MTF Transition:
A feeling of confusion can stem from one’s knowledge of being born in the wrong body.
While some may choose to continue living their lives the way they are, others resort to FTM or MTF transition to alleviate their confusion and start living their MTF trans lives on their own terms.
But what exactly is involved with the MTF transition timeline, and how is it done?
Read the rest of this article to know more.
Dr. Gary J. Rosenbaum is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast-related surgeries.
If you’re looking for a doctor who understands your needs and can help you with how to detransition MTF through breast restoration, schedule a consultation here.
What is MTF Transition?
MTF transition process is changing your gender into the way you perceive yourself— internally or externally.
This change also allows other individuals to treat you based on your preferred gender.
A person may change from male-to-female (MTF transition) or female-to-male (FTM transition).
Although most people immediately equate FTM and MTF transition with gender-affirming surgeries or sex change, there are other means of transitioning.
Some individuals take hormones to get the body they desire. Others simply change their name and encourage others to use their preferred pronouns when addressing them.
For some, transitioning may mean changing their entire wardrobe to match their gender identity.
How Does MTF Transition Occur?
For MTF gender transition, the medical transition can include any of the following procedures:
- Laser hair removal – to remove excess hair from body parts, such as the face or chest
- Facial feminization surgery – to create smaller and more feminine facial features
- Hormone therapy – the use of hormones to redistribute body fat and establish feminine characteristics, like bigger breasts and wider hips
- Tracheal shave – to minimize the appearance of Adam’s apple
- Orchiectomy – to remove the testes
- Breast augmentation – to develop female breasts through implants or breast restoration
Some MTF transition tips and processes.
Individuals wanting to undergo medical procedures to change their gender from male to female can opt for estrogen hormone therapy. The same is applicable for MTF trans.
Estrogen hormone therapy aids the body in developing feminine characteristics. It also helps suppress masculine features.
This hormonal therapy works by stopping the pituitary gland from forming gonadotropin—hormones regulating the production of sex hormones like androgen. And these low androgen levels help males transition to females.
But despite starting estrogen hormone therapy, transitioning people can’t expect changes to happen immediately. Alterations in fat distribution, the appearance of less hair in certain areas, and breast development occur over time.
Listed below are the changes MTF trans people should expect and when they can expect them to happen.
Physical Changes
These physical changes will start to be noticeable after 3-6 months of consistent hormonal therapy. However, it might take 2-3 years to develop fully.
Skin Changes
Hormonal therapy causes the pores to become smaller and the skin to dry and become thinner. The University of California3 also notes lesser oil production as an effect of hormonal therapy.
Individuals undergoing this physical change are prone to cuts and bruises. They may also perceive temperature and pain differently.
Fat Redistribution
A person undergoing estrogen hormone therapy may notice fat around their hips and thighs. Physical strength and muscle mass also decrease.
With fat redistributed just below the skin, their arms and legs appear smoother and plumper.
Once body fat has been redistributed, the face will take on a more feminine appearance.
Hair Growth
The rate of baldness decreases and ultimately stops. Hair growth on the arms, legs, chest, and back is slower than before. The same goes for facial hair.
Breast Development
Over several months of hormone therapy, an individual may notice small buds developing under the nipples.
People thinking of undergoing breast augmentation surgery should wait for at least a year after starting hormone therapy before proceeding with surgery.
Emotional Changes
A 2016 review4 discovered that estrogen hormone therapy positively affects the emotional well-being of transgender people in the following ways:
- Higher self-esteem
- Alleviation of gender dysphoria
- Fewer symptoms of depression
- Fewer dissociative symptoms
- More confidence
Emotional changes vary throughout the different stages in the MTF transition timeline.
Sexual and Reproductive Changes
After 3-6 months of hormonal therapy, sexual changes will start to happen. These changes can manifest in any of the following:
- Erectile dysfunctions
- Testicle shrinkage in volume and size
According to a 2019 systematic review by Cheng et al.5, it is not yet conclusive whether estrogen hormone therapy causes infertility or not.
Each change may affect an MTF trans’ well-being. That’s why finding a qualified doctor or medical provider who is empathetic towards a person’s pains, experiences, and emotions is crucial for support and medical aid.
Before undergoing hormone therapy, you need to consider the following aspects.
Cost
Gender-affirming procedures, especially those done medically, can be costly.
Before committing to any MTF transition surgery, ask about the cost first and determine whether your insurance company covers at least some of the cost.
Physician’s Approval
Individuals thinking of undergoing hormonal therapy should seek their physician’s approval first. Their doctors should also divulge to them the risks involved in the procedure.
Preparation
Ask the following questions to your shortlisted physician to prepare yourself for MTF transition:
- How much do the procedures cost?
- What other options are available?
- Which treatment suits the transition better?
- Which medical facilities perform transition procedures?
- What are the risks or side effects of the chosen method?
Dr. Gary Rosenbaum is a board-certified plastic surgeon with a deep understanding of MTF transition and detransitioning surgeries.
So if you are looking for a medical provider who will listen to your concerns and understand your needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Gary Rosenbaum.
References:
- Costa, R., & Colizzi, M. (2016). The effect of cross-sex hormonal treatment on gender dysphoria individuals’ mental health: a systematic review. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment, 12, 1953–1966. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S95310
- Cheng, P. J., Pastuszak, A. W., Myers, J. B., Goodwin, I. A., & Hotaling, J. M. (2019). Fertility concerns of the transgender patient. Translational andrology and urology, 8(3), 209–218. https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2019.05.09
- https://transcare.ucsf.edu/article/information-estrogen-hormone-therapy
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4977075/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6626312/