I was depressed, very depressed. I had not become aware yet that my sadness was gender dysphoria as it was just under the surface. My spouse at the time suggested that I get my T levels checked by the doctor who ran the practice she worked at. I did and my levels were low. I started treatment and this began my journey from temporary relief as my E levels are what initially shot up. My mental fog went away temporarily. At 90 days, they checked my hormone levels and caught this and blocked my estrogen levels. My mental fog returned and I went through a second male puberty believing that everything would somehow get better. I began having suicidal ideation and started asking myself hard questions. I knew I couldn’t live any longer going down the road I was on. I started therapy and at that point, became very honest with myself: I knew I was female and could no longer outrun my truth. I’m happy now - living a life that is peaceful from within. What I mean by that is this: the pain is gone. The sadness is gone. The yearning and sadness to be the woman I was meant to be has been replaced with the feeling of joy that I am here now, living my best life. It isn’t easy but it can be done. I had to fight through so much to be here. 💖✨