Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves administering hormones to supplement lower levels or induce feminizing changes in transgender women or masculinizing changes in transgender men. For a transgender man taking HRT, the key effects would include:
Physical Changes
- Increased muscle mass and strength - Testosterone stimulates muscle growth and increases muscle mass. Transgender men on HRT can gain significant muscle, especially in the upper body.
- Facial and body hair growth - Testosterone causes increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, and thighs. The amount and rate of growth varies by individual.
- Fat redistribution - Fat tends to shift to the abdominal area rather than hips and thighs. The face also takes on a more angular shape over time.
- Deepened voice - The vocal cords thicken, resulting in a deeper voice that sounds distinctly masculine. This change happens rapidly, often within the first few months on testosterone.
- Skin changes - The texture of the skin coarsens and increased oil production can lead to acne. The skin's pigmentation can also darken.
- Enlarged clit - The clitoris enlarges significantly, almost doubling or tripling in length. This starts happening within the first few weeks on testosterone.
Sexual and Reproductive Changes
- Infertility - Taking testosterone results in amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation) and infertility due to suppression of ovulation. Any eggs remaining will no longer be viable.
- Increased libido - Many transgender men report a sharp upswing in sex drive shortly after starting HRT. However, the surge levels out over time.
- Genital changes - The vagina can become drier and less elastic due to testosterone's impact on tissues and mucous membranes. Without regular penetration, tightening can also occur.
- Multiple orgasms - The ability to have multiple orgasms remains intact with HRT. However, the nature and intensity of orgasms often change significantly.
Emotional Changes
- Mood stabilization - Some individuals report mood improvements after initiating HRT, related to reductions in gender dysphoria. However, mood changes can also reflect hormonal fluctuations.
- Cognitive impacts - Some research indicates testosterone contributes to visuospatial ability. Anecdotal reports from transgender men indicate HRT improves their spatial abilities and processing speed.
- Confidence boost - Looking in the mirror and seeing physical changes that affirm one's gender identity can substantially improve self-confidence and self-image.
- Sexual confidence - The surge in sex drive coupled with physical changes to one's body and genitals can greatly boost sexual confidence.
Other Long-Term Impacts
- Increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
- Potential for male pattern baldness later in life
- Unknown impacts on life expectancy - More research is needed
Of course, changes from HRT vary significantly from person to person depending on factors like genetics, lifestyle, and dosage. It's critical to work closely with a medical provider when starting HRT to ensure proper monitoring and dose adjustment based on bloodwork and symptom reporting.
For transgender men seeking quality care,
Vitality Hormone Center offers personalized HRT treatment plans to masculinize the body while safeguarding long-term health. Led by a team of transgender health specialists, Vitality Hormone Center utilizes cutting-edge therapies, ongoing labs & screening, and remote monitoring technology so patients can actualize their male identity with confidence.
