ion of estrogens at certain receptor sites. GnRH agonist: briefly overstimulates then effectively suppresses pituitary LH and FSH production. The longer after puberty hormone therapy is started, the less effective it is. Results are considerably more dramatic in an 18 year old than a 28 year old, but results are not on the average dramatically different between a 38 year old and a 48 year old. Introducing Male CharacteristicsThe following effects have been observed in varying degrees with extended treatment. With effective and continuous dosages, most of the changes that a particular body is genetically prone to will start with the very first administration of androgens, start becoming irreversible (only the vocal cord thickening) almost immediately, start leveling off somewhat within 2 years, and be mostly done within 5 years. The leveling may take longer if the ovaries are not removed. The vocal cords thicken, deepening the voice Menstrual cycle becomes irregular then stop. Sex drive increases. Sexual enjoyment may also increase, but the clitoris may become so sensitive as to make direct stimulation painful. Clitoris elongates, eventually reaching 3-8 cm. Body and facial hair growth speeds up, becomes much thicker, and may darken. Male pattern baldness may set in. Muscle mass around the shoulders and chest increases with exercise or may even increase slightly with no exercise. Oil and sweat glands become more active. This may result in acne. Fat is redistributed. The face becomes more typically male in shape. Fat tends to move away from the hips and toward the waist. Many FTM patients have also report the following effects. These statements were not verified by the medical literature researched:Outer skin layer becomes rougher in feeling and appearance. Metabolism increases. Given a caloric intake and exercise regimen consistent with pre-hormonal treatment, one may tend to lose weight, gain energy, need less sleep, become hot more ...
