Gender Transition

Sex Reassignment Surgery of Transgender Female to Male

Like any transition, whether it be female to male or male to female, is a long process. After accepting oneself and letting their peers know about their feelings, it is a complete fact to say that their lives will not be the same. They will gain and lose support, from people who do not understand and people who do. After completing the social process, it is time to start the biological process, which is usually sex hormone therapy. This usually is the cause of increased body hair growth as well as facial hair growth (and loss of hair on temples. It also deepens your voice (may crack a while, and you can lose vocal range if you sing). It also thickens your skin which makes you more tolerant of cold. Testosterone may cause a small amount of growth if you haven’t finished puberty and still have some growth left in your body. Testosterone also stops your menstrual cycle, generally within 3 months (depending on your dose). Your sex drive will likely increase, as will your appetite. Then comes changing one’s name legally, which in itself is also a very long procedure. Many different documents have to be submitted, and this could take a very short or long amount of time, which all comes to worth in the end when a transgender finally gets to be themselves on the outside, already in the inside. Then comes having you gender changed legally. Each state/province/country has its own laws on what an individual needs to do to officially become another gender. Many require documentation from a psychologist or doctor confirming true gender.

New York state requires an endocrinologist to confirm that a person has been on testosterone, as well as a surgeon to confirm that top surgery and a hysterectomy has been performed. People who go through this process, whichever it may be must remember to take their time, especially when they are young. They may feel that this all has to happen instantly. They must remember to be strong, be patient, and make sure they are making the right decisions. Talk to people you know and trust, visit support groups (in person or online), and talk to other transgender individuals. With time, it will all be worth it.