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Testosterone

General Information

Testosterone is a hormone often taken by trans-masculine individuals as a part of their medical transition. This masculinizing hormone can greatly alleviate gender dysphoria for those who need it.

Ways to Take T

Gel

Testosterone administered through a gel and absorbed through the skin.

Androgel is one such gel available. With the consistency of hand sanitizer, the substance is rubbed on the upper arms and absorbed through the skin within minutes. Alternative brands such as Axiron also exist.

Testosterone gel can also be administered via a nasal spray, such as with natesto.

Implants

Treatments wherin a pellet is inserted underneath the skin to administer testosterone over time are known as implants.

Testopel is an available implant for administering testosterone to the body for several months at a time.

Injections

Testosterone treatments administered by needle are known as injections.

Injections can be done either weekly or biweekly, typically using testosterone cypionate injections or testosterone enanthate. Some people go for more spaced out testosterone undecanoate injections every 10 weeks for a lower dose.

Intramuscular injections are injected straight into the muscle. They often require the help of a doctor or a family member to administer. They can be more painful than subcutaneous injections

Subcutaneous injections are injected just under the skin. They are easier to self-inject than intramuscular injections, and can be less painful.

An autoinjector known as xyosted is also available.

Oral Tablets

This is testosterone taken in pill form. Though fairly uncommon, it is still a potential administrative route. One avaliable pill is known as Jatenzo.

Topical Patches

Patches are essentially stickers via which testosterone can be absorbed through the skin.

Due to manufacturing issues, these are harder to obtain in the United States after common brands (androderm) were discontinued.

Miscellaneous Others

Some forms of testosterone are uncommon enough to only be available through compounding pharmacies. Such forms include sublingual oral troches (administered under the tongue), lozenges (medicated candy), topical cream (similar to gel but a cream), and suppositories (goes up your butt).

Some permenant changes that occur while on T.

Facial hair growth
Body hair growth
Voice pitch deepening (you will likely experience voice cracking for a while during this)
Head hair loss/change in hairline (this also depends on you genetics)
Clitoral growth
Changes in height (only occurs if you start T before your growth plates fuse)

Some non-permanent changes that occur while on T.

Body fat redistribution
Changes to body odor
Increased sweatiness, oiliness, acne
Increased libido
Changes in energy levels
Increased muscle mass & strength
Vaginal atrophy (dryness)
Lessening or stopping of menstrual cycle

Hair Growth

Sometimes trans guys are unsatisfied with the hair growth provided via testosterone. This can lead to seeking out other additional routes such as minoxidil or finasteride to stimulate hair growth.

Disclaimer/Side Notes

The above lists are not all-inclusive of every possible change. Changes and timelines can vary from person to person.

Some possible side effects of going on testosterone include; weight gain, acne, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, and a risk of blood clots. When going on T, ideally, your health will be monitered reguarlly by a doctor to minimize risks.

As for what route you take T (injections, patches, etc) this will vary depending on what is avaliable where you are, or preference. Effectiveness of various routes will vary depending on the person and their body.

Testosterone is NOT birth control. It is still possible to get pregnant while on HRT. Please keep this in mind if you are sexually active, and do not rely on it to stay not pregnant.

The Transgender Dictionary