There could be several reasons why your body hasn't undergone significant changes after being on estrogen for 8 years. It's important to remember that individual responses to hormones can vary widely, and not everyone will experience the same effects. Here are some potential factors that could be influencing your situation:
Dosage and hormone regimen: The effectiveness of hormone therapy depends on the dosage and regimen prescribed by your healthcare provider. If the dosage is too low or the regimen is not optimal for your body, it may not lead to the desired changes.
Hormone sensitivity: Some individuals may be more responsive to hormone therapy than others. Hormone sensitivity can be influenced by various factors, including genetics and individual variations in hormone receptors.
Age: Age can play a role in how your body responds to hormone therapy. Younger individuals may experience more pronounced changes compared to older individuals.
Baseline hormone levels: Your body's natural hormone levels before starting hormone therapy can influence the extent of changes achieved through hormone replacement. If your baseline hormone levels were significantly different from your desired hormone levels, it could affect the overall outcome.
Other medical factors: Certain medical conditions or medications may interfere with the effects of hormone therapy or influence its efficacy.
Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress levels, can also impact the response to hormone therapy.
Expectations and perception: Sometimes, changes may occur more gradually, and they may not be as noticeable to the individual undergoing hormone therapy. Perception and expectations of the changes can also influence how they are perceived.
It's essential to have open and honest communication with your healthcare provider about your concerns and expectations. They can help assess your hormone levels, adjust the treatment plan if necessary, and address any potential issues that may be hindering the desired changes.
Keep in mind that hormone therapy, like any medical treatment, has its limitations and potential side effects. The ultimate goal of hormone therapy is to improve the individual's well-being and align their body with their gender identity. If you have concerns about your hormone therapy, don't hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider to explore any necessary adjustments or alternative approaches.