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Testosterone Therapy for Transgender Women

Beginning hormone (testosterone) therapy as part of the process of becoming male involves more than visiting the doctor and asking for a prescription. The female who believes she should have been born a male needs to understand the side effects of testosterone therapy and has to resolve her mental health issues surrounding her gender identity before she will be considered for this therapy.

  1. Effects of Testosterone

    • The woman who takes testosterone as part of the process of transitioning to becoming male will find she is becoming more masculine, but she will also need to be tested frequently for possible liver damage because of the testosterone (see Reference 1, paragraphs 1-3).
      During the transition period, taking this hormone will help the transgender woman improve her ability to function (reducing depression and anxiety) while she is waiting for a final determination on her suitability to fully transition into a male (see Reference 1, paragraph 2).

    Acne and Facial Hair

    • Because testosterone has masculinizing effects, a woman who begins to take this hormone will notice increased acne. She may experience a decrease in self-esteem because of the pimples, and there is a potential for scarring. She will also begin to develop more facial hair, and the femininity of her facial features will also begin to become more male (see Reference 2, paragraph 3).

    Mood

    • A woman taking testosterone may experience frequent mood swings, which will be noticeable by the people around her, so she should consider letting them know in advance of the potential effects of her therapy (see Reference 2, paragraph 4).

    Deepening Voice

    • As she continues taking testosterone her voice will become deeper in tone (see Reference 2, paragraph 5), which may surprise those around her but will be a sure sign the treatment is having its desired effect.

    Liver Problems

    • This side effect is rare, but if it occurs, a woman in transition from female to male might experience pain in her liver, frequent urination and recurring thirst. If any of these symptoms begin to develop she should notify her doctor immediately (see Reference 2, paragraph 6).

    Enlargement of Clitoris

    • A transitioning woman may also see an enlargement of her clitoris after she begins testosterone therapy. This side effect is not very common, but might take place as she is undergoing hormone therapy (see Reference 2, paragraph 7).

    Readiness for Hormone Therapy

    • Any woman attempting to transition from female to male should have already lived as a male or undergone psychotherapy. As she is undergoing her changes, she also needs to be sure of her gender identity.
      She should also make progress in stabilizing or improving her mental health status (no substance abuse, psychosis or sociopathic behaviors). Any suicidal tendencies related to her gender identity confusion must be resolved before she will be deemed ready for hormone therapy (see Reference 1, paragraph 6).

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