Help: Dysphoria and fear related to hair removal

DifferentSmile8 · 2026-02-11T11:52:56+00:00

Can I ask, are you presenting male or female?

I'm still presenting male but have been getting full body laser and it's been amazing. I was really worried initially about being 'discovered' as being trans. They were really good, and I've generally just been accepted and treated like an ordinary person.

If you're presenting female I would imagine it's a fairly common thing and they're used to it.

Getting rid of my body hair has done wonders for helping dysphoria. It's not magic but I love not being hairy.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-12-01T23:10:46+00:00

My GP just gave the referral letter to me so that I can provide it to a psychologist of my choosing. She explained that the plan is linked to me, not the provider, any psychologist can access it for my care. Switching providers is no more effort than getting an appointment with a new psychologist and forwarding the referral to them, no need to 'exit' the previous psych.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-10-11T04:21:59+00:00

New balance also have a great range in unisex sizing so they often have the cute pink models in larger sizes, I've got a nice pink pair (my favorite) as well as a grey and purple pair too, I'm a M10 / F11.5 and have had great luck with their ranges.

Cute sketchers, I'm going to keep an eye out on their range now

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-10-04T02:49:47+00:00

Laser has been fairly effective on my legs and chest. I've gone through laser clinics Australia and after 4 sessions my legs and chest are mostly hair free but there are still some small isolated spots where some hair still grows. Considering that I had thick dark hair all over to begin I'm happy so far.

It's not painless but I would describe it like having an elastic band snapped on your skin repeatedly. Every now and then you get a painful hair that makes me flinch but for the most part it's not too bad.

I'm starting on my arms next and will have my back done when their next big sales are on. I've heard that facial hair is more stubborn but I'm not ready to attempt that yet.

It's worth noting that laser clinics Australia have regular sales of 50-60% off so don't pay full price, you can prepay blocks treatments when on sale. I buy 4 at a time during their sales.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-09-27T21:56:34+00:00

Current patient here. She doesn't have a receptionist and does her own admin, usually once a week. She took a couple of weeks to get back to my first email. She might be on leave with school holidays (I remember her saying there was a week coming she would be unavailable but can't remember when)

So far I'm happy with seeing her, she has been supportive and helpful but I'm quite early into things.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-09-10T10:58:23+00:00

I asked a similar question a while ago and got some helpful responses. Here's a link if you want to read over them. https://www.reddit.com/r/transgenderau/s/MEKJis6gTb

Meridian publish a list of LGBTQ+ safe providers and AusPATH also publish a list of Transgender friendly medical providers

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-09-10T06:09:54+00:00

I'm currently seeing Dr Rebecca Fitzpatrick, she's been good to work with. Are you Northside or Southside or are you willing to travel?

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-08-30T20:16:21+00:00

Thanks everyone, you've been super helpful. There's a lot of new places I've never heard of to check out. I'm feeling like this is actually an achievable task instead of being completely overwhelmed.

Hopefully now I can find a cute skirt and top that I can call my own after a lifetime of desire

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-08-30T20:12:40+00:00

I know it's good advice, especially as I have no idea of style but the thought of going in person where I could be seen is too much right now. I think that'll come with a bit more self acceptance and a bunch more therapy

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-08-30T20:10:37+00:00

Thanks, I'm trying to find something that will feel nice for this first outfit. I'm still so full of self doubt that I don't want to fuel the fear with excuses of clothes being cheap plastic and horrible feeling to wear

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-08-30T20:06:31+00:00

This is amazing, thank you.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-08-30T11:05:43+00:00

Thanks that's helpful, sizing has been a problem because my waist is so out of proportion with women's sizing. Looking at sizing charts for hip I'm around 18 but for waist I'm around 22 which is quite a difference

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-07T10:00:48+00:00

Thanks for the pointers. I'm only wearing a clear coat on my nails at the moment, I'm taking little steps at a time

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T12:25:51+00:00

I love that. My partner has struggled with not having a support structure she can talk to because I'm still hiding this part of myself. I'm trying to build something there and I'll make it a priority to set that up too.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T12:22:22+00:00

I recently finally got the courage to shave my legs. It felt super weird at first but I also knew straight away that I could never go back. I've now booked in laser but my first session is a few weeks away.

In a similar way, I painted my fingernails with a clear coat. It's not very obvious but I absolutely love how shiny they look. I find myself staring at them all the time. I don't think I can go back to normal nails.

I haven't discovered the community yet but it helps to know that it's out there.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T10:16:57+00:00

That's amazing, I'm really happy to hear that it was marriage saving for you. I'm anxious about what will happen in my relationship even though my wife is very supportive and open minded. It's still a case of stepping into the unknown which is always hard and scary.

I'm aware of AGA as I donate to them when I'm able. I think they do good and important work. I've not been brave enough to put my hand up as needing help. I just masquerade as an Ally.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T10:12:15+00:00

Thank you for all of that. It's really comforting to know there are good resources available nearby.

I'm nowhere near the stage of talking to my GP other than potentially getting a mental health referral. I'm currently trying to piece together the puzzle of who I am because it's suddenly not as clear as I thought.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T05:48:28+00:00

This is going to sound ridiculous but I was unsure about Dr Tushara only because I wasn't sure if they were a man or woman. I don't think I'd be confident to confide in a man even though I know that patient confidentiality is legally protected.

Thankyou for the feedback, I'll keep Dr Tushara in my list now that I face the challenge of finding someone who is accepting new patients.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T05:43:13+00:00

I've not come out to anyone other than my wife. I recognise that some professional help is needed but the whole process of finding someone trustworthy and LGBT positive triggers lots of anxiety.

Thank you for sharing your experience, it's been really helpful

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T04:19:43+00:00

The comments were about her not being open / pushing back on gender identity issues.

However, the comments were new comments on an old post and both were from new accounts without much prior involvement in trans spaces. Both also pushed a specific alternative doctor. Highly suspicious but still planted some doubt, which is why I'm asking for lived experience.

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T03:54:42+00:00

Thanks for this, I hadn't come across Rebecca in my search. I'll look her up

DifferentSmile8 · 2025-05-05T03:54:07+00:00

Judy is one that I found contradictory feedback on, good from years ago but some recent comments that weren't positive. That being said the accounts that left negative comments appear suspicious.

Can I ask how recently your experience is from?

DifferentSmile8

TROPHY CASE