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Below are estimates of the expected effects of feminizing hormone therapy from published and unpublished clinical observations.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
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
