- It may be tempting to avoid the medical system and try herbal supplements or "black market" hormones. The problem is that you cannot control the quality or safety of these products. There are also several different hormone types and combinations--natural and synthetic, estrogens and testosterones, and native hormone blockers. The type and combination of hormones depends largely on body chemistry. This is why it is important to have a prescription, use it as directed and work closely with a medical professional. Hormones also have potentially life-threatening side effects, like blood clots and kidney damage, so proper medical monitoring is paramount.
- In MTF patients, female hormones will reduce the sex drive, trigger body fat redistribution and cause a drop in sperm count. Because bio-men have naturally occurring breast tissue, an increase in female hormones will also trigger breast growth. The human voice is based on the thickness of the vocal cords--the thicker the cords, the deeper the voice. Female hormones will not make the voice higher because they can't make the vocal cords thinner. Neither will the hormones "soften" heavier, male facial features, make her shorter or reduce facial hair growth.
- In FTM patients, hormone therapy tends to have more dramatic effects than with MTF patients. The hormones will cause the vocal cords to thicken and change the voice. They can also trigger heavier body hair and male-pattern baldness. FTM patients will also notice changes in fat deposition, muscle thickness and energy levels. He may also experience clitoral enlargement and an increased sex drive. Male hormones will not reduce breast size or make him taller. Neither will they significantly change his bone structure.
- Hormone therapy may reduce the amount of native hormone you produce. However, because each person's chemistry is different, there is no way to control how much of an effect the hormone therapy will have. For example, an FTM may produce less estrogen but still produce it at levels higher than for a bio-male. Removing the ovaries or testes, and controlling your hormones entirely through therapy, may make your transition smoother.
