Testosterone therapy is often used by transgender men to help their bodies develop the secondary sexual characteristics associated with their gender identity, like advanced upper-body strength, a deeper voice, and facial hair. (In transgender youth, testosterone therapy can sometimes be used to prevent the development of the secondary female sex characteristics, like breasts and curvy hips.)
If you're considering using testosterone for this reason, here are some facts to keep in mind:
1. Everyone reacts differently to hormone therapy.
You may be excited by the rapid results a friend has experienced from hormone therapy -- but you shouldn't expect your results to be exactly the same or exactly as fast. Your genetics play a large part in things like how much facial hair you'll have, your body's shape, and other aspects of your appearance. The change will happen, but it can come along slower than you might like.
2. Your emotional state may change right along with your physical state.
Emotional changes are normal with hormone therapy of any kind. In some case, transgender people may feel like they're are going through their teenage years all over again, with a constant heightened sense of anxiety or sudden shifts in mood. A heightened libido is also common. You may even experience changes to your main interests -- the way that teens often do.
You will likely notice the physical changes right along with the emotional ones as your body starts to redistribute its weight and your arms and legs become more defined as you carry less body fat around your hips. Your face will also likely become more angular due to changes in the distribution of fat, as well. Your voice will also likely deepen up considerably as your vocal cords begin to thicken.
3. It's important to keep in mind the major drawbacks and risks of therapy.
Some people can be bothered by the side-effects of hormone therapy. It's common to develop oily skin and acne, especially when you're first getting started. That may go away with time or may need treatment.
In addition, you have to be diligent about your reproductive health while taking testosterone. While your chances of becoming pregnant are reduced, you could possibly still conceive. If so, you need to halt your testosterone treatments immediately and see your doctor. The other reproductive risk is the possibility of cervical cancer -- which isn't diminished by the use of testosterone. You should continue having regular PAP tests as normal.
For more information on how hormones could help your "outer you" match your inner self, talk to a testosterone therapy doctor, such as at LEVELUPT.