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Full Transition vs. Partial Transition: The Options for Older Adults.

DR Z PHD - Gender Specialist | Transgender Adults

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A decision this complex and high-stakes deserves more than a video — it deserves a real, guided plan built around your specific situation. My 13-week program walks you through exactly that: https://drzphd.com/howtotransition

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ABOUT DR. Z
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I'm Dr. Natalia Zhikhareva (Dr. Z), a licensed clinical psychologist specializing exclusively in gender dysphoria assessment and treatment for transgender and nonbinary adults.

20 years of focused practice | 7,200+ clients served | Court-appointed expert witness on gender identity in California

Most clients achieve meaningful clarity in 3-6 sessions through comprehensive assessment and targeted treatment—not 6-18 months of exploratory therapy.

Licensed in California, Texas, New York, and Florida. Telehealth available worldwide.

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📞 Book Free 15-Minute Consultation
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CONNECT WITH DR. Z
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DISCLAIMER
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This channel provides educational content for transgender and nonbinary adults. Videos are not a substitute for professional psychotherapy or medical advice. Content is based on clinical experience and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Consult with licensed professionals for personalized care.

Dr. Z is a licensed clinical psychologist (she/her) and is not a medical doctor. Information about medical topics (hormones, surgery) is educational only—consult your physician for medical guidance.

#gender #genderdysphoria #transgender #nonbinary #genderidentity #gendertransition #gendertherapist #transhealth #transgenderwomen #transmann #enby #hormones #dysphoria #selfhelp #transformation

20 Comments

@SaraMichellevideo 10 months ago

I finally got laser hair removal on my face at 75. Couldn't afford anything else and too old for radical surgery. All I have to say is that I smile now. Never did before. Just that one thing made me feel much better about myself.

@missrobbiedee6146 9 months ago

I fully transitioned over a 12 year period starting at the age of 52. I am now FULLY transitioned. I have been SO blessed in my life. It was not easy, especially at the beginning. I lost my wife, my family, customers in my self employed work. I was kicked out of so called Christian churches, stuff was stolen and my truck rigged to blow up on me. Yet, by the grace of God, while living in the heart of the conservative Bible Belt, Tulsa, Oklahoma, I made it. Five years later I moved to Oregon. I am happily married to a straight man and I, at age 63 now, look more like a fit and healthy 40 year old. I wish we could post photos here. Take that step of faith and be true to yourself. Be aware of the possible cost and consequences yes, but you cannot ever love others fully, until love yourself first because you are denying that pure love from fully being in you to give to others.

@leesmith-g1c 10 months ago

Dear. Dr z I’m 73 my egg cracked 5 months ago I’ve been wearing women’s clothes. since age 21 thanks for this vlog.❤❤

@Sakura_Blossom_Skye 10 months ago

Thanks for bringing this up. There is a part of me, being someone who has done full transition that very much wants the same for others. However people need to know it isn’t all or nothing. Your identity is valid and different things are right for each person. I rarely see anyone talk about partial transition and going into details about it. I rly appreciate u for this in depth vid

@starrmont4981 9 months ago

I'm 30 and my egg cracked in July. I struggled with many of the feelings you described. I was engaged and thought I could never give that up to transition. I came out anyway and we did cancel the wedding, but are still together for now. She has expressed that she's not comfortable with me being a woman, and I took that to mean I had to be non-binary. However, this doesn't feel authentic. I decided that I will do what is right for me and she can respond how she sees fit. If it doesn't work out between us, we will both be very sad, but me living authentically is what's most important.

@10secstomidnight 10 months ago

You/we all need to find that sweet spot that is! I’m happy with who I am now! .nothing is perfect being content is everything ❤

@KristenNichole-43 3 months ago

I am 41 and 3 months on HRT. When changes become apparent legal name change and social transition. Despite the current climate in the US, I am tired of hiding who I am! I am excited for the future and have never been happier!

@Journey-of-1000-Miles 10 months ago

I am only a little more than three years into HRT.
I began medical transition, one week before my 51st birthday.
It is only now that I am beginning to present more and more feminine in my daily life, and everyone relevant knows that I use she her pronouns.
The only thing, I can say for certain, about my transition, is that I gave myself permission to not remove anything from the table.
I don’t really have a plan, other than baby steps, and keeping what works! Sometimes little things make the biggest difference!
Good luck, and I know that you all can do it. There are no expectations for your transition. 😊

@alannaofrann6767 10 months ago

I am 2 months away from my 76th. birthday...and I am due for SRS 3 days from now! I am over-the-moon with elation!

@High-Viscosity-fluid. 9 months ago

People just don't accept the social transition if you are older.
Just because you survived those early year,they now think you're fine with it .
I am not.

@edgartokman4898 10 months ago

Smooth skin free from stubble and a five o'clock shadow is much more than a cosmetic goal – for many transgender women it's a vital milestone in their transition, helping them finally feel comfortable in their own skin.

@ayladavis3195 10 months ago (edited)

This is a really good video and addresses a very complex issue. Context is everything I partially transitioned at 50 - low dose hrt, electrolysis, some ffs. Chose this because of my marriage (hoped for acceptance and support); career (I was a CEO at the time) and my 2 children who were both in their teen years. My family was both religious and conservative I was ex military and had presented as an alpha male for my entire adult life. Plus I kept hoping that I could find someone, anyone who could treat my dysphoria without social and medical transition - I just hoped against hope that someone would tell me that I was not trans

As it turned out my wife said that I should take full dose hrt, then when I retired at 60 she asked for a divorce as "you need to transition and I can't be married to a woman"

I moved interstate and fully transitioned surgically, medically and socially. I have never been happier or felt more authentic and less guarded It hasn't been easy but all my friendships have been preserved I remain close to my family and to my ex wife

It's been quite a journey and even in hindsight it seems as though the many twists and turns could not have been avoided Strangely my sexuality remains unchanged which has been one less complication to deal with 😅

I will be 68 later this month

@TabithaTruths 10 months ago (edited)

Due to financial constraints, my transition consisted mostly of a social transition. Even HRT consisted of only 7 years out of 25. But I've been extremely fortunate biologically - I seem to have a mild form of androgen insensitivity. Most of my physical proportions and facial features were already feminine, and my body really takes off on estrogen when I'm on it.

I finally have access to sufficient funds, which has allowed me to resume HRT and I'm now researching surgical options at age 60. This has more to do with me simply being happy and feeling complete than it does with "passing". I honestly feel grateful for not having medical access all those years - it forced me to learn ways to cope with my dysphoria while living as my genuine self. It also taught me that projecting a feminine presence and energy is considerably more significant for "passing" than medical interventions. But that's easily observable if you consider drag performers - how even very physically masculine cis males can present femininity so convincingly.

We are far more critical and judgmental of ourselves and our own appearance than most other people, and our insecurity over it gives us away as "trans" more than our physical shortcomings. And, frankly, we need to be more proud about being "trans" in the first place, it's not something we should feel it necessary to hide. We have valuable experiences, insights and perspectives that the vast majority of cis people don't.

@RemiPixel 4 months ago

Always so insightful….. something clicked internally when you said I had actually socially transitioned online by permanently being female only online since 2011 ❤

@Michelle-ML19 10 months ago (edited)

I'm 62....I am thinking about Partial Transition. Edit at 12/17/25.... I have decided to Partial Transition...Low dose of Hormones.. no name change no surgeries, etc... 😎

@jentzi23 10 months ago

I am so happy you're talking about what it looks like for us elder folks.

I don't know what's possible for me yet, health being what it is (I found out I have a hidden heart-problem that I was born with), but I know what my hopes are.

@Rosslaew 10 months ago

This video resonated so much with me, thank you for articulating it. I am still discussing with the doctor, but I personally (at 38) decided that I was taking if possible a third path : slow transition. Not partial, but gradual and steady, so my child can grow while I can still be stealth.

@meili4251 10 months ago (edited)

Great video, now 76, at 6 thought I would be a girl when I grow up, then realized that will not happen. Refrained from sports and muscle building activities. CD with my mom’s and sisters’ clothes. Got married and kids, thinking it will go away. Started electrolysis just in case. Separated when wife discovered participation in cd chat rooms. (Never saw me dressed). Continued to dressed on and off. At 69, still separated, decided HRT, via informed consent, stopped after 2 years, then resumed and stopped, now resumed. Enough development, so not able to go shirtless. Living as a woman at home, but to family , friends and associates a man. Daily wear consist of women’s jeans and shirts and everything underneath, light makeup. We shall see. Do enjoy the secondary effects of estrogen, softer skin, and looking more youthful, people see me in my early 60’s not mid 70’s.

@CG-yh6js 10 months ago (edited)

The most important thing for those who have family, kids and spouse is to NOT HIDE who you really are!!!! Communicate with the ones you love! They will help you learn who you are too. And second most important thing is: YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT BEING IN YOUR LIFE, CHOOSE YOURSELF

@jonwichern 7 months ago

Thank you Dr. Z. So helpful. Cried tears of relief that someone so intelligent can explain these concepts. This had been so helpful. I’ve subscribed and enjoying and liking your videos.