Testosterone
Testosterone (from the Latin for testes) is an androgen isolated from the testes of man and is considered the principal testicular hormone produced in man. It is also normally produced by the adrenal cortex of both human males and females.
It accelerates the growth in tissues upon which it acts and stimulates blood flow. It stimulates and promotes the growth of secondary sexual characteristics and is essential for normal sexual behavior and the occurrence of erections. It is essential for normal growth and development of the male accessory organs. It is responsible for deepening of the male voice at puberty, greater muscular development in men, development of beard and pubic hair, and distribution of fat in adult men. It also affects many metabolic activities.
Estrogen
Estrogen {Greek Oistros, mad desire, + gennan, to produce}. Any natural or artificial substance that induces estrogenic activity; more specifically the estrogenic hormones, estradiol and estrone, produced by the ovary. Estrogens are responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Natural estrogens include estradiol, estrone, and their metabolic product, estriol. When used therapeutically, estrogens are usually given in the form of a conjugate such as ethinyl estradiol, conjugated estrogens (USP), or the synthetic estrogenic substance, diethylstibestrol.
It is considered important to closely observe people treated with estrogens for any malignant changes in the breast. Estrogen should be administered in the lowest effective dose.
Feminization
If feminization is to occur in a genetic male, there must be an increase in estrogens as well as a decrease in testosterone. Think of it as a see-saw. It for this reason that most hormone therapies for the feminization of genetic men include both estrogens as well as some type of anti-androgenic drugs such as spironolactone, aldactone, proscar etc.
The rate of feminization varies from person to person depending on any number of personal factors such as the dosage used (although higher dosage appears to speed up feminization it does carry with it an increased risk. This along with the fact that there is no difference between feminization achieved over a greater amount of time with fewer drugs and thus less detriment to health and that achieved through higher dosage over a shorter period of time. It is considered far more prudent to maintain health and achieve the goal of feminization over a greater amount of time than to speed ahead disregarding the very serious health risks created by this approach.) Genetic constitution (some people are able to absorb estrogens better than other, as well as some have less over all testosterone to overcome.), as well as psycho-emotional conditions and over all health.Generally speaking, feminization will begin to be noticed about 1-3 months after starting on an adequate regime. Libido will decrease as well as ejaculate will become less in quantity (due to the shrinking of the prostate gland).Eventual impotency and sterility is generally considered reversible for the first few months.The skin will start to become softer as well as drier. And about this time ones breasts may start to “bud”(enlargement starting around the areolas and slowly continuing to fill the breast area with breast tissue. This will cause the breasts to become very sensitive to being bumped or touched), as well as some fat redistribution to the breast area, face (causing an increased roundness and decidedly more female looking lines), hips, and thighs. Body hair will begin to get finer, lighter and sparser while hair on the head gets somewhat fuller. Muscle mass decreases along with significant amounts of physical strength.Many people report increased emotionality, decreased spatial skills, changes in sexual orientation and an over all passivity. It may well effect brain functions. Changing ones interests, thinking process’s etc. It is difficult to know if these effects are a result of new openings and closings in what is socially acceptable or is due to the overall hormonal balance. It is the opinion of the author as a result of personal experience, that hormonal therapy does effect virtually all aspects of ones life experience.
Estrogen replacement therapy does not raise the pitch of ones voice, decrease structural body size or make your feet smaller. Sorry girls.
