Some Things to Learn About Testosterone

As a trans man, I can honestly say testosterone has saved my life and I’m sure a lot of other trans individuals can relate to that. A lot of people ask what testosterone is. Testosterone is a sex hormone. People born male at birth have higher levels of testosterone than people born female at birth. All bodies have testosterone and estrogen, there are just different levels. Trans masculine folk will take testosterone for gender affirmation hormone therapy (GAHT).

What changes are expected on testosterone?

Physical changes of testosterone:

1. Voice: Your voice will lower/deepen probably starting around 3 months but it’s different for everyone.

2. Body/Facial Hair: Hair growth is permanent and the time frame for growth usually depends on your genetics.

3. Bottom Growth: The clitoris becomes more enlarged usually starting around 2 months.

4. Muscle Change: Arms and legs are more muscle defiant with more prominent veins. Easier to gain muscle.

5. Body mass redistribution: Fat will start to diminish around the hips/thigh, facial structure is more angular, sharper jawline.

6. Adam’s Apple Growth: Becomes larger.

7. Acne: Pores become larger so you may get more acne.

Other changes:

1. Increased libido: Your sex drive usually increases around 3-6 months.

2. End of menstruation: Period will stop around 2-6 months, depending on your dosage.

3. Lack of access to emotions: More irritable, mood swings, narrower range of emotions, etc.

Things to note:

1. Testosterone does not make you taller.

2. You can still get pregnant on testosterone depending on your dosage.

3. You can take T multiple different ways.

4. Changes will be different for every person.

View my voice update above!

How do you take testosterone? (TRIGGER WARNING: NEEDLES)

1. Intramuscular shots: These are the most common and involve injecting a large needle deep into the muscle

2. Oral form: Pills taken twice a day were recently approved.

3. Topical gels/lotions: Applied to skin dry and includes patches.

4. Pellets: Inserted every few months via doctors visits.

Each form is different and the time frame of effects may differ due to dosage!

Reminders about testosterone:

• You do not need to take testosterone to be considered a man.

• Some changes are in fact irreversible.

• Everyone has testosterone regardless of your gender or sex assigned at birth.

• You can take testosterone and not identify as a man.

• You need parental consent to take testosterone if under the age of 18.