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Feminising hormone therapy reduces the amount of primary male sex hormones (androgens) in a person’s body while increasing levels of oestrogen. Over time this serves to alter a person’s body, making it more feminine.
The treatment changes a great deal more than just physical appearances - many people going through this treatment describe it as a second puberty and as such, it also has a big impact on a person’s emotions and behaviour.
Emotional Changes
The experience is described by many transgender people as being associated with being more centred and happy in their body. Excitement about the changes to come, the ability to feel more at home in their own body and feeling the freedom of being to express themselves more freely may all play a role.
The differences between one person’s journey and any other are vast, so it’s important that they take this journey step-by-step at their own pace. Feminine puberty can be a very emotional time. There may be days when a person is more excited than ever, and some when they feel the urge to hide in a bathroom and cry.
What To Expect
- Increased Nurture Instinct:
Feelings toward cuteness intensify, fostering a stronger urge to care for and protect children and animals, along with a heightened sense of connection to others. - Temperament Shifts:
Emotional reactivity may increase or decrease. - Ease of Crying:
Shedding tears becomes a more natural and relieving expression, rather than a response to overwhelming emotions. - Craving for Cuddles:
Many experience an amplified desire for closeness and cuddling. - Increased Confidence:
Many individuals report a surge in self-confidence and a sense of empowerment.
Physical Changes
- Breast Growth:
This can often start as a firm “bud” under the nipples, gradually enlarging and defining. It may cause tenderness, pain, and nipple itching. Some report heightened sensations in line with a monthly cycle. - Fat Redistribution:
Hips can get wider, the waist smaller, and reduced stomach size. Subtle changes occur in the face, hands, and feet, including potential foot shrinkage. - Hip Rotation:
Tendon changes in the legs lead to forward hip rotation, enhancing the buttocks and creating a more feminine waistline. Some notice an increased freedom of movement in the hips. - Hair Growth:
While substantial hair reduction is unlikely, feminising HRT slows facial and body hair growth, possibly altering thickness and colour. - Skin Texture:
Skin becomes softer and less oily, especially on the face. Pores may appear smaller, and acne could diminish. - Genital Shrinkage:
Males may experience reduced genital size, making tucking easier. - Body Odour:
A person’s body odour will change dramatically. Feminine body odour tends to be a lot less “heavy” or “musky”. - Muscle Mass Decrease:
A reduction in muscle mass, especially in the arms, shoulders, and chest.
Changes In Sensation
- Sense Of Smell:
The sense of smell intensifies, influencing taste. Certain fragrances may appear differently than before. - Sexual Intercourse:
Sexual pleasure may change significantly. Stimulation can be more intense and for males, less tied to ejaculation. New sources of pleasure such as perineal stimulation may emerge. - Sex Drive:
Sex drive can change - some people notice a decrease, others an increase. Arousal may feel different depending on whether it’s more masculine or feminine, and both types of experiences can happen over time.