Hormonal Therapy: What can I expect?

For many trans men and gender non-conforming individuals, FTM hormone therapy can greatly improve their quality of life.

In female to male transition (FTM), also called male transgenderism, the primary objective is to induce virilization, and to masculinize biological females, which is achieved primarily by using exogenous testosterone. Testosterone is an androgenic sex hormone responsible for male development and characteristics. It is primarily secreted by the testes of genetic males, and is considered the primary natural endogenous androgen.

With androgen hormone therapy, body modifications are produced, some of which are reversible, partially reversible and irreversible. Informed consent and understanding of these body modifications is essential.

Some of them are:

Main Objectives of Testosterone Gender Affirmation Therapy:

Suppression of menstruation and breast development (reversible)

Increased lean muscle mass (reversible)

Male-pattern body development and facial hair (partially reversible)

Clitoral growth (irreversible)

Deepening of the voice (irreversible)

Not all trans men are willing or able to undergo hormone treatment. Some trans men do not experience enough body dysphoria to want to make changes to their bodies. Other trans men do not have the resources to do so, while some cannot risk their health to undergo a medical transition.

In any case, medical transition is only one aspect of gender affirmation, and should not be the end of identifying as trans. Conversely, you do not need to identify as a trans man to take testosterone. You can identify as gender non-conforming or transmasculine and feel more comfortable presenting in a more "masculine" way.

For many trans men and gender non-conforming people, FTM hormone therapy can greatly improve their quality of life. But because it produces many changes in one's body and health, the decision to use T is one that should be made only after much consideration. Be sure to research and plan thoroughly before starting hormone therapy.