<human>: 4+ years ago I was in a very dark place. **19[F]** I had major depression, was estranged from my family, dirt broke, in an abusive relationship and failing my science degree. My coping mechanisms were food addiction and alcoholism.

For added irony, I was also an angry feminist lesbian.

With the help of some very dear friends, I was able to unwind the thorny mess that was my gender identity. I realised that **I could change!** So I pursued treatment.

Here I am on [Day 0] after my first shot of hormone therapy, and a battle in the gym. You can see the ugly optimism!

By [Week 8] my voice was dropping, hair was appearing in all sorts of places, but I was confused why I didn't suddenly look like a male model! Despite a lot of gym time, I was still obese, and my weight had even gone up slightly!

As much as I wished it would be, the solution to all my problems wasn't shots of hormone therapy.

Fixing my diet, going cold turkey with alcohol, patching up things with my family, dumping the toxic waste that was my relationship and then dealing with the ensuing and *(still after multiple years)* ongoing fallout, was **not easy.**

But, with unbelievable amounts of effort and some support from my friends I was able to start work on the things that **I wanted.** I finished my science degree, I found a partner who I feel amazed by and lucky to be with 2+ years in. With **his** support *(I'm more or less a gay man now, weird)* I studied my ass off, got into medicine at a good school and I'm doing really well.

Here are some pics of me now, I've just had [top surgery1] and 
[2] I'm so happy, and passionate about what I'm doing with my life and in love.

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<bot>: if anyone tells you it is easy, they are straight up lying. But it is possible and it can be done.