If you are a transgender man who is considering taking the first steps to change your physical and sexual characteristics to align with your gender identity, you may have questions about hormone therapy. Masculinizing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can begin a journey to altering your physical self to match your identity. At Arcadia Wellness Center, our medical director Sarah Quinn specializes in hormone therapy and creating customized treatments to achieve the desired results. Here are some of the basics about hormone therapy for transgender men and what to expect.
Effects of Testosterone Therapy on Trans Men
Increasing testosterone levels in the body can change your physical appearance and impact your sexual and emotional responses. Muscles, skin, hair and sexual organs can all be affected by the higher levels of testosterone in the body. Some of the changes you can expect to experience with masculinizing HRT include:
- Thicker, more oily skin
- Increase in body and facial hair, scalp hair loss
- Enlarged clitoris
- Menstrual periods stop
- Deeper voice
- Increased muscle mass
- Increased libido
- More masculine facial structure
Changes to the body begin slowly. Most changes take 3-6 months to begin occurring and it may take 1-2 years to maximize the effects of transgender male hormone therapy. Some of the changes are permanent – the enlargement of the clitoris, deeper voice and scalp hair loss can be permanent changes even if you stop testosterone therapy.
There are side effects of masculinizing HRT that are to be expected. Many patients experience acne during their therapy. The health risks are low, especially when the correct dosage is used for your specific metabolism and body weight.
Making the decision to begin masculinizing hormone therapy can change your life. If you are ready to explore your options and discuss beginning testosterone treatments, contact us at Arcadia Wellness Center. Our team can schedule a consultation with our hormone replacement specialist at our clinic in Phoenix.
