By: William Cuthbert (he/they)
Each person who chooses to microdose T will develop differently—all while having a unique emotional journey. People microdose for many different reasons. Whatever your transition goals are, you can find the support you need by getting the facts from an informed, expert and experienced medical provider.
A quick disclaimer: some people want to use “natural alternatives” to gedner-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, also called HRT or hormone replacement therapy). These alternatives are considered safe when they’re used as directed, although they are not a substitute for gender-affirming hormones prescribed by your medical provider. There is a big difference between taking a daily multivitamin and deliberately overloading your body with powders, vitamins, or supplements.
While it’s tempting to load up on vitamins, it’s important to keep your safety in mind. For example, make sure you always follow your Care Team’s instructions. Everyone naturally produces testosterone in different amounts (yes, even us FTM folks!). Changing your body’s T levels without expert support is not recommended. Even minor changes in your hormones can shift how you feel, so make sure you have a medical provider you trust to support you through this process.
Will my medication be different if I microdose?
The medical options for taking testosterone stay the same with microdosing. Your medication can be taken by injection, patch, pill or cream. Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT, which many people also call HRT or hormone replacement therapy) is effective even at a microdose.
The effects or expression of the hormone may be less obvious or intense when microdosing in some ways, but can have a profound, positive effect on someone’s sense of self and personal alignment.
Though the physical effects of microdosing are smaller or can come on more gradually, you’ll be able to see them happening just like anyone else on testosterone. The confidence and mental health boost can be just as powerful for you, too.
If you’ve ever felt pressured towards a higher dose, know that this choice isn’t for anyone else to judge. Your identity, goals and decisions are valid, and yours to nurture.
Are the physical effects of T microdosing the same?
Microdosing might manifest in your body in different ways, so try to avoid comparison. In some people, microdosing T might look like a subtle squaring off in places such as your face, thighs, and hips, without making you look more noticeably muscular than you already are. Other people notice breakouts If you want bigger muscles without taking a larger dose of GAHT, regular exercise is the best way to increase your strength and mass.
One thing you can be sure of is that certain changes with testosterone HRT will be noticeable. Some are permanent and others only last as long as you are taking your medication. This is true no matter your dosage or your length of time on hormones.
Some changes are considered permanent while taking T. For example, if you are microdosing, your body and facial hair might thicken and darken over a longer period than someone taking a larger dose. Your body hair might grow more in some areas, or show up first in some areas—but once that hair has come in, it’s there to stay.
What parts of my body will change when I microdose T?
Within about three months to a year on T, you can expect your clitoris to increase in size. Your vulva and labia might do the same. (We’re using clinical terms for clarity—it’s your choice which terms you use, or how you’d like other people to refer to these parts of your body.) This is sometimes known as bottom growth and, like your new body hair, will be permanent.
Another noticeable change that microdosing can cause is body fat distribution. You might notice you start to have a more conventionally masculine body shape. This is caused by your body fat being redistributed and possibly gaining muscular density. Once your body’s new shape has settled (for me, it took about one year), it usually stays that way. If you stop taking testosterone, your hormone levels will change and your body fat may shift again.
Your voice may be another area that needs further steps to affirm your androgyny or masculinity. While you may notice the hoarseness or vocal changes that T causes, microdosing may make this effect more subtle. If your changing voice is very important to you, you can practice using it to sound more masculine. With time and practice, vocalization exercises can help you discover your gender-affirming voice.
When you’re taking testosterone, it’s important to remember that all transmasculine
bodies are different, right down to the chemical level. There’s no predicting how your individual body will transform when you begin T. When looking at what to expect, it isn’t as simple as setting out a timeline or checklist of which ways you’ll look more “masc.” There are some effects that will show up for everyone, in a general way. (You can read more about them here!)
If you’re interested in microdosing, your Care Team is here to help you navigate your customized care plan. Ready to start? Get in touch and talk to Plume about what you want from your transition.
As the largest provider of gender-affirming care for the trans and nonbinary community, Plume is committed to providing information about many types of information, including questions about hormones like estrogen and testosterone, gender transitioning tips and experiences, and guidance on social transition and self care.
While we strive to include a diverse range of voices and expertise, not everything will be for every person. Each individual’s experience is unique, and the information Plume provides is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always first seek the advice of your primary and/or specialist physician, the Plume Care Team, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, your mental health and emotional needs, or your health care needs regarding gender-affirming hormone therapy. If you are experiencing an emergency, including a mental health crisis, call 911 or reach out to Trans LifeLine.
