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EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE ON FEMALE TO MALE INDIVIDUALS
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), for female to male (FTM) transsexuals, involves taking the synthetic hormone, testosterone. One of the functions of testosterone in the body is to control sex characteristics like breast development, facial hair, and reproductive organs. Both men and women produce these hormones, but men produce testosterone at a higher volume.
Transsexual men may use testosterone during their physical and psychological transition from one sex and gender to another. Testosterone allows transsexual men to have the outward appearance that matches the gender they associate themselves with. This makes them feel more comfortable and can improve their functioning, limit the potential for depression, and raise their quality of life.
The following table list reversible and permanent side effects of testosterone.
|
Reversible |
Permanent |
|
Cessation of menstruation cycle (may become permanent over time) |
Deepening of voice |
|
Increase in libido |
Growth of facial and body hair (according to genetic traits) |
|
Acne (similar to puberty and may go away after time) |
Male pattern baldness (according to genetic traits) |
|
Redistribution of body fat |
Enlargement of the clitoris |
|
Increased sweat and odor |
Growth spurt if given before end of puberty |
|
Increased red blood count |
Possible shrinking or flattening of breasts (due to changes in fat tissue) |
|
Alteration in blood lipids |
Sterility is possible over time |
|
Gain/Lose weight with more ease |
Adam’s apple may grow |
|
Water retention |
Face may appear more masculine |
|
Increased muscle mass and strength |
|
|
Change in smell (urine, sweat) |
|
|
Prominence of veins and coarser skin |
|
The effects of testosterone are different for each person and depend on varying factors, some of which are exercise, genetic traits, overall health, and diet. These effects may take up to three months to become noticeable and up to five years to be complete.
During this time, emotional and behavioral changes similar to those experienced during puberty may be exhibited. Some changes may be: aggressiveness, mood swings, increased libido, increase or decrease in amount of sleep, increase or decrease of appetite, periods of hyperactivity or restlessness, increase in metabolism.
Those taking testosterone should have regular medical examinations of chest and genitals to monitor for cancer. They should also have regular blood test to check liver function. Possible concerns are: osteoporosis, polycythemia, liver damage, sterility, breast and uterine cancer, and an increase in heart disease and stroke risks due to shift in lipid profiles to male patterns.
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