FTM Transition with Hormones and Surgery

When did you find out that you were FTM?
I knew from a young age what my gender was inside, the problem was that the outside did not match. 

What is FTM?
My true gender is male, despite the years of being labeled female. FTM means female-to-male, someone assigned female at birth or in childhood who no longer feel that label is complete or accurate, anywhere on the gender spectrum from female to male, with many ways to transition.

What did you do?
I began doing research on the internet and then began to meet FTMs who were able to bring their outside lives in line with their inner gender, some with hormones and surgery, some without. They told me how they were able to overcome the problems of transition to being able to live as male and how happy they were with the result. 

Rafe Before

Rafe After

What steps did you take?
First I researched transition. There is solid medical, legal, insurance, employment and other information available. The scientific community has some answers for us. 

What did you do next?
Next I met FTMs like myself, who were living the way I wanted to live. It was important to me to have FTM role models and mentors. The FTM community includes doctors, lawyers, psychologists, therapists, social workers and many other FTMs who have answers that work. I emailed them, I called them, and at FTM events I met them. 

Rane Before

Rane After

What happened when you made your decision?
Then I decided how I wanted to transition. I called a therapist so I could start to build a support network. The therapist helped me decide how to approach my family, my school, work and insurance. I also worked hard on my physical health. 

David Before

David After

What medical steps did you take?
After one year of preparation, I was ready. Some FTMs don't feel the need to take masculinizing hormones, but it was the right decision for me. My therapist wrote a letter for me to the physician who prescribes male hormones. Testosterone comes in six forms: oral pills, sustained release buccal (dissolve in your mouth) tabs, topical gel, slow release transdermal patches, timed release subcutaneous implanted pellets or intramuscular injections. He tested me and I began taking testosterone. 

Aaron Before

Aaron After

What was transition like?
I was very satisfied with the results. I began using a new first name and had that changed with a form at the DMV on my drivers license. I went to a barber and got a new haircut and shaved every morning as my beard grew in. I bought new clothes as my muscles filled out. My voice deepened. 

Rian Before

Rian After

Did you have surgery?
Some FTMs don't feel the need to have any surgery, but I went to a surgeon to remove my internal female organs and for masculine chest contouring. 

What legal steps did you take?
After I had a male appearance, I corrected my gender on my drivers license at the DMV with a form and a letter from my doctor. Then I went to court and had my birth certificate corrected with a letter from my doctor and the help of an attorney who filed a short petition. I changed my name and gender on my medical insurance also, after my surgeries were completed, and on my social security records, passport and school records. 

Ethan Before

Ethan After, with FTM Support Group

How long did transition take?
Some men have further surgeries but for me, my transition was complete after two years. There are many ways to transition. My transition fits me and I'm very happy with the result. I live a healthy life and it is what is best for me.

Rob Before

Rob After

What is life like after transition?
I take my testosterone prescription according to my doctor's directions. I see my doctor every year to check my health. That's it. I have a good job, a good relationship with my family who have adjusted to me as their son, brother, nephew and grandson, and good friends. God has blessed me.

Becoming a Man | Our Gender | Our Transition | How We Transition without Hormones and Surgery | How We Transtition with Hormones and Surgery | How We Transition Legally | Our Lives During and After Transition | Our Families

Our Lives as Men | FTM Bodies | FTM Minds | FTM Spirits | FTM Family | FTM Community

Our Contributions | FTM HIStory | FTM Contributions to Art, Architecture and Photography | FTM Contributions to Literature and Journalism | FTM Contributions to Performing Arts, Music, Drama and Film | FTM Contributions to Medicine, Psychology and Science | FTM Contributions to Business, Government, the Military and Law | FTM Contributions to Education and Spirituality