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So, there’s two parts to this; cramps, and skincare. Boldened questions. Thanks everyone in advance, whether cis, trans, or femby - this place feels welcoming <3

Cramps
Basically, my nonexistent uterus is giving me cramps rn :3

So far I’ve had about a few periods, since starting E, and it’s been both incredibly affirming and aching for me haha. They occur varyingly around once per 20 days to 35 for me.

Currently, i mostly just use a hot water bottle that i put onto my crotch, or I cope with eating quite a bit of chocolate. are there more methods?

I don’t bleed so there’s that. I also don’t think i experience bloating, so i’m curious what that is like?

I seem to usually get a bit of a nausea (but instead of at the stomach, it’s down there), rising and fading with the half hours, and I don’t know if I’m bad at math, but I feel like it can pop up again in a timespan of a few days. It’s also a bit like you press gently with the knuckles against that area. not much beside that, though. Oh, and a little bit grumpy, like when you’re past the ‘stomach is hungry’ phase and start being mildly annoyed. So, all that said…

What methods help well against period symptoms? And out of curiosity, how much does the experience vary between us?

Skincare

Bit of an age old and stereotypical question, but I’m only starting to go into this as a gal.

My skin has been smoother a lot since I started estrogen, and I tend to wash my face with just cold water, putting night cream, and estrogen’s also doing wonders. But I still notice I get pimples on my legs and feel my skin is a bit too ‘oily/fatty, rough’. I’m not sure if the following contributes, but gonna put it out there. I replace pillow covers once every few weeks, don’t eat a lot of greens or fruits, and often eat chocolate, but other than that I don’t eat that unhealthily. I never go to snackbars and eat one/two plates per meal, three meals a day. I take walks everyday and bicycle.

Sure, there’s foundation and concealer. But they hide it artificially and I’d rather think of a ‘natural feel of smooth’ due to lifestyle, rather than created through all sorts of creams and the like.

What would then help best, in getting the skin to feel more soft and look smoother?

Clothing

The northern spring is coming and (far away, but still) summer too. I seem to pass for a lot of people nowadays, though I don’t have this feel yet for myself.

I have long hair, a Roman nose, a sadly masculine though smooth jaw and chin (thanks laser!), getting gentle curves which makes me happy.

I like the idea of skirts, though I would probably tuck until I’ve had surgery. And tucking feels kind of like a reminder to me of the wrong part being there. I don’t mind neutral clothing.

So, what would be some ‘safe’ choices for clothing that could fit either gender for summer, but also maybe make me feel girly enough?

  • Canadian_anarchist
    2·
    6 days ago

    Re: Skincare

    Start using a body wash with salicylic acid to manage the body acne. Neutrogena makes a very affordable one.

    For facial skin, a gentle cleanser at night (and maybe morning if your skin is oily) followed by a moisturizer. SPF by day to protect your skin. The world of skincare products is filled with exaggerated promises and miracle ingredients - a good cleansing and moisturizing routine is all most people need. It’s important to not overdo skincare, as it can cause chemical burns, increase sensitivity, and make the skin oilier as a response.

    If you wear makeup, you must remove it before bed, especially eye makeup. Micellar water (it’s not really water) is good for a general removal, but if you wear a lot of heavy makeup or waterproof makeup, you’ll need an oil-based cleanser for that.

    As for what will work specifically for you, you’ll have to find that out by trying things. Start at the drugstore and buy the smallest size you can. If you have an allergic reaction, throw it out immediately. Neutrogena has always performed well for me, and another great drugstore brand is Cerave. Other very affordable brands are The Ordinary and The Inkey List, which can be found at Sephora.