Hormones. Everyone has them, but do you know just how powerful these molecules are? How they affect your entire existence, as you know it? So let’s talk about them, but with a focus on what happens when someone undergoes hormone therapy.

When many people hear the phrase “hormone therapy,” the common thought is: It is only for women going through menopause, but we’re going to look at hormone therapy used for transitioning genders.

No matter what your gender, age or race, everyone has both estrogen and testosterone in them. Estrogen and testosterone are the main components in the body that makes a person look male or female. Now what makes a person feel male or female, well, that’s an entirely different post…

Estrogen molecule made of estrogen pills by healthmindandlife.com

In females, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce estrogen and testosterone. Testosterone in females is important for muscle strength, sex drive, and a sense of well-being. Now men have about 10 times more testosterone than females, and males can produce testosterone, in the testes, much faster than females can in their ovaries.

In men, testosterone is chemically converted to estrogen, as the body needs it for maturing sperm and possibly regulating sex drive.

So when a person transitions to the opposite gender, they undergo hormone therapy to adjust the levels of estrogen and testosterone in their body. This essentially puts a patient through a second puberty. While the new hormones can’t totally reverse the effects of the first puberty, it’s the development of the secondary sex characteristics which makes the person begin to physically appear as the gender they identify with.

When males transition to females (MTF), they’re also given anti-androgens. These block testosterone from doing what testosterone is supposed to do and lowers the amount of testosterone overall. This significant reduction of testosterone means the typical secondary sex characteristics in men will start to go away. Muscle mass will shrink, fat will redistribute, and body hair will become thinner and lighter.

In order for the female attributes to develop, transitioning males take forms of estrogen in gels, pills, or shots.

Although hormone levels may reach target levels in the first year of therapy, it takes roughly 2-3 years for the physical changes to occur, but hey, that’s still quicker than puberty.

Females transitioning to males (FTM) are given testosterone, sometimes called T. Does that mean cup of tea? Nope. Ice-T? Still no. Mr. T? Um.. Testosterone – that’s the one. T can be applied topically with a gel or through routine shots. The increase of T lowers the voice, produces facial hair, and increases muscle mass. This increase of T also lowers the amount of estrogen in the body causing the breasts to decrease in size, the shoulders and hips to broaden, and the menstrual cycle to stop.

It takes about one to two years of being on these hormones for a born female to attain male levels of estrogen and testosterone.

So there you have it. Estrogen and testosterone through hormone therapy play a huge role in physically transitioning genders. And since these hormones are so powerful, you should never take hormones without talking your doctor first. I hope you enjoyed this dose of biochemistry for you.

As found on Youtube

Are you ready to reveal your most fabulous feminine self?

If so, the right tools are a must! Some of these items are obvious, but others are essentials you might not have thought of.

Keep reading to discover 10 must-have items for your male to female transformation:

1. Breast forms

Breasts are arguably the most feminine part of a woman’s body. Unless you’re blessed with your own curves, breast forms are essential. (Of course, you’ll also need a cute bra to put them in!)

2. Color corrector

Is there a bigger beauty DON’T than a beard shadow?

While you might be tempted to cover imperfections with heavy concealer, it never looks natural.

Instead, invest in a pink or red color corrector to first neutralize the tone of your beard shadow. This allows you to use less makeup and gives you a more natural and feminine look.

(Note: Check out The Makeup Magic Program to learn pro techniques for concealing a beard shadow, feminizing your face with makeup, and much more.)

3. Panty girdle

A panty girdle is a great multi-purpose garments that trims your waist, flattens your belly, and smoothes your male parts.

Panty girdles come in brief and long leg styles:

• Choose the brief style to wear under short skirts.

• Opt for the long leg style to wear under pants and longer skirts.

4. Perfume

The right perfume can make you feel irresistibly feminine!

The secret is to choose a fragrance that matches the qualities you want to express:

• Go for floral scents if you want to express your romantic side.

• Choose oriental or woody scents if you want to bring out your inner seductress.

5. Black pantyhose or tights

Bare legs might be trendy now, but in cooler months, nothing beats the polished look of hosiery. Classic black pantyhose or tights are a style essential.

If you’re going to wear pantyhose, be sure to choose the sheerest hose possible and only wear jet black pantyhose. (Avoid grey-black and brown-black tones.) Or wear opaque tights for a more youthful look.

6. Lipstick

Studies show that a woman’s lips are considered the most attractive part of her body – especially when she is wearing lipstick. Lipstick is a must-have item that will instantly make you look more feminine and attractive.

7. Classic pumps

Shoes say more about you than any other accessory. You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic black pumps. They’re sexy, feminine, and work well with many types of clothes.

Think you are too tall for heels? Even a 1″ kitten heel has impact, so there’s a pump out there for everybody.

8. Moisturizer

Due to higher testosterone levels, males generally have rougher skin than women do. Get a facial moisturizer and use it daily (whether you are en femme or not).

Moisturizer makes your skin look smoother and helps your makeup go on better and last longer.

9. Little black dress

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple every crossdresser and transgender woman should own. A simple black dress in a flattering length can go from day to night and will never go out of style.

10. Attitude

Finally, the most important thing you can possess is a great attitude!

People treat you the way you expect to be treated – so be as femme and fabulous as you want to be. You deserve it, girlfriend!

Now I’d like to hear from YOU!

What must-have items are in your transformation toolbox? Please share with me in the comments below!

Love,
Lucille

P.S. If you liked this article, you’ll love my FREE 3-part Male to Female Makeover Course. Click here to sign up now!