What are the effects if a male takes female hormones and how long does it take to take effect?

Question

Also are there any side effects? How much does it cost? Please be very descriptive...thanx!

Answer 1

While the individual's response to feminizing therapy will vary, we have observed several key changes that appear for the majority of transgendered women in addition to the general estrogenic effects related in Section 5.

Breasts

For the transgendered woman, breast development will vary greatly, as it does with the genetic female population. However, breast development will typically be less than what is experienced in the genetic female population.

With the transgendered woman, breast tissue growth is basically promoted by estrogens and anti-androgens. Under most circumstances, breast development exceeding a B cup is rare. Development will take at least 2 years to reach maximum size.

Changes in the nipple will likely be somewhat less than in the genetic female. The areola (the small ring of color around the nipple in the center portion of the breast) will change in appearance and size in relationship to the breast.

Soon after beginning hormone therapy (about 2 to 3 months), there will be a nodule-like formation behind the nipple and a feeling of tenderness or sensitivity in the area. This early stage of development is caused by an increase in the ductal system behind the nipple is part of the transition process and will usually normalize in a matter of months.

Body Hair

Depending on how hirsute (possessing hair) an individual's body may be, body hair will generally lessen noticeably to almost entirely over a period of several years. Individuals will generally notice a diminishment of bodily hair occurring on the extremities, and most of the torso. As example, arm and leg hair as well as hair on the abdomen, chest, and shoulders will greatly lessen and in some instances disappear completely. Hair growth in specific regions including that around the areola, armpits and pubic area will not lessen to the same extent.

Skin

The general appearance of the skin, overall, will change greatly by becoming softer and less coarse. With proper skin care, which includes protection against the damaging effects of the sun, the skin's general appearance will be noticeably enhanced by the influence of estrogen and anti-androgens.

Fat Distribution

Over a period of time (1 to 2 years time), a change in the subcutaneous fat (located just beneath the skin) will occur. The hips, thighs and buttocks will collect the majority of this distribution, and the tendency to collect fat in the stomach will diminish somewhat. The resulting redistribution will result in a smaller waistline and larger hips.

Muscle Mass

A good deal of the size that is normally attributed to large or broad shoulders, arms and chest is actually contained in upper body muscle mass—not bones. Through the process of feminization much of the upper body bulk will disappear. Muscle mass will generally take longer to diminish (about 3 years) than the accompanying shift in fat distribution previously mentioned. As upper body mass is lost, a certain degree of looseness may be seen in the skin of the upper arms and shoulders. As is the case with normal weight loss in these areas, a period of one to two years may be necessary for the skin to adjust to the smaller frame.

Genitals

With regard to appearance, hormone therapy will produce its most marked change in lessening the size of the testes. Due to the influence of estrogen, the testes' production of testosterone and sperm will be greatly reduced.

Penile size will likely diminish somewhat. While penile skin is used for lining the neo-vagina, the amount of donor skin available is more a matter of inherent size than that of the diminishing effects of testosterone. Sexual function will decrease, but the degree of which is unpredictable. Erections may still continue, but will probably be much less frequent and long lasting, or may not be possible. Ejaculate will lessen, probably to the point of only producing a very small, clear discharge as a result of the prostate and the associated structures responsible for semen production being impeded. (See Section 9, Male Genital Anatomy)

Prostate Gland

The prostate will diminish in size due to the effects of estrogen and finasteride (Proscar), the latter being administered as an anti-androgen. Beside from the feminizing effect of these medications, both drugs are helpful in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement. This condition is often responsible for the difficulty with urination experienced by many older individuals. Through the course of hormone therapy, this urinary complaint will likely be relieved.

Cardiovascular

Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Due to various lifestyle and hereditary factors, cardiovascular conditions may pose additional risks to those undertaking elective medical therapies, such as the variety of drug treatments engaged in the feminization process. However, the effects of hormonal therapy may be similarly beneficial to the male-to-female transgender patient with respect to arteriosclerotic plaque disease and cardiovascular conditions, as it demonstrates itself in the genetic female population.

Infertility/Impotence

Long term use of estrogens may likely result in infertility, with permanent infertility being a distinct possibility. Sexual responsiveness will likely diminish over the course of hormonal therapy, potentially resulting in the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. These effects are the basis for feminizing hormone therapy being termed chemical castration.

If the transgendered individual has any concern or desire to "father" children in the future, it is imperative that the male-to-female transgendered individual choose the option of sperm banking – having samples of their sperm frozen and stored for later use – prior to beginning hormone therapy.

Answer 2

takes aprox 2 months to start to take effect.
yes it is expensive
it is available on the black market but not reccomended as you dont know what you are actualy getting.

honestly unless you are sure that you just cant live without doing this to yourself, Please think long and hard about it because the side effects are harsh to your body.. and could even be life threatening...
This is not something to do lightly.
I am not someone that is a transexual or ever would be but I do understand what it is like to be someone who wants to be someone else.. also I have worked as a Registered Nurse for many years so I understand the medical risks involved in the these types of decisions... I believe if you cannot deal with life without making this decision thant make it.. the alternative is being misurable.. but if you can find a way to life your life in another way without altering your body with chemicals at the risk of death or possible close death... it is worth checking in to it...


side effects:
heart disease
stroke
breast cancer
testicular cancer

Expected effects:
larger breasts
softer skin
higher voice slightly by tightening of vocal cords
more female wht distribution causing a more girly shape

Above anything DONT SMOKE it doubles your chance of any neg effects of the hormone!!!!!

Hope this info helps,
Blessings to you and the decision you are trying to make for your life.
RiahWillow

Answer 3

wow.. britany your mean.. and to tell you people are born with a gender that matters only on the outside and a inner gender, if the inner doesnt match the outer it hurts unbeliavably much and suicide or self abuse are immanent. By the way , you should be open minded because, well,, thats just the nice thing to do..

Now to answer the question ,

Female hormones affect the body differently dependent on age. younger the better the changes. (21 or younger)

Answer 4

Bigger 'breasts', softer skin, sometimes there are changes to the hair, and some claim a more feminin shape.

The side effects are far more numerous however and they include such things as: Shrinking of the testicles and penis, impotence, sometimes it can effect your heart and your ability to breath. Cancer is a common effect in the prostate and other male organs.

Answer 5

The first thing you'll likely notice is your emotions. That'll happen in the first week. Then at about 2 months you'll notice your breasts start to develop. First you'll get a hard disk-like growth behind your nipples. Your skin will gradually get smoother, and of course Mr. Happy shuts down. Yes, you will be able to lactate. It takes a little hacking of your endocrine system but it's been done.

Answer 6

Gonadotropism...shrinkage of the testicles, about the same as taking Testosterone...
Lessening of climax feelings...a dull thud compared to normal climax
Gynomastia: enlargement of the breasts, tenderness, soreness fo the nipples.
Lessening of body hair, increase of head hair.
Thickening of the dermal fat layer, smoothes out fine wrinkles over time, softens the skin feel and look.
Cholesterol plaquing: Very dangerous, can lead to heart attack and stroke..DO NOT SMOKE IF YOU TAKE ESTROGEN! Multipies the effects here
Be very careful about congestive heart failure...can lead to build up of fluid retention in lungs and around heart...watch your blood pressure twice a day..if it starts rising, get off the estrogen immediatley, if not sooner!

Answer 7

You lose alot of male hormones you develop female traits and appearences And also start actting like one

Answer 8

judging by the answers.... I want female hormones

Answer 9

Your 'prescription' may not be heavy on the pocket but it would certainly cost you heavily in terms of mental and physical health.

Answer 10

Why would you want to know this? Go find a hobby to keep you busy....like football or basketball or something.