For most trans men, masculinizing hormone therapy is the answer to becoming more themselves. However, it can be overwhelming to determine what to change and when. From deepening voice to muscle growth, understanding the timing and process can empower you to make the right decisions. Let’s explore how this therapy can allow you to unlock your physical and emotional transformation.
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What Is Masculinizing Hormone Therapy?
Masculinizing hormone therapy, or testosterone therapy, is a medical treatment that trans men and non-binary people take in order to acquire more masculine characteristics. The treatment is mainly aimed at facilitating the alignment of physical characteristics with gender identity by introducing testosterone into the body. Testosterone facilitates the accumulation of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair, deepened voice, and muscle development.
Testosterone therapy also influences mood, energy, and sexual desire, and emotional and psychological benefits that are as great as the physical changes. It needs to be observed that the changes induced by masculinizing hormone therapy differ among individuals in accordance with age, dosage, and response to treatment.
The Timeline of Physical Changes on Testosterone
Voice
The first and most apparent change is the deepening of the voice. This usually starts in the first 3-6 months of starting masculinizing hormone therapy. For others, the change may persist for as long as one year, with the voice sounding deeper and more resonant.
Body Hair
The facial and body hair growth, like a full beard, mustache, and chest hair, is also due to testosterone. Most people experience more hair growth in 3-6 months, but remarkable changes in the thickness and density of the hair can occur in 1-2 years.
Muscle Mass
Testosterone enhances muscle mass, strength, and body composition. This tends to begin acting in the first few months, with more toned muscles evident within 6-12 months. Through the consistent use of testosterone over the years, a more muscular physique is achieved.
Mood and Libido Changes
Mood and libido changes are noticed by the majority of individuals within a few months. Testosterone can increase libido, giving an individual a heightened sexual desire. It can also have an effect on mood, bringing about enhanced confidence, energy, and, in some, relief from depression or anxiety. Such changes can be very empowering, giving the overall feeling of wellness.
Injectable vs. Gel Testosterone
One of the first choices people have to make while taking masculinizing hormone therapy is between gel testosterone and injectable testosterone. They each have some downsides but also advantages.
Injectable testosterone is usually administered bi-weekly or monthly. It is usually the cheapest and has the most even level of testosterone over a period of time. Injections can be painful for individuals, but you must learn the proper technique so that you don’t get hurt.
On the other hand, gel testosterone is applied daily to the skin and is a less painful and more convenient alternative. It appears to give a more consistent level of hormone throughout the day, although it might be more expensive than injections. Gel testosterone would theoretically be absorbed less in individuals who have more oil on their skin or have specific skin diseases.
The selection of the appropriate method of administration relies on lifestyle, comfort, convenience, and what the healthcare practitioner recommends.
Menstrual Suppression with Testosterone
One of the greatest benefits of masculinizing hormone therapy is the suppression of menstruation. Inhibition of menstruation in the majority of individuals on testosterone therapy occurs within 3-6 months. It is a huge relief to trans men and non-binary individuals, eliminating the physical and emotional distress of menstruation.
The end of menstruation is among the initial signs that the testosterone is taking its effect because the hormone disrupts the body’s functionality to create the required factors necessary for menstruation. To others, the transition is a life-altering turning point and introduces a more stable sense of self.
It must be remembered that although menstrual suppression is typically long-term in individuals who remain on testosterone therapy, it is reversible when treatment is discontinued. Menstruation is thus likely to return after stopping testosterone, although the length of time is variable.
Monitoring Blood Levels During HRT
Routine blood tests are a key part of masculinizing hormone therapy care. Blood tests help maintain the amount of testosterone within a safe level and allow dose titration if needed.
Testosterone levels are one that needs to be checked, but providers will also check other important markers, such as hematocrit (the percentage of red blood cells in the blood), which will increase with testosterone use and lead to problems like blood clots. Liver function and lipids may also need to be checked routinely.
Most physicians advise 3-6 monthly blood work to check how well the body is reacting to testosterone and whether the dosage is being optimized for maximum health and efficacy. Follow-ups can prevent any possible side effects and ascertain the therapy is having the intended effect safely.
Trans Men: What’s Reversible and What’s Not
Reversible Changes
Whereas the majority of the changes brought about by testosterone are irreversible, some can be reversed when treatment is discontinued. For instance, voice pitch can alter, but when testosterone treatment is discontinued or interrupted, the voice can regain its pre-treatment pitch after some time. In the same way, muscle mass can diminish if testosterone treatment is discontinued.
Permanent Changes
General permanent changes include body and facial hair growth and the formation of a more masculine body build. These changes, once established, usually do not reverse even after discontinuation of testosterone therapy. Therefore, it is wise to have a clear discussion with a physician to clearly determine the possible repercussions.
The Bottom Line
Masculinizing hormone therapy can cause a variety of physical and emotional changes that allow trans men and non-binary people to become more aligned with their gender identity. Regardless of whether you use injectable or gel testosterone, the changes you will experience from a deeper, more masculine voice to muscle growth are life-changing.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is intended for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare provider for specific questions about your health.
