| |
The 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 3 years. The leveling
may take longer if the ovaries are not removed.
- The vocal cords thicken, deepening the voice, although not necessarily all the
way down to an average male frequency.
- Fertility decreases. Menstrual cycle becomes irregular then stops.
- 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 increases with exercise. It may even increase slightly with no exercise.
- Outer skin layer becomes rougher in feeling and appearance.
- Oil and sweat glands become more active. This may result in acne.
- Fat is redistributed. The face becomes more masculine in shape. Fat tends to move
away from the hips and toward the waist.
- Metabolism increases. Given a caloric intake and exercise regimen consistent
with pre-hormonal treatment, one tends to lose weight, gain energy, need less sleep, become
hot more easily, and feel generally more alert. However, appetite usually increases, so one
may gain weight because of increased caloric intake and increased muscle mass.
- Body odours (skin and urine) change. They become less 'sweet' or 'musky' and
become more 'tangly' or 'metallic.'
- Emotions change. Aggressive and dominant feelings may increase.
|
