Even though her appearance is something she can't control due to the imbalance, I'm sure it's still hard on her self esteem to have someone actually think she's a boy.

Maybe she doesn't want to look like a boy and prefers to be girly, hence the dress? The problem is not that the guy was offensive, it's that that mistake was makeable. It could be a massive confidence blow you know.

It's a "massive confidence blow" to be mistaken for a boy? As a boy, I find that highly sexist and offensive. More importantly, if that's the case, the OP really needs to rethink her priorities and change what she's proud of.

Are you seriously suggesting that I think it's bad to look like a boy regardless of your gender? I actually can't tell if you're a troll or not. I meant it's bad to look like you're a boy if you're a girl who doesn't want to look like a boy. I would've thought that was obvious from the context. And it's not about 'priorities' - even if you're not someone who particularly cares much about appearances and prefers to focus on school/work/charity or whatever other priorities you have, it still hurts to be mistaken for the wrong gender unless that's the kind of look you're going for (which OP obviously isn't).

that's what i was thinking, it seems like there should be a relatively simple solution to that. i don't know specifics about OPs situation though, so maybe not.

I agree. There has to be ways to fix the imbalance. Hopefully the OP isn't allergic to hormone meds.

I'm pretty sure it's not really that simple...they don't always work and when they do they can have just as bad side effects or can be cancelled out by other things such as birth control. I mean, it's great if they do and I'd definitely suggest checking them out but it's possible OP already tried and they weren't for her.

I have PCOS which is a hormonal imbalance and no it's not easily treated. This is something I will suffer from for the rest of my life. Don't assume it's an easy fix.

And fyi, I'm not saying that's a healthy reaction or what OP should do - I'm just personally kinda insecure about that kind of stuff and I know I would've been pretty devastated.

When political correctness goes too far...OP never said guys can't wear dresses, she was just hoping it would give the guy a clue as they're more commonly worn by girls. Pretty sure you can't argue with that.

66-they may be more commonly worn by girls in your neck of the woods, but I think anyone who says "strapping young boys" outside of a cartoon, doesn't count anyway...lol