Inspire Me

[transistus]

A Short Guide to Testosterone for Trans and Non-Binary Individuals

[Trigger Warning: Mentions genitalia and menstruation]

The goal of testosterone treatment is to aid in the masculinisation of AFAB people by increasing their serum testosterone to that of a cisgender male’s range. A lower dosage of testosterone can also be administered to non-binary individuals who wish to have a more androgynous appearance, though a lower dose may simply result in changes occurring more slowly. 

It is available in the form of:

Injections: Sustain and Nebido.

Topical gel:  Testogel and Testim.

Capsules (rare): Restandol Testocaps.

Patches: Androderm and Testoderm. 

When taking testosterone it is important to be aware of the changes that will occur as well as potential side effects.

Changes to expect when taking testosterone:

Increased oiliness of the skin (potential for acne to develop): Changes seen in 1-6 months | Little change expected after 1-2 years | Reverts if testosterone stopped |

Clitoral enlargement: Changes seen in 1-6 months | Little change expected after 1-2 years | Permanent |

Periods stop: Changes seen in 2-6 months | Continual with testosterone usage | Reverts if testosterone stopped |

Vaginal atrophy and dryness (not all will experience this): Changes seen in 3-6 months | Little change expected after 1-2 years | Reverts if testosterone stopped |

Body fat redistribution: Changes seen in 3-6 months | Little change expected after 2-5 years | Reverts if testosterone stopped |

Facial and body hair growth: Changes seen in 3-6 months | Little change expected after 3-5+ years | Permanent |

Deeper voice: Changes seen in 3-12 months | Little change expected after 1-2 years | Permanent |

Increased muscle mass and strength: Changes seen in 3-12 months | Little change expected after 2-5 years | Reverts if testosterone stopped |

Male-pattern baldness onset (may be minimal or not occur): Changes seen in 12+ months | Variable changes | Reverts if testosterone stopped |

Potential side effects of taking testosterone include:

Acne.

Headaches.

Dizziness.

Hypertension.

Increased blood pressure.

Lipid derangements.

Polycythemia.

Reasons a testosterone prescription could be withheld/deemed inadvisable for the patient:

Pregnancy.

Heart failure.

Obstructive sleep apnea.

Unstable coronary artery disease.

Untreated polycythemia.

Please keep in mind that changes occur at different rates for different people.

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