Key Takeaways
- MTF stands for male to female. It is used for people assigned male at birth who identify as a trans woman or transfeminine.
- Not everyone uses this abbreviation. Some prefer terms like transgender, trans woman, transfeminine, or nonbinary.
- Transfeminine describes people assigned male at birth who have feminine gender identities or expressions.
- Hormones like estrogen, T-blockers, and progesterone are options for gender-affirming therapy, but they are not required.
- Identity is personal. You can identify as MTF, nonbinary, or transfeminine with or without a medical transition.
MTF (male-to-female) is a common term for individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB) who identify as women or transition in a feminine direction. While many use the shorthand “MTF,” others prefer terms like trans woman, transfeminine, or nonbinary. Whether you are exploring your own identity or looking to support someone else, this guide provides a direct glossary of the language, medical options, and common questions involved in feminizing transitions.
MTF
An abbreviation for “male to female,” the acronym MTF describes someone who was raised as a boy and transitioned later in life. Some other terms for MTF folks are trans women or transfeminine people or “assigned male at birth” (AMAB). Some people like the shorthand of MTF when describing their gender (as it indicates both their assigned at birth and current gender). Others prefer not to use this term, as they don’t feel it fits how they view their identity or gender.
Transfeminine
Transfeminine or transfemme or transfem identity are terms sometimes used by AMAB (assigned male at birth) nonbinary people to describe their feminine but not female or woman identities. They are also sometimes used as umbrella terms for people with feminine transgender identities, including trans women. They may also refer to gender transitions, like dressing more feminine or taking estrogen. Though “transfeminine” can be an umbrella term, not all trans women or estrogen users identify as feminine. Even those who do may express femininity in many different ways.
Nonbinary and femme
Some nonbinary people also identify as feminine or femme or with expressions of femininity. They might or might not also identify as “feminine of center,” transfeminine or transfemme, or with another gender term.
Feminine of center
Some people use “feminine of center” to describe a gender identity. It leans more toward feminine on a masculine-to-feminine spectrum.
Frequently Asked Questions About MTF
How do you start a MTF gender transition?
Every trans person’s gender transition is different, and there is no right way to transition. Some trans people may begin with a social transition, and others may prefer both a social and medical transition. Trans women may use gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for feminization. This may include taking estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone blockers.
Estrogen is a natural hormone that the body makes. Most bodies make it, but in different amounts. For gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), also called HRT, our Care Team prescribes synthetic bioidentical estrogen. This estrogen is also known as 17-beta estradiol.
Progesterone is another hormone that can be used during someone’s gender transition. Sometimes people take this with estrogen, or with another medication.
At Plume, our Care Team tends to prescribe bioidentical progesterone. This is called micronized progesterone or Prometrium (the brand name). Progesterone is usually taken as a capsule swallowed in the evenings before bed.
There is little research on the use of progesterone for trans people, but many folks feel that this hormone helps with changes like breast development, including rounding out the breasts and areolar development, adding fullness to the hip area, and possibly improving mood and increasing libido. It appears to be safe, so if you want to try it, there doesn’t appear to be much risk.
Some gender-affirming medications can change your hormonal makeup by stopping your body from producing certain hormones. Since everyone’s body makes different amounts of estrogen and testosterone, blockers simply “block” one type of these hormones. Often, blockers are used in combination with other hormones to support gender transition. Spironolactone is one type of T blocker.
What are my hormone options for taking estrogen?
Estrogen can be taken as a pill, injection, gel, spray or patch. All of these methods are effective and will give you the results you’re looking for! Talk to your Care Team about the type of E that is best for you.
Can I take only estrogen or do I need other medications?
Some people take estrogen by itself, while other people also use androgen blockers (also called T blockers), progesterone, and other medications. Each of these gender-affirming medications will have a different effect on your body. Talk to your Care Team about your transition goals so they can help create a care plan just for you!
Do I need to take Viagra or other sex function medications?
Some people notice a dramatic change in their sexual function when they take E. This is normal, since hormones affect sex drive, erectile tissue, and sensitivity. Plume does prescribe medications to support sexual function and your Care Team can help you decide if that’s a good fit for you. Start the conversation by making an appointment!
Is there a natural way to transition without synthetic hormones?
While some people have used herbal remedies as part of their transition, Plume prefers to recommend FDA-approved, clinically supported treatments. This includes medications such as estrogen, T blockers, progesterone, and other supports.
Can I be MTF without using hormones?
Yes, your gender identity has nothing to do with what medications you take. Gender identity is a deeply personal, inherent part of who someone is. You are MTF, transgender, nonbinary, or transfeminine as soon as you acknowledge that part of yourself. You get to define your identity, because you’re the expert on who you are!
Does estrogen change your voice?
No. Estrogen used for gender-affirming care does not change the depth of your voice. People typically achieve voice goals through voice training.
How do I know I’m MTF?
Everyone’s journey is different. Some people know and understand from an early age that they’re “not like other boys.” Other people realize their identity is different than they assumed later in life.
The question many MTF people ask themselves before coming out is: “Would I be happier if I had been born female?” If imagining yourself as female, feminine, or “not male” makes you feel happy, you may be MTF.
How do I change my clothes and style to fit in as a woman?
When you embrace your femininity, one of the first things you may notice is that clothes are very gendered. Women’s sizing is very different from men’s sizing! It can be hard to find the right fit or figure out what to buy.
Before you go shopping, make sure you have your measurements: waist, hips, inseam, shoulders, and chest. Then, compare them to the sizing chart most brands have on their website or in stores. If you sew your own clothes, use the pattern size on the back of the pattern. With these measurements, you can choose (or make!) clothing that fits without having to guess.
What are some names for my gender identity if I’m MTF?
Some of the other words MTF people use to describe their gender identity are: trans, nonbinary, trans woman, transfeminine, AMAB, gworl or gurl, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, or genderfluid. Use whatever words feel right to you—you’re the expert on your own identity!
Why don’t people say “MTF” anymore?
The “MTF” abbreviation is still commonly used and understood to describe one type of gender transition. There’s nothing wrong with saying MTF or identifying that way.
For many trans people, we don’t transition “to” another gender.
We change our gender expression to match the identity we’ve always had. We didn’t start male and “become” female, we were always ourselves. If you’re hoping to talk to other people who are on a journey like yours, check out Plume Support Groups!
Where do I find other MTF folks?
Every Plume Member gets access to weekly support groups as part of their Membership. In these weekly groups, members can meet and talk with people who share similar experiences. Each group is a safe, confidential space led by a trained community member. You can also meet others through LGBTQ+ centers, online communities, and peer-led trans spaces.
Is MTF the same as “trans woman”?
Often, yes. Many people use the MTF acronym interchangeably with trans woman, though personal preference varies.
What is the definition of transfeminine?
Transfeminine refers to people assigned male at birth who identify in a feminine direction. This includes trans women and nonbinary people.
Can someone be transfeminine without being a woman?
Yes. Many nonbinary people use terms like transfeminine or transfem. These terms describe an identity that is feminine, but not strictly a woman.
Why don’t some people like the term “male to female”?
Some feel it implies they became female rather than expressing the identity they have always had. Others simply prefer different language.
