The effects of HRT for MTF people

hey guys, gals and nonbinary pals

my post on testosterone was really popular so I thought it's only fair I make one for trans girls/trans people who were AMAB.

today we're covering what HRT will do (hormone replacement therapy - the process of inserting testosterone into people assigned female at birth, or inserting estrogen into people assigned male at birth who fall under the transgender spectrum)

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional! I've just done alot of research and asked trans women their experiences.

I will be going from the top of the body to the bottom of the body :)

:no_entry: :no_entry: :no_entry: IF YOU'RE TRIGGERED BY WORDS TO DESCRIBE DISTINCT FEMALE OR MALE CHARACTERISTICS AND GENITALIA OR PUBERTY DON'T READ THIS :no_entry: :no_entry: :no_entry:

Hairline:

Your hair will start to grow closer to your face, almost like reverse retrieving. It isn't a very drastic change but at least it stops it from growing further back.

If you're pre-hrt:

You can put coconut oil on the area you want your hair to grow. I'm FTM and use coconut oil to grow facial hair, it does help. You can also get your hair styled in a way that doesn't show your hairline, or wear a wig if you wish.

Time frame:

+/- 1 year

Eyebrows:

They thin out and stop growing as "bushy"

If you're pre-hrt:

Get someone who's trained in the beauty industry to wax/thread/trim/pluck them into your desired shape

Time frame:

+/- 6 months, gradually

Mouth

Your lips thicken to give a more plump effect

If you're pre-hrt:

Use make up. Makeup is your friend!! If you don't know how, choose a colour you think will suit your lips. Get this colour in lipstick and a shade darker in lip liner. use the lip liner to mark where you want to move them to, and fill in the lipstick. Also if you have a lighter lipstick or lip liner to use in the middle of your mouth that'll help. to blend!

Time frame:

+/- 2 months

Face:

You will have less acne and your skin will be much softer. This is because estrogen is the hormone that creates clear, smooth skin. You want get nearly as many pimples or red spots.

If you're pre-hrt:

Makeup! Cover up pimples with a foundation that suits your skin. to wash it off or else you'll get more pimples.

You can also get medication for skin. Speak to a dermatologist or just a general practitioner about meds that clear your skin, and go for facials. Experiment with face washes and pimple cream that helps your skin.

Time frame:

3-6 months

Neck

Your Adam's apple will become less prominent. It won't go away but it'll be less noticeable - even cis women have them!

If you're pre-hrt:

Wear polar necks and/or choker necklaces. This will hide it or distract people from it.

Time frame:

+/- 4 months

Chest:

Your chest begins to develop breast buds. These will grow over time to around a large A cup. These are essentially your boobs now. you can always get implants if you aren't satisfied.

If you're pre-hrt:

Socks work great to put into bras. You can also get bra inserts, but those are usually designed for people who have boobs to start with so wear a sports bra if you choose that route.

Time frame:

+/- 1 month to start developing buds. They're usually fully developed at 6 months.

Hips:

Your body redistributes fat to other places to make your hips smaller. This gets you closer to an "hour glass figure"

If you're pre-hrt:

The last picture, the shapewear underwear will help alot here

Time frame:

+/- 6 months

Genitals:

1. Fertility

I'm aware this isn't necessarily in the penis but there is a high chance you will stop being able to produce sperm. There have been cases where MTF women can still make sperm to impregnate a biological female. If you would like to have children that are genetically related to you, speak to your doctor about freezing your sperm (sperm cryopreservation)

If you're pre-hrt:

Use protection if you're sexually active with someone who can carry a child (you should anyways!)

Time frame:

+/- 3 months

2. Testicles

The size of your testicles will decrease a fair amount

If you're pre-hrt:

Search online for transgender women shapewear - you'll find some undergarments that give this effect.

Time frame:

3-6 months

3. Physical arousal

Many trans women struggle to become physically aroused. Due to the line between being educational and being inappropriate i won't dive deeper into this, but you can always research it online. If you go on HRT and don't want this side effect, you can try sildenafil or tadalafil.

If you're pre-hrt:

sadly this isn't something you can change. If you feel guilty about it you can speak to a professional. Just keep in mind to stay unashamed.

Time frame:

+/- 1 month

Legs:

As I've said: fat redistribution is your best friend!

Your legs will morph closer to the left shape.

If you're pre-hrt:

Find pants or skirts etc that make you feel confident with the shape. If you're okay with shirts or dresses, find ones with horizontal stripes. This gives that plumper, fuller look

Time frame:

6+ months

General body changes:

1. decreased labido

When the testosterone levels of your body drop, you don't have as high a labido. You may find it more difficult to get aroused.

If you're pre-hrt:

as i said earlier don't be ashamed - you are not any less of a woman/NB person for it!

Time frame:

1-3 months

2. Skin sensitivity

Your skin is softer and feels more sensitive to the touch. it isn't as tough as before

If you're pre-hrt:

Invest in (natural, cruelty free) body moisturizers to use after you shower or bath

Time frame:

1-3 months

3. Sweating

You will sweat noticeably less than you did before. Quite a few trans women also claim it smells different

If you're pre-hrt:

Try out different roll on deodorants and have perfume with you and on you. Smelling better or "feminine" can really help you feel nicer about yourself.

Time frame:

+/- 3 months

Transfeminine people rocking it:

More info:

Transcare UCSF's article

Mayo clinic's article

#curatorreview