I was about 14 when I concluded, with the aid of a hand mirror, that I was neither male nor female, but more female than male. In those days (early 1960's) there was a social taboo about knowing about one's body so I kept this knowledge to myself and it was not until I was 17 that medical examination and subsequent surgery took place. My parents were told that my internal organs had not developed properly and that two hernias had been discovered and removed. Also, I was prescribed tablets (oestradiol). There were regular checks but after vaginoplasty at 21, these became less and for some 30 years my condition has not been monitored. During this time, the HRT was dispensed direct by the gynaecologist and I believe my GP's over the years did not read the letters in my files, even though I have had a problem with raised blood pressure.