Masculinizing hormone therapy includes medications that will reduce the level of estrogen (or estradiol) and increase testosterone to allow masculinizing changes to occur. It is important to let your provider know if you take any other prescribed medications or over-the-counter supplements as these may interfere with masculinizing medications.
Testosterone can be given in many ways. The most common include: injection or through topical gels or patches. It is important to let you provider know if you have a history of cancer (particularly breast or ovarian), heart disease or stroke, liver disease or you smoke.
Other possible risks related to testosterone therapy include:
Below we have provided a general expected timeline for physical changes. It is important to know that everyone is different. Things that will not change include height and breast size.
In 1 to 3 months:
In 3 to 6 months:
In 6 to 12 months:
Even though your periods may stop when you take masculinizing hormone therapy, you should still use birth control if you engage in vaginal sex. If you might want children in the future, talk to your provider about fertility options before starting hormone therapy.
Your provider will recommend that you regularly come for follow up care after these hormones have started. Follow up visits may include physical examinations, measurement of hormone levels and sometime other testing depending on your age and medical problems. Other tests may include a bone density, mammogram, pelvic exam and/or pap smear, sexually transmitted infection (STI) screen and follow up of blood sugar and cholesterol.
Find an endocrinologist today to ensure that you are on the path to health with the right medical care. Keep Your Body In Balance!
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