MYTH 1
Transition on testosterone is complete in two years or
less.
Physical changes take time. Usually this is
between four to seven years depending on your genetic
heritage. Your body and facial hair will continue to
develop over the next ten years and as you age.
MYTH 2
Testosterone will make hands and feet grow.
It is impossible for your long bone (legs and
arms) to grow after your growth plates have sealed off
(after puberty). Some men believe they grew after
testosterone treatment. This could be due to a few
things
see Will
I grow taller on testosterone?
MYTH 3
Changes will happen faster if I inject more
testosterone/inject more often.
This is extremely dangerous and
life-threatening.
You risk death or stroke, severe acne scarring and
significant hair loss. Extra testosterone in your body
will only convert to oestrogen causing your breasts to
grow and will set you up for serious health problems.
MYTH 4
My biological mother’s brothers aren’t bald –
so I won’t lose my hair.
‘Male pattern baldness’ is linked to
the ‘x’ chromosome. Most men (xy) have only one
'x', while it's likely you have two (xx). This makes the
prediction a little more complex in your case.
MYTH 5
Testosterone makes you gay.
Testosterone is a very powerful drug but it
doesn't determine your sexual preference.
MYTH 6
If I stop testosterone the only change that is irreversible
is my voice / my body fat distribution/ my sex drive
etc.
If you start testosterone treatment, it’s
safer to assume after about a year all your changes will
be irreversible. Some people who were on testosterone for
a while and then stopped, say their voice ‘went
back’ to a female register, others say their body
shape resumed a female shape, or they started
menstruation again. It might have happened for them
personally but doesn’t happen for everyone.
It’s impossible to make a blanket statement covering
everyone. It’s safer to assume your physical changes
are permanent.
MYTH 7
Testosterone won’t cause me to gain fat, only
muscle.
While there is a reduction of subcutaneous fat
(fat just below the surface of your skin) studies show
there is an increase of abdominal fat
storage.1
Most men gain weight due to the increased muscle mass and
calorie intake. Unless you make a conscious effort to
maintain your weight through exercise and food intake,
you will gain weight.
MYTH 8
I can’t get pregnant if I’m on testosterone.
While your levels of testosterone are low or
your body is still adjusting to testosterone, your
ovaries can still produce eggs. Vaginal sex with a
fertile male could mean pregnancy.
The only way you can ensure you don’t get pregnant
is to have your female reproductive organs completely
removed.
MYTH 9
Testosterone will cause anger problems or ‘roid
rage’.
Testosterone doesn’t cause your rage or
anger problems. If you’re an angry personality
before treatment, you’re likely to be the same on
testosterone.
The large majority of men report they feel calmer and
more centred after they have started hormone treatment
under medical supervision.
MYTH 10
Testosterone will protect me from HIV/AIDS or STIs (sexually
transmitted infections).
The most common STIs are Gonorrhoea, Syphilis,
Chlamydia, Genital Warts, AIDS/HIV and Herpes. The only
protection is by avoiding exposure to these STIs or using
safer sex practices.
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