Most people undergoing hormone replacement therapy will describe the experience as “second puberty,” especially when the treatment begins to align the body with your desired identity. As expected, there will be a few bumps along the way, borrowing from the recollections from your puberty years. Hormone therapy doesn’t epitomize puberty only from its physical aspects during the transition, but it’s also emotionally intense.

In some cases, hormone therapy, when transitioning from male to female, comes with some unexpected and radical changes that don’t reflect on the consent form. As it turns out, hormone therapy can feel like a second puberty, and it’s every bit as unique as the first time as an adolescent. Let’s dig into some of these changes that make the transition time to a female feel like puberty.

Physical changes

Your skin

During puberty, you most likely experienced changes with your skin tone and texture. After the initial doses of hormone therapy, your skin will become thinner and drier. You might notice that your skin pores become smaller and release less oil than before. With smaller pores, you will sweat less, and your skin will become more sensitive to temperature and pain.

Breast development

A few weeks after the first dose, you will notice small buds growing just below the nipples. You will experience some breast tenderness that can be slightly painful, especially when touched. These are signs of breast growth and development. The discomfort should subside with time.

Fat redistribution

As the hormones begin to work, your body will align accordingly and begin to redistribute fat and weight to assume a female’s body contour. You may notice more fat accumulation around the thighs and hips. You will have a smoother appearance with your arms and legs slowly losing muscle. Muscle strength and mass generally decrease. Experts recommend keeping up with exercises to maintain your health and muscle tone.

Body hair

The hair on your chest, arms, and face will begin to grow thinner and slower. You may incorporate other hair removal solutions such as laser treatment and electrolysis to help speed this process.

Face and eyes restructure

As your body continues to redistribute fat, you will assume a more feminine facial appearance. While your bone structure doesn’t change, fat under the skin tends to make your face a little tender and soft, feminizing your appearance.

Emotional changes

Hormone therapy also affects your emotional state. Like the first puberty that was a roller coaster of emotions, this second phase of puberty during the transition to becoming a female won’t be different. However, emotional changes differ from person to person, depending on previous experiences. You may notice that you have different tastes, feelings, or behave differently in relationships.

Nonetheless, the transition takes time to settle in. Your feelings might take some time before you are settled as you learn new things about yourself. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy to help you adjust to your new self.

Sexual changes

Shortly after your initial doses of hormone treatment, you will notice a decline in the number of erections. You will also lose the ability to maintain an erection, penetrate, and last as you would before. In most cases, you will still experience erotic sensations and manage to orgasm. If you are worried about the decreased number and power of erections, your doctor might suggest some enhancers to help you keep up with your desires.

You may also notice a change in your orgasmic experiences. They may last longer but with less intensity. Your ejaculations might yield a reduced amount of fluid and sometimes not even a single drop. However, it’s the most opportune time to explore your new sexuality using sex toys or through masturbation.

Reproductive changes

Studies revolving the impact of hormone therapy on individuals’ fertility is still uncertain. However, statistics show that hormones may cause a lower sperm count about three to six months after the first dose and later resume normalcy. In some cases, individuals fail to recover and permanently lose the ability to produce sperms. It’s essential to put these probable results into consideration before beginning hormone therapy. You might want to preserve your sperm in a sperm bank if your sperm count fails to re-surge.

Have you been exploring hormone therapy as a tool to help you grasp your real and desired identity? Contact us today at (205) 352-9141 to book an appointment with the experts. We will help you achieve your dreams.