Testosterone Effects on Transgendered Men

Many transgendered men, or female-to-male transsexuals, elect testosterone therapy as an element of the transitioning process. Treatment with testosterone causes masculinization, meaning that many features become more masculine. Not all transgendered men opt for testosterone therapy, and others choose additional therapies to help complete their individual transition processes.

Hair and Beard

• There are many changes in body and facial hair as a result of testosterone therapy. According to Hudson's Guide, these include: increased hair on the arms and legs, chest, belly and back; the development of male-pattern balding; and growth of a mustache and beard. According to Vancouver Coastal Health, body hair develops first, and the beard and male-pattern baldness develop one or more years after treatment begins.

Genital Effects

• Hudson's Guide reports that testosterone therapy causes the clitoris to become larger; eventually menstruation stops. According to Vancouver Coastal Health, the clitoris may grow between one and three centimeters, and menstruation stops between one and six months after testosterone therapy is started.

Other Changes

• Other changes that occur in the bodies of transgendered men undergoing testosterone therapy include, according to Hudson's Guide: the voice becoming deeper; muscle growth; redistribution of body fat from the midsection to the abdomen; oily skin and possible acne; increased red blood cells and negative changes in cholesterol levels; changes in body odors; a roughening of the skin; and an increase in sexual desire.

  According to Vancouver Coastal Health, some effects of testosterone therapy are irreversible if treatment is stopped; these include the deepening of the voice and balding. Other effects may or may not reverse, including the growth of the clitoris and increased hair. Menstruation will return and skin changes will be reversed if therapy is halted.