment. We are excited about the possibilities for leronlimab to offer a potential new treatment option for breast cancer patients. This could be an additional indication for which we are pursuing approval for leronlimab. We are also very grateful to Dr. Scott Kelly for arranging for this study to be conducted by Dr. Jangsoon Lee, assistant professor of Breast Medical Oncology Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center."

Cyrus Arman comes onboard as President effective July 9, 2022. During that summer of 2022, the CYDY share price ran up as high as $1.26 per share for some unknown reason. In the past, I attributed it to NASH. I give a breakdown of my thinking here in I Tell You A Mystery. In the commotion of Cyrus' hiring and the mass fluctuations of the share price, the MD Anderson Study had already been completed and the results were looking good to those privileged enough to have been granted rights to actually see the data. Coincidentally, it was about this time that the CRC with Regorafenib was withdrawn. Hmmm, Why was this trial withdrawn? Just because the MD Anderson results looked great or because there was something even more profound and substantial built upon those results?

"We can apply the same logic in the Oncology study being run by MD Anderson using Merck's Keytruda in combination with Leronlimab. We had all been waiting to find out what had happened with the results of the MD Anderson study, and Cyrus threw us this line: "Leronlimab is currently being trialed in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in a breast cancer xenograft model in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center." From here, he gave us a hint of what is to come."

In his infamous 12/7/22 R&D Update: Future Development, Cyrus presented his Vision & Plan for the Company:

"17:09: And we're also still committed to HIV, but we're really looking at it more through the lens of developing longer-acting agents. And Dr. Sacha will be talking about that at the end of our discussion today.
17:21: So, within oncology, we're interested in studying what would be referred to as immunologically colder tumors. And Dr. Glück will present on what those -- what we mean by that later. But we think that these are areas where more recent advancements from checkpoint inhibitors have yet to really have a large impact in those markets. And so, we think that there's a unique opportunity based on the data we already have in some of these colder tumors to make an impact.
17:51: Within NASH, we're particularly excited about the data that we have there, and NASH will be our primary focus going forward. We'll also talk a little bit about a unique opportunity to study and look for the treatment effect of leronlimab in people living with HIV who also have NASH. And we think that we might be in a unique position to address that population."
"18:22: So, going forward, we're focusing on NASH, oncology and earlier-line HIV indications through longer-acting agents that inhibit CCR5. Again, we've already generated promising clinical signals in both NASH and oncology. And within NASH, we're exploring the opportunity to study a segment of patients of those NASH patients who are also living with HIV.
18:50: Within oncology, we want to pursue colorectal cancer and breast cancer specifically. Within the colorectal cancer population, we want to focus on a micro-satellite stable group, which represents about 85% of all diagnosed colorectal cancers. And within breast cancer, we want to focus on the hormone receptor positive HER2-negative population, which is about 70% of all diagnosed breast cancers, and the TNBC population since we have data in that space. All of these are quite large markets."

The FDA made it truly tough for Cyrus to meet his goals as the Company's main devotion was to get the hold lifted, so Rules had to be followed. Also, Cyrus unfortunately made NASH a focus and then subsequently became sick and then found himself taking a demotion. His focus really should have been on Oncology as #1 target as it finally is today. Here though is a revealing statement he made:

"...these are areas where more recent advancements from checkpoint inhibitors have yet to really have a large impact in those markets. And so, we think that there's a unique opportunity based on the data we already have in some of these colder tumors to make an impact."

Keeping that escalation in share price to $1.26 in mind, when did CA know about this data? He got the data on the MD Anderson results either before or shortly after his hire. Remember, shortly after NP was terminated, Cyrus was at CytoDyn working at least for a few months prior to his hire giving opportunity to the BOD to assess his work ethic and ways about him. In this time, CA saw the MD Anderson results and they were looking mighty good. Where are these results today? They still reside with MD Anderson. Why don't we have them right now? Too many $millions to buy it, but we saw the results and those results are the impetus for the change in gears of the Company's priorities. Surely Scott Kelly, who was responsible for securing the MD Anderson study has seen them as well.
Speculation: So, what did Cyrus do immediately once he saw those results? He negotiated a cancer play in mCRC with MD Anderson. We can try to piece this together using parts of this post.

"What also happened in August? Only the removal of the first management player who’s experience was in Negotiation and Partnerships, Brendan P. Rae. No longer any necessity for Negotiation? I guess not. As time went quickly by, without any word of what was taking place, the share price began to fall. It became uncomfortably obvious that by mid November, Recknor had been let go. He was CytoDyn's most experienced scientific, medical and managerial player for NASH, but in the game of a collaboration, anyone and everyone is a commodity and all are replaceable. On the same topic, a significant stock bonus was paid to the president in September of last year after only two months on the job. Was a deal struck? Also, our very own CMO, Scott Kelly who coined the phrase: “There are many ways to structure a partnership.“ himself gets terminated in December 2022."

Just like that bonus, (which was based on his obtaining a partnership), the short-lived share price rise also assumed that a deal had been struck. Scott Kelly was privy to the MD Anderson results just as Cyrus was. Why didn't Kelly put a deal together like Cyrus did? I don't want to diminish the fact that Kelly was wholly responsible originally for getting the MD Anderson murine study going. The fact is that a deal had been made and justifies Cyrus' bonus payment.
Proof came a year later, in October 2023 in a few posts by biloxiblues which together with everything else, in my eyes, solidifies this new theory. The price went to $1.26 because of this 100% fully funded, 200 patient Phase II mCRC combination Keytruda Clinical Trial Cyrus Arman had arranged with MD Anderson, based on the spectacular results of the MD Anderson murine study. But, as discussed in the posts by biloxi above, the BOD got in the way. This can also explain why the Regorafenib Bayer trial was withdrawn, when it became clear as day that the results of the MD Anderson study were great and a massive combination Keytruda trial was struck, but pending, unfortunately, taking second fiddle to the work of getting the hold lifted.
Through his discussions with Cyrus, biloxiblues indicates that Tanya would not compromise. She and the others on the BOD were too intently focused on following the mandates of the FDA. The FDA wasn't fooling around with the hold and CytoDyn could not make any more mistakes. Tanya was dead set on following the "Rules". The number one priority was to get off clinical hold and the FDA made it damn near impossible for CytoDyn and Cyrus. It damn near killed him. So, the BOD made the incredulous decision to walk away from Cyrus' baby, which was a fully funded mCRC combination trial with Keytruda and we learned all of that in October 2023 thanks to biloxiblues.
But this was Cyrus' Baby, and he wasn't about to let her go. Could this be why CA is still with us? After all, aren't we back to mCRC again?
Dr. Lalezari comes on board in November of 2023 and puts forth the Inflammation and Immune Activation within a very small sub-set of HIV patients. Share price bumped up and pulled back. Damn, this trial with 90 patients could cost CytoDyn near $10 million. Where does that money come from? Share price is lower after the announcement. Can't raise money with a low share price. That would consume boat loads of shares. Inflammation/Immune Activation was not working. People weren't buying it.
Cyrus Arman is witnessing everything going on, that there is no money and that it is not advancing, and it occurs to him that his baby, may not be completely abandoned altogether. No, he realizes that the hope he once had lost due to circumstance could now be found again, so he advocates in earnest for her.
He recalls Scott Kelly discussing the 12/14/21 CC with Scott Kelly Basket Trials:

"25: 25 Kelly: We are excited about the Basket Trials. I'll start by saying I just presented at San Antonio Conference December 10th. That was in results wrt mTNBC in combination with carboplatin, CCR5 positive, mTNBC and I tell you, the reason why we are excited about the Basket Trial is that they think that there is a growing acceptance that the Tumor Micro Environment is the next Frontier for Immunotherapy. And I mean this amongst practicing physicians, the academic world, probably as well as big pharma, and I think we are more advanced than this. We've been looking at the mechanism of action in the tumor micro environment and see Leronlimabs impact across multiple different oncologic indications and we also think that we can pair this with a check point inhibitor, chemo, radiation, antibody zero conjugates, as well as maybe even a potential monotherapy in certain patients that don't qualify for other treatments. We think the MOA, with T-Regs. When T-Regs come in, they turn off the immune system. We know that they have a high prevalence of CCR5. We can block that. We can actually maybe leverage the immune system. If we look at macrophage re-polarization, that's another potential opportunity. Our animal studies showed a significant reduction in angiogenesis. I think it was 62% in total vessillary and 80% reduction in small vessel area. But, we know that tumors need a blood supply to grow and if we can help limit that, then we think we can have benefit for patients. And last, we know that normal cells, CCR5 is only present on an immune cell, but we know that when cells under go malignant transformation, that they start sprouting up CCR5, and we believe that is a contributor to metastasis. So, we have multiple different mechanisms of action and we continue to find more as we go along that we will be evaluating."

He remembers Dr. Gluck's discussion in the 12/7/22 R&D Update Dr. Stefan Gluck; MicroEnvironment.

"So, as you saw, very small studies, but extremely promising, and the signal for an oncologist like myself is so strong that I'm enthusiastic about it. We, as oncologists, need to be positive because otherwise, we cannot treat patients and tell them something better is coming. The leronlimab decrease of these tumor cells actually did relate both in mTNBC and in colorectal with improved survival. That's amazing."

Cyrus turns to our 3rd party AI collaborator and requests an assessment on the effect of a CCR5/L5 axis blockade in mCRC. Their AI engines get to work and compile all that is known and understood regarding the pertinent Biomarkers in combination with all the pertinent journal articles on the blockade of the CCR5/L5 axis in the disease to finally determine that it works like a charm, like no other.
He reflects upon these statements made in this Regorafenib study which supports the fight against the MSS cold tumors. Thank you u/perrenialloser for this journal article.

"The majority of patients with CRC exhibit a microsatellite stable (MSS) or mismatch repair proficient (pMMR) status, which is known as the “cold tumor” with less mutated oncogenes and less inflamed tumor immune microenvironment, resulting in a limited efficacy of ICIs (2). The inadequate recruitment and activization of immune cells to the tumor microenvironment were considered to be fundamental mechanisms underlying the inefficacy of ICIs in MSS mCRC (4). Combination strategies to enhance the immunogenicity of the tumor microenvironment and exploit the benefit of ICIs in patients with MSS are urgently needed."

He becomes even more convicted. Given all that I presented here in addition to the proven results of the MD Anderson, Keytruda study which Cyrus has laid his own eyes upon, he becomes whole heartedly supportive of the Priority switch to the mCRC Oncology Indication. I'm sure Richard Pestell was also 100% behind Cyrus in this decision to switch priorities. Also, by switching to Oncology, share price has a better chance of increasing as Oncology is favored by the public. Fund raising could happen much quicker with a higher share price resulting from a better indication. From the recent May 2024 Letter to Shareholders:

"Over the next six months, we expect to commence at least one, and potentially two clinical trials. The prospective clinical trials, in order of priority, are: (i) a Phase II study of leronlimab in patients with relapsed/refractory microsatellite stable colorectal cancer; and (ii) a Phase II study exploring leronlimab’s effects on inflammation. The Company’s priority will be the oncology trial which, if successful, will put us on track towards a commercial approval of leronlimab in that indication. The inflammation study is aimed at clarifying certain provocative observations related to leronlimab, and to help define the dose and underlying mechanism of anti-inflammatory action. It is imperative that the Company generate unassailable results in the clinic and I believe the above trials can accomplish this. Starting the oncology study and related fundraising is the top priority of the Company at this time, but our current hope is that we can initiate both studies before the end of this calendar year."

So straight from the CEO's mouth, related fundraising is the top priority of the Company at this time. Cyrus remains here at CytoDyn because of the need to pump up the value by switching to a more attractive Indication Priority. I repeat all of this, because with all of the peer reviewed and published Journal Articles that discuss the CCR5/L5 axis in the context of Colo-Rectal Cancer and given Keytruda's exceptional performance as a PD 1 blockade in only 15% of these CRC MSI tumors, leronlimab can open the door wide open to the remaining 85% MSS tumors. The trial starts this year. Also from the recent Shareholder Letter:

"Research and development partnership opportunities are important to the Company as we search for cost-effective ways to further build out our product development portfolio. We have identified several such opportunities that we believe are intriguing and anticipate finalizing agreements with these partners in the very near future. Such potential partnerships include an investigator-initiated pilot study of leronlimab in patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, and a project that will evaluate the use of leronlimab in patients living with HIV who are undergoing stem cell transplantation in a proof of cure study. Following lifting of the clinical hold, we have observed a significant increase in third parties that are interested in partnering with the Company. We will continue to review opportunities as they arise, given the potential for significant value return at little or no cost to the Company."

The question I now have is with whom? Partners are incoming, but did leronlimab make it easier for the PD-1 blocker Keytruda to work in MSS mCRC tumors? If it did, (and Cyrus knows if it did or did not), then Merck certainly remains there in the bidding. If leronlimab did it all by itself and Keytruda was superfluous, then the partner might be someone like u/i__OBSERVER points to entities such as the NIH as the source of that funding.
Personally, I am very much thankful to anyone involved that pushed for the change in priority as mCRC is a much better recognized Indication, and one that is easier to understand and bring to the public.

Hi! There’s a lot of difficult posts in this group, which I understand - a little less than 2 years ago, I (26 cis bi f) me to this group after my fiancé (28 mtf) told me she was trans. I was grieving the man I had known and made memories with, full of fear and anxiety about what the future held.
But I wanted to share a happy post - 2 weeks ago, I married her my best friend and the love of my life. We had a het-presenting wedding, and the next year or so is going to be a challenging journey of her starting to really transition socially after 9 months of being on hormones. Even though she couldn’t fully present at the wedding, we both knew, and we got to celebrate our love and partnership with all our loved ones, and it was honestly as prefect of a weekend as it could be. And yesterday I graduated medical school, we’re about to move into our own shared apartment after years of long distance in a more liberal city and state, and I plan to practice primary care for underserved populations with an emphasis in lgbtq+ healthcare and disparities.
If I could tell myself then what I know now, I think I would tell her to be patient, not to underestimate the joy in getting to know my partner’s true self and share in the happiness of her self discovery. I realized that I (a recovering people pleaser) was more worried about how people would react, what they would think, and how they would judge than I was about what I wanted. I’d try to tell her what I’ve learned since through my experiences as a physician in training - that life is unpredictable and often shorter than we want it to be, shit happens to everyone, and nobody is unscathed in the end by the beautiful and challenging complexities of life. I think the best way to live is probably as boldly and authentically as possible, prioritizing love and not making time or space for people who bring you down or don’t accept you or your loved ones.
I love her, my best friend and the human who knows me best in the world, beautiful wife, and I want to be with her every day, for the rest of our lives. And I am so excited for our next chapter together and for everyone else to get to know the real her too. And I just thought I’d share.

Not trying to violate rule 11 here; this isn't about a crisis, but it does involve my (25 mtf) experience in a psychiatric hospital. So trigger warnings for that and transphobia.
Earlier this month, life got to me and I ended up staying in an adult psych ward for a little over a week. I am still processing what I experienced there; it's really got me down because I live in a blue state and I wanted to think things were better. Now I've been reconsidering the general safety and viability of being openly trans in the U.S. I've been to a psych hospital before and I know it's not supposed to be fun, but going to this one as a trans woman was a nightmare.
This hospital had a "regular" wing and a geriatric wing. For "logistical" reasons, myself and another trans woman were confined to the geriatric wing for the entirety of our stay. The hospital's programming heavily emphasized social interaction with other patients, and the few other patients in this wing were not really capable of participating in socialization (one boy with serious developmental issues and two reclusive geriatric patients). At one point, a new patient who happened to be a cis woman was assigned to our side, but she quickly requested to transfer to the other wing and was allowed to do so within hours. When the other trans woman in my wing requested to transfer, she was denied. I didn't even bother. It felt like we were being intentionally denied socialization, but I wanted to give the staff the benefit of the doubt... at first.
I was misgendered by almost the entire staff for my entire stay, no matter how many times they were corrected (when the other trans woman corrected them on my pronouns, they acted exasperated). I was told by staff that "God has a plan for me"... come on man, at that point you may as well just say what you really think. I was flat-out denied estradiol, which I've been on for over 2 years. I had an orchiectomy last year and I was due for my shot the day I was admitted, so having almost zero sex hormones in my system the whole time just made everything worse. I was told (only after repeatedly inquiring) that the pharmacy couldn't get injectable estradiol, which is frustrating but I guess sort of understandable? But the doctors refused to even attempt any other dosage form. I know not everyone is an endocrinologist, but it's a full hospital in a network of local hospitals. You'd think SOMEONE would be able to recommend a rudimentary oral dosing schedule. Or at least reach out to my prescriber for dosing recommendations.
I was relieved when the doctor wrote me an order allowing me to shave my face, but then I was provided a near-useless electric trimmer. It somehow managed to cut my skin while leaving 3-4 days of growth still on my face. It's very difficult for me to understand how this was a safer choice than a typical rotary shaver, which would have actually worked. I wore a medical face mask every moment that I could, because I had a stubbly beard the whole time.
Under these conditions, the fact that I was expected to become less depressed over the course of my stay became so laughable that I just started lying every day and telling everyone I felt fine--new mood stabilizer must be working great!
I had a readily-visible injury that was supposed to be bandaged the day I was admitted--it never was. It predictably began to show signs of infection almost immediately. As it progressed, I showed every staff member I could, and informed them of my worsening symptoms. They all just shrugged, more or less. Days later when they finally summoned an actual doctor to the ward, half my arm was red, hot, and swollen. It was too painful to extend fully. The doctor barely looked at it and put me on an oral antibiotic, but it had gotten bad enough by that point that I had to receive additional antibiotics through an IV the next day (which I ended up being mildly allergic to). I cringe thinking what could have happened to me if I'd been less insistent. When I was discharged, they did not list the allergy, but my paperwork showed the oral antibiotics were sent to the pharmacy under the diagnosis "asthma." This seems like an attempt to sweep my completely avoidable and terribly mishandled infection under the rug.
I have talked to others who've gone to this particular hospital. As I said, psych wards are never a fun experience, but I've never heard of anyone experiencing something like this there. It's really hard not to feel discriminated against right now, you know? Thanks for reading.

The Fall Least Unexpected
Camp Wapiti was the most competitive summer-camp on the western border of the Allegheny Mountains, titular for the raving children’s testimonies by the end of the season. An influx of young campers had signed up this year to roost in forests of Red Spruce and Eastern Hemlock. The camp had reportedly gone through a series of expansion, including state-of-the-art “lodging enclaves” and an Olympic-sized swimming pool; at least according to the Wapiti parent Facebook Group. Rah-rah Elks!

A slew of bus rentals carries the kids to the gates of the 150-acre property, summer reveries already taking effect on everyone - from the bus drivers to the happy campers. The counselors had done a splendid job in garbing under the theme of Swan Lake, tinges of pastel pink and candlelight establishing the camp’s timbre; all awaited returning and new faces alike.

Once they reached, a horde of children spilled out from vehicles from all directions. The season had started.

“Welcome to Camp Wapiti our future outdoorsmen and adventurers! Plenty of secrets and fun await you this year - but first some rules…” bellowed Hailey Clifton, head counselor of the ensemble and youngest chick among the staff. The other counselors rolled their eyes during Hailey’s yearly pitch about showing a high level of care towards the surrounding wilderness and carrying the Happy Camper’s Guide to Nature: Dynamite Deciduous at all times. Many of the children began fidgeting, a crowd of creepy-crawlers wiggling underneath the heat vortex and swarm of mosquitos.

Finally, a cool breeze could be felt as Hailey finished off, invigorating everybody’s spirits once again. Campers and counselors drifted off into their own respective circles, reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones, breathing life and community into the grounds. Already burnt bodies sticky from chlorine and Sun-Bum were packed like sardine and people of all ages hollered from the tree-tops.

The first afternoon and night had been a success in every sense of the word. Residents were comatose within their cabins before 10 pm, in anticipation for a day at Lake Dimii in the morning. Somebody was dreaming of the unmarred lake and its magical properties according to the Iroquois, at any given moment during the night.

Come morning, camp was bustling with movement in every corner. Louie, an independent, fire-cracker 11-year-old from Brooklyn led a large pack of his well-rested peers to the lake. The other kids couldn’t help but look up to Louie, who was often disinterested in the bull of the others, but who was also the first person someone would ask for help in messing with the counselors or sneaking into the girl’s dorm at night. The children sang Wapiti’s jingle on their trek:

We are the happy herd of elks
Roaming through the fields with stealth!
On our crow’s nest seat,
We are the Camp Wapiti fleet!

The children’s chants could be heard reverberating through the wood, like a canyon wall is to singing birds. The menagerie cannonballed into the lake from all perimeters, the counselors struggling to keep up. But the day swelled with happiness as the surroundings looked effervescent within the sunlight, everything appeared to be cast underneath a yellow, sparkly film. After head-check, Hailey could finally record the potpourri of foreign flowers in her scrapbook.

Michel Barre and his two most loyal pals, Barnett and Sal, were camped away from the others, scoffing at the troupe of wildlings swimming in the waters. Michel, son of hot-shot French socialites, had moved to the North-East just two years ago, and still couldn’t wrap his mind around the hobbies and traditions of American kids his age; especially the dreaded capture the flag. The counselors had attempted to urge the three to join the others in the water, coaxing them with extra pie during dessert, but with no luck.

Traditionally, the first few days of camp were a hedonistic blur with no planned activities or events. Counselors encouraged to introduce themselves with one another and become comfortable with their bunk-mates especially. After a blistering day in the heat at Dimii, the whole lot was absolutely worn-out and immediately returned to their quarters following a hearty meal of chicken fried steak and apple pie fritters. Another day of sunshine and splashing around in the surf awaited everybody tomorrow, with a round of softball and soft serve afterwards. Even Michel felt a knot of excitement grow in his stomach.

Yet at half-past three in the morning, just two remained awake. As the moon’s image was reflected upon the lake’s surface while the others peacefully slept, Michel had been awoken and dragged by his feet out of his bed, across floorboards punctuated with nails, and out into the night. He was dragged for what seemed like hours. Across the gravel, dirt, and bushes, his skin was battered, and his limbs mangled. He contained no mental or physical capacity to identify who on God’s Earth was forcing him through his misery.

After a while, Michel could discern a certain atmospheric change - the air had felt more serene - what could only be Lake Dimii.

SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK “NO LIFEGUARD”

• Read a wasted sign, torn at its hinges.

“Please, I'm so sorry for whatever I did - please don’t-” Michel’s captor continued on to the edge of the lake and held him there, his face inundated like a trembling leaf caught in a storm. Michel didn’t know how to swim and tried to remember what his camping guide said about situations like this, but his mind went blank, and his lungs burned.

A passerby would be able to make out the two figures easily, even though the humid mist: One submerged and one forcing its grasp on the nape of the other’s neck, calmly watching. Michel was so incapacitated he wasn’t even aware that he was being forcibly held - he only regretted refusing to take swimming lessons as a child. And now his despairing amount of weakness against the dark waters was apparent. He thrashed about like a wild animal, a trail of bubbles circling his head. Gasps and sunken murmurs were the only sounds that could be heard on the lakeside at this hour.

And the other continued to watch, looking almost disinterested in the slump of his shoulders and the swaying of his feet. The moon still stubbornly shone, indiscriminate in its gleam, illuminating the other boy’s poor, sinking body. The scene was now still - a sharp contrast from a mere 8 hours ago.

The one on the bank turned to leave for the campgrounds, whistling a familiar tune.
The amount of time it takes to notice a person is missing is usually longer than one would think. In the case of Michel Barre, it took nearly 2 hours after the inhabitants of Wapiti rose. Barnett and Sal eventually realized that Michel was nowhere to be found and alerted Hailey before they were blamed for something they didn’t do. All campers were to report back to their bunks immediately for the rest of the day and stay there till instructed otherwise. A wave of confusion and frustration hit the camp – and rumors quickly spread like a nasty bout of lice.

According to the older kids, Barnett and Sal were messing around with Michel in the woods and left him there for inexplicable reasons. Others believed that Michel’s mega-loaded parents airlifted him out of the woods after just a few hours sleeping in the itchy twin sheets.

Meanwhile, in the counselor’s lodge, absolute pandemonium had settled alongside the cabin’s perpetual dust. These ‘designated adults’ were not adults at all, but hormonal, dewy-eyed teenagers who had been looking forward to an unsupervised summer. None of them were prepared for a situation like this.

“How on Earth will we ever explain this to Michel’s parents? The poor boy - he is probably wounded in the middle of the forest somewhere. Who knows, he could already be dead right now,” cried Hailey. The others stared at her blankly, not knowing what to say in response.

Javon Scott, who was only there for the massive paycheck that would hit his bank account at the end of the summer, couldn’t stop concentrating on Hailey's strawberry-blond curls. They smelled like apples.

“Hailey’s right, guys. Michel’s probably dead somewhere in a ditch. Shit, I can’t handle this right now, I need to smoke,” said Javon. He couldn’t keep his legs from bouncing, even with two hands on his thighs. Hailey let out a dry sob.

“You’ve been smoking too much Javon. The kid is probably fine, he couldn’t have made it that far into the woods,” chimed in someone from the back. A few other counselors murmured in agreement.

“We can’t bank on that. We have to tell Michel’s parents and call the authorities,” said Hailey. Javon aggressively nodded his head - the only one out of the bunch to agree.

“Like the cops? No way, I like this gig and my parents would murder me. Let’s all just split up and try to find him first,” said Bryce, one of the older counselors, a local town bum. There seemed to be a consensus already made at that point and all of Hailey's lamentations were paid any further attention.

The teens decided on rounding up the campers towards the center of the ground for the remainder of the day and to keep guard for God-knows-what, while the rest divvied up the surrounding woods in sections to search for the missing boy. Seemingly overnight, Camp Wapiti had transformed into a dire place – a canvas of frantic people and an obscure disappearance coloring the air.
Hailey had volunteered to scale the one of many huge rocks overlooking the eastern corner of the camp, a citadel over the surrounding area. Javon had offered to accompany Hailey, but everyone agreed it would be best if he stayed out at camp and watched over the fidgety kids. Javon grumbled about his role, because the last thing he wanted to do was spend the rest of the day with the snotty-sits, but he was sorely outnumbered. Besides, Hailey wanted to be alone.

The rock sat among the treetops, overlooking miles beyond the peripheries of the camp in each direction. It was a hot spot for late-night hookups, summertime dares, and sunrise viewings. Some of the graffiti that marked the base of the rock was almost two generations old.

It took a good 20 minutes for Hailey to reach the peak. Once she did, she was taken aback at the unstable illusion that was presented - the forest and vegetation seemed to have no end, swallowing all the land in its vastness. She shuddered to think where Michel could be within the thickets, as there was no way she could make out a 9-year-old from this vantage point. Her day had been spent in vain.

She plopped down at the edge of the overlook and began to burst into fitful tears. She couldn’t even begin to imagine how scared Michel was. Her stomach felt like a bowling ball. She decided that she would immediately contact the Allegheny preservative police and Michel’s parents before telling the others. She took in the horizon for a few months, ablaze in a deep mandarin, before heading back to Wapiti.

Except, someone had been watching her and her lovely head full of curls for a while now. It was a quite pleasant evening, and a single sight was more like a shout in the dead silence. And so, when Hailey could hear the heavy breathing of someone behind her, she chose not to stir.

“I know that’s you Javon. Look, I don’t have the time for this right now,” said Hailey, sniffling into her hands. Only silence followed and the breathing now ceased. Hailey looked over her shoulders and saw only rock. She felt as if she were becoming progressively crazier as the day went on.

Hailey turned back to stare at the view. And as she tumbled down the face of the cliff - from a single push or a gust of wind, no one would be able to tell - her last thoughts were of Michel’s ill-fated end instead of hers and how beautiful the sea of green looked when falling. Down, down she went, impaled upon the serrated end of a branch. Dark, gelatinous fluid sprayed from where she was impaled. She writhed in agony for thirty long minutes before her organs failed from the fatal amount of blood that was lost to the forest dirt.
By 10 pm, all of the inhabitants were united, and unlike this morning, there was a noticeable absence in the atmosphere. With the chief counselor nowhere to be found, the modus operandi of the camp had been altered. Campers were ordered to stay in their cabins and to not leave under any circumstances. Most of the counselors themselves hunkered in their bunks, too exhausted to search for yet another missing person or were a little paranoid themselves. Besides, Hailey probably bailed on the rest of them to avoid being complicit in anything that anything might have happened to Michel.

Still, a few agreed it was best to search the immediate vicinity at least once more, including Javon, who hadn’t felt this terrible since his parent’s divorce.

The crag wasn’t too far from the camp and so when five odd teenagers stumbled upon the grisly sight that was the remains of their fellow counselor – with what the forest scavengers had made of the relatively fresh carcass anyways - a wave of nausea and hysteria hit the group. Two immediately ran straight backwards towards the lodges, escaping into the night.

Javon stood within the fetid odor of the body, unable to take his eyes off the ravage in front of him. Tears silently raced down his cheek. The Allegheny Mountains had turned into an inescapable hellscape paradox.

The remaining counselors turned to wake and alert the others, concluding that the only possible explanation was that Hailey had tumbled from a rock. Javon contested this theory, adamant foul play was involved, but like always, he was ignored. Hailey’s body was left alone, and Camp Wapiti was bustling in panic for the second time that day, except everyone knew what had happened to Hailey. And now with the bus rentals back already less than 96 hours, followed by a parade of police forces, the warmth of the season had disappeared just as quickly it had come.

There simply weren’t enough buses available to transport the entire camp’s population in one batch, especially considering the time of night. The kids were priority and were bused off the premises as soon as possible, except for around two dozen. The police rounded everyone else - which included all the counselors – into the canteen, dead-center of the campsite.

By 6 AM, Javon had become sick of his environment and everyone in it. No one had been able to sleep the whole night except the police, who were used to sleeping in their patrol cars. A distinct tenor could be felt in the canteen, not a soul felt safe during those 9 dreadful hours.

Louie – the Brooklyn boy – entertained some of the other kids by reciting gruesome renditions of what could have happened to Michel and Hailey. The kids took morbid interest, looking over their shoulders for the monsters in Louie’s reenactments. A detailed sketch had been made of the killer. The kids described him as like the silent Northern Saw-Whet Owl, camouflaging within the dark envelope of the forest.

Javon snuck off into the sunrise to go smoke a joint in the hammock park behind the canteen, in plain view of the swarm of knocked-out cops. His nerves were in desperate need of soothing and he didn’t need to think twice about using the only medicine at hand.

The sunrise was dim and sullen, casting its gray halo throughout the sky. The hammock swayed slightly from the cool morning breeze and Javon was starting to get a little sick. Images of Hailey had been burned into his subconscious and he wondered how he would ever be able to sleep again. Well, not sober at least.

Javon could care less about the “owl” killer if he were staring at the end of its barrel, he just needed to forget about this place. This was the first time he had regretted not filling out college application forms, because now, he couldn’t escape this town even if he tried.

As he continued to ruminate in his limited prospects, he saw a shadow flit from the corner of his eye. He jolted awake from his existential morning thoughts.

It was a rather small shadow, one that emerged like a premature lightning strike. The figure disappeared into the woods – seemingly spawning from the direction of the cabins. Snuffing his joint, Javon waltzed in the shadow’s path, determined to not let the sly thing get away. The police were starting to stir. Javon dashed into the thicket’s cover.

While the figure had been in full sprint before, Javon had caught up to it within a couple of minutes. From behind a tree, looking onto an unobstructed clearing, there was the silhouette, his back facing Javon.

It was a boy. A shirtless boy. Quiet and unmoving. But Javon could easily recognize the person’s gait – strangely self-assured for just an 11-year-old. No doubt it was Louie, unruly, scraped and bruised, swaggering within late dawn’s mist. Javon observed quietly for a few moments, watching the boy sit in silence in the grass.

Louie knew someone was watching him. Besides, he had been on the other side – the one who was hunting the unsuspecting so many times that his instincts were deceivingly sharp. Louie turned his head around slowly, catching Javon’s direct line of vision and holding it. Javon froze under Louie’s blank expression towards him.

Slowly, Louie made his way towards Javon, carefully maintaining eye contact. Javon was almost in some sort of trance and had been. rendered immobile. Louie started to quicken his pace, opening his mouth to say something before Javon snapped out of his terrifying reverie.

Javon’s paranoia was through the roof, fueled by all that weed he consumed on an empty stomach. He ran towards the cabin for dear life to warn the others, convinced of Louie’s hand in evil. Something about Louie’s vacant eyes, devoid of emotion and almost-artificial like, sent Javon reeling for shelter from that empty expression. Even Hailey’s lifeless face exhibited more human-ness.

He finally had enough courage to look behind him when in view of the canteen, only to be met with a silent wood. Nevertheless, he continued to run, right outside to the main grounds, running right smack into the punchy gut of a cop.

“Do you think you can tell me what you are doing out here, hm,” asked the man in faded blue. Javon relayed his morning, leaving out extraneous details. But what he said fell upon empty ears and a boisterous laugh!

“Hmph, you kids sure aren’t meant to be out here as counselors. Clueless, all of you.”

But the police soon realized that Javon was telling the cold truth. Louie was thought to be on the busses, but the police received word that the boy was nowhere to be found in the vehicles. A small search-party was sent into the woods, but there wasn’t a single trace of an 11-year-old to be found. Only a lumbering 21-year-old, who took embarrassingly long strides.
Louie and his belongings had dematerialized along with warm winds of summer.

As the rest of the kids and counselors were sent away through a second round of buses, Javon looked longingly at the shrinking campgrounds from the back window.

On our crow’s nest seat,
We are the Camp Wapiti fleet!

Javon dreamt of distant heights and killer elks for months after the incidents.

MtF 17 years old who's been trans since 2021, name changed since 2022 & on DIY hormones for a year and a half and I've been back and forth with my local GP for months because they simply refuse to write a doctor's letter confirming my transition is permanent so I can then change the marker when I get a passport. All of the main events and apppointments with the GP went down in January and they quite literally ghosted me and refused to service me if I tried making another appointment to ask for a letter. All they said at the appointment was I needed a diagnosis of gender dysphoria (which is not true for a passport, as specified in official guidelines for the HMRC passport office that literally say a diagnosis is not required and you are entitled to one at any time if you're trans). For reference, I live in a village so the transphobia I've experienced at my local surgery is not surprising at all.
After I had 2 appointments with different doctors in January (both rejecting my request), I received a call from a receptionist at my GP saying I could only could change my passport if I had bottom surgery (which was a total load of archaic BS from 20 years ago). From February onwards I emailed my GP + the manager of the wider council GP practice multiple times; I didn't receive a reply from any of them. In the email, I reinforced my stance and said that legally I am entitled to a doctor's letter and what they're doing to me is unprofessional and complaint-worthy + I attached legal documents from the HMRC & NHS that support my claim that I'm entitled to it. It's like I was unofficially blacklisted from requesting anything trans-related at my GP.
My plan forward is when I move to university in a year I'm going to register with a new GP in another county and try again + I will pursue a diagnosis of gender dysphoria with a private doctor (if I can afford it & I doubt I'll get an appointment on the GIDS waiting list) I already have a provisional driver's licence registered with a 'female' ID and a new name for my licence & national insurance so really a passport and & GRC in the far future is all I need. It's disappointing the position I am in but at least I'm on hormones and have a valid driver's licence.

Hello, I haven’t seen anything online about breast pain and lumps in MTF trans women who have been on hormones for over a decade, so I am seeking advice.
I started oral estrogen tablets in 2012, and like everyone else had sore budding breasts that grew into a B cup I’d say by 2016 and beyond. After I had SRS in 2019, I gained weight during the pandemic which made my breasts go up to about a C cup. I was still on oral estrogen tablets and then I started injections in 2021. Immediately my breasts grew to be a full cup size bigger and the lumps returned.
I went off injections and opted for oral E again, but the size did not decrease, then I switched to patches and they seemingly deflated a bit. Unfortunately my E levels were extremely low on patches and my skin did not like the adhesive. So I have switched back to oral tablets, well the lumps are back again and the soreness is constant.
After 12 years on HRT I’m annoyed and over this discomfort.. my issues really started post SRS it seemed my body became more sensitive to E? I also notice with lab work my estrone levels are pretty high, especially with injections, hich I assumed would be the reason for soreness and lumps.
I have consulted with different doctors, had ultrasounds and mammograms and everyone says “it’s not cancer” “it’s normal to have sore breast tissue” etc.
Please does anyone have advice or guidance? I feel like the only doctor that really had me right was the one who helped me start my transition at 16, over a decade ago.
Here is a link to me E levels over the years, as I cannot post screenshots in this
Here

So I recently came out as trans. (MTF.) I’m also Jewish with mild cerebral palsy. I’m currently in an open relationship, so I’m available, as well.
I work with playwrights, and almost all of that work is virtual. One of the people I’m working with is trans (FTM), Jewish, and has mild cerebral palsy. They take a long time to trust anyone - and after 2 years we’ve become friends, which is a relationship I treasure.
Now, while I am on HRT and have never had surgery, they have never been on any hormones and only had surgery, which means their appearance has changed radically.
I don’t find many people attractive. However, I was on TikTok yesterday and saw the absolute most gorgeous human ever. It was only when I looked down did I realize it was the writer I work with.
I know I can’t do anything about this - they are 30 and I’m 56, for one. Also, I don’t want to damage our work relationship. How do I successfully hide my feelings?
.

hey ya’ll! so i am mtf i’ve been on hormones for a year and some change now. i dated a guy for 4 months and he was the first guy id ever dated regardless of transition. he had never dated anyone before either but sexually he’d only been with cis women before me. he treated me like i was cis and never brought up me being trans which on one hand i loved and it was affirming but on the other hand it felt like a part of my identity wasn’t being acknowledged. im pretty comfortably passing so im not sure how much of a factor that was. if my transness was something we talked about it was because i brought it up. that made me feel like maybe i was talking about it too much or i was making it a bigger deal than it was. so my question to ya’ll is, is that the like most correct and respectful way for a cis man to handle that or in ya’lls experience should that interaction look different.

Hello, I hope you have a good day.
These days, I have been turning over an idea in my mind, which I have been thinking about a lot and which has ended up giving rise to this idea of a magic system, which I have named Tulmaterium. I like to know our opinions about this idea :D
Mechanisc
The idea of this magic system is that some people that they born with the ability of access to this magic, called Thulmatists, have the power to create, with their energy magic(called Essence), a material that dont exist in the nature. Because they are materials that should not exist, they disintegrate over time (the speed of the process depends on how much mass of this substance has been created), unless they are supplied with essence in a good quantity or continuously.
This materials are unnatural because they have stranges properties to their phisical state or dont obey the natural laws of the element that they are associating(Every imaginary material have asocciate a natural element, like air, dust, water, among others.) In addition, each material can generate a different magic effect, that only manifests if the user add some magic energy to the material with the intention to use this power(not in all cases, but it applies in most of the materials.
Furthermore, all users of said magic are recognizable by certain traits in their being that can be associated with the element to which they were born associated. For example, those who can create the material of air may have hair that moves as if there is always wind blowing it or their way of walking is as if they are light as the wind.
Powers
In this systems, exists only 8 elements, with one imaginary material associates. This elements are:
Air: This element allows their users to create a gas similar to a dense mist, pink in color with orange touches like the sunset. It behaves the same as fog but, if exposed to a source of ultraviolet rays, such as direct sunlight, it undergoes an almost instantaneous and very violent expansion (in open areas it is harmless except for the change in pressure, but in closed places can be as strong as an explosion).
the magical power allows the user to alter the light that passes through the fog, creating visual illusions, making whoever enters invisible or altering the shape of the gas so that it acts as a lens that concentrates or disperses the light (in the first case creating a similar but more powerful effect of the reflection of light in the mirror)
Dust:
The material of this element are a type of dark sand, like the one present on volcanic beaches, but with a strange metallic shine when it spreads or forms sheets.
Its only strange property is that, with enough magic and time, it can be used to create black crystals that do not disappear over time, but lose their ability to use their magic power. Of course, when reacting with magic, they emit an iridescent and flowing glow, like the shine of tar, but more powerful and long-lasting.
The magical power are the ability to manipulate the sand to alter its consistency, making it denser or more fluid, or act as a filter or insulator for one element or another through the structures that you can use to manipulate it.
Water:
The substance is similar to water in aspect, except for it have a intense light blue color and more viscosity. The strange property that It has is that it is a very reactive substance, even being capable of damaging glass and slightly some metals that support chemical reactions, such as platinum. Of course, other imaginary materials and living beings, due to their essence, are more resistant to this effect, although not immune.
The magic power that it grants is the ability, by mixing the appropriate components inside, the user can use the liquid to alter said components, obtaining the molecule or alloy that the user desires from them. Of course, the process completely consumes the imaginary substance.
Oil:
The substance is a type of biofuel in aspect and properties, but with a remarkable purple color. And, like the fuels, are very flammable(similar to gasoline) and produce, in contact with the aire, a strange slag layer made of solidified air components (like O2, CO2, water vapor, among others) as a gelatinous mass.
the magic power is the ability to increase the power of the magic powers of other users that they are sprinkled with that oil and the user of the oil has applied his power to them.
Rock:
This material can be created in form of small balls of gold rocks with cracks through which a reddish glow is emitted, like a broken and lit coal in a fireplace. Despite their appearance, the heat they emit is only a couple of degrees higher than that of the human body.
The magic power of this material only activate when someone eat one of this balls, causing, upon reaching his stomach, the material to begin to emit controlled heat and cause a temporary alteration of his body in the user, who develops small rocky patterns on his skin and his eyes become intense as fathoms. This transformation consumes the essence that the living being possesses by virtue of being a living being and multiplies it, turning it into an improvement in its physical and mental capabilities.
Of course, consuming more spheres does not give you more power, but rather it lengthens the time that the ability remains active (although the effects later are worse when they are exhausted, since more than three or four continuous spheres can leave someone on the brink of death. a normal human)
Metal:
This material is a liquid metal, like the mercury, but less poisonous, more cohesive and a deep red color, like intense fire. The magic power are the ability to generate magnetic fields, both inside the metal (to alter its shape at will) and outside the metal (used to push other nearby metals or levitate the metallic substance).
Vegetable material:
This material is a strange green substance, contained in a wooden shell of white, brown and red colors, as well as covered with several spikes.
Its magical power allows, through an infinitely replicable process, to store and extract essence from the greenish substance, which acts as a portable warehouse for it. The curious thing is that, if the essence reserve is left full, but nothing is extracted for several days, the material will consume said energy to grow in size and change to resemble a growing tree.
If this process is repeated several times, in a few years you can have trees of this substance almost ten meters high and several meters long. In this state, touching the leaves of said plant allows energy to be transferred or extracted, its storage now being equivalent to that of the magical energy of tens of thousands of people or thousands of users.
Animal material:
This substance is similar to a white gelatin, inside which an incredible amount of amoeba-like microorganisms is stored. These are harmless to living beings, although they require nutrients and magical energy to stay alive.
Its magical ability allows the user to generate, from the available nutrients, any biological component (biotoxins, hormones, proteins, fats and so on) that the user desires, as long as the user knows its exact chemical composition and can maintain contact and the organisms that produce it are well nourished.
These same microorganisms can also be applied to a wound or in a sterilized space to cause them to undergo a conversion, going from their original form to becoming cells of the chosen living being. With this, wounds can be sealed or even organs can be created from scratch, as long as the user knows what their structure is like and the cells that should form it and in what order they should be placed.
And this is the whole system, I'm sorry it's been so long. I hope to know what you think about this and I would like to hear any suggestions or ideas :D
I hope you have a good day

Dull, tired skin washed you out, but just a few drops of this skin illuminating pure magic will highly convert your complexion from yawn to fabulous. Endless radiance awaits the real complexion transformation experience with one drop at a time from the ultimate glow
What does your skin need?
As your body’s largest organ, your skin performs a variety of important and complex functions—from regulating your body temperature to protecting against germs. This is especially true of your skin’s outermost layer, also known as the skin barrier. Composed mostly of lipids (such as ceramides), this protective barrier acts as the primary gatekeeper between your skin and external environment—keeping water in and harmful substances out. Although a healthy skin barrier is essential for all skin types, it’s also important to remember that each individual’s skin is unique in many ways. This means that there’s no “one size fits all” approach to achieving radiant, healthy-looking skin.
Brightning Serum- Why Is It Important?
Dark spots can make your complexion appear uneven and dull, but brightening serums are here to help. Brightening face serums are designed to target dullness and give your complexion a much-needed radiance boost. The powerful ingredients in these types of face serums help to lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, which can be caused by sun exposure, hormones or ageing. Brightening face serums often contain natural ingredients such as Niacinamide, Manjistha, Red Algae and Alpha Arbutin to help clear the complexion, reduce pigmentation, and fade dark spots while also providing antioxidant protection. Regular use of brightening serums like Vrija Brightening Face Serum can also improve skin clarity as they help even out your skin tone over time.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide:
Niacinamide: The Superhero
Ingredient Also known as Vitamin B3, this miracle spot lightener pulls double shifts, slowing down melanin production and fast-forwarding to an even pace. Niacinamide enforces the already-placed keratin and collagen in your skin's armor to keep in the moisture while keeping environmental attackers at bay. This dark spot dynamo will make sure extra pigmentation doesn't stand a chance.
Manjistha: Radiance from Mother Nature's Palette
A brilliant tour de force that detoxifies and clarifies for an ultra-even glow. Manjistha draws its brilliance not from the artificial but from vibrant red botanicals. Surely, nature had its own hand in helping our skin become radiant by driving off blemishes and helping to fade discolorations inside and out with great antibacterial and anti-inflammatory power.
Amla: India's Antioxidant Brightening Gem
Amla too, with its small stature, packs a worthy punch of brightening feels, with powerful antioxidants graciously exclaimed from within. Fortify against environmental aging to keep your skin fresh and youthful with Radiance that truly radiates from within.
Rejuvenating Red Algae from Spain
This wonderful serum begins with red algae that is harvested in the waters of Spain. It is infused with vitamin and mineral replenishing elements that ensure no better way but your skin does not tell your age. Moisture-Locking Power from France That's just radiance, hydration, extensive and precious, as thanks to innovative moisture locking technology hailing from France. The invisible shield reinforces the moisture barrier with time released humectants so, the dewy softness is kept sumptuously indomitable against environmental stressors.
Herb based Alpha Arbutin
But the true standout star comes from the brightening potion: alpha arbutin, an herb-based miracle that very gently hinders too much production of melanin. Say goodbye to uncooperative dark spots and discoloration, or uneven skin tone—this soft, but powerful ingredient, will return your complexion to its radiant, clear look.
Benfits of Using Brightening Serum
This advanced lightweight serum offers oil-free hydration for all skin types and works to detoxify and clarify using Manjistha, a botanical brightener that has been noted for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The Indian gooseberry, or Amla, really does wonders for your skin, just like its literal meaning when translated—it can help your stubborn, leathery skin to be renewed and rejuvenated in just a snap with this rich antioxidant fruit. It is created with red algae from Spain and has Alpha Arbutin for an uneven tone, visibly rejuvenating look. So, with that kind of synergistic blend in place, you've really got true skin perfection. Get ready for your most revitalized, dazzlingly even and brightened complexion unleashed on the world.
How To Use Skin Brightening Serum

1. Wash your face with a mild, foamy cleanser.
   
2. Use a cotton pad to apply toner, carefully wiping away dirt and debris.
   
3. Apply a few drops of skin brightening serum to your face and neck, gently rubbing with your fingertips.
   
4. Finally, apply a noncomedogenic moisturiser.
   

To maintain healthy skin, follow these tips: balance skin hydration, use brightening ingredients, cleanse twice daily, apply a face mask, eat a healthy diet, and make lifestyle changes.
Why Choose Vrija?
● Harness the might of the world; its superpower ingredients are Niacinamide, the rich antioxidant Red Algae that inhibits melanin, and french hydration lock for dewy and glowing skin.
● Delivers unparalleled brightening results without irritation
● Lightweight yet deeply nourishing formula hydrates and strengthens skin
● Potent yet gentle enough for all skin types, even sensitive
● Easy to integrate into any existing routine for a brilliant glow
● Decree time-honored community wisdom with this dermatologist-tested, empowering, and effective line of skin care and brightening tincture science, and maximize your glowing potential with Vrija Brightening Face Serum
Visit the site- https://vrijalife.com/products/vrija-brightening-face-serum

I’m sure it’s affected by lots of other factors, but I think this is pretty related to hormones.
I’m bisexual and since having a baby, I’m FAR less attracted to men and much more attracted to women. It’s like the hormones switched off my attraction to men lol. I find men generally annoying and can’t abide being around them anymore hahaha.
(This is why I post this here - I know my fellow Bromos will be kind and not say I’m a man hater 🤣)
My wife also came out as trans MTF when I was 4 months PP, so being in a relationship with a woman now would probably have impacted that and the way I accept certain feelings etc. But yeah, it’s so strange!
I see men on the street I’d usually be attracted to, and I feel nothing!

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer, impact millions globally. Despite being common, these conditions often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to their subtle symptoms and complex causes. In today's fast-paced world, the need for effective thyroid wellness solutions is more critical than ever. This blog will explore the necessity for improved thyroid care, the available alternatives, why CureEZ stands out, and real-life examples of how CureEZ has transformed lives.

The Urgency for Thyroid Wellness Today
The Growing Prevalence of Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid disorders are increasingly prevalent, with millions of new cases diagnosed annually. For example, hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, affects approximately 5% of the population, with a higher incidence in women and the elderly. Hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid is overactive, affects about 1-2% of the population.
Several factors contribute to this growing prevalence. Environmental pollutants, dietary factors, and increased autoimmune diseases play significant roles. The impact of stress and lifestyle changes in modern society also exacerbates these conditions.
The Challenges of Diagnosis
One of the primary challenges in managing thyroid disorders is accurate diagnosis. Symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, and mood swings often overlap with other conditions, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Traditional diagnostic methods, primarily reliant on blood tests measuring thyroid hormone levels, may not always provide a comprehensive picture.
Moreover, subclinical thyroid disorders, where symptoms are present but hormone levels appear normal, complicate diagnosis further. Patients often face frustration and anxiety due to the uncertainty and inconsistency in their diagnosis and treatment plans.
The Impact on Quality of Life
Untreated or poorly managed thyroid disorders can lead to severe health complications. For instance, hypothyroidism can result in heart disease, mental health issues, and infertility. Hyperthyroidism can lead to severe complications like atrial fibrillation, osteoporosis, and thyrotoxic crisis if left untreated.
The physical symptoms are only part of the story. The mental and emotional toll of thyroid disorders can be profound, leading to depression, anxiety, and cognitive issues. This multifaceted impact underscores the need for comprehensive, accurate, and accessible thyroid care.

Current Approaches to Thyroid Wellness

Conventional Medical Treatments

1. Medication: The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is synthetic thyroid hormone replacement therapy, such as levothyroxine. This treatment aims to normalize hormone levels, but finding the correct dosage can be challenging and requires regular monitoring. For hyperthyroidism, antithyroid medications like methimazole or propylthiouracil are used to reduce hormone production.
   
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy: Used primarily for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer, this treatment involves taking radioactive iodine orally to destroy overactive thyroid cells. While effective, it requires careful monitoring and can lead to hypothyroidism.
   
3. Surgery: In cases of large goiters, thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer, surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland may be necessary. This option is usually considered when other treatments fail or when there is a suspicion of malignancy.
   

Natural and Holistic Approaches

1. Dietary Changes: Incorporating foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc can support thyroid health. For hypothyroidism, iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, and dairy are beneficial. For hyperthyroidism, a balanced diet avoiding excessive iodine and goitrogenic foods like soy and cruciferous vegetables is recommended.
   
2. Supplements: Nutritional supplements, such as iodine, selenium, and vitamin D, can help address deficiencies that impact thyroid function. However, supplementation should be approached cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid adverse effects.
   
3. Lifestyle Modifications: Stress reduction techniques, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining overall health and supporting thyroid function. Mindfulness practices, yoga, and other stress management strategies can be particularly beneficial.
   

Alternative Therapies

1. Acupuncture: Some studies suggest acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms associated with thyroid disorders. It is believed to balance energy flow in the body, potentially improving thyroid function and overall well-being.
   
2. Herbal Remedies: Certain herbs, like ashwagandha and guggul, are believed to support thyroid health. Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, may help regulate hormone levels and reduce stress, while guggul is thought to stimulate thyroid function. However, more research is needed to confirm their efficacy and safety.
   

Why CureEZ is the Superior Choice

Advanced Diagnostic Tools
CureEZ utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic tools that go beyond traditional methods. Our AI-powered screening technology analyzes a comprehensive array of data, including medical history, symptoms, and lab results, to provide a more accurate and timely diagnosis. This approach addresses the limitations of conventional blood tests by considering a broader spectrum of indicators.
Personalized Treatment Plans
At CureEZ, we believe that no two thyroid conditions are the same. Our approach is tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring that they receive the most effective treatment. This includes personalized medication regimens, dietary guidance, and holistic care strategies. Our genetic testing capabilities allow us to identify specific predispositions, enabling early intervention and more precise treatment.
Innovative Therapies
CureEZ is at the forefront of medical innovation, offering cutting-edge treatments like Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules and targeted molecular therapies for thyroid cancer. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat to shrink nodules, reducing recovery time and complications compared to surgery. Our targeted molecular therapies focus on specific genetic mutations within cancer cells, providing more effective and less toxic treatment options.
Continuous Monitoring and Support
Our commitment to patient care extends beyond the clinic. CureEZ integrates wearable technology to monitor vital signs and hormone levels in real-time, providing continuous data to adjust treatments promptly. Our telemedicine platform ensures that patients can consult with specialists conveniently, no matter where they are. This approach offers flexibility and continuity of care, crucial for managing chronic conditions like thyroid disorders.
Patient Education and Community Support
We understand the importance of informed patients and a supportive community. CureEZ offers extensive resources and support groups to help individuals understand their condition, share experiences, and stay motivated throughout their treatment journey. Educational materials, webinars, and community forums are available to empower patients with the knowledge they need to manage their health proactively.

Real-Life Transformations with CureEZ
Mamatha's Journey to Recovery
Mamatha, a 35-year-old teacher, had been struggling with unexplained fatigue, weight gain, and depression for years. Despite numerous visits to different doctors, her symptoms persisted. Frustrated and desperate for answers, Mamatha turned to CureEZ.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Using our advanced screening, we quickly identified that Mamatha had hypothyroidism. Our team developed a personalized treatment plan, including the right dosage of levothyroxine, dietary adjustments, and stress management techniques.
The Transformation
Within a few months, Mamatha's energy levels improved, and she began to lose weight. Her mood stabilized, and she felt more in control of her life. Mamatha regularly uses CureEZ's telemedicine platform to check in with her specialist, ensuring her treatment remains effective.

Dilip's Battle with Hyperthyroidism
Dilip, a 42-year-old software engineer, was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism after experiencing rapid weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. Conventional treatments had only provided temporary relief, and he was concerned about the long-term effects on his health.
Diagnosis and Treatment
CureEZ's comprehensive approach included a detailed analysis of Dilip's condition. We opted for a combination of antithyroid medication and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) to target the overactive thyroid cells.
The Transformation
Mark noticed a significant improvement within weeks. His heart palpitations decreased, anxiety levels dropped, and he regained a healthy weight. Continuous monitoring through wearable technology helped fine-tune his treatment, ensuring sustained progress. Mark now enjoys a better quality of life and peace of mind.

Conclusion
CureEZ stands out in the field of thyroid care by combining advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, innovative therapies, and continuous support. Our approach ensures that patients receive the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
If you're struggling with thyroid issues, consider CureEZ for a comprehensive, patient-centered solution. We're here to help you decode your thyroid disorder and transform your life.

References

1. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/thy.2016.0457
   
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025619611623896
   
3. https://www.webmd.com/women/thyroid-disease
   
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/hypothyroidism/symptoms-treatments-more
   
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid#:~:text=Your%20nervous%20system%3A%20When%20your,and%20hyperthyroidism%20can%20cause%20anxiety.
   

No hate please. My partner (mtf) hasn’t transitioned yet but told me last night they may look into taking hormones in a couple of years when we can afford it. They say they feel like they’re female. They said they don’t want top or bottom surgery but to just take hormones. They came out as non-binary a few years back but now feel like they should’ve been born female.
I have encouraged them to wear fem clothes and to wear makeup because it helps them. But part of me feels like I’m going to lose the person I’ve known for years. I’m afraid that when they do start hormones and all that I may lose feelings for them. I’m scared and hurt and so anxious that it may cause us to separate after it’s all done. I love them and don’t want that to happen because we’ve been through a lot together. Our conversation about it last night led to my crying because of my fear and hoping they would change their mind to not to. But I know that’s not the right thing and if it makes them happy and feel like their true self then I should be 100% supportive and encourage them in doing this.

I’m just wondering how I could start the whole process for hormone therapy? I know that I want to be trans (mtf) but I don’t know who I’d have to talk to, to get the clear in getting prescriptions etc. I’m also wondering what would be the best injections to get (whatever they do so you’d start to grow breasts, etc) because I’d want everything to do good and (hopefully) nothing go bad because money isn’t really an issue for me, and because I’m very confident that it’s permanent, I don’t want it to go bad. If anyone could help me with this stuff or at least who I should talk to, that would be very appreciated, thank you :).

I've seen this phenotype rather often.
Thin, typically low BMI. Very high anxiety. Sometimes chronic pain/autoimmune issues, hashimotos (not always but often). Brain fog, poor stress tolerance, POTS (or simply high resting heart rate, lightheaded when standing up), high salt thirst (they put salt on everything to compensate for their renal losses of it), poor feminization (despite adequate HRT and separate from low BMI). They sometimes report masculinizing effects despite normal T/DHT testing.
I've also had a few cases of young "FTM" with this, and one in particular that ended up seeing resolution of their gender dysphoria with treatment. Those cases are always VERY underweight, and that patient had a starting BMI of 13 pre-treatment and now at BMI 18 feels vastly better.
I'm still sorting this out, so consider this a "pre-print" idea, but I've had enough success cases that I think it worth mentioning in case it can help someone else.
Basically, these MTF girls look on paper like someone who should be sort of an Addison's disease picture. However, they do not have hyperpigmentation, and if anything, the opposite, are often quite pale. I'm still trying to mechanistically suss out why this is in terms of the ACTH, CRH pathways.
Regardless, when I test morning and PM cortisol on these patients, its almost never "low". But it is almost always at the bottom range of the normal band. Same goes for the sodium value. Tends to be 135-137.
However, I've taken some of these patients, drawn a cortisol, then had the patient do some vigorous exercise/stress, and drawn another one, only to see the cortisol level fall or remain the same. Or, drawn their cortisol during an immensely stressful time in their life for it to be at the cusp of low, or even "faintly low" but never in the standard "Addisonian" sort of range. Aldosterone/renin are normal.
This had me suspicious they had some sort of subclinical Addisonian-ish situation, to which they can make enough cortisol to survive, but when subjected to any degree of stress, they flat out cannot cope, and crumble.
I think this may be related to my overall MPS theory with Kate, but these specific patients I'm postulating only have only one sort of functional copy of 21 hydroxylase.
Healthy humans have two functional copies of CYP21A2, and then two copies of the CYP21A2P pseudogene which is not supposed to be transcribed.
I think some humans may have less functional copies than two, aka one normal and one weak, or two weak, or even one weak, or perhaps more copies, two normal and two transcribed normal CYP21A2P genes for example, resulting in double the expected cortisol output.
This may partially explain the "Elves and Dwarves" body habitus groups that trans people fall into.
Regardless, enough patients have told me that during periods of high stress, they feel like they are "remasculinizing".
If someone has poor 21a2 function, the act of stressing them will result in high demand for cortisol, but as a side product, a bunch of androgen intermediaries are synthed which do not show up on standard T/DHT testing. Basically, because their cortisol production sucks and makes a lot of androgen byproduct, high stress results in an increase in these levels.
I had no way of measuring this, until one of my very smart patients pointed out that Labcorp has a 11-oxo-androgens panel.
So I've been pulling this on my "I am stressed and feel androgenic" patients and been surprised to see elevated levels in otherwise hormonally "perfect" patients.
Treatment of these patients with a very low dose of hydrocortisone (5-20 mg daily starting at the lowest level and gradually escalating) has resulted in some patients an absolutely astounding result. We're talking massive reductions in anxiety levels, massive improvements in energy levels, decreased pain, improved brain fog, just overall major improvements in function. I am being extremely cautious with this, as these are not "defined" Addisonian patients, but I can't deny the massive improvement in their well being. They are all carefully being monitored with lab testing to ensure no adverse effects from the hydrocortisone.
That being said, I do think there is perhaps a large unrecognized group of people in the trans community who have lived in a state of constant stress/anxiety/trauma and whose adrenal glands are just not up to snuff.
Treatment results in elimination of the elevated 11-oxo-androgens, increased BMI, improved sleep, improved mental health and improved feminization.
Now, I have been considering putting this here for a long time, but I've held off on it as anytime I put anything down that has "improved feminization", people recklessly want to jump on that at the cost of quite literally anything. This is 100% not a thing that should be done without a doctor who is 100% on board, and willing to do the relatively intense monitoring and testing to ensure that this is a net benefit for the patient. It is not something that should be done DIY (nor should HRT be done DIY ever).
After having a few more successes with this these past few weeks, this tipped the "ethics" point where I felt it unethical not to mention, as there are likely people who will read this, and recognize "that sounds like me" and be able to talk to their doctor about it and see how the testing plays out.
Again, I do not advise anyone do this without full clinician supervision. You can quite literally give yourself diabetes. If you take the medicine for awhile, and then suddenly run out and stop, you can quite literally die of an Addisonian crisis. It is not something to trifle with, and should be reserved only for people who fit this very specific niche situation. I only have a handful of these total in the practice, and I've got 3000 trans patients, so by no means, is this "common". But it made such an overwhelming difference in those that I've treated for it, that I finally felt like I should put pen to paper on it, as I feel doing so may help more people than are hurt by it.
Over the years, I've seen my words twisted, run with, or employed recklessly. My goal is the same as it has always been, the improvement of the health and wellness of transgender people as a whole. I just am trying to be a better steward of the platform I have, and recognize how far my words tend to disseminate after I publish them here. So please, hear me out. If this sounds like you, talk to your doctor about it. Do not do this on your own.
Hopefully there are some out there though that this can help.
I also welcome the input of anyone who might explain why the patients tend to be pale, quite literally the opposite of Addisonian patients, as the biochemistry of that is paradoxical to me, and I can't seem to solve the "why". Odds are though, Kate will materialize here with an explanation though shortly.

• Dr Powers

Hi.
Ok so I've (cis woman) been with my partner (mtf, they/she) for over 5 years. Over the last couple of years, my partner has realized they are nonbinary/femme. They started socially transitioning and started hormones a few months ago. It's been good overall, some hiccups here and there. They are out with their side of the family and friends. And it's all been going pretty well.
It's now at the point where I want to tell my family. Unfortunately my family skews pretty conservative. I've not come out to them in any capacity (i'm bisexual). I always just figured that if/when I have to tell them, then i will. Ok so that if is now when, and I wish so desperately i've told them anything about myself way earlier.
Over the last few years, my family has come to love complaining about the woke agenda in a lot of ways. They're typical California republicans, polite and respectful to everyone they meet, but complain about pronouns and all that in private. I've spent a lot of my life arguing with them about everything you can imagine. But at the end of the day, I love them very much and just hope desperately they'll continue to love me, and more than that, will continue to love my partner and accept who they are.
They've met my partner when they presented as a man. They love them. They love seeing them and talking to them. But over the last year, they see my partner less and less as they've been transitioning to a gender that better fits with their identity. My family is now asking for my partner by (dead)name. I've been avoiding answering it (not great). But I know I can't do that, for my partner's sake, for my sake. And I hate hiding who I love.
So, I'm gonna tell them. I've put it off long enough (it's scary). My partner isn't joining me for this initial conversation, I don't blame them, this is so so scary. But after discussing it, I think I'm okay with doing it on my own at the start here. I'm going to start with just my parents and see where to go from there.
So I would love any tips you have concerning coming out and telling your family about your partner. I feel like there's a lot of ways i could do it badly. Also, i don't know what to expect really. Also maybe my POV on all of this is wrong in the first place and i need to come at it with a different understanding. Idk. Open to all advice and perspective. Thank you.

Hello everyone , im going to tell my story.
As a kid The first time i saw Body Swap was in Disney Channel Series, since that i started at that time, searching in Youtube Body Swap MTF and until this day i still search that.
I even tried the MTF Transformation Video to see what was like to be in opposite gender.
When i go to sleep, sometimes i think about being in Woman bodys i know, waking up as them or like a witch making me a woman forever.
I dont think me being a woman and have sex.
I always liked to be a man, i identify as a man, im comfortable in my body but sometimes i think if i am a man or a woman in a man´s body
Thanks , Have a Good day

Hi.
Ok so I've (cis woman) been with my partner (mtf, they/she) for over 5 years. Over the last couple of years, my partner has realized they are nonbinary/femme. They started socially transitioning and started hormones a few months ago. It's been good overall, some hiccups here and there. They are out with their side of the family and friends. And it's all been going pretty well.
It's now at the point where I want to tell my family. Unfortunately my family skews pretty conservative. I've not come out to them in any capacity (i'm bisexual). I always just figured that if/when I have to tell them, then i will. Ok so that if is now when, and I wish so desperately i've told them anything about myself way earlier.
Over the last few years, my family has come to love complaining about the woke agenda in a lot of ways. They're typical California republicans, polite and respectful to everyone they meet, but complain about pronouns and all that in private. I've spent a lot of my life arguing with them about everything you can imagine. But at the end of the day, I love them very much and just hope desperately they'll continue to love me.
They've met my partner when they presented as a man. They love them. They love seeing them and talking to them. But over the last year, they see my partner less and less as they've been transitioning to a gender that better fits with their identity. My family is now asking for my partner by (dead)name. I've been avoiding answering it. I've just been hiding it (not great). But I know I can't do that, for my partner's sake, for my sake. And I hate hiding who I love.
So, I'm gonna tell them. I've put it off long enough (it's scary). My partner isn't joining me for this initial conversation, I don't blame them, this is so so scary. But after discussing it, I think I'm okay with doing it on my own at the start here. I'm going to start with just my parents and see where to go from there.
So I would love any tips you have concerning coming out and telling your family about your partner. I feel like there's a lot of ways i could do it badly. Also, i don't know what to expect really. Also maybe my POV on all of this is wrong in the first place and i need to come at it with a different understanding. Idk. Open to all advice and perspective. Thank you.