Feminizing Hormone Therapy

Expected effects of a regimen consisting of estrogen and anti-androgen

Below are estimates of the expected effects of feminizing hormone therapy from published and unpublished clinical observations. Hormone therapy will not change the underlying bone structure of the face or body.

Click on the coloured physical effects to view expected reversibility, onset and maximum effects

Skin changes

Skin becomes softer and less oily. Acne may decrease

Reversibility:
Reversible
Expected onset:
3 - 6 months
Expected max. effect:
Unknown

Thinned/slowed growth of body/facial hair

Complete removal of facial and body hair requires electrolysis, laser treatment, or both.

Reversibility:
Reversible
Expected onset:
6 - 12 months
Expected max. effect:
> 3 years

Male Pattern Baldness

Scalp hair growth may slow or stop. No regrowth of hair.

Reversibility:
Reversible
Expected onset:
1 - 3 months
Expected max. effect:
1 - 2 years

Breast growth

Reversibility:
Irreversible
Expected onset:
3 - 6 months
Expected max. effect:
2 - 3 years

The reversibility of the following effects are variable. Decreased sperm production (infertility) as well as erectile dysfunction may also occur.

Decreased testicular volume

Expected onset:
3 - 6 months
Expected max. effect:
2 - 3 years

Decreased libido

Expected onset:
1 - 3 months
Expected max. effect:
1 - 2 years

Decreased spontaneous arousals

Expected onset:
1 - 3 months
Expected max. effect:
3 - 6 months

Decreased muscle mass/strength

Reversibility:
Reversible
Expected onset:
3 - 6 months
Expected max. effect:
1 - 2 years

Fat redistribution

Fat redistributes from abdomen and mid-section regions to the buttocks, hips and thighs.

Reversibility:
Reversible
Expected onset:
3 - 6 months
Expected max. effect:
1 - 2 years