My first six months on HRT: What’s changed??
It’s been a minute since we last caught up but on December 30, 2025, I finally began taking testosterone under the guide of my primary care doctor.
I know, I know. I was originally putting this decision off in terms of my transition, but I came to the conclusion after months of deliberation that I would be okay with the consequences if somewhere down the line I decided TRT was not for me… and let me tell you that is not the case!
The first couple months of hormone therapy can be an emotional journey, learning to handle new emotions, thought processes, and ways of thinking you haven’t experienced before. For me, month one was full of emotional changes, but also physical ones, such as intense hunger 24/7 and weight gain for the first time in my life (20+ pounds). It also came with an insanely high libido which stuck around for around two months.
Month two followed with increased appetite and introduced increased heat intolerance which is something I ALREADY struggle with due to health conditions and other medications. I would say my heat intolerance has only gotten worse over the course of hormone therapy.
In the third month, the physical changes all sort of balanced out and weren’t noticeably different anymore. I began to notice my voice starting cracking and soundly slightly scratchy as if I was started to get a cold or something similar. I also got a vertical labret piercing which has made me feel so attracted to myself, best decision ever!
In months four and five, my voice continued to deepen and my body hair has started darkening. I’m not going to lie, I didn’t notice the body hair at first but it is CRAZY in certain places. People around me are also recognizing my voice as deeper than before which has continued since that time. Acne on my chest and back is also more noticeable but easily treated.
These six months of testosterone have come and gone so fast and I honestly can’t believe this is where I’m at in my transition right now. I never used to think I would make it this far or even take such a leap. But I can happily say that I made the right decision and will continue to stay on hormone therapy for as long as it feels right. How long that will be… I don’t know right now. June has ended but pride is all year 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️.
Starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be as thrilling as it is challenging, especially during those initial few months where changes come fast and feelings can be overwhelming. Based on my first six months of testosterone therapy, I’ve learned that each month brought unique experiences, from unexpected emotions to noticeable physical transformations. One of the biggest surprises was how my appetite and body responded. The intense hunger and rapid weight gain in the beginning were difficult to manage, especially because it was new territory for me. For those considering HRT, I recommend preparing meal plans and healthy snacks to counterbalance the cravings and maintain nutrition. Also, remember that everyone's body reacts differently; some may experience more muscle growth or fat redistribution over time, as I did by month six. The emotional rollercoaster is real. Adjusting to new thought processes and moods required patience and support. Journaling or talking regularly to a therapist or support group helped me process the changes. Remember, experiencing high libido or mood swings isn’t unusual and tends to stabilize as your hormone levels adjust. One fascinating aspect was the vocal changes. Around months three to five, my voice noticeably cracked and deepened, which boosted my confidence tremendously. If you’re on testosterone HRT, you might want to explore voice training resources to help your voice settle comfortably and reflect your identity. Body hair development and acne were also notable. While some changes were subtle at first, by month five I noticed significant darkening of body hair and back acne, which I managed with over-the-counter treatments and proper skincare. Discussing these side effects with your healthcare provider can provide options to ease discomfort. Lastly, small personal choices like getting a piercing can have a powerful impact on self-esteem. My vertical labret piercing was more than aesthetic; it amplified my gender euphoria and helped me feel more aligned with myself. If you are navigating HRT, patience and self-compassion are key. Celebrate the small victories, stay in tune with your body, and seek community support whenever possible. Transition is deeply personal, and every step forward is a meaningful part of the journey. Remember, pride and authenticity go beyond any timeline.
i’m so proud of you!! i’m not on T but i can imagine how much of a roller coaster it can be!!!! thank you for not sugar coating anything!! also the hair is so tuff 🥹