Beginner guide

Transfeminine HRT (Beginner)

Beginner guide. We walk you through everything from your first purchase to your first injection.

AUTHORS:Megumi ([email protected])

CO-AUTHORS:

LAST REVIEWED: May 16, 2026

NOTICE: This page was translated from the original Spanish using an AI model. Translation errors are unintentional and will be corrected. The Spanish original is the authoritative version. This notice will be removed when the page is manually translated.


Overview

Starting a transfeminine transition on your own (DIY) is surprisingly easy in Spain.

It is 100% safe, 100% legal, and it will spare you the problems associated with bureaucracy, doctors, and microdoses.

This guide will help you navigate the basic theory and recommended practices for starting transfeminine HRT safely and effectively. If you are looking for more detailed information, check the advanced guide.


If you need help, you can ask us on Our Discord or in other online communities.

Theory

In short, transfeminine transition is based on two main factors: raising your Estrogen (E2) levels and lowering your Testosterone (T) levels in a controlled way.

Estrogen is the main hormone present in cis women. There are several types of estrogens, such as estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and ethinylestradiol (E3). Each one has its own characteristics and uses in the context of transition. We will only focus on estradiol (E2), since it is the most active and potent estrogen.

Estradiol naturally behaves as a Testosterone (T) blocker. Because of this, this therapy does not require antiandrogens.

The therapy we are going to discuss is called Monotherapy. This is because only estradiol (E2) is used as both the primary sex hormone and the testosterone blocker. The ranges and doses cited give studied levels, so blood tests are not necessary.

The only method we are going to discuss in this guide is obtaining and administering estradiol enanthate (EEn) subcutaneously (SubQ). ALL other methods (oral, transdermal) require antiandrogens and are therefore DANGEROUS for DIY.

Risks and side effects

1. Although after a few months you may be infertile, use adequate contraception methods.

2. You ARE going to experience penile atrophy. The skin becomes much thinner and less elastic, and it can end up hurting. You will also lose size.

You must take this seriously. To counteract these effects as much as possible, try to get an erection at least 2 times a week.
If you still have painful atrophy and/or want to get a vaginoplasty, you can be prescribed a topical Testosterone cream.

Dosage

We want to be at average E2 levels of 200-300pg/ml and T levels below 50ng/dL. We do not want to suppress testosterone completely, since it helps reduce atrophy and helps with breast growth.

To find the right dose based on your vial, use the following conversion factor:

Conversion factor: (Desired dose in mg) / (Vial concentration in mg/ml) = Volume in ml

Here is a table with the recommended weekly doses for Enanthate:

Dose (Every 7 days) Description
4 mg Lowest dose that is still effective. After a few months, you will ideally want to be on this dose.
5 mg Common dose for beginners.
6 mg Medium/high dose. Recommended if after some time you still have androgenic effects or notice instability on days 6-7
6+ mg Very high dose. The effects do not get any greater. Do not take this.

I recommend 5mg as a starting dose. After around 6 months to a year, consider dropping to 4mg . Adjust your dose depending on your mental state (e.g. You feel very depressed or unstable)

To add: info on cypionate and valerate (maybe it has no place in the beginner guide)

Sources and Buying

Buying estrogen online is very easy, but you have to remember these things:

1. Only buy from trusted sources. Research before buying.

2. Do not buy large quantities. 1 vial will last you 1 year. Larger purchases can be suspicious.

3. If your product is intercepted by customs, contact the seller. They will be able to help you.

4. Try to buy domestically if possible. If you are in Spain, buy from sellers that ship from the EU. If you are in LATAM, try to buy from US sellers.


Here are some trusted sources for buying estradiol:

IMPORTANT: To buy, you will need to use cryptocurrencies. Check the cryptocurrency guide to learn how to get them.

  • SymphonyLabs

    Shipping from the EU and from the United States. Use code GUMI for a 15% discount or code SHARE for a 10% discount. Response to our message of 05/13/2026:
    All products that we have stocked in the US should ship there once we reopen intl shipping within the next week. Estimated delivery times are 2-3 weeks sadly, and no matter what is selected at checkout, all international orders ship with stealth labeling.

  • Astrovials

    Shipping from the EU. Recent problems with stock and shipping.

  • Celestial HRT

    New seller, tracked shipping from the EU. So far, very reliable. We sent an email, but they have not replied.

  • Estrapen

    Shipping from the EU. Instead of a vial, it comes in an autoinjector with 3 refills. Response to our message about shipping to LATAM: Hard to do shipping for LATAM. We ship untracked. As of 05/15/2026 they have been unavailable since March. They have had problems with stock and with shipping.

  • Aurelia Labs

  • Hera HRT

    Shipping from the United States. Response to our email of 04/30/2026:

    For shipping to spain I don't think we've ever had any issues, and latin american tends to be pretty good as well with the exception of some packages being sent to brazil getting caught occasionally. We provide a fake customs invoice to customers to help with customs processing. As for products and shipping, everything we sell ships to all the countries we ship to, which most of them. There will be an updated list in the FAQs soon. Delivery typically takes 1-3 week.
  • Otokonoko Pharmaceuticals

    Shipping from LATAM

After buying

Once you have your estradiol, it is time to learn how to inject it:

1. Check your vial. If it has any floating particles, it is not sterile. Contact the seller immediately.

2. Then, check the injection guide.

Expected Changes

It is important to understand that changes are affected by genetics and by the masculinization you have had in the past. If you have completed puberty, it is likely that you will not have the same changes as a person who has not completed it.

Here you can see a table of the expected changes and a timeline for them:

Effect Start Completion Permanence
Breast development 2–6 months 2–3 years Permanent
Decrease and slowing of facial and body hair growth 3–12 months >3 years Reversible
Halting and reversal of hair loss 1–3 months 1–2 years Reversible
Softening of the skin and decrease in skin oiliness and acne 3–6 months Unknown Reversible
Redistribution of body fat in a feminine pattern 3–6 months 2–5 years Reversible
Decrease in muscle mass and strength 3–6 months 1–2 years Reversible
Widening and rounding of the pelvis Unknown Unknown Permanent
Changes in mood, emotionality, and behavior Immediate Unknown Reversible
Decrease in sexual desire and spontaneous erections 1–3 months 3–6 months Reversible
Erectile dysfunction and decreased ejaculate volume 1–3 months Variable Reversible
Decrease in sperm production and infertility Unknown >3 years Mixed
Decrease in testicular volume 3–6 months 2–3 years Unknown
Height changes (e.g., decrease) None Not applicable Not applicable

Source: Transfemscience

After starting

Estradiol does a lot of the work on its own, but you can help it with several things:

  • Diet and Exercise: Eating fat-rich foods and exercising can help your body redistribute fat better.
  • Progesterone:Starting from one year of treatment, progesterone can help you regain your libido and improve breast growth, in addition to fat redistribution. A dose of 200mg a day, taken rectally, is what is recommended.
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