What does FTM mean?

If you’re learning about FTM identity or transitioning from female to male, you may encounter a lot of new terminology. FTM stands for “female to male” and is commonly used by some transgender men and transmasculine people to describe their gender or transition.

This FTM glossary covers common terms, questions, and experiences related to masculinizing gender transition, including testosterone, binding, voice changes, hair loss, and gender identity. You’ll also find answers to common questions about whether you need hormones or other medical treatments to identify as FTM.

What does “FTM” mean?

FTM stands for “female to male.” It is a term some people use to describe a transgender man or someone transitioning from the gender they were assigned at birth toward a male or masculine gender identity.

FTM is sometimes used interchangeably with terms such as trans man or transmasculine, but these terms do not mean exactly the same thing for everyone. For example, a transmasculine person may identify as nonbinary rather than as a man.

You may also see AFAB, which stands for “assigned female at birth.” AFAB describes the sex designation someone was given at birth, not their current gender identity. Someone can be AFAB without being FTM or transgender.

Some people find FTM useful because it describes an aspect of their transition. Others prefer terms such as trans man, transmasculine, or simply man. The language someone uses for their gender is ultimately up to them.

What does “masculine of center” mean?

Masculine of center is a term some people use to describe a gender identity or gender expression that is centered around masculinity without necessarily identifying as a man.

The term is often used within LGBTQ+ communities and can include people with a range of gender identities and expressions. Someone who is masculine of center may or may not identify as transmasculine, nonbinary, or FTM.

What does it mean to be “nonbinary and masc”?

Some nonbinary people identify with masculinity or express their gender in masculine ways. They may also identify as masculine of center, transmasculine, transmasc, or another gender term.

Being nonbinary and masculine can look different from person to person. Someone may identify strongly with masculinity while not identifying as a man.

What is a transgender man?

A transgender man, or trans man, is a man who was not assigned male at birth.

“Transgender” describes someone whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. Some transgender men also use the terms FTM or transmasculine, while others do not.

Not every trans man uses the same language to describe their identity or transition.

What does “transmasculine” or “transmasc” mean?

Transmasculine, often shortened to transmasc, is a broad term that some transgender and nonbinary people use when their gender identity or expression is connected to masculinity.

Many transmasculine people were assigned female at birth (AFAB), but being transmasculine does not necessarily mean identifying as a man. Some transmasculine people identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, or another gender.

Being transmasculine also does not require a particular type of transition. Someone may take testosterone, have top surgery, change their name or pronouns, change their appearance, or make no medical changes at all.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone, often called T, is a hormone that the body naturally produces. For people using testosterone as gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), a clinician prescribes testosterone medication to increase testosterone levels and support desired masculinizing changes.

Testosterone can cause changes such as a deeper voice, increased facial and body hair, changes in muscle mass and body fat distribution, and changes to menstrual cycles. The timing and degree of these changes vary from person to person.

If you’re considering testosterone as part of an FTM or transmasculine transition, a clinician can help you understand what changes to expect and which options may fit your goals.

Learn more about getting started with gender-affirming testosterone.

What are puberty blockers?

Puberty blockers are medications that temporarily pause certain changes associated with puberty. They are different from testosterone and are not the same as gender-affirming hormone therapy with testosterone.

Puberty blockers may be used in some gender-affirming care plans, depending on a person’s age, health, and individual circumstances. If you have questions about whether puberty blockers are appropriate for you, talk with a qualified clinician.

Can testosterone cause hair loss?

Testosterone can contribute to hair thinning or male-pattern hair loss, particularly in people who are genetically predisposed to it. The amount and timing of hair loss vary from person to person.

Testosterone can also change facial and body hair growth, so changes to hair can be an important part of an FTM or transmasculine transition.

If you’re concerned about hair loss while taking testosterone, talk with your clinician about your options. Learn more about how testosterone can affect your hair here.

What is binding?

Chest binding is a way of flattening or minimizing the appearance of the chest. Some people use a purpose-made chest binder, while others use other garments to create a flatter appearance.

Binding can help some people feel more comfortable with their gender expression or reduce gender dysphoria. However, wearing a binder that is too tight or wearing one for too long can cause discomfort or other health problems.

If you bind, choosing a properly fitted binder and following recommended safety practices can help reduce the risk of injury. Learn more about safe chest binding here.

Can testosterone cause mood swings?

Testosterone can affect mood and emotional experiences, although the effects vary from person to person. Some people notice changes in their mood or sense of well-being after starting testosterone, while others notice little emotional change.

Concerns about becoming angry or more aggressive on testosterone are common, but emotional changes are not the same for everyone. Factors such as hormone levels, individual health, and life circumstances can also affect mood.

If you notice significant or persistent changes in your mood after starting testosterone, talk with your clinician. Learn more about how testosterone can affect emotions during transition.

What happens to your voice on testosterone?

Testosterone typically causes the vocal cords to thicken, which can lower the pitch of the voice. Voice changes are one of the more noticeable effects of testosterone for many people, but the timing and degree of change vary.

Some people notice their voice beginning to change within the first few months of testosterone, with changes continuing over time. Your final voice may also depend on factors such as genetics, age, and how your voice responds to testosterone.

If you want to masculinize your voice without taking testosterone, voice training with a qualified speech-language professional can also be an option. Learn more about vocal changes and voice exercises here.

What are some names for my gender identity if I’m FTM?

People who identify as FTM may also use terms such as trans man, transgender, transmasculine, transmasc, nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, boi, or boy.

Not every term means the same thing, and not every FTM person identifies with all of them. Use whichever words best describe your own gender and experience.

Learn more about gender terminology in our gender term glossary.

Why don’t people say “FTM” anymore?

FTM is still a commonly used term, but some transgender people prefer other language. One reason is that “female to male” can sound like someone is changing from one gender into another, rather than describing a person who has always understood themselves as male.

Terms such as trans man, transmasculine, and transmasc are often preferred by people who want to describe their current identity rather than frame their experience as a transition from “female” to “male.”

There is no single term that every transgender person uses. If someone describes themselves as FTM, trans man, transmasculine, or another term, using the language they choose is the most respectful approach.

What are my hormone options for taking testosterone?

If you’re considering testosterone as part of an FTM or transmasculine transition, there are several ways to take it. Depending on where you live and what is appropriate for your care plan, testosterone may be available as an injection, gel, cream, or patch.

Different forms of testosterone can have different dosing schedules and practical considerations. Your clinician can help you choose an option based on your health, preferences, goals, and how your body responds to treatment.

Learn more about getting started with gender-affirming testosterone.

Is there a natural way to transition without synthetic hormones?

Some people explore supplements, herbs, or other approaches they believe may affect hormones. However, these approaches have not been established as reliable alternatives to prescribed testosterone for masculinizing hormone therapy.

If you want to transition without testosterone, there are many non-medical ways to explore your gender, including changing your name or pronouns, clothing, hairstyle, voice, or other aspects of your gender expression.

If you’re considering testosterone, a qualified clinician can help you understand the available options and potential effects.

Can I be FTM without using hormones?

Yes. You do not need to take testosterone or undergo any medical treatment to be FTM. Gender identity is not determined by whether someone takes hormones, has surgery, changes their appearance, or makes other physical changes.

Some FTM and transmasculine people use testosterone to achieve specific physical changes. Others do not use hormones at all. Some people pursue surgery, while others focus on social or personal aspects of their transition.

There is no required set of steps for being transgender or identifying as FTM. Your transition can include the changes that feel right for you, and it can also include no medical changes.

Where do I find other FTM folks?

Finding other trans and FTM people can be an important part of exploring your identity and transition. Online communities, local LGBTQ+ organizations, and peer support groups can all be places to connect with people who have similar experiences.

Plume Members can also access support groups where they can connect with other community members and discuss topics related to gender identity and transition.

Support groups can provide a space to ask questions, share experiences, and connect with people at different stages of their gender journeys.