Q&A for How to Transition from a Female to a Male (Transgender)

You can change your if you want to do so. People who desire to transition to a male identity, or even just to identify as agender or gender expansive, often choose to go by a name that is more gender neutral. In other words, they'll choose a name that could be associated with both a man or a women. You can even legally change your name, if you like.

While your recovery time will depend on the type of procedure you're going to have, in general, you'll be on limited activity for the first 6 months after your top surgery. For instance, you might be told not to lift your arms above your shoulders for the first 6 months so the scars don't stretch. However, you should start to feel better in as little as 2-3 weeks.

Technically, if you were to transition to a man, you would still be a transgender man; you would just be a transgender man who enjoys girly things and crossdressing/makeup. That being said, I wouldn't worry about trying to classifying yourself as anything -- just be who you want to be.

Men tend to have a naturally higher metabolism due to the higher levels of testosterone, which build muscle that uses energy more quickly.

Keep making your feelings clear and calmly trying to convince them. Sometimes families are resistant at first but eventually come around. Otherwise, you might just have to wait it out until you are old enough to do it without their permission. (If you are old enough and just worried about their opinion - do what you know is right for you. Your family doesn't have to agree with it.)

Well, there are some different ways. If you'd like to lower it permanently, the best way is to be on testosterone. If you'd just like it to be lower without T, then there are ways that involve humming and practicing singing low parts. I prefer show tunes, so every time there's a duet, I sing the male parts in the lowest voice I can. It helps, but you'd need to figure out what way works best for you.

Think about it. Are you happy as a girl? Even though it sucks sometimes, do you know for sure that you are 100% a girl? Have you ever had fantasies that you were a guy? Do you feel happy when someone thinks you are a guy? Try going outside one day, "pretending" to be a guy. Do you feel happier? Do you feel like "everything makes sense"? Do you like the labels "female", "girl", "lady", "Miss", "she", "her", etc.? If not, try masculine pronouns. Do they have a different effect on you? Do you feel happy and light when using them for yourself? These are some questions to ask when questioning whether you're a boy or a girl. And, don't forget that some people don't like their gender because of the assumptions assigned to it socially - you need to think about that too.

The clitoris will grow to an inch to 2 inches, but a penis itself won't grow. You'd have to have bottom surgery to "have" a penis.

Yes, it's possible that you are. The most important thing is what you feel inside. Does being referred to as a girl feel uncomfortable to you? Does being referred to as a boy feel ecstatic, exhilarating, and "just right" to you? Just having been a "tomboy" isn't a "proof" for or against being transgender! Because what we like, how we play or dress doesn't make anyone a "man" or a "woman." It's also possible that you are somewhere else on the gender spectrum, i.e. agender, nonbinary, genderqueer, etc.

During puberty, since it's easier to stop the changes to your body before they occur than to try to reverse them later.

First you would have to come out completely, just to feel more accepted. Then you should bring the issue up to your principal/headmaster and see if it is okay.

Explain to them why you want to start testosterone, and how much it would mean to you. Seek advice from an LGBTQ center in your area or online as well. You may be able to see a therapist on your own.

Anytime is fine! It may be easier to do it over a school vacation or work vacation, however.

You can get it as a teen, but if you're under the age of 18, the doctor will need parental consent.

You can start living as your preferred gender at any time. Check with your health care provider to see what the age of consent is to get medical care such as hormones or surgeries.

If you have not undergone top surgery, then a binder is a great option. You can also get a masculine haircut. You can also consult designated blogs for transitioning, as they may have some great options to appear more masculine as far as clothes and appearances go.

All the hospitals I know who do any medical procedures have different prices for everything. Usually gender transitions are very expensive. You can look up hospitals near you online and call those numbers to ask if they do sex changes and, if they do, how much it costs.

The same as any other male, varying anywhere from 1 to 10 inches or greater. Your sexuality or gender identity doesn't determine your penis size. If you're referring to post-operative FTM transgender individuals, then I'm not sure there's really a known answer, but rest assured it wouldn't be bigger than a biological male penis would naturally be.

It depends on which method you use as to how frequently you are recommended to take testosterone (e.g injections, pills, patches, gels...). Speak about this to your therapist/medical professional so that they can prescribe you the correct treatment for your needs.

You might or might not, it depends on the person. Generally, testosterone does increase aggressive behaviors.

There are people that are non-binary when it comes to gender. This means that you have an androgynous style and mannerisms that don't align with traditional male or female roles, and that's totally ok!

This is a tough situation. You could try changing their minds through education and calm discussion, but if they're aggressive, that could risk putting you in an unsafe position. You might want to consider writing your family a letter so that you aren't at risk for being hurt or injured when they find out that you're transitioning.

Of course. It is a matter of how YOU identify. If you identify as he/him, then you are a boy!

Technically, yes. When and if you start testosterone, the clitoris will get longer. Even without testosterone, the clitoris gets erect when aroused. The erection will be small, but it will be present.

No. You won't be able to produce sperm or even semen. However, that might change in the future if medical technology for transsexuals improves.

Testosterone can be given as a shot or a gel you rub into your skin.

Of course you can! You can be transgender at any age. Try to figure out what gender identity makes you feel most comfortable and genuine. Do what feels right.

Yes! It's often that people up into their 50s haven't realized they are trans. However, there may be added risks to full surgical transitions at that stage, due to age. Consult a doctor and therapist for your individual concerns.

Talk to them about how disrespectful it is of them to use the wrong pronouns, and ask them to use the right ones. If your family loves and respects you, they should respect your decisions. It may take time for them to adjust to the new pronouns, so as long as they're trying, give them a little slack.

Transgender women can't get pregnant, but if a trans woman hasn't had sex reassignment surgery or a vasectomy, she can still get somebody pregnant. On the flip side, transgender men can't get others pregnant, but a trans man can get pregnant if he still has a functioning uterus and ovaries, even if his periods have stopped.