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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?

  • birdwing@lemmy.blahaj.zoneOP
    2·
    7 days ago

    thank you so much! Is tylenol a form of paracetamol?

    –

    Scarves are awesome! If it matters, I have a very mild hourglass figure, although shoulders are fairly broad. I already wear a ring, but I def should try out more jewellery.

    I haven’t tried out long tunic shirts before, so I’ll try that!

    Pre-E it was more rectangular/inverted triangle, but the fat seems to be moving from the waist towards the hips, and shoulders less :3

    that is, according to this site (which seems to measure by horizontal width rather than circumference, by the way).

    • dkppunk@piefed.socialEnglish
      2·
      6 days ago

      Just a caveat, please understand any fashion advice I give comes from a 40+ yo nerdy pinkish mostly wears lounge/jeans and tshirt kind of lady. I did work in women’s fashion retail for a while and I pay attention to trends, even if I don’t participate much. At least my advice is more relevant at this time because young kids are wearing the same things I wore in high school 20+ years ago; Jnco style jeans, tanks, that 2000s style 🤣

      thank you so much! Is tylenol a form of paracetamol?

      Yes, it is. It’s also known as acetaminophen. Most folks will use ibuprofen (Motrin) as an anti-inflammatory or pain reliever. I do not take NSAIDs due to kidney issues. That was more a suggestion on your preferred pain reliever.

      Scarves are awesome! If it matters, I have a very mild hourglass figure, although shoulders are fairly broad. I already wear a ring, but I def should try out more jewellery.

      Scarves are great. Try on a few at a store to make sure they look ok on you. They may bring attention to your shoulders, but it tends to draw more attention to the neck area in my experience. They can also be tied in different knots to bring more attention to that and away from your shoulders.

      I haven’t tried out long tunic shirts before, so I’ll try that!

      Try a few on before purchasing or if you order online, order from somewhere with easy returns, just in case you don’t like them. Depending on the cut (I hate the puffy arm ones), they can make the shoulders look more prominent, but the flair at the bottom tends to balance that out. Here is a picture of one that I have, the one in the top middle. You may have to look around for a style that works with you or is a little more gender neutral as you gain confidence.

      Another option that’s a little more neutral is the tank top with a button up. I do this one in the summer when I want a light layer on my shoulders, paired with jeans or a skirt. I will get cold if air blows over my skin, so I constantly wear layers. Here is an example of that. It may take a bit away from the hourglass shape, but you could do a tighter tank top underneath, which is how I usually style it.