Testosterone

It's not every parent who helps their daughter turn into their son.  But that's me.  That's what  I've got to do.

The doctor's office sports a rainbow sticker and waiting men who look like k-pop stars.  My 14-year old and I wait a long time before entering the doctor's small room.   He greets us and checks the baseline tests for estrogen and testosterone from our first visit last month.  The results indicate that Adam is biologically clearly female.  Beginning this day, that will begin to change.  Blood is drawn for a second month in a row to see what changes have taken place with the estrogen suppressor from month one.  A bit of acne and a slight change in voice is already evident in just one month with more to come.  The doctor has a rough time finding a vein, or "drilling for oil" as Adam says. He has him lie down and ends up trying the arm and the hand before finding a cooperative vein.  Adam fusses about it and recalls the time he had an IV in his hand two years ago.

The visit isn't done yet, though.  There's a shot of testosterone - literally - waiting to be administered.  It goes directly in the bum.  It is the real start of a new life, a life as a male.  A life that is eager to emerge.