Key Takeaways
- Transmasc is short for transmasculine.
- Transmasculine describes a gender identity or experience connected to masculinity.
- Transmasc does not necessarily mean trans man.
- Some transmasculine people identify as nonbinary.
- FTM and transmasculine are related but distinct terms.
- You do not need testosterone or surgery to be transmasculine.
- Testosterone is one option for gender-affirming hormone therapy.
- There is no single way to be transmasculine or transition.
If you’re learning about transmasc or transmasculine identities, you may have questions about what these terms mean and how they relate to being transgender, nonbinary, or a trans man. You may also be wondering what a transmasculine transition can look like.
There is no single way to be transmasculine. Some people change their gender expression, some pursue medical transition, and some make no physical or social changes at all.
What does transmasculine or transmasc mean?
Transmasculine, often shortened to transmasc, is a term some transgender people use to describe a gender identity or experience connected to masculinity.
The term is often used by people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB) and whose gender identity or expression is more masculine than the gender they were assigned at birth. Some transmasculine people identify as men, while others identify as nonbinary or use another gender identity.
Being transmasculine does not require a particular appearance, gender expression, medical treatment, or transition goal.
A transmasculine person might:
Identify as a trans man.
Identify as nonbinary and masculine.
Use transmasc without another specific gender label.
Take testosterone.
Have top surgery or another gender-affirming procedure.
Change their name, pronouns, clothing, or presentation.
Make no medical changes at all.
There is no single way to look or feel transmasculine.
Is transmasc the same as transgender?
Not exactly.
Transgender is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from the sex or gender they were assigned at birth.
Transmasculine is a more specific term that describes a masculine direction or relationship to gender. Many transmasculine people are transgender, but not every transgender person is transmasculine.
For example, a transgender man may identify as transmasculine, while a transgender woman would not typically use the term transmasculine.
Is transmasc the same as trans man?
No. Transmasc and trans man are related terms, but they are not synonyms.
A trans man is a man who is transgender. A transmasculine person may be a trans man, but they may also identify as nonbinary or use another gender identity.
Some people use transmasc because it describes their experience without requiring them to identify specifically as a man.
Can a nonbinary person be transmasculine?
Yes.
Some nonbinary people identify as transmasculine because their gender is connected to masculinity. A nonbinary person might also identify as masculine, masculine of center, transmasc, genderqueer, or another identity.
Being nonbinary does not mean being completely disconnected from masculinity or femininity.
What does masculine of center mean?
Masculine of center is a term some people use to describe a gender identity or presentation that falls toward the masculine side of the gender spectrum.
It can overlap with terms such as transmasculine, transmasc, masculine, butch, or nonbinary. These terms do not mean exactly the same thing, though, and their meanings can vary from person to person.
What does FTM mean?
FTM stands for female-to-male. It is a term historically used to describe people who were assigned female at birth and transition to living as male.
Today, some people still use FTM to describe themselves, while others prefer terms such as trans man or transmasculine.
FTM is not the preferred term for everyone. Some people find it useful, while others feel that it makes their gender sound like something they changed from one gender into another.
The language people use to describe their gender is personal, and terminology continues to evolve.
What are some other names for a transmasculine identity?
People who identify as transmasculine may also use terms such as:
Trans man
Nonbinary
Genderqueer
Genderfluid
Masculine of center
Butch
Gender-nonconforming
Trans
FTM
These terms have different meanings, and not everyone who identifies as transmasculine will use them.
The best label is the one that feels accurate and comfortable to you.
Can you be transmasculine without transitioning?
Yes.
There is no required checklist for being transmasculine. You do not have to change your name, pronouns, clothing, body, or medical care to have a transmasculine identity.
Transition looks different for everyone.
Some people make social changes. Some use gender-affirming hormones or surgery. Some make only certain changes. Others do not medically or socially transition at all.
How do I know if I’m transmasculine?
There is no test that determines whether someone is transmasculine.
Some people have a strong sense of their gender from an early age. Others explore their gender over time. You might begin questioning your gender because you feel uncomfortable being seen as a woman, feel more comfortable imagining yourself as masculine or male, or feel that another gender identity fits you better.
You can take your time exploring what feels right.
You also do not need to have a specific transition plan before using the term transmasculine.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone, often called T, is a hormone naturally produced by the body. Testosterone is also used as gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) for people who want to develop more masculine physical characteristics.
Testosterone can cause changes such as:
A deeper voice
Increased facial and body hair
Changes in muscle mass and fat distribution
Increased oil production and acne
Changes in menstrual cycles
Changes in sex drive
Genital changes, including bottom growth
The timing and degree of these changes vary from person to person.
Not every transmasculine person wants testosterone, and taking testosterone is not required to identify as transmasculine.
Learn more about testosterone and gender-affirming hormone therapy.
What are the options for taking testosterone?
Testosterone can be prescribed in several forms, including:
Injections
Gels or creams
The best option depends on factors such as your health, preferences, goals, and access to care. A qualified clinician can help you understand your options and choose an approach that fits your needs.
How do you get testosterone patches for HRT?
Testosterone patches used to be a way for patients to dose testosterone. However, in early 2023, testosterone patches stopped being manufactured entirely.
Can transmasculine people take testosterone without identifying as men?
Yes.
You do not have to identify as a man to take testosterone. Some nonbinary and genderqueer people use testosterone because they want some of its physical effects.
Some people also use different doses or adjust their treatment over time based on their individual goals. Your gender identity and your medical treatment do not have to fit a particular formula.
What physical changes can testosterone cause?
Testosterone can cause a range of physical changes. Some happen within the first few months, while others develop gradually over several years.
Common changes can include:
Voice deepening
Increased facial and body hair
Increased muscle mass
Changes in body fat distribution
Increased oil production and acne
Changes in menstruation
Genital changes, including bottom growth
Changes in sex drive
Everyone responds differently to testosterone. Some changes are permanent, while others may reverse or change after stopping testosterone.
If you are considering testosterone, a clinician can explain expected changes, timelines, side effects, and monitoring.
For a more detailed look at the physical changes associated with testosterone, read about what to expect when starting testosterone.
Does testosterone cause hair loss?
It can.
Testosterone can change hair growth patterns and may contribute to male-pattern hair loss in people who are genetically predisposed to it. Some people notice significant hair loss, while others experience little or none.
If hair loss is a concern, talk with a clinician about your options.
Learn more about hair changes on testosterone.
Does testosterone cause mood swings?
Testosterone can affect mood and emotions, but experiences vary widely.
Some people notice changes in their mood, energy, or emotional experience after starting testosterone. Others notice few emotional changes.
The idea that testosterone automatically makes people angry or aggressive is an oversimplification. If you notice significant mood changes while taking testosterone, talk with your healthcare team.
Learn more about testosterone and emotional changes during transition.
Can testosterone change your voice?
Yes. Voice deepening is one of the common effects of testosterone.
Voice changes often begin during the first several months of testosterone therapy and continue over time. The amount of change varies from person to person.
You do not need to take testosterone to work on your voice. Vocal training can also help people explore changes in pitch, resonance, speech patterns, and other aspects of their voice.
Learn more about voice changes with and without testosterone.
What are puberty blockers?
Puberty blockers are medications that temporarily pause certain physical changes associated with puberty.
They may be used as part of gender-affirming care for some transgender and gender-diverse people. Puberty blockers and testosterone are different types of treatment and serve different purposes.
If you have questions about whether puberty blockers or other gender-affirming care may be appropriate for you, talk with a qualified healthcare professional.
What is binding?
Chest binding is a way of flattening or minimizing the appearance of the chest. Some people use a dedicated chest binder, while others use other garments or clothing techniques.
Binding can help some transmasculine and nonbinary people feel more comfortable with their bodies or gender presentation.
If you bind, proper fit and safe practices are important. A binder that is too tight or worn incorrectly can cause pain or other problems.
Learn more about chest binding and how to bind safely.
What does “stealth” mean for trans people?
Stealth commonly describes a transgender person who does not disclose that they are transgender in some or all areas of their life and may be perceived as cisgender.
Someone may choose to be stealth for privacy, safety, personal preference, or other reasons.
You may also hear the term passing, which generally refers to being perceived as cisgender. Some people consider passing an important part of their transition, while others do not.
There is no single correct way to approach visibility or disclosure as a trans person.
Can you be transmasculine without hormones?
Yes.
You do not need hormones to be transmasculine.
Gender identity is not determined by whether you take testosterone, have surgery, change your appearance, or make any other physical changes.
Some transmasculine people medically transition, some socially transition, some do both, and some do neither.
Your transition can be whatever feels right for you.
Is there a natural way to transition without synthetic hormones?
Some people explore herbs, supplements, or other approaches they believe may affect hormone levels. However, these options generally do not have the same evidence or predictable effects as clinically supported gender-affirming hormone therapy.
If you are interested in changing your hormone levels, talk with a qualified healthcare professional about evidence-based options and what may be appropriate for your goals.
How do I choose a transmasculine transition path?
There is no single transmasculine transition path.
Your goals might include changes to your appearance, voice, body, or gender expression. You might want testosterone, chest surgery, another type of gender-affirming care, or no medical treatment at all.
You can also change your mind about your goals over time.
If you are considering medical transition, a gender-affirming healthcare professional can help you understand your options and decide which treatments, if any, fit your goals.
Where can I learn more about transmasculine transition?
If you are exploring a transmasculine identity, it can help to learn about the different social and medical options available to you.
You may want to explore topics such as:
These topics can help you understand your options without assuming that every transmasculine person has the same transition goals.
Transmasc identity and gender-affirming care
Being transmasculine does not require medical transition. But if you want gender-affirming medical care, options may include testosterone, other medications, surgery, voice-related care, or other treatments depending on your goals and healthcare needs.
Plume provides gender-affirming healthcare, including gender-affirming hormone therapy such as testosterone and estrogen, for eligible transgender and nonbinary adults.
