Photo Documentation: 2 Weeks

Now that I have this spiffy camera I have the ability to take a series of incredibly unflattering pictures of my transition. Despite the reality that this won't, in the slightest, ever aid in my getting a date, it will at least be interesting to actually have these changes documented, in the most brutally honest lighting possible. I'll post photos every 2 weeks, after every injection. Keep in mind, I'm not a photo snapping sort of person, so this is extremely unnatural for me.

These are also some of the most scandalous photos of me in existence.

Note: Since these are all only 2 weeks into taking T, there aren't any significant changes I've noticed aside from body odor, sweating more, feeling like I'm starving to death all of the time, increased sex drive, acne development, having much greasier hair, and a few facial whiskers trying to pop up here and there.

2 Weeks on Testosterone Cypionate, 100mg every 2 weeks

Stomach (hair growth + fat redistribution):

Not noticing any change here yet in regards to body fat redistribution or more hair growth. Maybe I will get a hairy beer belly eventually! Or a soda belly, more accurately, since, well, I don't drink beer. I'm thinking my liver appreciates this, especially now that I'm kicking the shit out of it with T.

Leg (hair growth + muscle development)

 

Facial Hair/Acne/Facial Masculinizing

Only a few whiskers have sprouted on my chin, but they had been plucked by the time I took this photo (plucking was painful! Whenever I'd pluck a hair before, it would just pop out. These suckers are thick and deeply embedded.) There are white heads here, of course, which are lovely, and if you look very, very close with a magnifying glass of some sort you can see those whiskers trying to crawl out above my lip. Go little guys! You can do it!

Another angle of my incredibly thick 'stach. However, this photo is actually a tad bit exciting because there IS some facial growth trying to happen. It's more apparent on the other side of my face:

... and so is the acne, which I only anticipate will get worse. Yay puberty! Seriously, though. 

---

Also, just for the sake of reference, from Hudson's FTM Resource Guide:

Over time, the ongoing administration of testosterone will result in the development of masculine secondary sex characteristics, as well as the cessation of menses (monthly periods).

The following masculinizing effects can be expected as a result of testosterone therapy. These effects may take several months to be noticeable, and will continue to develop over a period of years.

* Thickening of the vocal chords and deepening of the voice
* Facial hair growth (mustache and/or beard growth)
* Increased body hair growth (notably on arms, legs, chest, belly, and back)
* Increased body musculature
* Enlargement of the clitoris
* Cessation of menses (monthly periods)
* Potential hair loss at the temples and crown of the head, resulting in a more masculine hairline; possibly male-pattern baldness
* Migration of body fat to a more masculine pattern (i.e., fat moving from hips, thighs and buttocks to the abdomen area)
* Increased activity of the skin's oil glands (i.e., skin becomes more oily, which may result in acne)
* Increase in red blood cells (RBC)
* Change in cholesterol levels may occur-- the "good" cholesterol (HDL) may go down and the "bad" cholesterol (LDL) may go up.
* Scent of body odors and urine may change
* Skin may become rougher in feeling and/or appearance
* Increase in sex drive

Other changes reported by trans men
The changes listed below have been noted anecdotally by some trans men, but are not usually listed in the medical literature as masculinizing effects of testosterone therapy.

* The face may become more angular in appearance, with a squarer jaw.
* Increase in size of feet and/or the width/thickness of hands. Some trans men report going up in shoe size, and some report that their hands become a bit wider. This may be attributed to cartilage, muscle, or connective tissue growth.
* Increase in energy level.
* Increase in appetite.
* Slight decrease in density of the fatty breast tissue. (While this may decrease the size of the breasts somewhat in some individuals, it should be noted that T will most likely not significantly decrease breast size-- most trans men require surgery to remove breast tissue.)
* Emotional changes. Some trans men report shortness of temper or feeling lethargic/down at different stages of their T cycle (i.e., just after a shot, or a few days before their shot). Others report that T has made them feel more even-tempered and calm. It is difficult to predict what emotional changes, if any, an individual will experience while taking T. As with any new medication or substance you might introduce into your body, it is wise to observe your feelings, make note of them, and discuss them with your doctor if they concern you. Certain emotional ups and downs might be alleviated by adjusting the amount and timing of the dosage, and sometimes these ups and downs will settle down over time on testosterone.